Chitosan molecularly imprinted polymers cross linked with (E)-3, 7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadienoic acid, With Binding Sites For Phenylalanine Amide .
Ofoegbu Obinna, Niwan Tanmanee, Yilleng Moses Titus, Okoye Patrice Anthony, Eboatu Augustine, Ian Alan Nicholls, Roongnapa Suedee Srichana

Abstract
Here we present molecularly imprinted polymer materials having Geranic acid as cross linker, Phenylalanine amide templated cavities within a Chitosan matrix synthesized in a Phosphate buffer saline solution (pH 7.4) porogen; as recognition material for selective entrapment of cigarette smoke carcinogens. Functional group studies of the prepolymer and polymerized products confirmed cross linking and polymerization. Transmission Electron Micrograms show hollow cavities with diameters ranging from 100 to 200nm. Thermal profile of the samples, presented them with average decomposition temperatures above 110oC with initial weight loss of less than 1%. Surface morphology of products shows them as being spherical and Nano sized. Rebinding studies gave a maximum template material adsorption of 78.25% and minimum of 59.6% for real-life experiments with imprinting factors of between 1 and 12.5. Consequently products from this activity will serve as better environmentally friendly, recyclable and sustainable option to existing synthetic based filter materials.

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