Synthesis and characterization of molecularly imprinted polymer from renewable sources

In this study, molecular imprinted polymers targeting the potent antibiotic ciprofloxacin were prepared for the first time using renewable resources. Lactic acid maleic acid ester, methylene bisacrylamide, potassium persulfate and N, N, N’, N’ tetramethylenediamine were used as functional monomer, crosslinker and initiator, respectively. The chemical structure of the synthesized polymers was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, and the thermal behavior was characterized by Thermogravimetry. Developed molecularly imprinted polymers can be used in separation, catalysis, and sensor applications, and as drug delivery systems.