The effect of RAFT polymerization on the physical properties of thiamphenicol-imprinted polymer

Noor Fadilah Yusof,Faizatul Shimal Mehamod,Faiz Bukhari Mohd Suah,E Kusrini,A Yatim,E.A Setiawan,F.H Juwono

doi:10.1051/e3sconf/20186703050

Abstract

The necessity to overcome limitation of conventional free radical polymerization, technology has shifted the way to find an effective method for polymer synthesis, called controlled radical polymerization (CRP). One of the most studied controlled radical system is reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The method relies on efficient chain-transfer processes which are mediated typically by thiocarbonyl-containing RAFT agents e.g., dithioesters. The presented study revealed the potential benefit in applying RAFT polymerization towards the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymer for thiamphenicol. They were synthesized in monolithic form using methacrylic acid, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, azobisisobutyronitrile and acetonitrile as a functional monomer, cross-linker, initiator and porogen, respectively. The surface morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), structural characterization by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) and pore structures of polymers produced were characterized by nitrogen sorption porosimetry. SEM analysis showed MIPs produced by RAFT have smoother surface while porosity analysis showed the specific surface area was slightly larger compared to conventional polymerization methods. However FTIR showed the same pattern of spectra produced due to the same co-monomers used in the production. The results upon the uses of RAFT polymerization enables the production of imprinted polymers enhanced the physical properties compared to conventional polymerization.

Highlights

Molecular imprinting is a facile and versatile approach for the generation of synthetic receptors with tailor-made recognition sites [1]
As an alternative to conventional free radical polymerization (FRP) for the production of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs), our hypothesis was that the controlled nature of ‘living’ radical polymerization would translate into MIPs with properties superior to those displayed by MIPs prepared by conventional FRP, e.g., improved homogeneity of binding sites and enhanced chromatographic performance
The aim of this work was to explore the potential benefits in applying Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization techniques towards the synthesis of MIPs, with thiamphenicol as a model template

Summary

Introduction

Molecular imprinting is a facile and versatile approach for the generation of synthetic receptors with tailor-made recognition sites [1]. The necessity to overcome these limitations urged synthetic polymer chemists to develop new concepts, which would permit for the preparation of MIPs with more homogeneous network structures, a better understanding of the structure-property relationship of MIPs, and for obtaining MIPs with improved binding properties [1]. In this respect, controlled/living radical polymerization (CRP) techniques have been evolved and it is well understood that CRP processes offer many benefits [4, 5]. As an alternative to conventional FRP for the production of MIPs, our hypothesis was that the controlled nature of ‘living’ radical polymerization would translate into MIPs with properties superior to those displayed by MIPs prepared by conventional FRP, e.g., improved homogeneity of binding sites and enhanced chromatographic performance

Objectives

Results

Conclusion