Development of quercetin imprinted membranes-based PVDF substrate

Molecular imprinting becomes the most outstanding approach in providing predetermined selectivity to the molecule of interest through the introduction of artificial recognition sites within the polymer matrix. This study presents the fabrication of quercetin-imprinted membranes (QIMs) for selective extraction of quercetin through surface imprinting polymerization method. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane was used as the polymer support for the thermal polymerization process to take place and subsequent removal of quercetin from resultant polymer matrix leaves behind specific cavities that are complementary to the size, shape and functionality of quercetin molecules. QIMs and non-imprinted membranes were synthesized to evaluate and characterize the differences with respect to their morphology, chemical functionality as well as their binding behaviour towards quercetin and other components. The confirmation on the presence of imprinted layer on PVDF membrane was done through FTIR, FESEM and AFM analysis. Modelling of isotherm and kinetic adsorption also was performed to provide detailed insight into the adsorption mechanism of quercetin to the membranes. Membrane selectivity test was carried out using sinensetin and rosmarinic acid as competitive components.