Surface Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for High‐Efficiency Selective Adsorption of Hesperetin

ABSTRACT Surface molecularly imprinted polymers (SMIPs) were synthesized via a sol‐gel method using silica nanoparticles as carriers to achieve specific recognition of hesperetin. The adsorption performance of polymers was systematically investigated. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of the SMIPs was significantly higher than non‐imprinted polymers, attributed to specific imprinted sites formed during polymerization. The equilibrium adsorption data followed the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating monolayer adsorption driven by site‐specific interactions. Kinetic studies revealed pseudo‐second‐order kinetics, suggesting chemisorption as the rate‐limiting step. Selectivity experiments using structurally analogous compounds confirmed performing high imprinting factors of SMIPs. Notably, the SMIPs maintained over 87% adsorption capacity following eight successive regeneration cycles, demonstrating exceptional reusability. This study establishes a robust SMIPs‐based platform for efficient hesperetin enrichment from citrus matrices, with potential applications in nutraceutical development and pharmacokinetic analysis.