Constructing a dummy-template adsorbent using magnetic molecular-imprinted chitosan for rapid enrichment of flavonoids compounds from Penthorum chinense Pursh

In this work, a novel dummy molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP/CS/Fe3O4) was successfully prepared for the selective enrichment of flavonoids in Penthorum chinense Pursh. The molecularly imprinted polymer was synthesized on the surface of chitosan-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles with naringenin as the dummy template and then it was used as a solid adsorbent for the analyte enrichment. Compared with structural analogues, the MIP/CS/Fe3O4 presented quick binding kinetic behavior, satisfying selectivity and high adsorption capacity toward pinocembrin. The adsorption capacity and the imprinting factor of MIP/CS/Fe3O4 could reach 8.56 mg·g−1 and 1.7, respectively. Finally, MIP/CS/Fe3O4 was applied to enrich flavonoids in the crude extract from Penthorum chinense Pursh and 11 flavonoids were successfully detected, indicating the MIP/CS/Fe3O4 was a promising adsorbent for separation and enrichment of flavonoids. Many favorable properties of the synthesized dummy molecularly imprinted polymer can also provide a new direction for the simultaneous enrichment of structural similarities.