Development of a Non-Covalent Molecularly Imprinted Polymer via Precipitation Method for the Selective Separation of D-Xylose From Sugarcane Residues

Abstract

The agro-industry generates substantial waste, necessitating eco-friendly solutions. This study introduces a novel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIPs) for the selective separation of D-xylose from sugarcane residues. A non-covalent imprinted polymer was synthesized via precipitation and optimized through D-xylose adsorption assays. The polymer demonstrated an Imprinting Factor of 3.34, adsorption equilibrium within 30 min, notable reusability retaining over 95% of its adsorption capacity after three cycles, and high selectivity coefficients (α > 2.00) for all saccharides tested. The adsorption isotherm followed the Langmuir model. Characterization confirmed successful imprinting, with the imprinted polymer exhibiting a surface area of 69.4 m²/g and pore volume of 0.26 cm³/g, compared to 8.7 m²/g and 0.03 cm³/g for the non-imprinted polymer. D-xylose separation was tested using hemicellulosic hydrolysate from sugarcane straw and bagasse. The polymer applied as a sorbent in dispersive solid-phase extraction with the hydrolysate achieved 90.29 ± 1.27% D-xylose adsorption. Desorption in pure water recovered 81.48 ± 1.22% of the adsorbed D-xylose. This method advances separation techniques, offering an efficient solution for sample pre-treatment and expanding the application of MIPs.