Synthesis and characterization of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers for selective recognition of tocotrienols

This research examined the application of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MMIP) for the recognition of tocotrienol. Batch adsorption experiments optimized contact time (2 h) and initial concentration (200 ppm). A magnetic non-imprinted polymer (MNIP) served as a control. The adsorption kinetics conformed to a pseudo-second-order model, and the Langmuir isotherm characterized the adsorption process. A positive Temkin isotherm constant indicated exothermic adsorption. Selectivity studies revealed a higher imprinting factor for MMIP, demonstrating preferential tocotrienol adsorption over tocopherol. Higher KD values and selectivity coefficients for tocotrienol confirmed this selectivity. The MMIP exhibited excellent reusability, maintaining approximately 94 % desorption efficiency over multiple cycles. Analysis of tocotrienols in crude and packaged palm oil showed significantly higher adsorption capacities for MMIP (0.0638 and 0.0329, respectively) compared to MNIP (0.0006 and 0.0001, respectively). These results highlight the potential of MMIP for selective tocotrienol separation and purification from natural sources.