Molecularly imprinted biopolymer cryogels-like materials for penicillin g retention

Molecular imprinting is a known method for creating selective binding sites in synthetic or natural polymers using a molecular template. In this context, the study presents the design of novel molecularly imprinted cryogels-like materials based on biopolymers (chitosan and biocellulose), able to act as selective recognition materials for penicillin G retention from aqueous solutions. The prepared molecularly imprinted biopolymer cryogels-like materials were characterized by several techniques to underline their composition and thermal stability. Further on, the swelling trials and the batch rebinding studies helped explaining the stability and behaviour of cryogels like materials in aqueous solutions but also their ability to retain specifically penicillin G.