Core–shell thermal-responsive and magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers based on mag-yeast for selective adsorption and controlled release of tetracycline

A novel thermal-responsive and magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (TMMIPs) were prepared based on mag-yeast via a mild and effective method; the obtained TMMIPs were used for selective adsorption and release of tetracycline from aqueous solution. Imprinted polymerization directly occured on the surface of microspheres, and core–shell imprinted polymers were developed via in situ precipitation polymerization. The properties of obtained TMMIPs were characterized by scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, thermo-gravimetric analysis and so on. The adsorption equilibrium data were well described by Langmuir isotherm model. Kinetic experiments showed the adsorption process reached the equilibrium within 60 min, and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model was used to fit the adsorption data well. TMMIPs exhibited magnetic sensitivity, magnetic stability and thermal stability. Reversible recognition and release of template molecule were realized by changing environmental temperatures. Several other antibiotics were selected as model analytes to evaluate the selective recognition performance of TMMIPs. The TMMIPs have good temperature response, selectivity and reusability, making them possible in applying for antibiotics adsorption and controlled release.