RESUMO

Molecularly imprinted membrane of ß-caryophyllene (MIM-ßCP) was fabricated incorporating ß-caryophyllene molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (ßCP-NP) into polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers via electrospinning. The ßCP-NP were synthesized by precipitation polymerization using the ßCP as a template molecule and acrylic acid as a functional monomer in the proportion of 1:4 mol, respectively. Atomic force microscopy images and X-ray diffraction confirmed the nanoparticles' incorporation into MIM-ßCP. MIM-ßCP functionalization was evaluated by gas chromatography. The binding capacity was 1.80 ± 0.05 µmol/cm2, and the selectivity test was performed with a mixing solution of ßCP and caryophyllene oxide, as an analog compound, that extracted 77% of the ßCP in 5 min. The electrospun MIM-ßCP can be used to detect and extract the ßCP, applications in the molecular sieve, and biosensor production and may also contribute as an initial methodology to enhance versatile applications in the future, such as in the treatment of skin diseases, filters for extraction, and detection of ßCP to prevent counterfeiting of commercial products, and smart clothing with insect-repellent properties.