Cross-linked Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Selective Wine Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional extraction methods for wine components are inefficient and can modify the characteristics of wine, making it difficult to isolate specific organic molecules effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of cross-linked molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) produced through an in-situ process, which are tailored to target specific molecules, allowing for precise extraction and sensing by forming cavities complementary to the target molecules, enabling robust and rechargeable extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional liquid-liquid or solid phase extraction materials and procedures are used, then a broad spectrum of organics can be removed, but the characteristics of the wine are easily modified and extraction of a single component is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming molecularly imprinted polymers with specific target molecule cavities before the extraction process. The MIPs are synthesized in advance with imprinted cavities that match the target analyte's shape and chemical properties, allowing selective binding when wine is passed through the column. This pre-prepared selective structure resolves the contradiction by enabling both efficient extraction and high selectivity for specific components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating polymers with non-uniform structures containing specific imprinted cavities distributed throughout the matrix. Each cavity is locally tailored to recognize a particular target molecule through complementary shape and functional groups. This localized specificity within the broader polymer structure allows selective extraction of individual components while maintaining overall extraction efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional extraction methods are used to isolate specific organic molecules, then extraction can be performed, but the methods are inefficient and can modify the characteristics of wine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces molecularly imprinted polymers as an intermediary material between the wine and the extraction process. The MIPs act as a selective mediator that binds only to specific target molecules through their imprinted cavities, leaving other wine components untouched. This intermediary approach enables high selectivity while preserving wine quality, as the extraction is mediated by the selective binding properties of the MIPs rather than by harsh chemical or physical methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical extraction methods (liquid-liquid extraction, solid phase extraction) with a bio-inspired molecular recognition system. Instead of relying on bulk phase separation or adsorption, the system uses specifically designed cavities that recognize target molecules through shape complementarity and molecular interactions. This substitution provides both high selectivity and reliability in preserving wine characteristics.
3Ease of manufacture
If MIPs are produced by phase inversion or monomer synthesized processes without crosslinking, then MIPs can be formed, but the produced MIPs have inferior properties compared to cross-linked MIPs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining monomers with crosslinking agents to create cross-linked molecularly imprinted polymers. The crosslinked network structure integrates multiple components (monomer, crosslinker, initiator) to form a robust three-dimensional matrix with imprinted cavities. This composite approach enhances MIP performance by providing structural stability, mechanical strength, and resistance to degradation, while maintaining the selective binding properties through the imprinted cavities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional network structure formed by crosslinking, which creates a curved, interconnected matrix rather than a linear or planar structure. The crosslinked gel formation produces a porous, sponge-like architecture that maintains cavity integrity and enhances mechanical properties. This curved, three-dimensional structure provides both ease of manufacture through in-situ polymerization and superior reliability through enhanced structural stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The MIPs effectively remove target molecules from wine, with the ability to be reused multiple times, achieving high extraction efficiency and maintaining wine quality by specifically targeting and removing unwanted components without altering the wine's characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
The MIP is formed through polymerization of the monomer and the crosslinker; the target molecule or target molecule analogs are typically associated with the polymer in such a way to imprint the polymer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are compositions of, synthesis methods and methods of use for improved molecularly imprinted polymers useful for extracting target molecule compounds of wine.