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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #244229
Title: Synthesis and Evaluation of Cyclodextrin-based Polymers for Patulin Extraction from Aqueous Solutions

Author
item Appell, Michael
item Jackson, Michael - Mike

Submitted to: Journal of Inclusion Phenomena and Macrocyclic Chemistry
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/21/2010
Publication Date: 10/1/2010
Citation: Appell, M.D., Jackson, M.A. 2010. Synthesis and evaluation of cyclodextrin-based polymers for patulin extraction from aqueous solutions. Journal of Inclusion Phenomena and Macrocyclic Chemistry. 68(1-2):117-122.

Interpretive Summary: This research determined that the natural toxin patulin could be removed from apple juice using an insoluble material based on cyclic sugars. Patulin is produced by fungi that can contaminate fruits and other agricultural commodities, including apple juice. New materials, such as polymers, can aid to better detect or remove toxins from agricultural commodities. Polymers containing a large number of nano-sized cavities were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to remove patulin from aqueous solutions. A material was identified that could isolate high concentrations of patulin from apple juice. These results will be useful to scientists developing new methods to detect and remove toxins from juices and other types of water-based liquids.

Technical Abstract: Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by fungi that contaminate fruits, juices, and other agricultural commodities. Sorption properties of polyurethane-beta-cyclodextrin polymers were evaluated for the ability to remove patulin from solutions, including apple juice. Freundlich isotherm analysis determined the polymers possess populations of binding sites. Evaluation of the polymers by solid phase extraction analysis indicated patulin sorption is enhanced in aqueous environments. Polymers cross-linked with tolylene 2,4-diisocyanate were suitable for preconcentration and extraction of patulin from apple juice. Quantum chemical studies of the interactions of patulin and beta-cylcodextrin infer patulin is capable of binding to the polymer in multiple modes. Certain of these bound complexes possess intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions between the primary hydroxyls of cyclodextrin and patulin. These nanoporous cyclodextrin polymers exhibit favorable properties to assist in more rapid detection of patulin.