Synthesis and evaluation of cyclodextrin-based polymers for patulin extraction from aqueous solutions

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 a degree of heterogeneity. Evaluation of the polymers by solid phase extraction analysis indicated patulin sorption is enhanced in aqueous environments. Polymers crosslinked with tolylene 2,4-diisocyanate were suitable for extraction of patulin from apple juice. Quantum chemical studies of the interactions of patulin and beta-cylcodextrin using the PM3 semi-empirical method 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 beta-cyclodextrin and patulin. These nanoporous cyclodextrin polymers exhibit favorable properties to assist the detection of patulin in aqueous solutions.