Molecularly Imprinted Poly(2-(3-(amino)propyl)-2-oxazoline)\nfor the Selective Removal of Ibuprofen from Aqueous Solutions

Pharmaceuticals’\npervasive contamination of aquatic ecosystems\nunderscores the urgent need for efficacious and innovative remediation\nstrategies. This study introduces a highly selective and efficient\napproach for recovering Ibuprofen using molecularly imprinted polymers\n(MIPs). The cross-linked polymer was synthesized by reacting poly(2-oxazoline)\nwith amino side chains and hexamethylene diisocyanate in the presence\nof Ibuprofen. Key parameters affecting Ibuprofen adsorption, including\ninitial concentration, contact time, and MIP reusability, were thoroughly\nexamined. The developed MIP exhibits a remarkable adsorption capacity,\nachieving a maximum Ibuprofen binding capacity of 92 mg g<sup>–1</sup> and significantly outperforming the non-imprinted polymer’s\n30 mg g<sup>–1</sup>. Moreover, kinetic studies reveal a rapid\nadsorption process predominantly following pseudo-first-order kinetics,\nindicating chemisorption as the primary mechanism. The MIPs demonstrate\nexcellent reusability and maintain their efficacy in real-world scenarios,\nas evidenced by the successful recovery of Ibuprofen from lake water\nsamples with significant removal percentages, instilling confidence\nin its potential application.