Preparation of stigmasterol imprinted solid phase extraction polymers for seperation of stigmasterol from plant extracts

Stigmasterol (Stg) is a member of the phytosterol family, which is found naturally in plants in the form of free alcohols or in their sediments, especially vegetable oils. In studies on the effects of phytosterols on human health, it has been reported that individuals have low-density lipoprotein (cholesterol) lowering effects with phytosterol intake. Stg, one of the many valuable ingredients found, has been isolated from many plants to isolate and evaluated for many pharmacological and biological activities. It is also known to have positive effects on health such as anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoarthritis, anti-atherogenic, antioxidant and lowering plasma cholesterol levels, and protective effects such as anti-cancer. In this study, it was aimed to prepare Stg-imprinted solid phase extraction polymers for direct determination of Stg from plant extract. Molecular imprinted polymer solution was prepared using MAA, VBA, DVB-80 and AIBN, the synthesized polymers were then characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), swelling tests and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The selectivity of Stg-MIP polymers for the Stg has been studied against the competitor molecules of cholesterol and ergosterol. In this study, the reusability of Stg-MIP polymers was also examined. Stg-MIP polymers were used more than once for reproducibility experiments with the same adsorbent condition, and results showed a minimal loss in adsorption capacity.