Synthesis of bio-based Cyclodextrin Metal-Organic Framework for encapsulation of Ethanol

Abstract

In the last two decades, various porous materials have been researched by the scientific community for diverse applications. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) belongs to the class of microporous, high surface area crystalline materials synthesized by coordinating metal ions with organic linkers. MOFs can host various molecules in their pores, depending on their interaction. This host-guest chemistry can be utilized to sorb established active organic compounds such as ethanol, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, thymol, etc. Extended release of such active species can be used to optimize the shelf life of food products. In addition, MOFs have the potential to be used for sensing applications in Smart Packaging.In this study, benign bio-based cyclodextrin metal-organic framework (CDMOF) was synthesized using edible, bio-based compounds. Ethanol, an antifungal, antimicrobial and antiseptic compound, was encapsulated in the CDMOF crystals using a vapor diffusion process. The synthesized CDMOF crystals before and after encapsulation were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM),Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). Microporous high surface area body centered cubic crystal were obtained as observed by XRD and SEM. It was observed that CDMOF can encapsulate ~17% w/w of ethanol into the crystals.