Polymer-Based Magnetic Adsorbents for Endocrine Disruptor Capture

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)—including representative hormones (e.g., estradiol), plasticizers (e.g., bisphenol A, phthalates), and pharmaceutical residues—pose stringent adsorption challenges due to their diverse structures, hydrophobicity/polarity balance, and functional moieties. Polymer-based adsorbents, including functionalized linear polymers, crosslinked networks, block copolymers, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), porous organic polymers (POPs), and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), offer tunable architectures and chemistries for selective uptake. Integrating magnetic nanomaterials (e.g., Fe3O4, γ Fe2O3, spinel ferrites) within polymer matrices—via grafting, in situ precipitation, or nanofiller compounding—enables rapid magnetic separation and provides additional control over pore size distribution, segmental mobility, interfacial transport, and accessible binding site density.

This Research Topic spotlights the materials science of polymeric magnetic adsorbents for EDC capture: rational macromolecular design, multiscale morphology control (nano–macro), surface and bulk functionalization, adsorption thermodynamics/kinetics, selectivity mechanisms (e.g., H-bonding, π–π, electrostatics, hydrophobic partitioning), processability, regeneration durability, and structure–processing–performance relationships. We emphasize mechanistic insights and design rules that generalize across EDC classes and complex aqueous matrices, with attention to scalability, and life-cycle considerations.

Polymer Design and Functionalization for Magnetic Adsorbents:
-Tailored monomers, crosslinkers, and polymer architectures (e.g., MIPs, POPs, COFs, block copolymers) that present high-density, accessible binding sites for EDCs.
-Post-polymerization modification, click chemistry, and sequence/architecture control to tune selectivity, kinetics, and capacity.
-Strategies for embedding or anchoring magnetic nanoparticles within polymers (brushes, core–shells, Janus particles, fiber mats) to preserve porosity and site accessibility.

Mechanisms of EDC Adsorption and Selectivity in Polymeric Systems:
-Structure–activity relationships linking polymer chemistry, topology, and segmental dynamics to EDC uptake.
-Role of hydrophobic domains, π-rich motifs, ionizable groups, and imprint cavities in molecular recognition.
-Coupled diffusion–sorption phenomena, interfacial transport at polymer–nanoparticle boundaries, and effects of swelling/plasticization.

Processing, Morphology, and Scalability:
-Fabrication routes for membranes, fibers, beads, aerogels, and 3D-printed or electrospun forms.
-Control of pore architecture (micro/meso/macro), percolation pathways, and mechanical integrity under flow.
-Green/solvent-minimized synthesis, additive manufacturing, and continuous processing compatible with water treatment.

Regeneration, Durability, and Fouling Resistance:
-Low-energy regeneration (solvent, pH/ionic strength, electrochemically assisted release) and cycling stability.
-Life-cycle assessment, microplastic shedding risk, and end-of-life considerations.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Keywords: magnetic-based adsorbents, Endocrine Disruptor Removal, EDC removal, magnetic nanomaterials, membrane systems, sensor systems, polymer architectures

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