Design of a novel green bio-based organic–inorganic hybrid material for cost-effective and sustainable monitoring of antibiotic residues

Abstract

This study aimed to design a bio-based organic–inorganic hybrid adsorbent with low cost, high enrichment efficiency, and environmental friendliness. Based on the physical interaction between the unique physico-chemical properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and the stereospecific porous structure of renewable humic acid (HA), the adsorbent of waste PVA and bio-based HA loaded on inorganic silicon (SiO₂@PVA/HA) was developed. PVA acts as an “auxiliary group” component in the hybrid complex to lock the soluble component of HA and provide an adjustable polarity interaction, while HA as an “active group” increases the selectivity of the material by providing multiple interactions with the target. The adsorbent was completely made of green, low-carbon, degradable and recyclable materials, which not only solves the problem of solid waste accumulation in the environment, but also realizes sustainable monitoring of antibiotic residues. Under the optimal conditions, the limit of quantification (LOQ) of the macrolide in the sample was 0.008–0.500 μg kg⁻¹. Linearity was shown in the range of 0.5–500 μg kg⁻¹, and the relative recovery was 80.5%–117.9%. Moreover, SiO₂@PVA/HA showed good reusability and could be used for at least seven cycles. In particular, PVA exhibits good thermoplasticity, the waste adsorbents can be recycled again by heating in water solution, and the recyclables can be used as a compound fertilizer, further expanding the application range of the polymer. This study will promote the development of bio-based materials in the field of animal-origin food detection, provide a new way for the high value-added application of a waste high-molecular polymer, and be of great significance for promoting sustainable development and resource recycling.