Synergistic integration of three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks and molecularly imprinted nanocavities for selective extraction of chiral 10-deacetylbacatin III

Paclitaxel is one of the most effective anticancer drugs ever developed and remains in high demand. Currently, most commercially available paclitaxel is produced via semi-synthesis, with key precursors like 10-deacetylbaccatin III (10-DAB) extracted from branches and leaves of yew trees. However, its low natural abundance (approximately 0.1%), the complexity of the extraction process, and the low purity of the final product present significant challenges. To address these challenges, we developed a three-dimensional covalent organic framework-based molecularly imprinted polymer (3D COF-MIP) as a novel adsorbent for the selective extraction of 10-DAB. The 3D COF-MIP demonstrated rapid adsorption kinetics (equilibrium time less than 60 min), high selectivity (imprinting factor, 6.7), and exceptional adsorption capacity. Notably, the material retained 93.5% of its initial adsorption capacity after five consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles. The developed method was successfully applied for the selective extraction and determination of 10-DAB in Taxus baccata leaves from different regions with 84.3% purity. The result demonstrated the possibility of direct extraction of 10-DAB from Taxus baccata leaves by 3D COF-MIP. This work provides a new strategy for employing COFs-MIPs to selectively extract pharmacologically active compounds from medicinal plants.