Double-layered Janus microgel prticles with ionic liquid–based core/shell structure for enhanced separation of active ingredients

The extraction of ingredients from complex extracts and separation of structurally similar compounds remains significantly challenging. In this study, double-layered Janus microgel particles based on poly(ionic liquids) were prepared, which consisted of a hydrophobic organic-solvent-gel core and a hydrophilic hydrogel shell, poly( N -isopropylacrylamide. The double-layered structure was confirmed using various characterization methods, and subsequent experiments confirmed the enhanced separation and enrichment of tanshinone homologs from the extract. A maximum adsorption capacity of 30 mg/g and adsorption selectivity of 31.56 were obtained under the optimal conditions. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed the potential mechanisms for the separation of different compounds through the unique structure of the microgel particles. The adsorption of flavonoids demonstrates that this double-layered structure has a universal enrichment effect. In conclusion, this double-layered microgel structure exhibited enhanced performance in the extraction and separation of tanshinone homologs, and has great potential for the separation of other active compounds.