Selectivity toward multiple predetermined targets in nanoparticle capillary electrochromatography.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Molecular imprinting technology (MIT) is widely used in analytical chemistry.
• Tailored multiple selectivity in molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanoparticles for predetermined enantiomers remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and compare two unique methods for achieving selectivity toward multiple predetermined targets using MIT.
• To investigate the potential of MIP nanoparticles for simultaneous recognition of multiple enantiomers.

Main Methods:

• Developed two distinct MIP nanoparticle approaches: mixed singly templated and multiply templated.
• Utilized partial filling capillary electrochromatography (CEC) for evaluating and comparing the selectivity of the developed MIP nanoparticles.
• Investigated the effect of template concentrations on MIP nanoparticle affinity and selectivity.

Main Results:

• The multiply templated MIP nanoparticle approach demonstrated tailored multiple selectivity.
• Relative template amounts significantly influenced the affinity of multiply templated MIP nanoparticles.
• Achieved 2-fold selectivity for target enantiomers by decreasing (S)-propranolol template concentration, even at 10% of usual levels.
• Efficient separation of propranolol enantiomers was achieved using the developed MIPs in partial filling CEC.

Conclusions:

• Multiply templated MIP nanoparticles offer a promising strategy for achieving tailored multiple selectivity.
• This approach can potentially reduce the required initial template amount for efficient MIP synthesis.
• Multiply templated MIPs show potential for applications in chromatography, sensor technology, and solid-phase extraction.