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Published on: January 23, 2013
Molecularly imprinted nanospheres by nonaqueous emulsion polymerization
Gita Dvorakova1, Robert Haschick, Khalid Chiad
1Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università di Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy.
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|May 14, 2011
Summary
Nanosized molecularly imprinted polymer particles were created using nonaqueous emulsion polymerization. These particles show improved template rebinding capacity compared to conventional methods, offering enhanced performance for molecular recognition applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic receptors with tailored binding sites.
- Traditional MIP synthesis often involves aqueous emulsion polymerization, which can limit imprinting efficiency.
- Developing efficient nonaqueous methods is crucial for creating high-performance MIPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare nanosized molecularly imprinted polymer particles using nonaqueous emulsion polymerization.
- To evaluate the template rebinding efficiency of the synthesized MIPs.
- To compare the performance of nonaqueous MIPs with conventionally prepared ones.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of monodisperse cross-linked polymer nanospheres (~100 nm) via nonaqueous emulsion polymerization.
- Utilized methacrylic acid and ethylene dimethacrylate as monomers.
- Incorporated (±)-propranolol as the template molecule.
- Assessed rebinding efficiency using batch rebinding tests and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC).
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized nanosized, monodisperse molecularly imprinted polymer particles.
- Demonstrated enhanced template (propranolol) rebinding capacity in nonaqueous MIPs.
- Achieved superior rebinding performance compared to nonimprinted polymers and those prepared via aqueous emulsion polymerization.
Conclusions:
- Nonaqueous emulsion polymerization is an effective method for producing high-capacity nanosized MIPs.
- The developed MIPs exhibit improved molecular recognition capabilities for template molecules.
- This approach offers a promising route for advanced molecularly imprinted materials.
