Synthesis and application of cephalexin imprinted polymer for solid phase extraction in milk

Molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) against cephalexin was synthesized by co-polymerization of functional monomer, cross-linker, radical initiator, along with target molecule (cephalexin) in a porogenic material. Binding of cephalexin towards prepared MIP was studied in different solvents (water, methanol, 1M NaCl, acetone and acetonitrile) and best binding was observed in methanol. Partition coefficient and selectivity of prepared imprint and non-imprint was also studied. Cross reactivity in terms of binding efficiency was also assessed with other antibiotics. Chromatographic study of MIP was carried out by packing prepared imprint into glass column. MIP was used as matrix in solid phase extraction (SPE) for recovery of cephalexin from spiked milk samples for further estimation by high performance liquid chromatography. No interference was observed from milk components after elution of cephalexin from MIP, indicating selectivity and affinity of MIP. On the other hand, interference was observed in eluate obtained from C18 SPE column.