Synthesis of naproxen-imprinted polymer using Pickering emulsion polymerization

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Molecular imprinting techniques are continuously evolving, with new methods driving advancements.
• Noncovalent imprinting offers a versatile approach for creating selective recognition materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize a Pickering emulsion polymerization method for synthesizing S-naproxen-imprinted polymer spheres.
• To thoroughly analyze the imprinting process and optimize polymerization conditions for enhanced selectivity.

Main Methods:

• Pickering emulsion polymerization using a noncovalent protocol.
• Optimization of functional monomer, cross-linker, porogen, surfactant, and template/porogen ratios.
• Characterization via scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption.
• Binding studies including adsorption isotherms and competitive binding assays.

Main Results:

• 4-vinylpyridine as the functional monomer demonstrated the best S-naproxen recognition.
• Optimal synthesis involved ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, toluene, and Tween 20.
• An optimal porogen-to-monomer ratio of 0.1 minimized nonspecific uptake.
• A tenfold molar excess of functional monomer to template was found to be optimal.

Conclusions:

• The optimized Pickering emulsion polymerization successfully produced S-naproxen-imprinted polymer spheres.
• The synthesized material exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity for S-naproxen recognition.