Molecularly imprinted polymer of 5-methyluridine for solid-phase extraction of pyrimidine nucleoside cancer markers in urine

Normal and modified urinary nucleosides represent potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. To selectively extract modified nucleosides, we developed a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) of 5-methyluridine as selective material for molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE). The MIPs were obtained from vinyl-phenylboronate ester derivative of the template, acrylamide and pentaerythritol triacrylate co-polymer, and were tested in batch and cartridge experiments with aqueous samples. Our results indicated that the imprinted polymer was selective for pyrimidine nucleosides with a K(d) and a B(max) of 46 microM and 18 micromol/g, respectively. Finally, a MISPE of the most common pyrimidine nucleoside cancer markers in urine sample was realized.     

Selective solid-phase extraction using molecularly imprinted polymer for analysis of methamidophos in water and soil samples

An analytical methodology for the analysis of methamidophos in water and soil samples incorporating a molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction process using methamidophos-imprinted polymer was developed. Binding study demonstrated that the polymer exhibited excellent affinity and high selectivity to the methamidophos. Evidence was also found by FT-IR analysis that hydrogen bonding between the CO(2)H in the polymer cavities and the NH(2) and P=O of the template was the origin of methamidophos recognition. The use of molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction improved the accuracy and precision of the GC method and lowered the limit of detection. The recovery of methamidophos extracted from a 10.0 g soil sample at the 100 ng/g spike level was 95.4%. The limit of detection was 3.8 ng/g. The recovery of methamidophos extracted from 100 mL tap and river water at 1 ng/mL spike level was 96.1% and 95.8%, and the limits of detection were 10 and 13 ng/L respectively. These molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction procedures enabled selective extraction of polar methamidophos successfully from water and soil samples, demonstrating the potential of molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction for rapid, selective, and cost-effective sample pretreatment.     

Class-specific molecularly imprinted polymers for the selective extraction and determination of sulfonylurea herbicides in maize samples by high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

A novel method based on the molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) procedure has been developed for the simultaneous determination of concentrations of sulfonylurea herbicides such as chlorsulfuron (CS), monosulfuron (MNS), and thifensulfuron methyl (TFM) in maize samples by liquid chromatography–tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for sulfonylurea herbicides was synthesized by precipitation polymerization using chlorsulfuron as the template molecule, 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DEAMA) as the functional monomer, and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TRIM) as the cross-linker. The selectivities of the chlorsulfuron template and its analogs on the molecularly imprinted polymer were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The extraction and purification procedures for the solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridge with a molecularly imprinted polymer as the adsorbent for the selected sulfonylurea herbicides were then established. A molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction method followed by high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of chlorsulfuron, monosulfuron, and thifensulfuron methyl was also established. The mean recoveries of these compounds in maize were in the range 75–110% and the limits of detection (LOD) of chlorsulfuron, monosulfuron, and thifensulfuron methyl were 0.02, 0.75, and 1.45 μg kg⁻¹, respectively. It was demonstrated that the MISPE–HPLC–MS/MS method could be applied to the determination of chlorsulfuron, monosulfuron, and thifensulfuron methyl in maize samples.     

Evaluation of water-compatible molecularly imprinted polymers as solid-phase extraction sorbents for the selective extraction of sildenafil and its desmethyl metabolite from plasma samples

The evaluation of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as selective sorbents for the solid-phase extraction of sildenafil and its principal metabolite, desmethylsildenafil, was investigated. Two MIPs were synthesised using structural analogues of sildenafil as templates, and a comparison of the performance of the two MIP sorbents in organic and aqueous media was performed. Additionally, the feasibility of applying molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) to the clean-up of plasma samples containing sildenafil and desmethylsildenafil was investigated. A preliminary, quantitative MISPE for the determination of both compounds in plasma was also performed. The results showed that the MIPs used for the selective extraction of sildenafil gave better compound recovery when aqueous samples were used in comparison to organic-based samples. A preliminary, quantitative MISPE of sildenafil and desmethylsildenafil indicated that the imprinted materials could be used successfully as SPE sorbents for sample pre-treatment for the determination of sildenafil, and related compounds, in plasma.     

Membrane separations using molecularly imprinted polymers

This review presents an overview on the promising field of molecularly imprinted membranes (MIM). The focus is onto the separation of molecules in liquid mixtures via membrane transport selectivity. First, the status of synthetic membranes and membrane separation technology is briefly summarized, emphasizing the need for novel membranes with higher selectivities. Innovative principles for the preparation of membranes with improved or novel functionality include self-assembly or supramolecular aggregation as well as the use of templates. Based on a detailed analysis of the literature, the main established preparation methods for MIM are outlined: simultaneous membrane formation and imprinting, or preparation of imprinted composite membranes. Then, the separation capability of MIM is discussed for two different types, as a function of their barrier structure. Microporous MIM can continuously separate mixtures based on facilitated diffusion of the template, or they can change their permeability in the presence of the template ("gate effect"). Macroporous MIM can be developed towards molecule-specific membrane adsorbers. Emerging further combinations of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), especially MIP nanoparticles or microgels, with membranes and membrane processes are briefly outlined as well. Finally, the application potential for advanced MIM separation technologies is summarized.     

Group-selective molecularly imprinted polymer solid-phase extraction for the simultaneous determination of six sulfonamides in aquaculture products

Group-selective molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) made from sulfonamides (SAs) using functional monomer methacrylic acid (MAA) were synthesized. The derived molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) cartridges were developed for the purification and enrichment of aquatic products. The optimum template molecule and the ratio of the functional monomer to the template for obtaining group selectivity to SAs were sulfadimethoxine (SDM) and 4:1, respectively. The MIPs were characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), scatchard plot, and chromatography analysis, all of which demonstrate better chromatographic behavior and group-selectivity of MIPs for SAs compared with those of corresponding NIPs. The extraction conditions of MISPE for six SAs were optimized; the method precision and accuracy were satisfactory for the fish and shrimp samples at 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mg kg(-1) spiked levels. Recoveries ranging from 85.5% to 106.1% (RSD, 1.2-7.0%, n=3) were achieved. The limits of detection (S/N=3) and quantitation (S/N=10) in the shrimp and fish samples were achieved from 8.4 to 10.9 μg kg(-1) and from 22.4 to 27.7 μg kg(-1), respectively. Therefore, the obtained MIPs and MISPE can be employed for the enrichment and clean-up of SAs. This paper presents a new analytical method which enables the simultaneous determination and quantification of SAs in aquaculture products.     

Spectrofluorimetric determination of atenolol from human urine using high‐affinity molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction sorbent

This study presents a novel, sensitive and selective molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction (MISPE)–spectrofluorimetric method for the removal and determination of atenolol from human urine. Molecularly imprinted and non‐imprinted polymers were synthesized thermally using a radical chain polymerization technique and used as solid‐phase extraction sorbents. Acrylic acid ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, dibenzoyl peroxide and dichloroethane were used as a functional monomer, cross‐linker, initiator and porogen, respectively. The calibration curve was in the range of 0.10–2.0 μg/ml for the developed method. Limit of detection and limit of quantification values were 0.032 and 0.099 μg/ml, respectively. Owing to the selectivity of the MISPE technique and the sensitivity of spectrofluorimetry, trace levels of atenolol have been successfully determined from both organic and aqueous media. Relatively high imprinting factor (4.18) and recovery results (74.5–75.3%) were obtained. In addition, intra‐ and interday precision values were 0.38–1.03% and 0.47–2.05%, respectively, proving the precision of the proposed method. Thus, a selective, sensitive and simple MISPE–spectrofluorimetric method has been developed and applied to the direct determination of atenolol from human urine.     

In situ synthesis of molecularly imprinted nanoparticles in porous support membranes using high-viscosity polymerization solvents

There is a growing need in membrane separations for novel membrane materials providing selective retention. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are promising candidates for membrane functionalization. In this work, a novel approach is described to prepare composite membrane adsorbers incorporating molecularly imprinted microparticles or nanoparticles into commercially available macroporous filtration membranes. The polymerization is carried out in highly viscous polymerization solvents, and the particles are formed in situ in the pores of the support membrane. MIP particle composite membranes selective for terbutylazine were prepared and characterized by scanning electron microscopy and N? porosimetry. By varying the polymerization solvent microparticles or nanoparticles with diameters ranging from several hundred nanometers to 1 μm could be embedded into the support. The permeability of the membranes was in the range of 1000 to 20,000 Lm?2 hr?1 bar?1. The imprinted composite membranes showed high MIP/NIP (nonimprinted polymer) selectivity for the template in organic media both in equilibrium-rebinding measurements and in filtration experiments. The solid phase extraction of a mixture of the template, its analogs, and a nonrelated compound demonstrated MIP/NIP selectivity and substance selectivity of the new molecularly imprinted membrane. The synthesis technique offers a potential for the cost-effective production of selective membrane adsorbers with high capacity and high throughput.     

Synthesis and evaluation of a selective molecularly imprinted polymer for the contraceptive drug levonorgestrel

A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) has been prepared using levonorgestrel (LEV) as template. The polymer was synthesised in a non-covalent approach using methacrylic acid (MAA) as functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as cross-linking monomer via a free radical polymerization. An equivalent blank polymer was also synthesised in the absence of the template compound. Batch adsorption experiments were used to evaluate the binding affinity of the imprinted polymer. After packing MIP into a stainless steel column (150 mm x 4.6 mm i.d.), retention and elution of the template and related compounds were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This LEV imprinted polymer was further applied for selective solid phase extraction (SPE) of LEV from human serum. It was confirmed that the binding ability of the prepared MIP for LEV was essentially sufficient in the presence of other compounds coexisting in serum sample. Therefore, as a selective and efficient solid phase material, LEV imprinted polymer has a high potential application in analysis of this steroidal hormone in clinical purposes.     

Applications of magnetic surface imprinted materials for solid phase extraction of levofloxacin in serum samples

In this work, molecularly imprinted magnetic carbon nanotubes (MCNTs@MIPs) was prepared with surface imprinting technique for extraction of levofloxacin in serum samples. The preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) used levofloxacin as template, methacrylic acid as functional monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross‐linker, and the magnetic carbon nanotubes (MCNTs) was synthesized by solvothermal method. The prepared polymers not only can be separated and collected easily by an external magnetic, but also exhibited high specific surface area and high selectivity to template molecules. Kinetic adsorption and static adsorption capacity investigations indicated that the synthesized MCNTs@MIPs had excellent recognition towards levofloxacin. Furthermore, magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) using the prepared MCNTs@MIPs as sorbent was then investigated, and an efficient sample cleanup was obtained with recoveries ranged from 78.7 ± 4.8 % to 83.4 ± 4.1%. In addition, several parameters, including the pH of samples, the amount of MCNTs@MIPs, the adsorption and desorption times, and the eluent, were investigated to obtain optimal extraction efficiency. Under the optimal extraction conditions, the stability of the polymer was also evaluated, and the average recovery reduced less than 7.6% after 5 cycles. MCNTs@MIPs successfully applied in the preconcentration and determination of levofloxacin in serum sample suggested that the MSPE method based on the novel polymers could be a promising alternative for selective and efficient extraction of trace amounts of pharmaceutical substances in bio‐matrix samples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Molecularly imprinted polymer cartridges coupled on-line with high performance liquid chromatography for simple and rapid analysis of dextromethorphan in human plasma samples

In this paper, a novel method is described for automated determination of dextromethorphan in biological fluids using molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) as a sample clean-up technique combined with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The water-compatible molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were prepared using methacrylic acid as functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross-linker, chloroform as porogen and dextromethorphan as template molecule. These imprinted polymers were used as solid-phase extraction sorbent for the extraction of dextromethorphan from human plasma samples. Various parameters affecting the extraction efficiency of the MIP cartridges were evaluated. The high selectivity of the sorbent coupled to the high performance liquid chromatographic system permitted a simple and rapid analysis of this drug in plasma samples with limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 0.12 ng/mL and 0.35 ng/mL, respectively. The MIP selectivity was evaluated by analyzing of the dextromethorphan in presence of several substances with similar molecular structures and properties. Results from the HPLC analyses showed that the recoveries of dextromethorphan using MIP cartridges from human plasma samples in the range of 1-50 ng/mL were higher than 87%.     

Investigation of the nature of MIP recognition: the development and characterisation of a MIP for Ibuprofen

This paper describes the rational design, generation and testing of a molecularly imprinted polymer specific for Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a member of the class of drugs termed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). In the present study, Ibuprofen was used as a template molecule for the preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers. A MIP has been produced which is capable of recognising Ibuprofen in aqueous media. Furthermore, Ibuprofen can be selectively extracted from aqueous conditions by molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction (MISPE). Recoveries were typically high (>80%) and good selectivity for Ibuprofen over structurally related analogues was seen. Moreover, the nature of the recognition between MIP and template has been investigated by NMR and molecular modelling to analyse whether or not it is possible to predict how well a given MIP will perform under set conditions. In addition, the physical characteristics of the MIP have been investigated including the particle size distribution on exposure of the MIP to different solvents. This has been related to the ability of the MIP to rebind Ibuprofen under the same conditions. The data from the characterisation of the MIP has been used to further enhance the understanding of the nature of MIP recognition.     

MOLECULARLY IMPRINTED POLYMERS FOR SOME REACTIVE DYES

Depending upon their structure, azo- and anthraquinonic dyes are the two major classes and together represent 90% of all organic colorants. Adsorption of dye molecules onto a sorbent can be an effective, low-cost method of color removal. Most of the techniques used for removal of dyes are of high production cost, and the regeneration also makes them uneconomical. There is much interest in the development of cheaper and effective newer materials for use as adsorbents. Molecular imprinting is a new kind of materials that can be alternative adsorbents. In this study, molecularly imprinted polymers of three textile dyes (Cibacron Orange P-4R, Cibacron Red P-4B, Cibacron Black PSG) were prepared. Methacrylic acid was used as a monomer for red and orange dyes and acrylamide was used for black dye. Methanol:acetonitrile was used as a porogen. The selective recognition ability of the molecularly imprinted polymers was studied by an equilibrium–adsorption batch method. The adsorption data are for Cibacron Black PSG 65% and nonimprinted polymer (NIP) 25%; Cibacron Red P-4B 72% and NIP 18%; and Cibacron Orange P-4R 45% and NIP 10%, respectively. Dye-imprinted polymers were used as a solid-phase extraction material for selective adsorption from wastewater of textile factory.     

Molecularly imprinted polymers for some reactive dyes

Depending upon their structure, azo- and anthraquinonic dyes are the two major classes and together represent 90% of all organic colorants. Adsorption of dye molecules onto a sorbent can be an effective, low-cost method of color removal. Most of the techniques used for removal of dyes are of high production cost, and the regeneration also makes them uneconomical. There is much interest in the development of cheaper and effective newer materials for use as adsorbents. Molecular imprinting is a new kind of materials that can be alternative adsorbents. In this study, molecularly imprinted polymers of three textile dyes (Cibacron Orange P-4R, Cibacron Red P-4B, Cibacron Black PSG) were prepared. Methacrylic acid was used as a monomer for red and orange dyes and acrylamide was used for black dye. Methanol:acetonitrile was used as a porogen. The selective recognition ability of the molecularly imprinted polymers was studied by an equilibrium-adsorption batch method. The adsorption data are for Cibacron Black PSG 65% and nonimprinted polymer (NIP) 25%; Cibacron Red P-4B 72% and NIP 18%; and Cibacron Orange P-4R 45% and NIP 10%, respectively. Dye-imprinted polymers were used as a solid-phase extraction material for selective adsorption from wastewater of textile factory.     

Biosensor for the determination of sorbitol based on molecularly imprinted electrosynthesized polymers

Despite the increasing number of applications of biosensors in many fields, the construction of a steady biosensor remains still challenging. The high selectivity and stability of molecularly imprinted polymers for the template molecule make them ideal alternatives as recognition elements for sensors. In this work, the fabrication and characterization of biosensor based on molecularly imprinted electrosynthesized polymers is reported as the first case of imprinting sorbitol. A relevant molecularly imprinted film is prepared by o-phenylenediamine (o-PD) using the electrochemical method. Quartz crystal microbalance is employed as a sensitive apparatus of biosensor for the determination of sorbitol. An equation is deduced to characterize the interaction between molecularly imprinted films and the template. A linear relationship between the frequency shift and the concentration of analyte in the range of 1-15 mM was found. The detection limit is about 1mM.     

Molecular imprinting and solid phase extraction of flavonoid compounds

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for quercetin have been successfully prepared by a thermal polymerization method using 4-vinylpyridine (4-VP) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) as functional monomer and cross-linker, respectively. The obtained molecularly imprinted polymers were evaluated by HPLC using organic eluents, with respect to their selective recognition properties for quercetin and related compounds of the flavonoid class. Two equivalent control polymers, a blank polymer and a polymer imprinted with a structural analogous template, were synthesized, in order to confirm the obtained results. Furthermore, preliminary experiments confirm the applicability of the prepared MIPs for solid phase extraction (SPE), as rapid and facile clean-up of wine samples for HPLC analysis is an envisaged field of application. The successful preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers for flavones provides an innovative opportunity for the development of advanced separation materials, with applications in the field of wine and fermentation analysis.     

Enhanced capacities and selectivities for cholesterol in aqueous media by molecular imprinting: role of novel cross-linkers

Molecularly imprinted polymers are being increasingly investigated as selective sorbents. For the recovery of cholesterol from aqueous media, the utility of the molecularly imprinted polymers has been limited by modest capacities and selectivities, especially when compared with alternative adsorbents reported for the binding of bile acids [Macromolecules 34 (2001) 1548]. This paper describes the use of cholesterol conjugated monomers and cross-linkers, which bind to the template cholesterol molecule by hydrophobic interactions. This leads to enhanced capacities and selectivities during the recovery of cholesterol from aqueous media. The templating effect is clearly seen in the enhanced capacity and selectivity in the retention of cholesterol vis-a-vis stigmasterol and testosterone.     

Novel molecularly imprinted polymers based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes with binary functional monomer for the solid-phase extraction of erythromycin from chicken muscle

A new surface imprinting technique was reported to synthesize multi-walled carbon nanotubes-molecularly imprinted polymers (MWNTs-MIPs) using erythromycin as the template, acryloyl-β-cyclodextrin (acryloyl-β-CD) and methacrylic acid (MAA) as the binary functional monomers. The MWNTs-MIPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron micrograph (SEM) and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Adsorption experiments indicated the MWNTs-MIPs prepared with acryloyl-β-CD and MAA have high selective for erythromycin. The feasibility of the MWNTs-MIPs as solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbent was evaluated, and the results showed that it can selectively extract erythromycin from chicken muscle samples with the recoveries ranging from 85.3% to 95.8%. The molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) method could be applied for preconcentration and purification of erythromycin from chicken muscle samples.     

Molecularly imprinted core‐shell magnetic nanoparticles for selective extraction of triazines in soils

In this work, a propazine‐imprinted polymer was synthesized on the surface of modified magnetic nanoparticles to be used in the solid‐phase extraction of triazines in soil samples. The effect of different solvents on the selective extraction of target analytes was assessed to establish the optimum rebinding conditions. The obtained magnetic molecularly imprinted particles exhibited high selectivity for triazines and were easily collected and separated by an external magnetic field without additional centrifugation or filtration steps. Under optimum conditions, a magnetic molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction method was developed allowing the extraction of several triazines (desisopropylatrazine, desethylatrazine, simazine, atrazine, and propazine) from soil samples and their subsequent final determination by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode‐array detection. Recoveries for the triazines studied were within the range 5.4% to 40.6%, with relative standard deviations lower than 7.0% (n = 3). The detection limits were within 0.1 to 3 ng g⁻¹, depending upon the triazine and the type of soil used.