Improving the synthesis of a molecularly imprinted sol-gel for serine using a Plackett-Burman design

Enantioselective electrochemical detection of a L-and D-serine at polyvinylpyrrolidone-modified platinum electrode

Aim: By modifying the Pt electrode with polyvinylpyrrolidone, the distinct oxidation potentials of L and D-serine were markedly increased for both isomers.Methods & results: CV was used for Pt electrode modification with PVP. Twenty cycles was reasonable for Pt modification. K3[Fe(CN)6] CV experiments investigated reversibility of the Fe(III) redox reaction and the enhancement of electron transfer at the PVP-Pt electrode. L and D-serine showing an oxidation peak potential at 0.394 V and 0.468 V, respectively. A linear relationship between the anodic oxidation current extracted from the CVs and the standard concentrations of L-serine and D-serine solutions was obtained with R2 = 0.99. The dynamic range for D-serine was from 0.5 to 20 mM with a LOD of 0.16 mM, while for L-serine, was from 2.5 to 20 mM with a detection limit of 0.27 mM. Using DPV, the dynamic range was 0.05-1.0 µM for D-serine with a detection limit of 0.0103 µM. The standard deviation ranged from 0.212 to 0.38 across ten determinations per concentration.Conclusion: A separation by 74 mV between the oxidation peaks of L and D-serine was achieved with remarkable enhancement in oxidation current for both isomers. PVP-Pt electrode can detect D-serine in the presence of DL-serine.

The Use of Computational Methods for the Development of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers

Recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in the use of theoretical and computational approaches in the study and development of molecular imprinting systems. These tools are being used to either improve understanding of the mechanisms underlying the function of molecular imprinting systems or for the design of new systems. Here, we present an overview of the literature describing the application of theoretical and computational techniques to the different stages of the molecular imprinting process (pre-polymerization mixture, polymerization process and ligand-molecularly imprinted polymer rebinding), along with an analysis of trends within and the current status of this aspect of the molecular imprinting field.

Epitope-imprinted polymers: applications in protein recognition and separation

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have evolved as promising platforms for specific recognition of proteins. However, molecular imprinting of the whole protein molecule is complicated by its large size, conformational instability, and structural complexity. These inherent limitations can be overcome by using epitope imprinting. Significant breakthroughs in the synthesis and application of epitope-imprinted polymers (EIPs) have been achieved and reported. This review highlights recent advances in epitope imprinting, from the selection of epitope peptide sequences and functional monomers to the methods applied in polymerization and template removal. Technological innovations in detection and extraction of proteins by EIPs are also provided.

Enantioselective analysis of D- and l- Serine on a layer-by-layer imprinted electrochemical sensor

The present work describes a new, simple, and easy method of generating acrylamide functionalised reduced graphene oxide-fullerene layer-by-layer assembled dual imprinted polymers to quantify D- and L-Serine at ultra trace level in aqueous and real samples. Herein, the pencil graphite electrode was initially spin coated with D-Serine imprinted acrylamide functionalized reduced graphene oxide. After 10 min thermal treatment (50 °C), this electrode was again modified with L-Serine imprinted acrylamide functionalized fullerene molecules. This bilayer assembly was finally made thermally stable by 60 °C exposure for 3 h. The proposed sensor showed better electronic properties with an improved synergism. We have compared this modified electrode with other modified pencil graphite electrodes like single layered acrylamide functionalised reduced graphene oxide or fullerene, single layered acrylamide functionalised reduced graphene oxide-fullerene composite and double layered acrylamide functionalised reduced graphene oxide or fullerene molecules, which yielded very inferior sensitivity due to possible agglomeration and decreased synergism. The chosen system demonstrated a very good analytical figures of merit with differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry transduction, showing lower limits of detection (0.24 ng mL^-1, S/N = 3) for both isomers. The proposed sensor assures practical applications as disease biomarker, manifesting several diseases at very ultra-trace level.

From imprinting to microcontact imprinting-A new tool to increase selectivity in analytical devices

Molecular imprinting technology has been successfully applied to small molecular templates but a slow progress has been made in macromolecular imprinting owing to the challenges in natural properties of macromolecules, especially proteins. In this review, the macromolecular imprinting approaches are discussed with examples from recent publications. A new molecular imprinting strategy, microcontact imprinting is highlighted with its recent applications.

Molecular imprinting science and technology: a survey of the literature for the years 2004-2011

Herein, we present a survey of the literature covering the development of molecular imprinting science and technology over the years 2004-2011. In total, 3779 references to the original papers, reviews, edited volumes and monographs from this period are included, along with recently identified uncited materials from prior to 2004, which were omitted in the first instalment of this series covering the years 1930-2003. In the presentation of the assembled references, a section presenting reviews and monographs covering the area is followed by sections describing fundamental aspects of molecular imprinting including the development of novel polymer formats. Thereafter, literature describing efforts to apply these polymeric materials to a range of application areas is presented. Current trends and areas of rapid development are discussed.