Binding constant and transport property of S-Naproxen molecularly imprinted composite membrane

Advances of enantioselective solid membranes

Rosy prospects of chiral membranes are proposed with novel and robust materials.

Applications of molecularly imprinted polymers for solid-phase extraction of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics from environmental waters and biological samples

The occurrence of pharmaceuticals used as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics in the aquatic environment is a threat to humans and aquatic species at large. The primary route of these pharmaceuticals to aquatic environment is through human waste such as urine and faeces. The application of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) in the solid-phase extraction (SPE) of such pollutants from environmental and biological samples is important for the pre-concentration of compounds and selectivity of the analytical methods. To date, there are still limited commercial suppliers of MIPs. However, it is easy to synthesize such polymers via non-covalent imprinting approach using easily available and affordable reagents. Therefore, the applications of MIPs in the SPE of NSAIDs and analgesics from environmental and biological samples are reviewed. This is very important because despite the fact that review articles on applications of MIPs for organic compounds have been reported, very little has focussed on NSAIDs and analgesics which are the major studied pharmaceuticals in the environment and biological samples. The review also brings out important aspects of common reagents used including the template molecules during MIP synthesis. Application and future trends are also discussed. Gaps such as little use of environmental friendly reagents such as ionic liquids have been identified. Also, the lack of MIP applications to some compounds such as fenoprofen has been observed which is likely to be developed in the near future.

Molecularly Imprinted Composite Membranes for Selective Detection of 2-Deoxyadenosine in Urine Samples

An important challenge for scientific research is the production of artificial systems able to mimic the recognition mechanisms occurring at the molecular level in living systems. A valid contribution in this direction resulted from the development of molecular imprinting. In this work, a novel molecularly imprinted polymer composite membrane (MIM) was synthesized and employed for the selective detection in urine samples of 2-deoxyadenosine (2-dA), an important tumoral marker. By thermal polymerization, the 2-dA-MIM was cross-linked on the surface of a polyvinylidene-difluoride (PVDF) membrane. By characterization techniques, the linking of the imprinted polymer on the surface of the membrane was found. Batch-wise guest binding experiments confirmed the absorption capacity of the synthesized membrane towards the template molecule. Subsequently, a time-course of 2-dA retention on membrane was performed and the best minimum time (30 min) to bind the molecule was established. HPLC analysis was also performed to carry out a rapid detection of target molecule in urine sample with a recovery capacity of 85%. The experiments indicated that the MIM was highly selective and can be used for revealing the presence of 2-dA in urine samples.

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.

Bio-mimetic sensors based on molecularly imprinted membranes

An important challenge for scientific research is the production of artificial systems able to mimic the recognition mechanisms occurring at the molecular level in living systems. A valid contribution in this direction resulted from the development of molecular imprinting. By means of this technology, selective molecular recognition sites are introduced in a polymer, thus conferring it bio-mimetic properties. The potential applications of these systems include affinity separations, medical diagnostics, drug delivery, catalysis, etc. Recently, bio-sensing systems using molecularly imprinted membranes, a special form of imprinted polymers, have received the attention of scientists in various fields. In these systems imprinted membranes are used as bio-mimetic recognition elements which are integrated with a transducer component. The direct and rapid determination of an interaction between the recognition element and the target analyte (template) was an encouraging factor for the development of such systems as alternatives to traditional bio-assay methods. Due to their high stability, sensitivity and specificity, bio-mimetic sensors-based membranes are used for environmental, food, and clinical uses. This review deals with the development of molecularly imprinted polymers and their different preparation methods. Referring to the last decades, the application of these membranes as bio-mimetic sensor devices will be also reported.