Molecular Imprinting
Posted at: Thursday, 21 July 2011 | Posted by: Prof. Rigoberto Advincula, University of Houston, USA
Methods by which smart coatings can have sensing or separation properties for chemical and biomolecules can involve a type of molecular imprinting polymerization (MIP). There is a lot of interest for mimicking anti-bodies, enzymes, taste sensation, etc. One of the best ways this has been implemented in polymer materials is through MIP.
MIP involves the use of analytes which serves as templates involving monomers surrounding these templates. Once these complexes or compounds have been incorporated in a polymerization process (emulsion, solution, bulk, or thin film), the template-analyte is embedded with the matrix. Removing the analyte affords a cavity which is very specific for the original analyte. Subsequently, that surface or material will bind the analyte and therefore can sense or separate it from the rest. Traditionally, this can be implemented as monolith bulk material that can be packed into columns and used for sensing or separation. We have implemented a polymerization and electropolymerization protocol where it can be bound on thin films. In essence, we can make a thin film coating a sensor or a separation film, able to respond to the template molecule. A recent review can be found on the following website:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/vp151211635r1882/
or e-mail me at radvincula@uh.edu
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