No abstract

Molecular imprinting is a generic technology that allows for the introduction of sites of specific molecular affinity into otherwise homogeneous polymeric matrices. Commonly this technique has been shown to be effective when targeting small molecules of molecular weight <1500, while extending the technique to larger molecules such as proteins has proven difficult. A number of key inherent problems in protein imprinting have been identified, including permanent entrapment, poor mass transfer, denaturation, and heterogeneity in binding pocket affinity, which have been addressed using a variety of approaches. This review focuses on protein imprinting in its various forms, ranging from conventional bulk techniques to novel thin film and monolayer surface imprinting approaches.

No abstract

This is an overview of current research in origami applied to mechanical engineering. Fundamental concepts and definitions commonly used in origami are introduced, including a background on key mathematical origami findings. An outline of applications in mechanical engineering is presented. The foundation of an origami-based design procedure and software that is currently available to aid in design are also described. The goal of this review is to introduce the subject to mechanical engineers who may not be familiar with it, and encourage future origami-based design and applications.

No abstract

No abstract

Molecular imprinting is a generic technology that allows for the introduction of sites of specific molecular affinity into otherwise homogeneous polymeric matrices. Commonly this technique has been shown to be effective when targeting small molecules of molecular weight <1500, while extending the technique to larger molecules such as proteins has proven difficult. A number of key inherent problems in protein imprinting have been identified, including permanent entrapment, poor mass transfer, denaturation, and heterogeneity in binding pocket affinity, which have been addressed using a variety of approaches. This review focuses on protein imprinting in its various forms, ranging from conventional bulk techniques to novel thin film and monolayer surface imprinting approaches.

The present study describes the development of materials suitable for environmental control of algae. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were used as simazine carriers able to provide the controlled release of simazine into water. Three polymers were designed using computational modelling. The selection of methacrylic acid (MA) and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEM) as functional monomers was based on results obtained using the Leapfrog algorithm. A cross-linked polymer made without functional monomers was also prepared and tested as a control. The release of simazine from all three polymers was studied. It was shown that the presence of functional monomers is important for polymer affinity and for controlled release of herbicide. The speed of release of herbicide correlated with the calculated binding characteristics. The high-affinity MA-based polymer released approximately 2% and the low-affinity HEM-based polymer released approximately 27% of the template over 25 days. The kinetics of simazine release from HEM-based polymer show that total saturation of an aqueous environment could be achieved over a period of 3 weeks and this corresponds to the maximal simazine solubility in water. The possible use of these types of polymers in the field of controlled release is discussed.