Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Specific towards 4-Borono-L-phenylalanine—Synthesis Optimization, Theoretical Analysis, Morphology Investigation, Cytotoxicity, and Release Studies

Abstract

The aim of this study was to create molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) that are specific towards 4-borono-L-phenylalanine (BPA) to serve as boron compound carriers. The honeycomb-like MIPs were characterized in the matter of adsorption properties, morphology, structure, and cytotoxicity towards A549 and V79-4 cell lines. The honeycomb-like MIP composed from methacrylic acid and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate was characterized by a binding capacity of 330.4 ± 4.6 ng g−1 and an imprinting factor of 2.04, and its ordered, porous morphology was confirmed with scanning electron microscopy. The theoretical analysis revealed that the coexistence of different anionic forms of the analyte in basic solution might lower the binding capacity of the MIP towards BPA. The release profiles from the model phosphate buffer saline showed that only 0 to 4.81% of BPA was released from the MIP within the time frame of two hours, furthermore, the obtained material was considered non-cytotoxic towards tested cell lines. The results prove that MIPs can be considered as effective BPA delivery systems for biomedical applications and should be investigated in further studies.

Molecularly Imprinted Drug Carrier for Lamotrigine—Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Physicochemical Parameters

“…However, it must be underlined that the most rapidly expanding area for the application of molecularly imprinted polymer drug carriers is related to cancer therapy and diagnosis [32]. Here, the molecularly imprinted polymer for 4-borono-L-phenylalanine in boron neutron capture therapy [33], the magnetic molecularly imprinted carrier for the targeted delivery of the anticancer drug docetaxel [34], the pH-responsive magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer [35], or zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 molecularly imprinted polymer [36] for prostate cancer therapy could serve as very interesting examples.…”

Attapulgite and Graphene‐Based Molecular Imprinted Polymers as 5‐FU Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer**

“…In addition, the production of composites, in which imprinted polymers are bonded by layers of silica to other materials, such as magnetic particles or quantum dots, makes it possible to use these materials in biomedical applications. [13][14][15] Graphene-based imprinted polymers are used to take advantage of the unique structure of graphene, which can interact with a number of drugs to achieve controlled release of drugs. Siloxane and graphene-based imprinted polymers have been studied more for the removal of heavy metal ions and organic pollutants from water.…”

“…Finally, it identifies properties such as the biocompatibility of siloxanes, opening the way for drug delivery and nanomedicine applications. In addition, the production of composites, in which imprinted polymers are bonded by layers of silica to other materials, such as magnetic particles or quantum dots, makes it possible to use these materials in biomedical applications [13–15] . Graphene‐based imprinted polymers are used to take advantage of the unique structure of graphene, which can interact with a number of drugs to achieve controlled release of drugs.…”