Surface-modified multifunctional MIP nanoparticles

Abstract

The synthesis of core-shell molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (MIP NPs) has been performed using a novel solid-phase approach on immobilised templates. The same solid phase also acts as protective functionality for high affinity binding sites during subsequent derivatisation/shell formation. This procedure allows for the rapid synthesis, controlled separation and purification of high-affinity materials, with each production cycle taking just 2 hours. The aim of this approach is to synthesise uniformly-sized imprinted materials at the nanoscale which can be readily grafted with various polymers without affecting their affinity and specificity. For demonstration purposes we grafted anti-melamine MIP NPs with coatings which introduce the following surface characteristics: high polarity (PEG methacrylate); electro-activity (vinyl ferrocene); fluorescence (eosin acrylate); thiol groups (pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate)). The method has broad applicability and can be used to produce multifunctional imprinted nanoparticles with potential for further application in the biosensors, diagnostics and biomedical fields and as an alternative to natural receptors.

Molecularly imprinted polymers with multi-functionality

“…Especially for imprinted microspheres and nanoparticles, modification of their surfaces does not compromise their interior binding sites but can improve the compatibility of the MIPs with aqueous solvent, which is often unavoidable in practical applications. Grafting hydrophilic polymer layer or polymer brushes on MIP beads has proved an effective method to reduce nonspecific binding [21][22][23]. Of more interest is the addition of magnetic response to MIP microspheres, as reported by Zhao et al using controlled radical precipitation polymerization (Fig.…”

In silico designed nanoMIP based optical sensor for endotoxins monitoring

“…The living initiator provides a controlled approach of synthesising MIP nanoparticles by allowing the growth of polymer chains at a constant rate without early termination and does not suffer from exothermic auto-acceleration experienced with non-living radical synthesis (Moczko et al, 2013). The polymer mixture with the templates are exposed to the UV light for a short period reducing any significant temperature increase that may disrupt the interactions between the monomer and the endotoxin template during the polymerisation.…”

“…This allows control over the orientation ensuring that the imprinted binding sites recognise the same epitope to create a "monoclonal" MIP (Poma et al, 2010). It is also possible to add functional groups to the surface of the MIPs using this procedure to attach to sensors (Moczko et al, 2013). The solid phase also retains the template, which is covalently attached to the glass beads during temperature based affinity elutions.…”

Selective extraction of Bactrocera oleae sexual pheromone from olive oil by dispersive magnetic microsolid phase extraction using a molecularly imprinted nanocomposite

“…Nanoparticles are excellent support materials for the surface imprinting owing to their large surface to volume ratio. Furthermore, nanoparticles enhance the physical and chemical properties of MIPs since they provide a quasi-spherical geometry, as well as higher stability and easier dispersion [8]. These nanocomposites have an enhanced mass transference than those MIPs synthesized by the conventional bulk polymerization [9][10][11][12][13].…”