Molecular Imprinted Polymer for a Purfication Device

Molecular imprinting is a well established technology that mimics biological recognition systems using artificial materials. This involves synthesizing a nanostructured polymeric host in the presence of a target molecule to generate complementary binding sites that are selective for a molecule of interest. The technique offers a platform for developing simple and inexpensive systems with a vast array of applications such as; chromatography, separation, catalysts purification, solid phase extraction, biosensors, medical diagnostics and drug delivery. Elevated levels of some proteins in the blood can lead to a number of medical conditions. Incorporating these polymers into a device for blood purification to remove such molecules can be used as a means to combat these problems. Protein imprinting was studied from a novel perspective using protein coated micro crystals (PCMCs). PCMCs are nanostructured particles made via a rapid 1-step process developed by Moore et al. (2001). The use of a novel PCMCs strategy in molecular imprinting has allowed the retention of selected protein native conformation in organic media and the creation of access pores lined with nanocavities which facilitate protein extraction and re-introduction into the imprinted polymer. This technique has enabled us to overcome many of the challenges faced when using conventional imprinting methodology, such as protein insolubility in aprotic solvents, protein insolubility in aprotic solvents, protein denaturation and aggregation as a result of polymerization conditions and the permanent entrapment of the protein template in the cross linked polymer network.