Pharmaceutical applications for molecularly imprinted polymers.
Molecular imprinting is a means of introducing sites of specific molecular arrangement into an otherwise uniform polymeric matrix. This is achieved by formation of a pre-polymerisation complex between complementary monomers and the template molecule. Subsequent polymerisation in the presence of a crosslinker, in a porogenic environment, results in the production of a macroporous polymer capable of specific molecular recognition. This paper considers potential roles for molecularly imprinted polymers within a pharmaceutical remit. Applications including controlled release, drug monitoring devices and biological receptor mimetics are discussed. Histamine and ephedrine molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were studied as potential biological receptor mimics whilst a propranolol MIP was investigated for its use as a rate attenuating selective excipient in a transdermal controlled release device. Preliminary studies concerning the preparation of a theophylline selective transcutaneous monitoring device, using a theophylline MIP, are also described.
Allender
C J
CJ
The RESIST Group, Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
Richardson
C
C
Woodhouse
B
B
Heard
C M
CM
Brain
K R
KR
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004809:Ephedrine; D005079:Excipients; D006632:Histamine; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005079:Excipients; D011108:Polymers; D006632:Histamine; D004809:Ephedrine