title: Pharmaceutical applications for molecularly imprinted polymers.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: The RESIST Group, Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Allender
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Woodhouse
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Heard
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Brain
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004809:Ephedrine; D005079:Excipients; D006632:Histamine; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D005079:Excipients; D011108:Polymers; D006632:Histamine; D004809:Ephedrine