Molecularly imprinted polymer nanomaterials and nanocomposites: atom-transfer radical polymerization with acidic monomers.
Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are artificial receptors which can be tailored to bind target molecules specifically. A new method, using photoinitiated atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) for their synthesis as monoliths, thin films and nanoparticles is described. The synthesis takes place at room temperature and is compatible with acidic monomers, two major limitations for the use of ATRP with MIPs. The method has been validated with MIPs specific for the drugs testosterone and S-propranolol. This study considerably widens the range of functional monomers and thus molecular templates which can be used when MIPs are synthesized by ATRP, as well as the range of physical forms of these antibody mimics, in particular films and lithographic patterns, and their post-functionalization from living chain-ends.
Enzyme and Cell Engineering Laboratory, Compiègne University of Technology, CS60319, Rue Roger Couttolenc, 60205 Compiègne (France) http://www.utc.fr/mip.
Zeynep
Z
Adali-Kaya
Bernadette
B
Tse Sum Bui
Aude
A
Falcimaigne-Cordin
Karsten
K
Haupt
ATRP; diazo compounds; iridium; living polymerization; molecular imprinting