Binding efficiency and transport properties of molecularly imprinted polymer thin films.

Daniel J Duffy, Kanad Das, Shaw L Hsu, Jacques Penelle, Vincent M Rotello, Howard D Stidham

Index: J. Am. Chem. Soc. 124(28) , 8290-6, (2002)

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Abstract

A model system for the characterization of molecular recognition events in molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) is presented. The use of a biologically inspired, three-point hydrogen-bonding motif and a thin film polymeric matrix allows for pre- and post-polymerization binding properties to be characterized by infrared spectroscopy. A method to determine binding constants was developed and utilized before and after cross-linking. These values showed a 10-fold decrease in binding after polymerization, which was attributed to an increase in molecular confinement after polymerization and a change in the local structural environment of the binding cavity. Transport of the guest molecule was shown to be reversible.