[nanoPost] Molecularly imprinted polymers

After polymerization the template molecule is removed, leaving cavities complementary in size and shape to the analyte which, theoretically, thus enable the polymer to rebind this molecule selectively. Because of their easy preparation and excellent physical stability and chemical characteristics (high affinity and selectivity for the target analyte), MIPs have a great potential to capture selectively certain species as those classified as malodorous.

On the other hand, MIPs can be use for the controlled release of the template involved in their preparation (i.e. pesticides, anti-biotics) just by changing the environmental conditions (i.e. air humidity). Traditionally, MIPs have been prepared by bulk polymerization which is not only tedious and time-consuming but is also far from ideal for production of MIPs on a large scale. In addition, binding site distribution within the polymeric matrix is heterogeneous, making MIPs inappropriate for some applications. In this sense, the group is involved in the development of new polymerization strategies (i.e. precipitation polymerization) dealing with the direct preparation of imprinted nano- and micro-beads with a narrow size distribution with improved recognition properties. Such particles have been successfully used in their laboratory in the analytical chemistry field for the determination of pesticides and endocrine disrupters in environmental samples.