Molecularly imprinted polyacrylamide polymers and copolymers with specific recognition for serum proteins
Year: 2005
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Using molecular imprinting, polyacrylamide polymers were created with \nrecognition for serum proteins in aqueous solution. By dissolving the protein in solution \nwith functional monomers containing electrostatic groups, polymers with specific \nrecognition sites for the macromolecule were created. The presence of three functional \nmonomers that are anionic, cationic, and hydrogen-bond donating gave imprinted \nP(MAA-DMAEMA-Aam)MIP polymers that exhibited a ~200% increase in recognition to \nlysozyme template as compared to recognition by non-imprinted control. In addition, \nthe P(MAA-DMAEMA-Aam)MIP polymer exhibited a 20% increase in recognition to \nchicken lysozyme template compared to the human lysozyme and a 30% increase over \nthe similarly sized macromolecule, cytochrome c. These results gave proo \nvii \nIn addition, the overall macroscopic properties of protein imprinted gels were \nexamined using scanning electron microscopy, where definite morphological differences \nwere observed between the MIP polymers and the controls. Fourier Transform Infrared \nSpectroscopy determined that the presence of template had no effect upon the overall \ngel composition, while differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine the \nmolecular weight between crosslinks of MIP polymers and controls. \nAs an investigation of controlled drug delivery system, gels were also loaded with \nlysozyme, and the release of the protein was calculated. Imprinted gels exhibited a \nlonger sustained release over controls, with P(MAA-DMAEMA-Aam)MIP polymers \nexhibiting the slowest release, where only ~80% of the protein was released after 72 h. \nThis is compared to P(MAA-DMAEMA-Aam)C gel that exhibited ~100% release after 36 \nh. In all cases, released lysozyme retained enzymatic activity. The gels also exhibited \ngood in vitro biocompatibility when in contact with 3T3 fibroblasts. \nThis work forms the foundation of fabricating polymer gels with specific \nrecognition to macromolecules. We feel these networks hold promise as recognition \ncomponents in the next generation of biomaterials and drug delivery systems. Using \nspecific chemical groups that mimic functionalities recognized by natural \nmacromolecules, completely synthetic materials with specific selectivity for a target \nligand can be designed. It is believed that such materials can be incorporated into \nbiosensors, responsive drug delivery systems, or other diagnostic devices requiring the \ndetection of specific molecules.
Author: Nicole M. Bergmann
Language: English
Subfield: Analytical Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2304097484