The aim of this study was to develop methods for sample preparation for 8-OHdG in blood plasma samples with different solid phase extraction techniques using HPLC with an elec- trochemical detector. The solid phase extraction cartridges used were Chromabond® C18, Oasis® MAX, and three types of SupelMIPTM cartridges for chloramphenicol, riboflavin, and nitroimidazoles. The SupelMIPTM cartridges are based on molecularly imprinted polymers- technique. The separation of 8-OHdG in samples extracted from blood plasma was carried out with a Thermo Quest Hypersil Division ODS column (250 mm × 4 mm, 3μm I.D.) and methanol:buffer (10:90, v/v) as mobile phase. Recovery and selectivity was studied for the different solid phase extraction methods. The highest recovery was obtained using the Chromabond C18 cartridge with a recovery of 92%, and CV coefficient 9.5% (n = 4). 8-OHdG could not be extracted on MIP-cartridges for chloramphenicol or riboflavin, but was retained on MIP columns for nitroimidazoles, and the highest recovery was 49%.

Sample preparation has a critical role as a first step in analytical processes, especially in bioanalysis and environmental analysis. A good sample preparation technique should be robust and stable, regardless of the sample matrix. The aim of this thesis is to design and synthesize molecularly imprinted polymers that can be used in various sample preparation techniques, such as on-line MEPS, on-line SPE and on-line monolithic pre-columns used for the extraction of drugs, hormones, and cancer biomarkers from human plasma and urine samples. Additional aim was to provide full automation, on-line coupling, short sample preparation time and high-throughput. In this thesis MIP in MEPS was used on-line with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) for the determination of sarcosine in human urine and plasma samples. The method was fully automated and the packed sorbent could be used for about hundred extractions. In additional work a coated needle with MIP-Sol-Gel as thin layer was prepared and used for the microextraction of bilirubin from human plasma and urine. Small sample volumes could be handled and the validation of the method showed that the method was robust and selective. In a further work MIP-SPE on-line with HPLC was used for the extraction and determination of dextromethorphan in human plasma samples. MIP-SPE showed a good selectivity and high recovery (87% - 92%). On-line MIP monolithic pre-column was prepared and used in a coupled system for the extraction of tramadol in human plasma and urine samples. The MIP monolithic pre-column showed good selectivity and high extraction recovery was obtained (91-96%). The extraction and analysis of human insulin in plasma and pharmaceutical formulation solutions were carried out using MIP-SPE on-line with HPLC. The validation of the method showed that the method was accurate and robust. / <p>At the time of the doctoral defense, the following paper was unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 5: Submitted.</p>

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are biomimetic sensing elements that combine the accuracy and highly specific binding affinity of a biosensor, with the robustness and reusability associated with artificial electrochemical sensors. This thesis investigates the application of a MIP sensor to address the challenge of phosphate detection in precision agriculture. Traditional chemical sensing approaches using portable electrochemical sensors display a significant cross-interference between inorganic phosphate and other nutrient ions. This is due to the low position of phosphate in the Hofmeister Selectivity Series for anions, its high electronegativity and its pH dependent structure, resulting in a molecule that is very difficult to detect. To address this challenge, a sensor was created by spin coating a phosphate selective MIP onto a substrate containing a series of electrodes. These electrode devices allowed for electrical measurements to be taken using an inductance, capacitance and resistance (LCR) testing station, and to observe the change in the materials dielectric constant as the binding sites become occupied by the target analyte. The devices underwent several design reiterations to produce an optimised setup consisting of 100 interdigitated chrome electrodes with a width of 1 μm and a separation distance of 1 μm on a quartz substrate. The final electrode design was used to carry out a nutrient cross-interference study across several polymer permutations. The purpose of this was to develop an optimised MIP formulation for binding specifically to inorganic phosphate ions. From this study, an optimal phosphate selective MIP was identified, based upon a binding site constructed from methacrylic acid around a diphenyl phosphate template molecule. During capacitance measurements, this MIP formulation demonstrated a clear preferential response to phosphate (1610 pF) over the average capacitance results observed following exposure to the competing nitrate (1286 pF) and sulphate (1212 pF) nutrients tested in the cross-interference study.

A fotocatálise heterogênea é um processo que apresenta baixa seletividade de degradação. Nesse sentido, a síntese de materiais dotados de impressão molecular (IM) deve ajudar a contornar este problema. Os fotocatalisadores dotados de IM foram sintetizados de acordo com duas classes: uma inorgância (via diferentes rotas sol-gel e TEOS como percursor de sílica) e outra orgânica (via impressão não-covalente por precipitação e ácido metacrílico como monômero). No caso da primeira, a impressão molecular foi investigada através do uso de corante (rodamina B) e diferentes fármacos como template (substrato molde). No caso da matriz orgânica, o fármaco diclofenaco foi usado como molécula template. Os materiais foram caracterizados por análises texturais, estruturais e morfológicas. Com respeito à matriz à base de sílica, os sistemas com maiores valores de área específica foram observados pela rota ácida. Como efeito da rota, foi observado que a rota ácida apresentou um fator de seletividade 47% maior que a rota não-hidrolítica em testes de adsorção seletiva. Os resultados obtidos por análise de isotermas também convergem no sentido de revelarem que a rota ácida apresentou a maior capacidade de adsorção (997,9 mg/g) dentre as diferentes rotas de síntese pelo método sol-gel. Nos ensaios de fotocatálise (rodamina como template), foi conseguido um aumento de seletividade e competitividade na fotodegradação da rodamina de até 187% e 290%, respectivamente, comparado ao P25 (amostra comercial de TiO2). Quanto ao uso de fármacos como template em matriz inorgânica, os fotocatalisadores com impressão molecular obtiveram um aumento na adsorção e fotodegradação de até 751 e 427%, respectivamente, em comparação ao P25. Os materiais baseados em matriz orgânica também apresentaram seletividade em comparação ao P25. O valor médio do coeficiente de seletividade (estimado a partir da degradação de moléculas não-alvo, a fluxetina e o paracetamol) foi estimado em 2,8 – portanto sugerindo que a presença de cavidades tridimensionais é um dos principais fatores da seletividade observada. Com o objetivo de explorar o potencial de adsorção das cavidades de impressão molecular, os estudos dos fotocatalisadores seletivos com adição de P25 foram conduzidos de maneira a manter baixa a concentração de TiO2 (de 7 a 44 mg/L em cada teste fotocatalítico). Estudos de reuso do fotocatalisador (com e sem regeneração) também foram conduzidos. Tanto os materiais de matriz inorgânica como orgânica mantiveram em pelo menos 60% da eficiência fotocatalítica original após vários ciclos. / Heterogeneous photocatalysis is a process that has a low selectivity for degradation. In this sense, the synthesis of materials with molecularly imprinting (MI) should help to overcome this problem. The photocatalyst containing MI was synthesized according to two classes: An inorganic one (via different sol-gel routes and TEOS as silica precursor) and an organic one (via non-covalent imprinting by precipitation having methacrylic acid as monomer). In the first case, MI was investigated by use of the dye (rhodamine B) and several pharmaceutical compounds as template. In case the organic matrix, diclofenac was used as the template molecule. The samples were extensively characterized by textural, structural and morphological analysis. With respect to the silica-based matrix, the systems with larger surface area values were obtained by acid route. As effect of the route, it was observed that the acid route showed a selectivity factor 47% higher than that of the non-hydrolytic route in selective adsorption tests. Among the different synthesis routes prepared by sol-gel method, the isotherms analysis showed that acid route has the highest adsorption capacity (997.9 mg/g). Compared to the P25 (commercial sample of TiO2), the photocatalysis assays (rhodamine as the template) have shown an increase in selectivity and competitiveness up to 187% and 290%, respectively. Regarding the use of pharmaceutical as template in the inorganic matrix, the imprinted photocatalyst had an increase in adsorption and photodegradation up to 751 and 427%, respectively. The systems based on the organic matrix have also showed selectivity compared to the P25. The mean value of selectivity coefficient for degradation (estimated from the non-target molecules, such as fluoxetine and paracetamol) was estimated to be 2.8 – thus, suggesting that the presence of three-dimensional cavities is a major factor in the observed selectivity. In order to explore the full potential of adsorption from the MI cavities, the photocatalyst containing P25 were prepared with the low concentration of TiO2 (from 7 to 44 mg/L in each photocatalytic test). The reuse of photocatalysts (with and without regeneration) was also studied. Both inorganic and organic matrix retained at least 60% of the original efficiency after several cycles.

A fotocatálise heterogênea é um processo que apresenta baixa seletividade de degradação. Nesse sentido, a síntese de materiais dotados de impressão molecular (IM) deve ajudar a contornar este problema. Os fotocatalisadores dotados de IM foram sintetizados de acordo com duas classes: uma inorgância (via diferentes rotas sol-gel e TEOS como percursor de sílica) e outra orgânica (via impressão não-covalente por precipitação e ácido metacrílico como monômero). No caso da primeira, a impressão molecular foi investigada através do uso de corante (rodamina B) e diferentes fármacos como template (substrato molde). No caso da matriz orgânica, o fármaco diclofenaco foi usado como molécula template. Os materiais foram caracterizados por análises texturais, estruturais e morfológicas. Com respeito à matriz à base de sílica, os sistemas com maiores valores de área específica foram observados pela rota ácida. Como efeito da rota, foi observado que a rota ácida apresentou um fator de seletividade 47% maior que a rota não-hidrolítica em testes de adsorção seletiva. Os resultados obtidos por análise de isotermas também convergem no sentido de revelarem que a rota ácida apresentou a maior capacidade de adsorção (997,9 mg/g) dentre as diferentes rotas de síntese pelo método sol-gel. Nos ensaios de fotocatálise (rodamina como template), foi conseguido um aumento de seletividade e competitividade na fotodegradação da rodamina de até 187% e 290%, respectivamente, comparado ao P25 (amostra comercial de TiO2). Quanto ao uso de fármacos como template em matriz inorgânica, os fotocatalisadores com impressão molecular obtiveram um aumento na adsorção e fotodegradação de até 751 e 427%, respectivamente, em comparação ao P25. Os materiais baseados em matriz orgânica também apresentaram seletividade em comparação ao P25. O valor médio do coeficiente de seletividade (estimado a partir da degradação de moléculas não-alvo, a fluxetina e o paracetamol) foi estimado em 2,8 – portanto sugerindo que a presença de cavidades tridimensionais é um dos principais fatores da seletividade observada. Com o objetivo de explorar o potencial de adsorção das cavidades de impressão molecular, os estudos dos fotocatalisadores seletivos com adição de P25 foram conduzidos de maneira a manter baixa a concentração de TiO2 (de 7 a 44 mg/L em cada teste fotocatalítico). Estudos de reuso do fotocatalisador (com e sem regeneração) também foram conduzidos. Tanto os materiais de matriz inorgânica como orgânica mantiveram em pelo menos 60% da eficiência fotocatalítica original após vários ciclos. / Heterogeneous photocatalysis is a process that has a low selectivity for degradation. In this sense, the synthesis of materials with molecularly imprinting (MI) should help to overcome this problem. The photocatalyst containing MI was synthesized according to two classes: An inorganic one (via different sol-gel routes and TEOS as silica precursor) and an organic one (via non-covalent imprinting by precipitation having methacrylic acid as monomer). In the first case, MI was investigated by use of the dye (rhodamine B) and several pharmaceutical compounds as template. In case the organic matrix, diclofenac was used as the template molecule. The samples were extensively characterized by textural, structural and morphological analysis. With respect to the silica-based matrix, the systems with larger surface area values were obtained by acid route. As effect of the route, it was observed that the acid route showed a selectivity factor 47% higher than that of the non-hydrolytic route in selective adsorption tests. Among the different synthesis routes prepared by sol-gel method, the isotherms analysis showed that acid route has the highest adsorption capacity (997.9 mg/g). Compared to the P25 (commercial sample of TiO2), the photocatalysis assays (rhodamine as the template) have shown an increase in selectivity and competitiveness up to 187% and 290%, respectively. Regarding the use of pharmaceutical as template in the inorganic matrix, the imprinted photocatalyst had an increase in adsorption and photodegradation up to 751 and 427%, respectively. The systems based on the organic matrix have also showed selectivity compared to the P25. The mean value of selectivity coefficient for degradation (estimated from the non-target molecules, such as fluoxetine and paracetamol) was estimated to be 2.8 – thus, suggesting that the presence of three-dimensional cavities is a major factor in the observed selectivity. In order to explore the full potential of adsorption from the MI cavities, the photocatalyst containing P25 were prepared with the low concentration of TiO2 (from 7 to 44 mg/L in each photocatalytic test). The reuse of photocatalysts (with and without regeneration) was also studied. Both inorganic and organic matrix retained at least 60% of the original efficiency after several cycles.

Orientador: Lauro Tatsuo Kubota / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Quimica / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-14T02:29:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Santos_WilneydeJesusRodrigues_D.pdf: 6401846 bytes, checksum: 72d1c8253a6ec5d1d17792b0bd34ca39 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / Resumo: O presente trabalho descreve as aplicações de nanoreatores biomiméticos à peroxidase baseados em MIP ("Molecularly Imprinted Polymers") como uma ferramenta promissora para determinação de substâncias de grande interesse biológico e ambiental, tais como os compostos fenólicos (4-aminofenol e serotonina). Neste sentido, a síntese dos MIPs foi baseada na polimerização convencional em "bulk". Cada polímero foi sintetizado a partir do ácido metacrílico (monômero funcional), etileno glicoldimetilacrilato (reagente de ligação cruzada), 2¿2-azo-bis-isobutironitrila (iniciador radicalar), em presença de Fe(III)protoporfrina(IX) (hemina) como centro catalítico, o qual é responsável pela mimetização do sítio ativo da peroxidase, criando portanto, um polímero com impressão molecular cataliticamente ativo para o reconhecimento do 4-aminofenol e serotonina (moléculas molde). Além disso, a fim de avaliar a seletividade do material, foram preparados, paralelamente, polímeros sem a impressão molecular (NIP Non Imprinted Polymers) e também na ausência de hemina. Os MIPs foram caracterizados pelas técnicas de espectroscopia no infravermelho, área superficial específica, volume específico dos poros, análise termogravimétrica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Parâmetros cinéticos, incluindo valores de velocidade máxima, Vmax e constante aparente de Michaelis¿Menten, Km foram obtidas pelo gráfico de Lineweaver-Burk. Para aplicação analítica, em amostras de água e soro sanguíneo, sistemas amperométricos foram otimizados através de análise multivariada / Abstract: The present work describes the applications of biomimetic nanoreactor to the based peroxidase in molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) as a promising tool for determination of substances of high biological and environmental interest, such as phenolic compounds (4-aminophenol and serotonin). In this sense, the synthesis of MIPs was based on the conventional polymerization in bulk. Each polymer was synthesized from methacrylic acid (functional monomer), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (cross-linking reagent), 2,2'-azobis-isobutyronitrile (initiator), in the presence of Fe(III)protoporphyrin(IX) (hemin) as a catalytic center, which is responsible for the mimic of the active site of peroxidase, creating therefore, a molecularly imprinted polymer active catalytically for the recognition of the 4-aminophenol and serotonin (template molecules). Furthermore, in order to evaluate the selectivity of the material, were prepared, parallel, polymers without the molecular impression (NIP - Non imprinted polymers) and also in the hemin absence. The MIPs were characterized by the techniques of infrared spectroscopy, specific surface area, specific pore volume, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy. Kinetic parameters, including values for maximum rate, Vmax and Michaelis-Menten apparent constant, Km were obtained from Lineweaver-Burk plots. For analytical application, in samples of water and blood serum, amperometric systems were optimized through multivariate analysis / Doutorado / Quimica Analitica / Doutor em Ciências

Orientador: Ivo Milton Raimundo Júnior / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Química / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-20T16:51:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Santos_KleciaMoraisdos_D.pdf: 2306751 bytes, checksum: bf7642f623ca7798b881b810cd6dd821 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: Neste trabalho diferentes fases sensoras foram desenvolvidas para implementar novas estratégias para a determinação de íons cobre em águas naturais, empregando Espectroscopia Óptica de Emissão em Plasma Induzido por Laser (LIBS) e Espectroscopia de Luminescência. Nas determinações por LIBS, membranas de PVC plastificadas foram empregadas para extração e pré-concentração de íons cobre em meio aquoso, fornecendo curvas analíticas na faixa de 10 mg L - 100mg L (R > 0,90). Esses estudos mostraram que a técnica LIBS é capaz de detectar íons cobre em concentrações da ordem de mg L, indicando que membranas extratoras podem ser aplicadas como uma eficiente estratégia de pré-concentração. Dessa forma, LIBS pode ser considerada como uma potencial e viável ferramenta para determinação de íons Cu(II) em águas. Determinações baseadas em Espectroscopia de Luminescência foram realizadas usando o bis(1,10-fenantrolina)1-(4-hidroxi 3-(1H-imidazol [4,5-f][1,10] rutênio(II) bis hexafluorofosfato ([Ru(phen)2HAIP](PF6)2), que foi imobilizado em membranas de metacrilato, de PVC e iônicas, sol-gel e nanopartículas (NP) de sílica. O reagente luminescente apresenta alta seletividade para íons Cu (II) em solução, enquanto somente as nanopartículas mostraram sensibilidade adequada para esse íon. As nanopartículas de sílica foram sintetizadas através do método Stöber, sendo que o reagente luminescente foi adicionado em diferentes estágios da síntese (0, 3, 6 e 8 horas), a qual foi realizada em um total de 10 horas. A microscopia de transição eletrônica (TEM) mostrou nanopartículas com diâmetros em torno de 10-20 nm. As nanopartículas sintetizadas pela adição do reagente após 8h de síntese apresentaram uma faixa linear entre 2,0-8,0 mmol L, um limite de detecção de 0,30 mmol L, um limite de quantificação de 1,0 mmol L e um tempo de resposta (t90%) < 30 s. A nanopartícula apresentou alta seletividade para íons cobre, não mostrando interferências dos íons Zn(II), Cd(II), Ni(II), Hg(II), Pb(II) e Fe(III). As nanopartículas foram aplicadas para determinação de íons Cu(II) em amostras de água mineral e de torneira que foram enriquecidas com 5,0 e 7,0 mmol L do analito. Recuperações na faixa de 88,1-109,6% foram obtidas, indicando a potencialidade das NPs fluorescentes para determinação de Cu(II) em águas. Além disso, os íons Cu (II) podem ser liberados na NP depois de tratamento ácido, sendo regenerado para um novo conjunto de medidas, tornando o reagente reutilizável, fato que está de acordo com os princípios da Química Verde / Abstract: In this work, different sensing phases were developed to implement new strategies for determination of copper ions in natural waters, employing Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Luminescence Spectroscopy. In the determinations by LIBS, plasticized PVC membranes were employed for extraction and pre-concentration of copper ions in aqueous medium, providing analytical curves in the range from 10 mg L to 100mg L (R > 0.90). These studies have shown that LIBS is able to detect copper ions in concentrations as low as mg L, indicating that extraction membranes can be applied as an efficient strategy of pre-concentration. In this way, LIBS can be considered as a potential and feasible tool for Cu(II) determination in waters. Determinations based on luminescence spectroscopy were performed by using the bis(1,10-phenanthroline)1-(4-hydroxy 3-(1H-imidazo [4,5-f][1,10] ruthenium(II) bis(hexafluorophosphate) reagent ([Ru(phen)2HAIP](PF6)2), which was immobilized in methacrylate, PVC and ionic membranes, sol-gel silica and silica nanoparticles (NP). The luminescent reagent presented high selectivity to Cu(II) ions in solution, while only the silica nanoparticles showed adequate sensitivity to this ion. The nanoparticles were synthesized by the Stöber method, being the luminescent reagent added at different stages of the synthesis (0, 3, 6 and 8 hours), which was a performed in a total interval of 10 hours. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed nanoparticles with diameters around 10-20 nm. The nanoparticles synthesized by adding the reagent after 8 hours provided a linear response range from 2.0 to 8.0 mmol L, a detection limit of a 0.30 mmol L, a quantification limit of 1.0 mmol L and response time (t90%) < 30 s. The nanoparticle presented high selectivity for copper ions, showing no interference of Zn(II), Cd(II), Ni(II), Hg(II), Pb(II) and Fe(III) ions. The nanoparticles were applied to determination of Cu(II) ions in mineral and tap water samples, which were spiked with 5.0 and 7.0 mmol L of the analyte. Recovery within 88.1-109.6% were attained, indicating the capability of the fluorescent NPs for Cu(II) determination in waters. In addition, the Cu(II) ions can be released from the NP by acidic treatment, being regenerated for another set of measurements, making the reagent reusable, fact that is in agreement with the principles of Green Chemistry / Doutorado / Quimica Analitica / Doutor em Ciências

Orientador: Douglas Soares Galvão / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Física Gleb Wataghin / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-20T20:43:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Moura_FranciscoAlirioAlmeidaGomesde_M.pdf: 1452512 bytes, checksum: 5bfe0662fc16432eada98d772559aa36 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: Nesse estudo, investigamos, utilizando ferramentas computacionais, o problema do desenvolvimento racional de polímeros molecularmente impressos (MIP). Utilizamos vários tipos de simulações moleculares: dinâmica molecular, simulated annealing e método de Monte Carlo para alcançar uma seleção de monômeros funcionais baseada em uma biblioteca de monômeros candidatos para uma dada substância-alvo de interesse. Aplicamos esses métodos à simulação das soluções pré-polimerização para a construção de um MIP para a substância 17ß-estradiol, que é uma molécula orgânica de interesse médico e ambiental. Fomos bem sucedidos em simular a solução pré-polimerização para nove monômeros diferentes e construímos uma lista ordenada de possíveis melhores candidatos dentre esses nove / Abstract: In the present study, we investigated by means of computational tools, the problem of rational design of Molecularly Impressed Polymers (MIP). We used several different types of simulations: molecular dynamics, simulated annealing and Monte Carlo method to achieve a selection of functional monomers based on a library of candidates for the functional monomers for some given target substance of interest. We applied these methods to pre-polimerization solutions for the design of a MIP for the substance 17ß-estradiol, which is an organic molecule of medical and environmental interest. We were successful in simulating the pre-polimerization solutions for nine different monomers and building an ordered list of possible best monomers among these candidates / Mestrado / Física / Mestre em Física

In the present work, molecular dynamics simulations were used to evaluate the molecular interactions in prepolymerization mixtures, as occurring during production of molecularly imprinted polymers. The systems simulated were produced based on earlier studies for reference of results. Four systems were simulated in order to investigate the effect on molecular interactions based upon the choice of porogen (acetonitrile or chloroform) and proton transfers. The systems consisted of phenylalanine anilide as template, methacrylic acid as functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as crosslinker and 2,2’-azobis-(2-methylpropionitrile) as radical initiator, with either acetonitrile or chloroform as porogen. Trajectories from the simulations were evaluated through radial distribution function analysis, grid density analysis and hydrogen bond analysis to investigate molecular interactions and complex formations in the simulated complete prepolymerization mixtures. Focus was on functional monomer-template, crosslinker-template and template-template complex formations. The results showed that the porogen influences molecular interactions in complete prepolymerization mixtures. Formation of higher order complexes was confirmed in all of the systems involving all of the investigated molecular species in the prepolymerization mixtures. The results could also confirm the presence of previously observed complexes between functional monomer and template (2:1 and 1:1 stoichiometry) and the prevalence of template dimerization, as well as a high involvement of crosslinker in complex formation.

Alkaloid toxicities negatively impact livestock health and production and are of serious economic concern to animal industries. To date, few strategies have been developed to evaluate alkaloid levels in feed or to counteract alkaloid toxicities. The present research evaluated the applicability of imprinting technology to synthesize polymers that have potential to interact with ergot alkaloids and therefore reduce their bioavailability in the GIT. The studies also evaluated applicability of synthesized polymers for use in the ruminal environment using an in vitro ruminal fermentation model, and for the ability to ameliorate vasoconstriction using ex vivo myographic evaluations. In the first experiment, styrene-based molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized using ergotamine as the imprinting template and evaluated for specificity of adsorption to various ergot alkaloids. Cross reactivity with related alkaloids exists due to similarities in structure and functional groups. Both polymers (MIP and NIP) showed strong adsorption intensity and no difference was observed for estimated maximum adsorption capacity between MIP and NIP. Morphologically, MIP was highly porous with greater surface area than NIP. Solid phase extraction indicated stronger adsorption of MIP than NIP to ergot alkaloids suggesting the potential for MIP as a sorbent material for solid phase extraction (SPE) columns used for sample clean-up prior to HPLC or LC-MS/MS analysis of complex samples. In Experiment 2, methacrylic acid-based polymers were synthesized with ergotamine as a template. Among the 4 alkaloids evaluated for selectivity, adsorption difference between MIP and NIP interacted with alkaloid concentration, although differences were generally consistent across concentrations. Imprinting did not affect lysergol and bromocriptine adsorption, but resulted in higher adsorption to methylergonovine. However, there was no difference between MIP and NIP for adsorption of ergotamine. Hydrophobic interactions and H-bonding were the primary interactive forces between polymers and alkaloid adsorbents. Morphologically, MIP had greater surface area and porosity implying a larger surface for adsorption. In addition to its application as SPE sorbent, this MIP was a suitable candidate for application as a feed adsorbent to reduce the bioavailability of certain alkaloid in the gut. In experiment 3, methacrylic acid-based polymers were evaluated for their effect on in vitro ruminal fermentation. There were no interactions between polymer type and inclusion level, and no differences between polymer types for cumulative gas production or rate of gas production. Total gas production and rate of gas production were unaffected by inclusion level. Polymers did not affect total or individual VFA concentrations, ammonia-N or methane concentration at any inclusion level. However, a logarithmic increase in polymer dose level decreased the pH linearly with maximum depression of 0.24 units. This study indicated that, within the range of expected use levels, polymers were essentially inert and would not be expected to affect ruminal fermentation. In experiment 4, ex vivo myographic bioassays were used to determine the impact of polymers on ergotamine bioavailability. Responses measured in the ex vivo myographic studies had similar trend as the responses generated from in vitro isothermal adsorption studies. Results of that study also showed that ex vivo myographic responses could be predicted from in vitro isothermal adsorption studies with more than 80% accuracy. These studies indicate that synthetic polymers are potentially effective adsorbents to mitigate ergot toxicity with little evidence of substantial differences between MIP and NIP.