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.

Un polymère à empreintes moléculaires (MIP) est un récepteur synthétique supramoléculaire, un matériau possédant des cavités pouvant reconnaître spécifiquement une molécule cible. Il est synthétisé en mettant en contact la molécule cible, avec un mélange de monomères fonctionnels et réticulants qui permettent d'obtenir un réseau polymérique tridimensionnel rigide. L'élimination de la molécule empreinte laissera des sites vides complémentaires de cette dernière. Ces cavités sont maintenant capables de la recapturer spécifiquement. Ces polymères sont utilisés dans les domaines tels que l’extraction en phase solide, la chromatographie d’affinité, la catalyse enzymatique, les biocapteurs et la vectorisation des médicaments. Bien que le concept des MIPs a pour origine les travaux réalisés sur des matériaux sol-gel imprimés dans les années 1930, ces derniers sont restés dans l’ombre jusqu’à l'introduction de polymères organiques imprimés plus versatiles. Par rapport aux MIPs organiques, les MIPs sol-gel présentent quelques avantages comme une plus grande stabilité thermique, une meilleure compatibilité avec l'eau et une plus grande porosité. Dans cette thèse, nous avons développé des MIPs organiques et des MIPs sol-gel pour leur application en cosmétologie et pour la vectorisation de médicaments. Dans la première partie, nous présentons des MIPs pouvant adsorber d’une façon spécifique l’acide oléique (OA), un biomarqueur de l’état pelliculaire sur le cuir chevelu. Pour la préparation des MIPs organiques, nous avons employé plusieurs monomères basiques dont l’acryloylaminobenzamidine (AB), que nous avons tout spécialement synthétisé. Tous les MIPs pouvaient lier l’OA mais beaucoup d’interaction non-spécifique était observé. D’autre part, les MIPs sol-gel présentaient une bonne reconnaissance spécifique et une capacité élevée pour OA; par exemple, un MIP de composition OA:APTES:TEOS = 1:1.6:1.7 pouvait adsorber 625 μmol.g-1 de OA dans le sébum artificiel. Des tests pour capturer l’OA sur le stratum corneum et la peau reconstruite (Episkin) ont également été effectués. La pénétration de l’OA sur les deux types de peau était plus faible en présence de MIP que de NIP. Les MIPs comme matériaux désodorisants font l’objet de la deuxième partie de cette thèse. Des MIPs pouvant adsorber les précurseurs de molécules malodorantes comme les conjugués glutamine des acides (E)-3-méthyl-2-hexénoïque (3M2H) et 3-hydroxy-3-méthyl-hexanoïque (3H3MH) ont été préparés. Le N-hexanoyl glutamine et le N-hexanoyl glutamate ont été utilisés comme template. Nous observons que le MIP synthétisé avec AB comme monomère fonctionnel possède la plus grande capacité d'adsorption pour le N-hexanoyl glutamine, ainsi que pour les précurseurs glutamines des molécules malodorantes. Des résultats préliminaires et très prometteurs ont également été obtenus dans la sueur. La dernière partie de cette thèse concerne des MIPs pour la vectorisation de médicaments. L'acide salicylique (SA) est un médicament efficace utilisé dans le traitement de l’acné. Des MIPs organiques et sol-gel contre SA ont été synthétisés. Les MIPs sol-gel ont une plus grande capacité d’adsorption, 180 μmol.g-1, que les MIPs organiques et ils lient le SA sept fois plus que le NIP. Les tests de relargage du SA ont été effectués dans plusieurs milieux, avec la plus grande efficacité dans l’eau pure. En conclusion, les applications de MIPs en cosmétologie et en vectorisation de médicaments ont étés étudiés. Nos résultats montrent que les MIPs sol-gel sont les plus appropriés pour ce type de travail. / Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are tailor-made synthetic receptors possessing specific cavities for a given target molecule. They are produced by introducing, into the polymer precursors, guest molecules that act as templates at the molecular level. Interacting and cross-linking monomers are then copolymerized to form a cast-like shell. After removal of the template, cavities complementary to the template in size, shape and position of functional groups are revealed in the polymer, which can now specifically bind the template. Thanks to these specific molecular recognition properties, MIPs have found applications in areas like bio sensors, solid phase extraction, affinity chromatography, catalysis, and drug delivery. Although the MIP concept originated from imprinted silica in the 1930s, imprinted sol-gel materials received little attention afterwards due to the introduction of the more versatile organic polymers as imprinting matrix. However, compared to organic polymers, sol-gels possess higher thermal stability, better water compatibility and larger inner surface area. There have been many applications to biomolecules in aqueous conditions with sol-gel imprinting materials. In this thesis, we have developed organic and silica sol-gel MIPs for applications in cosmetics and drug delivery. MIPs able to adsorb the dandruff-inducing molecule oleic acid (OA) were produced via both the organic and inorganic routes. In the organic MIPs synthesis, different positively charged monomers were used, one of which, acryloyl aminobenzamidine, was specifically synthesized. Although some binding of oleic acid was obtained, specificity and capacity of these polymers were not satisfying. Sol-gel MIPs, on the other hand, exhibited good specific recognition and high binding capacity for OA. A MIP of the composition OA:APTES:TEOS= 1:1.6:1.7 yielded a capacity of 625 μmol.g-1 in artificial sebum. Furthermore, tests were carried out to capture OA on stratum corneum and reconstructed skin (Episkin). Less penetration of OA was observed in the presence of a MIP than with a non-imprinted control polymer. Deodorant materials are another topic of this thesis. MIPs that are able to adsorb certain precursors of odorant molecules, the glutamine conjugates of (E)-3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid (3M2H) and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-hexanoic acid (3H3MH) were prepared. N-hexanoyl glutamine and N-hexanoyl glutamate were used as templates. After optimization of the MIP composition, we found that MIPs synthesized with acryloyl aminobenzamidine as functional monomer had the highest adsorption capacity for N-hexanoyl glutamine, and also recognised the glutamine targets of 3M2H and 3H3MH. Some preliminary promising binding results were obtained in artificial sweat. The third part of this work concerns a drug delivery MIP. Salicylic acid (SA) is a drug used to treat acne. SA-imprinted polymers were prepared via both organic imprinting and the sol-gel process.Compared to organic MIPs, sol-gel MIPs have a higher capacity, 180 μmol.g-1, and 7 times higher binding than to a non-imprinted control polymer was observed. Release tests were carried out in different aqueous media, the most efficient drug release was observed in pure water. In conclusion, applications of molecularly imprinted polymers for cosmetics and drug delivery have been investigated. Our results demonstrate the great potential of in particular sol-gel MIPs for these purposes.

As Sulfonamidas (SAs) são antibióticos de uso muito comum na medicina veterinária, sendo também aplicadas na medicina humana. Os resíduos dessas substâncias, ou dos seus metabolitos na carne e outros alimentos, podem causar efeitos adversos para a saúde dos consumidores como, por exemplo, resistências a antibióticos e alergias. Este trabalho apresenta o desenvolvimento e aplicação de métodos modernos de preparo de amostra para determinação de multiresíduo de sulfonamidas em alimentos por cromatografia líquida acoplada a espectrometria de massas e ultravioleta visível. Dentre os métodos de preparo de amostra, aplicou-se o método de extração QuEChERS (Quicky, Easy, Cheap. Effective, Rugged, Safe) modificado, em combinação com a cromatografia liquida acoplada a espectrometria de massas, para a análise de dez sulfonamidas em amostras de músculo de frango e bovino. No segundo estudo, seguindo a tendência de miniaturização, sintetizou-se um polímero molecularmente impresso (Sulfadimetoxina-MIP) para uso como sorbente em dispositivos de Microextração com Sorbentes Empacotado (MEPS). O método, denominado SDM-MIP-MEPS, foi otimizado e aplicado em amostras de músculo de frango usando a cromatografia liquida com detecção por ultravioleta-visivel. Embora o uso do polímero molecularmente impresso (MIP) como sorbente seletivo para o MEPS já tenha sido reportada em dois trabalhos, pela primeira vez é descrito a aplicação de um MIP impresso com sulfdimetoxina (SDM), usando MEPS para extração de sulfonamidas em músculo de frango. Portanto, a novidade neste caso, é o uso da nova técnica extração miniaturizada (MEPS) com o polímero sintetizado sulfadimetoxina-MIP como sorbente de empacotamento. As metodologias foram validadas com sucesso de acordo com as diretrizes 657/2002/EU. / Sulfonamides are widely used in veterinary and human medicine. Residues of these compounds, or their metabolites in animal meats and other foods, are toxic and can cause side effects in human\'s health, such as resistance to antibiotics and allergic reactions. This study describes the development and application of a modern sample preparation approach for sulfonamides multiresidue determination in food by chromatographic methods coupled to mass spectrometry and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Among those sample preparation methods, the modified QuEChERS extraction in combination with liquid chromatography in tandem with mass spectrometric detection was applied to the analysis of residues of 10 sulfonamides in chiken and cattle muscle. In the second study, following the miniaturization trends, it was synthesized a molecularly imprinted polymer (Sulfadimethoxine-MIP), for application as sorbent in Microextraction by Packed Sorbents (MEPS). The extraction method was optimized and successfully applied to chicken muscle samples in combination with highperformance liquid chromatography by ultraviolet-visible detection. Although the use of MIPs as selective packing materials for MEPS has already been reported in two papers, is first time that application of a MIP imprinted with Sulfadimethoxine is evaluated for the extraction of sulfonamides in chicken muscle. Therefore the novelty of the present work is the use of this new miniaturization extraction technique with synthesized sulfadimethoxine-MIP polymer as packing sorbent. The methods were successfully validated according to the 2002/657/EC guidelines.

This diploma thesis deals with the optimization of the preparation of molecularly imprinted (MIP) nanoparticles doped with metal ions, selective for the selected protein. In this work, the model protein – chymotrypsinogen A was chosen as a template. The free radical polymerization method was used for the preparation of molecularly imprinted nanoparticles. Dopamine was used as a functional monomer because it is able to bind metal ions to each other. It also undergoes very rapid oxidative polymerization under alkaline conditions without the need for the addition of polymer reaction initiators. MIP optimization was performed by capillary electrophoresis with UV-Vis detection. The MIP thus prepared can serve as recognition elements in immunohistochemical analyzes that use LA-ICP-MS as a detection method. Their applicability for immunohistochemistry was studied using the dot block method.

The presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in the environment has become a matter of concern during the last decade. Increased production of PPCPs along with their increased use has led to release of these compounds in the environment via various routes. PPCPs includes large group of compounds including veterinary and human antibiotics, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, psychiatric drugs, β-blockers, X-ray contrasts, and steroid hormones, etc. Many of the compounds used in PPCPs have been shown to possess adverse effects to living organisms and act as endocrine disrupting agents (ECDs). This dissertation includes the investigation of the occurrence of antibiotic compounds added to personal care product and the transformation of hormones used in pharmaceuticals such as contraceptives. The results obtained in this study can provide information on the fate and transformation of the studied compounds once released in the environment. An analytical method employing sonication extraction and HPLC-ESI-MS detection was developed. The developed method was used to detect antibiotic compounds triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) in biosolids-applied soil and biosolids. Both TCS and TCC were detected at high concentrations in biosolids and at lower concentrations in biosolids-applied soil. TCS and TCC concentrations decreased in biosolids composts and in biosolids-applied soil collected at deeper depths. The developed method was able to provide efficient detection limits and reliable quantification of target compounds. A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized to achieve efficient clean-up of TCS and TCC from biosolids-applied soil and biosolids samples using 4,4’- DBP-4-vp-EGDMA. The motivation behind this project was to be able to eliminate the use of expensive instruments such as LC-MS and employ easily available instruments such as LC-UV. The synthesized MIP was able to achieve efficient clean-up and allowed quantification and identification of TCS and TCC in a complex matrix. Transformation of hormones such as 17β-estradiol, estriol, ethynlestradiol, estrone and testosterone was studied by employing Fe (III)-saturated montmorillonite catalysts. The use of Fe (III) – saturated montmorillonite as a catalyst proved be to very efficient in transformation of the studied hormones. Complete removal of hormones was observed in aqueous environment. LC-UV was used for detection and quantification of hormones.

Yes / Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) are a class of polymeric materials that exhibit highly specific recognition properties towards a chosen target. These “smart materials” offer robustness to work in extreme environmental conditions and cost effectiveness; and have shown themselves capable of the affinities/specificities observed of their biomolecular counterparts. Despite this, in many MIP systems heterogeneity generated in the polymerisation process is known to affect the performance. Microwave reactors have been extensively studied in organic chemistry because they can afford fast and well-controlled reactions, and have been used for polymerisation reactions; however, their use for creating MIPs is limited. Here we report a case study of a model MIP system imprinted for caffeine, using microwave initiation. Experimental parameters such as polymerisation time, temperature and applied microwave power have been investigated and compared with polymers prepared by oven and UV irradiation. MIPs have been characterised by BET, SEM, DSC, TGA, NMR, and HPLC for their physical properties and analyte recognition performance. The results suggest that the performance of these polymers correlates to their physical characteristics. These characteristics were significantly influenced by changes in the experimental polymerisation parameters, and the complexity of the component mixture. A series of trends were observed as each parameter was altered, suggesting that the performance of a generated polymer could be possible to predict. As expected, component selection is shown to be a major factor in the success of an imprint using this method, but this also has a significant effect on the quality of resultant polymers suggesting that only certain types of MIPs can be made using microwave irradiation. This work also indicates that the controlled polymerisation conditions offered by microwave reactors could open a promising future in the development of MIPs with more predictable analyte recognition performance, assuming material selection lends itself to this type of initiation. / DMU School of Pharmacy undergraduate project scheme for financial support.

Orientadora: Profa. Dra. Káthia Maria Honório / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do ABC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência & Tecnologia - Química, 2014. / Polimeros de impressao molecular (MIPs) sao materiais sinteticos que possuem sitios de reconhecimento molecular especificos para determinado analito de interesse (molecula molde), e tem sido empregados para a pre-concentracao e extracao em amostras complexas, considerando a maior seletividade em relacao aos sorventes convencionais empregados na extracao em fase solida. A escolha dos reagentes utilizados na sintese de um MIP deve ser criteriosa, a fim de que sejam criados sitios de ligacoes especificos. Metodos computacionais de Quimica Teorica podem ser empregados para racionalizar o planejamento de MIPs, por intermedio do estudo de parametros fisico-quimicos das moleculas envolvidas e as interacoes que ocorrem no sistema de pre-polimerizacao. Com a utilizacao de metodos de quimica quantica, foi objetivo desse trabalho o estudo previo das interacoes entre as moleculas moldes e os possiveis reagentes empregados na sintese de MIPs, como forma de predicao das melhores interacoes que promovam um MIP de desempenho ideal. O estudo teorico foi direcionado para a molecula de ¿¢9-tetrahidrocanabinol (¿¢9-THC), substancia presente na planta Cannabis sativa e que e a substancia ilicita mais produzida e consumida mundialmente, e seu principal metabolito de excrecao urinario, o 11-nor-9-carboxi-¿¢9-THC (THC-COOH). A simulacao computacional foi realizada utilizando a Teoria do Funcional da Densidade (DFT), e a metodologia envolveu a comparacao das energias de interacao (¿¢E) dos adutos de pre-polimerizacao entre a molecula molde e os reagentes de sintese. Com os resultados das simulacoes, verificou-se que as melhores interacoes ocorrem quando o monomero utilizado tem caracteristica acida, como o acido acrilico e o acido metacrilico; e que o solvente mais adequado para a sintese sao os que apresentam baixa constante dieletrica, como o cloroformio e o tolueno, por interferirem menos na formacao do complexo de interacao entre a molecula molde e o monomero na etapa de pre-polimerizacao. Detalhes das interacoes existentes entre as moleculas do meio reacional tambem foram analisadas e forneceram informacoes sobre a possivel competicao entre as moleculas no acesso aos sitios de interacao das moleculas moldes, informacao crucial para obtencao de MIPs seletivos e de grande afinidade a molecula molde desejada. A partir das predicoes do estudo computacional, os MIPs de THC-COOH foram sintetizados com os monomeros indicados, juntamente com o polimero nao impresso (NIP), em alguns dos solventes simulados (agua, acetonitrila, metanol e agua), para avaliacao da interferencia do solvente na eficiencia do MIP obtido. Foi realizada a analise dos MIPs por espectroscopia vibracional na regiao do infravermelho, e avaliada as bandas de absorcao nas regioes dos grupos C=O e O-H, para analise da formacao de interacoes por ligacao de hidrogenio. Concluiu-se, portanto, que sem substituir os ensaios experimentais, a abordagem computacional pode ser utilizada como uma ferramenta preliminar e complementar a selecao experimental. / Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic materials with specific sites of molecular recognition for a given analyte of interest (template molecule), and have been used for the extraction and pre-concentration in complex samples, considering the higher selectivity presented in relation to the sorbent employed in conventional solid phase extraction. The choice of the reagents used in the synthesis of a MIP must be chosen carefully, so that site-specific linkages are created. Computational methods in Theoretical Chemistry can be used to rationalize the planning of MIPs through the study of physico-chemical parameters of the molecules involved and the interactions that occur in the pre-polymerization system. Using quantum chemical methods, the aim of this study was a preliminary investigation of the interactions between the template molecules and the possible reagents used in the synthesis of MIPs, as a way to predict the best interactions that promote MIPs with optimal performance. The theoretical study was directed to the molecule of Ä9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Ä9-THC), present in the plant Cannabis sativa, and that is the illicit substance most widely produced and consumed globally, as well as its major metabolite urinary excretion, 11 -nor-9-carboxy-Ä9-THC (THC-COOH). The computational simulation was performed using the Density Functional Theory (DFT), and the methodology involved the comparison of the interaction energies (ÄE) of adducts in pre-polymerization between the template molecule and reagents for synthesis. From the results of the simulations, it was found that the best interactions occur when the monomer has acid characteristic, such as acrylic acid and methacrylic acid; and that the most suitable solvent for synthesis are those with low dielectric constant such as toluene and chloroform, by interfering less in the formation of complex interaction between the template molecule and monomer in the pre-polymerization step. Details of the existing interactions between the molecules of the reactional medium were analyzed and provided information about the possible competition between the molecules in the access to the interaction sites of the template molecules, which is a crucial information for obtaining selective MIPs and with high affinity to the template molecule desired. From the computational predictions obtainde in this study, the MIPs of THC-COOH was synthesized with the indicated monomers, and also a non-imprinted polymer (NIP), considering some of simulated solvents (water, acetonitrile, methanol and water) for evaluation of the interference of solvent in the efficiency of the MIP obtained. Analyses on the formed MIPs were performed by spectroscopy in the infrared region, and the absorption bands in the regions of the groups C=O and OH were evaluated with the aim of analysing the formation of hydrogen bond interactions. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that, without replacing the experimental trials, the computational approach can be used as a preliminary and complementary tool to experimental selection.

Biomakromoleküle sind in der Natur für viele Abläufe in lebenden Organismen verantwortlich. Dies reicht vom Aufbau der extrazellulären Matrix und dem Cytoskelett über die Erkennung von Botenstoffen durch Rezeptoren bis hin zur Katalyse der verschiedensten Reaktionen in den Zellen selbst. Diese Aufgaben werden zum größten Teil von Proteinen übernommen, und besonders das spezifische Erkennen der Interaktionspartner ist für alle diese Moleküle äußerst wichtig, um eine fehlerfreie Funktion zu gewährleisten. Als Alternative zur evolutiven Erzeugung von optimalen Bindern und Katalysatoren auf der Basis von Aminosäuren und Nukleotiden wurden von Wulff, Shea und Mosbach synthetische molekular geprägte Polymere (molecularly imprinted polymers, MIPs) konzipiert. Das Prinzip dieser künstlichen Erkennungselemente beruht auf der Tatsache, dass sich funktionelle Monomere spezifisch um eine Schablone (Templat) anordnen. Werden diese Monomere dann vernetzend polymerisiert, entsteht ein Polymer mit molekularen Kavitäten, in denen die Funktionalitäten komplementär zum Templat fixiert sind. Dadurch ist die selektive Bindung des Templats in diese Kavitäten möglich. Aufgrund ihrer hohen chemischen und thermischen Stabilität und ihrer geringen Kosten haben “bio-inspirierte” molekular geprägte Polymere das Potential, biologische Erkennungselemente in der Affinitätschromatographie sowie in Biosensoren und Biochips zu ersetzen. Trotz einiger publizierter Sensorkonfigurationen steht der große Durchbruch noch aus. Ein Hindernis für Routineanwendungen ist die Signalgenerierung bei Bindung des Analyten an das Polymer. Eine Möglichkeit für die markerfreie Detektion ist die Benutzung von Kalorimetern, die Bindungs- oder Reaktionswärmen direkt messen können. In der Enzymtechnologie wird der Enzym-Thermistor für diesen Zweck eingesetzt, da enzymatische Reaktionen eine Enthalpie in einer Größenordnung von 5 – 100 kJ/mol besitzen. In dieser Arbeit wird die Herstellung von katalytisch geprägten Polymeren nach dem Verfahren des Oberflächenprägens erstmalig beschrieben. Die Methode zur Immobilisierung des Templats auf der Oberfläche von porösem Kieselgel sowie die Polymerzusammensetzung wurden optimiert. Weiter wird die Evaluation der katalytischen Eigenschaften über einen optischen Test, sowie das erste Mal die Kombination eines kalorimetrischen Transduktors – des Thermistors – mit der Analyterkennung durch ein katalytisch aktives MIP gezeigt. Bei diesen Messungen konnte zum ersten Mal gleichzeitig die Bindung/Desorption, sowie die katalytische Umwandlung des Substrats durch konzentrationsabhängige Wärmesignale nachgewiesen werden. / Bio macromolecules are responsible in nature for many reactions in living organisms. This reaches from the structure of the extra cellular matrix and the cytoskeleton over the recognition of ligands by receptors up to the catalysis of the most diverse reactions in the cells themselves. These tasks are taken over to the largest part by proteins, and particularly specific recognizing of the interaction partners is extremely important for all these molecules, in order to ensure an error free function. As alternative to the evolutionary production of optimal binders and catalysts on the basis of amino acids and nucleotides, synthetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MIPs) were invented by Wulff, Shea and Moosbach. The principle of these artificial recognition elements is based on the fact that functional monomers specifically arrange themselves around a template. If these monomers are copolymerized with crosslinking monomers, a polymer with molecular cavities is created, in which the functionalities are fixed complementary to the template. Thus the selective binding of the template is possible into these cavities. Due to their high chemical and thermal stability and their small costs "bioinspired" molecularly imprinted polymers have the potential to replace biological recognition elements in affinity chromatography as well as in biosensors and biochips. Despite some published sensor configurations the large break-through is still pending. An obstacle for routine application of is the signal generation on connection of the analyte to the polymer. A possibility for marker-free detection is the use of calorimeters, which can measure heats of reaction or adsorption directly. In enzyme technology the enzyme thermistor is used for this purpose, as enzymatic reactions possess enthalpies in an order of 5 - 100 kJ/mol. In this work the production of catalytically imprinted polymers is described for the first time by the procedure of surface imprinting. The method for immobilization of the template on the surface of porous silicagel as well as the polymer composition were optimized. The evaluation of the catalytic characteristics is shown by an optical test, as well as the first time the combination of a calorimetric transducer - the thermistor - with the analyte recognition by a catalytically active MIP. With these measurements for the first time the binding/desorption, as well as the catalytic transformation of the substrate could be proven at the same time by concentration-dependent heat signals.

In the field of chemical and biological sensors, the increased need for better sensitivity, faster response and higher selectivity during an analysis process, requires the development of more and more efficient transducing sensing layers. In this context, and with the aim to detect small non-electroactive molecules, such as atrazine (ATZ), we designed, characterized and developed sensing layers constituted by functionalized Molecularly Imprinted Conducting Polymers (MICP) and we integrated them into electrochemical and gravimetrical sensors. Starting from acetonitrile pre-polymerization media containing ATZ as template molecules in the presence of thiophene-based functional monomers (FM, namely TMA, TAA, EDOT, TMeOH or Th), differently functionalized and structurally different polythiophene-based FM-MICP films were electrosynthesized onto gold substrates and used for ATZ detection. The sensing properties of FM-MICP layers were shown to result from the presence in their backbones of pre-shaped FM-functionalized imprinted cavities which keep the memory of the targets. Nevertheless, non-specific adsorption onto the surface of the sensing layers takes place systematically, which affects the selectivity of the recognition process. Thanks to surface characterization techniques, we highlighted the influence of the thickness and of the structural properties of the layers on the efficiency of the recognition process. Besides, this latter was shown to operate in the bulk of the polymer matrixes thanks to layers porosity. On another hand, electrochemical measurements correlated with semi-empirical calculations demonstrated the influence of the nature of FM on the strength of the ATZ-FM interaction in the pre-polymerization medium, and then on the number of ATZ molecular imprints and on the sensitivity towards ATZ of the FM-MICP layers. We showed that TAA-MICP, which presents a low limit of detection (10-9 mol L-1) and a large dynamic range (10-8 to 10-4 mol L-1), is the best sensing layer since it offers the best compromise between high level of specific detection of ATZ and low level of non-specific adsorption. Finally, TAA-MICP was used as sensitive layer in an original Electrochemical Surface Acoustic Wave sensor (ESAW) which enabled simultaneous coupled gravimetric and electrochemical measurements.

Ce mémoire présente une exploration des polymères à empreintes moléculaires (MIP) comme outils d’une libération contrôlée de bioactifs olfactifs ou pour le criblage/préselection de composés à activité antivirales ou anti-tumorales sur le site actif d’une enzyme. La première partie est une étude de la complexation de la vanilline sur des billes polymériques sphériques en vue d’une libération contrôlée (pH, salinité, …). Ces études portent sur les caractéristiques de l'absorption et la libération de la molécule d'intérêt dans le milieu aqueux sur les microsphères fonctionnalisées fourni par Merck ESTAPOR® Microsphères. Nous avons ensuite synthétisé divers MIP de vanilline au format monolithique. Plusieurs stratégies d’impression ont été étudiées: non covalente, covalente et semi-covalente. La composition du MIP préparé dans chaque approche a été optimisée pour obtenir les meilleures propriétés et performances. L'affinité, la sélectivité et la capacité du MIP ont été déterminées. Les MIPs ont été évalués par extraction en phase solide (SPE) d'analogues structuraux de la vanilline dans des échantillons naturels (extrait de vanille, vin). La deuxième partie de ce mémoire concerne l’évaluation de MIPs de l’adénosine 5’-monophosphate (AMP) Le polymère a été préparé par une approche non-covalente et son efficacité de recapture a été caractérisée par analyse frontale (FA). L’analyse frontale est une technique qui permet de discriminer des interactions spécifiques des non spécifiques et de comprendre les mécanismes de liaison dans des cavités spécifiques. / This thesis report presents the exploration of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) for the application in controlled release and targeting antivirus and anticancer drugs. The first part of this study describes the imprinting of vanillin as a monolith. Several strategies were studied: non-covalent, covalent and semi-covalent. The composition of the MIP prepared in each approach was optimized to obtain the best properties and performance. The affinity, selectivity and capacity of MIP were determined. MIPs were evaluated in solid-phase extraction (SPE) of structural analogues in natural samples (vanilla extract, wine). We also present the study of the exploration of spherical beads as potential tools for the controlled release of vanillin. These studies concern the characteristics of uptake and release of the molecule of interest in the aqueous medium on functionalised microspheres supplied by Merck ESTAPOR Microspheres®. The second part of this thesis is devoted to studies on the evaluation of MIP of adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP). The polymer was prepared in non-covalent approach and efficiency of binding was characterised using frontal analysis (FA). FA is a useful technique that allows discriminate specific and nonspecific interactions and to understand the binding mechanisms in specific cavities.