Molecular imprinted polymer (MIPs) is established as a technology for obtaining biological mimics using artificial materials. The aim of this study is to prepare monolithic non-covalent imprinted polymers for selective extraction of proteins from aqueous media, using a novel strategy of protein coated onto micro crystals (PCMCs) as a platform for protein imprinting. The MIPs were prepared by adding functional monomers methacrylic acid and 4-vinyl pyridine, a cross linker, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, in a PCMCs/ acetonitrile suspension followed by the addition of the free radical initiator 2,2' azobisisobutyronitrile, in a free radical polymerisation. The MIPs developed exhibited selectivity towards the template but non selectivity towards non specific proteins was also observed. To reduce this, we used chemical additives and non specific blocking agents, however no difference was observed. In a further attempt to combat non selective protein binding, we added a monomer di (eth ylene glycol) vinyl ether (DEGVE) into the polymerisation process. Non specific protein binding was slightly reduced. To improve polymer functionality, we developed UV initiated polymers and these were compared with temperature initiated polymers, both polymers showed similar qualities. To gain understanding on the nature of the protein bound to the polymers, we looked at the template bound polymer activities. It was found that ~>93% of the protein bound to the imprinted polymer was active, while only ~75% of the protein bound to the control was active. Finally, the presence of DEGVE in the polymer matrix was investigated using a FTIR and micro-analysis; however, it was not clear whether this monomer was incorporated into the polymer matrix. Polymer physical characteristics, such as surface area and porosity, were examined using Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET), polymer swelling properties with a gravimetric technique and microscopic property with SEM. Most polymers demonstrated different physical characteristics.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:618871 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Bawazir, Ahmed |
| Publisher | University of Strathclyde |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://oleg.lib.strath.ac.uk:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=23529 |
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