Molecularly imprinted nanospheres by nonaqueous emulsion polymerization.

The preparation of nanosized, molecularly imprinted polymer particles by nonaqueous emulsion polymerization is presented. Monodisperse cross-linked polymer nanospheres with a diameter of around 100 nm were synthesized using a standard monomer mixture of methacrylic acid and ethylene dimethacrylate, containing (±)-propranolol as a template. The rebinding efficiency of the resulting particles was determined by batch rebinding tests and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC).

Physical forms of MIPs.

The current state of the art in the development of methodologies for the preparation of MIPs in predetermined physical forms is critically reviewed, with particular attention being paid to the forms most widely employed in practical applications, such as spherical beads in the micro- to nanometer range, microgels, monoliths, membranes. Although applications of the various MIP physical forms are mentioned, the focus of the paper is mainly on the description of the various preparative methods. The aim is to provide the reader with an overview of the latest achievements in the field, as well as with a mean for critically evaluating the various proposed methodologies towards an envisaged application.