Use of polymeric solid phase in synthesis of MIP nanoparticles for biotin

Abstract A polymer solid phase was tested as a replacement for the typical glass bead solid phase in the preparation of molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIPs). The cross-linked polymer, containing amine functionality, was synthesised and applied in the preparation of nanoparticles imprinted for biotin. The surface concentration of amine groups available for template immobilization was 1.75 mmol g−1 within the polymeric solid phase, contrasting with 0.48 mmol g−1 with the traditional glass solid phase. Biotin was covalently immobilized onto the surface of the polymer and nanoMIP production was repeated over several cycles using this polymer as a solid phase. The effect of multiple successive syntheses on the yields of nanoMIPs was investigated and compared with the yield of nanoMIPs produced on glass surfaces. The MIPs produced were characterized by DLS, SEM and SPR. It was concluded that the polymeric phase is superior to glass beads in terms of reproducibility and yield of nanoMIPs. However nanoMIPs synthesised on the polymeric support suffer from contamination caused by non-polymerised material leaking from the solid phase. Further improvement in the preparation of polymeric phases is needed prior their adoption as alternatives to glass beads.