Radiation Synthesis and Characterization of Imprinted Bio-polymers and their Possible Applications

Abstract

Cholesterol-imprinted poly hydroxyethyl methacrylate (MIPs) and non-imprinted poly hydroxyethyl methacrylate (NIPs) have been prepared via polymerization which was initiated by gamma radiation. The functional structure of MIPs and NIPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the spectrum showed that the HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate) interacts with cholesterol through H-bonds. The surface morphology of MIPs and NIPs were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The MIPs image appeared as a rough surface, while NIPs had no pores. The specificity of MIPs to interact with the cholesterol template molecule was studied and the results showed that MIPs had higher cholesterol adsorption characteristics than that of NIPs. Biocompatibility of MIP was verified by testing the in-vitro cytotoxicity. Cytotoxicity tests showed that polymers were capable of sustaining cell viability. Keywords Molecular imprinted polymers, non-imprinted polymers, cholesterol, Radiation