• antibodies
• antigen
• biocompatibility
• biodegradability
• biomedical
• biomimetic receptors
• biosensors
• chitosan
• crosslinkers
• diagnostics
• drug delivery
• drug release
• environmental monitoring
• epitope imprinting
• functional monomers
• liquid media.
• mass-sensitive
• molecular imprinting
• molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs)
• nanoparticles
• natural polymers
• neurotransmitter
• norepinephrine
• optical sensing
• piezoelectric sensing
• polydopamine (PDA)
• polymerization
• polynorepinephrine (PNE)
• quartz crystal microbalance (QCM)
• selective recognition
• surface plasmon resonance (SPR)
• thermodynamic parameters

Thesis Summary

Florent

October 2024

Introduction

Over the years, natural polymers have been widely applied in the medical sphere. This is attributed to their unlike materials bio compatibility, degradability and minimal immuno response. However, the scientific community has not been able to do away with key issues related to the structure and properties of compounds. Advancements continue to be made in the understanding of various materials enhancing the need for this study to be carried out. On the other hand, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have began being developed to be some of new synthetic materials which are tasked with target molecules detection by a reshaping a certain template in the whole process.

History and Development of MIPs

Last 40 years have seen improvements in molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). They work on classical lock and key principles that mimic processes in nature such as antigen-antibody and enzyme-substrate bonds. The process involves molding the 3D structure of the molecule of interest in an artificial resin. Recent developments have focused on issues such as protein templating and non-specific binding.

Principles & Mechanisms of MIPs

MIPs are created by imprinting the 3D shape together with the chemical functionalities of a target molecule in a synthetic polymer matrix. The process involves the judicious choice of functional monomers that interact with the target molecule through either covalent or noncovalent interactions. The addition of cross-linkers is crucial in forming a rigid polymer matrix that ensures the integrity of binding sites.

Types of Imprinting Techniques

There are three main ways to carry out imprinting: bulk imprinting, surface imprinting, and epitope-mediated imprinting. In bulk imprinting, the binding sites form throughout the entire polymer matrix. Surface imprinting, on the other hand, focuses on forming those binding sites closer to the outer layer of the polymer, making them easier to access. Epitope-mediated imprinting takes a different approach by using a specific part of the target molecule, known as an epitope, to create a template for the imprint, offering a more targeted technique.

Applications of MIPs

Molecularly imprinting technology have a broad range of uses, particularly in medicine, diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. Their role in enhancing the performance of both optical and electrochemical sensors is significant, as they help these sensors detect unique substances—like biomarkers, enzymes, bacteria, viruses, various pollutants—with greater precision. What makes MIPs so versatile is that they can be made from different materials and shaped in various forms, making them suitable for a wide array of sensing applications.

Post-Imprinting Modification (PIM)

Post-Imprinting Modification, stands out as a fresh approach for refining Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs). By tweaking the binding cavities after the polymerization process, this strategy brings in extra features. These could include the ability to add fluorescent markers, introduce catalytic functions, or even turn the binding properties on or off, enhancing the polymer’s versatility.

Epitope Imprinting

Epitope imprinting is an innovative approach for developing synthetic recognition sites within polymers that closely resemble natural antibodies. Compared to imprinting entire proteins, this technique offers distinct benefits. It tends to be more stable, involves lower costs, also the process of creating the template is simpler.

MIPs in Cancer Diagnostics and Therapy

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are gaining recognition as useful tools in cancer diagnosis and treatment. They are crafted to bind specifically to target molecules, displaying a high level of precision and sensitivity, which makes them ideal for finding biomarkers in various biological fluids. With their adaptability, MIPs hold potential for use in portable diagnostic devices and advanced sensor systems, providing convenient and efficient options for detecting diseases at the point of care.





MIPs in Controlled Drug Delivery and Biosensing

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have come a long way in the last 4 decades, showing impressive potential across fields like medicine, diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. These synthetic receptors are engineered to recognize and bind unique molecules with a high degree of selectivity, making them useful for a variety of applications. In drug delivery and biosensing, MIPs stand out due to their ability to target particular substances with precision.

Methacrylic acid (MAA) is commonly used as a functional monomer in creating these polymers, thanks to its versatility and strong binding properties with different drug molecules. While advancements have brought MIPs closer to practical use, several challenges remain. For MIPs to gain widespread acceptance in clinical settings, further studies, especially involving living organisms, are needed to improve their effectiveness and ensure they are safe for use inside the body

Specific Polymers Used in MIPs

Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) often rely on several common polymers for their unique properties, each serving different roles in creating these synthetic materials. Here are some key examples:

Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA): Known for being both biodegradable and safe for the body, this polymer often finds use in systems designed to release drugs gradually. After breaking down, it forms lactic and glycolic acids, which the body can naturally process, making it a popular choice for medical applications like drug delivery.

Methacrylic acid (MAA): This is a widely used building block in MIP synthesis because of its carboxyl groups, which enable strong interactions with the target molecule. It’s a crucial element for forming the desired shape and chemical properties in MIPs.

Chitosan: Valued for its safety together with ability to break down naturally, chitosan is frequently employed in the medical field for drug delivery and in environmental technology to remove contaminants. Its compatibility with the human body and the environment makes it versatile.

Polydopamine (PDA) and Polynorepinephrine (PNE): These newer materials show promise in MIP development. PNE, in particular, stands out in the field of biomarker detection due to its strong adhesive qualities and compatibility with biological tissues.

Thesis Objective

The goal of this research is to explore the innovative role of polynorepinephrine (PNE) in Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) for detecting immunoglobulin G (IgG). The approach involves using Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) techniques. These methods allow for real-time observation of molecular interactions without the need for labeling, aiming to achieve a highly specific and sensitive IgG detection. This makes them suitable for applications in diagnostic technology.

Research Significance

Detecting IgG is particularly significant because it’s a key antibody in immune responses, often linked to diagnosing various health conditions. By incorporating PNE into MIPs, the research could pave the way for creating diagnostic tools with high sensitivity and specificity, which would be beneficial for early disease detection and treatment strategies.

Method

The characterization of these MIPs will be carried out using techniques such as Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) to assess their binding capabilities and selectivity. Afterward, these MIPs will be utilized to detect Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in various sample types.The findings will then be compared to conventional diagnostic techniques to gauge effectiveness.

Expected Outcomes

The research anticipates that MIPs based on PNE will demonstrate a high level of accuracy and sensitivity in detecting IgG. The results aim to provide a better understanding of how MIPs can be applied in diagnostic settings and potentially lead to innovative tools in this field.