| A method for the rational design of biomimetic sensors based on molecularly imprinted polymer for the detection of hydrocortisone is described and applied. The formation of adduct between hydrocortisone and the functional monomer, methacrylic acid (MAA) was confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which suggested creation of MAA-Hydrocortisone at the pre-polymeric mixture. In order to evaluate synthesis conditions, in situ free radical copolymerization was monitored by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy with methacrylic acid (MAA) as the functional monomer and tetra(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) as the crosslinking agent in different solvents. The combined set of analysis allowed a better understanding of the recognition events. In addition, hydrocortisone imprinted polymers were synthesized in aqueous media. The feasibility of hydrogel-based MIPs was evaluated by measuring equilibrium swelling, template permeation, binding and electrochemical studies. The electrochemical results of 17:1 MIP demonstrated higher sensitivity toward hydrocortisone in comparison to non-MIP. Overall, this work reported the evaluation of the principal factors affecting the stabilization of functional monomer-template complex before and during the imprinting process, which provides essential information for the rational design of molecularly imprinted polymers. |
