Synthesis and Characterization of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Selective Dopamine Sensing — 91a — Xavier Horn

This research explores the synthesis and characterization of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) designed for the selective detection and quantification of dopamine. Two functional monomers, Methacrylic Acid (MAA) and 2-Vinylpyridine (2-VP), were used to synthesize four MIP formulations with varying monomer to crosslinker (TRIM) ratios: Batches 5 and 7 (MAA: TRIM 1:2 and 2:3) and Batches 8 and 11 (2-VP:TRIM 2:7 and 3:10.5). Extraction studies showed consistent template removal, with >95% extraction by the fifth wash across all batches. Rebinding studies demonstrated higher affinity for the template molecule in the Batch 8 imprinted polymer compared to its non-imprinted counterpart. Swelling studies in various solvents (4:1 Methanol: Water, 4:1 Methanol: Acetic Acid, Acetonitrile, and Hexanes) were conducted for Batches 5, 7, and 8. While Batches 5 and 7 exhibited similar swelling (30-60%) between imprinted and non-imprinted polymers, Batch 8 showed marked differences. The Batch 8 imprinted polymer swelled 40-50% in all solvents, whereas its non-imprinted counterpart shrunk by 10% in most solvents and swelled only 20% in Hexanes. These preliminary results indicate that 2-VP-based MIPs, especially Batch 8, are promising for dopamine sensing applications. Ongoing research aims to evaluate recognition efficiencies and template loading capacities of the MIP formulations.

University of Sioux Falls
Dr. George Mwangi