SELECTIVE RECOGNITION OF 2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXYACETIC ACID USING A MOLECULARLY IMPRINTED POLYMER

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a widely used herbicide, but environmental contamination by 2,4-D is problematic. Although biosens ors for 2,4-D detection have been investigated, 2,4-D binding proteins and antibodies are too unstable to be used as biosensor recognition e lements. In this study, a synthetic polymer selective for 2,4-D was pr epared by molecular imprinting, and the binding characteristics of 2,4 -D imprinted polymers were examined. Selectivity for 2,4-D was realize d using methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer and the polymer may be used in a 2,4-D sensor.