Molecularly imprinted polymers for nitrophenols - An advanced separation material for environmental analysis

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPS) for 4-nitrophenol have been successfu lly prepared by a thermal polymerization method using 4-vinylpyridine (4-VP ) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) as functional monomer and cross -linker, respectively. The obtained materials were evaluated with respect t o their selective recognition properties for 4-nitrophenol by HPLC using or ganic and aqueous eluents. Furthermore, the specific binding sites that hav e been created during the polymerization process were analyzed via radiolig and binding assays. The successful imprinting against 4-nitrophenol provide s a new opportunity for advanced separation materials used in environmental analysis.