Molecular Recognition Properties of Artemisinin - Imprinted Polymer Microspheres

  • Christian A. Malapit Department of Chemistry, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
  • Kendricks S. Lao Department of Chemistry, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
  • Clovia Holdsworth Chemistry, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW
  • Regina C. So Department of Chemistry, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
Keywords: molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), molecular recognition, precipitation polymerization, artemisinin, Scatchard plot

Abstract

The ability of molecularly-imprinted polymers (MIPs) to recognize and remember the shape of an imprinted molecule has expanded the application of these materials for separation and sample enrichment. This paper describes the binding efficiency and characteristics of an MIP prepared for the selective extraction of artemisinin, a potent anti-malaria compound present in Artemisia annua. Artemisinin is currently used in combination therapy for the treatment of severe cases of malaria.

The MIP microspheres were obtained via precipitation polymerization using 5:6:20 mmol artemisinin/methacrylic acid/ethylene glycol dimethacrylate in 5% toluene/acetonitrile (95% v/v) solvent. This material showed high selectivity for artemisinin by rebinding experiments. Scatchard analysis was also carried out to further understand the binding characteristics of this material towards aremisinin.

Published
2010-03-01
How to Cite
Malapit, C. A., Lao, K. S., Holdsworth, C., & So, R. C. (2010). Molecular Recognition Properties of Artemisinin - Imprinted Polymer Microspheres. KIMIKA, 23(1), 17-25. https://doi.org/10.26534/kimika.v23i1.17-25
Section
Research Articles