Template imprinting amphoteric polymer for the recognition of proteins

A selective recognizing of proteins with amphoteric polymer is essential for application in protein separations. An amphoteric polymer was synthesized by copolymerization of the two functional monomers with the crosslinker in the presence of the template proteins. After extraction of the template protein, the polymer was applied as chromatographic stationary phase, showing high resolution capacity. The molecular imprinting technique allows the formation of specific recognition sites in amphoteric polymers through the use of template protein. Protein is preferentially bound to a polymer made in the presence of the same protein. The recognition ability of an amphoteric polymer is attributed to imprinted cavities that complement proteins in shape and electrostatic interactions. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.