Synthesis and evaluation of a molecularly imprinted polyurethane-poly(HEMA) semi-interpenetrating polymer networks as membrane

Semi-interpenetrating polymer networks based on polyurethane and poly(2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate) [poly(HEMA)] has been synthesized with memory towards cholesterol, which is induced by molecular imprinting. It is found that the polymer possesses the mechanical integrity of a typical membrane together with the molecular recognition ability. The polymer has been evaluated for its ability to differentiate the print molecule by studying its interaction with cholesterol and testosterone. The novel approach discussed here seems to an interesting approach to synthesise molecularly imprinted polymers as membranes. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.