Bisphenol A Analog-Imprinted Polymers Prepared by an Immobilized Template on a Modified Silica Microsphere Matrix

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA)-recognizing imprinted polymers were synthesized using a template immobilized on silica where the template was grafted to aminopropyl silica. The silica-template conjugate was co-polymerized with a cross-linker (ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) and a functional monomer (4-vinylpyridine or methacrylic acid). The synthesized silica-polymer composites were treated with an aqueous NH₄HF₂ solution to dissolve the silica matrix. The 4-vinylpyridine-based imprinted polymer showed strong binding affinity to BPA and structurally related compounds having two hydroxyl groups at the 4,4′-position in the bisphenol structure.