Molecularly Imprinted Resins for Chiral Separation of Amino Acids

Abstract

An enatioselective surface-imprinted polymer for an amino acid was prepared by the molecularly imprinted technique. The long-chain quaternary ammonium chloride was found to serve the dual function of an emulsifier and host molecule. Chiral recognition ability and ligand specificity of the imprinted polymer were demonstrated by several batchwise tests. The surface-imprinted polymer could recognize the chirality of Nprotected glutamic acid; therefore it preferentially adsorbed the corresponding enantiomer that was imprinted in the preparation. The pH and buffer concentration in the aqueous solution are the key factors enhancing enantioselectivity. The high interfacial activity of the functional molecule and the low swelling property of the imprinted polymer were important in ensuring high imprinting effect.