Synthesis of lysozyme imprinted column with macroporous structure and enhanced selectivity: Utilization of cryogelation technique and electrostatic functional monomers

Applicability of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) in conventional protein separation processes demands monolithic construction of columns with macroporous structure in addition to the high specificity and adsorption capacity. In this study, therefore, lysozyme (Lyz) imprinted monolithic cryogel columns were synthesized using electrostatic functional monomers (EFMs) to provide strong interactions between template and polymer, leading to specific recognition and capture of Lyz. SEM images and FTIR spectroscopy analysis confirmed the macroporous structure and presence of EFMs in the samples. Adsorption isotherms, heterogeneity, and breakthrough curves as well as selectivity of the molecularly imprinted cryogels (EFMs‐MIC) and non‐imprinted cryogels (EFMs‐NIC) were investigated. Results showed effective imprinting with a maximum adsorption capacity of 211 mg/g and a high imprinting factor (IF) of 4.2 at low Lyz concentrations. A high relative selectivity coefficient of 7.24 was obtained for Lyz over cytochrome c, a competing protein, indicating that the imprinted sites could well distinguish Lyz. Reusability of MICs was also examined, where insignificant changes were observed in the cryogel adsorption/desorption characteristics after four cycles. Therefore, it is suggested to use EFMs and cryogelation in the synthesis of imprinted monolithic cryogels column for application in conventional protein separation processes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 42880.