Selective Separation of Kunitz Trypsin Inhibitors Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymers-Based Approach

Abstract

The technique of molecular imprinting is used to create molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). This process involves the co-polymerization of monomers and cross-linkers along with a specific targeted molecular template. MIP represents a promising method for the selective extraction of different micro and macromolecules from a mixture. In the present work, MIP was synthesized using 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) functional monomer, p-aminobenzamidine (p-ABA) anchoring monomer,  and N, N’-ethylenebis acrylamide (EbAM) as cross-linker, for the selective separation of Kunitz Trypsin Inhibitors (KTI). The scanning electron microscope (SEM) reveals the rough and cavities-based morphology. These cavities are responsible for the selective removal of KTI from the solution. Further, MIPs were examined by performing a selective binding assay to determine the binding capacity and selectivity. The high selectivity, stability, recovery, repeatability and reusability of MIPs have made them effective for real-time analysis and separation. By using MIPs to selectively remove KTI from different soy products, nutrient absorption can be improved, enhancing enzyme activity by lowering inhibitor concentrations.