Abstract: The present invention describes a method for synthesis of relatively low molecular weight imprinted polymers using living polymerization, and their application in analytical chemistry, pharmacology, medicine and the food industry. Specifically the low-molecular weight polymers are synthesized by the polymerization of functional monomers in the presence of a template, such as a biological receptor, enzyme, nucleic acid, cell, virus, microorganism, tissue sample or drug using living initiator. The conditions of living polymerization ensure a relatively small size of synthesized molecules. Synthesized in this way molecules (dimers, oligomers, polymers, or their mixture) have a higher affinity to the template than the original monomers and can rebind it in vitro and/or in vivo.

Abstract: A computer aided rational molecular design method that includes establishing a virtual library of functional monomers each having a portion that is capable of polymerizing and a functional group that is capable of interacting with a template molecule with the aid of a computer, designing a molecular model of a biological template molecule by a computer facilitated molecular mechanical method and screening said virtual library of functional monomers and selecting those monomers which have the highest binding score to the template molecule by their functional group.

Abstract: A template (a molecule preferably of molecular size >500 Da, or a larger entity such as a cell, virus or tissue sample) is dissolved or suspended in a fluid. The fluid is frozen, and the template is removed (e.g. by dissolution or electrophoresis, or mechanically) to leave an “imprinted” frozen fluid. This is capable of selectively adsorbing the template substance. It is usable as a separation medium, a recognition element in sensors and assays, and as a catalyst.

Abstract: Drugs of abuse (e.g. cocaine) and related substances are selectively bound by an adsorbent which comprises units derived from carboxylic acids of formula A or B: (A): R1R2C(CF3)—CO2H; (B): R3?C(CF3)—CO2H or derivatives thereof. The adsorbent may be a polymer, or a solid support onto which the carboxylic acid, derivative or polymer has been grafted. The preferenced acid is 2-trifluoromethyl acrylic acid. A drug can be selectively bound from a mixture, and recovered using an eluant comprising an organic acid.

Abstract: A redox mediator is a hyperbranched polymer having redox moieties (e.g. ferrocene) incorporated into its structure and/or chemically bonded to its periphery. It is attached to an electrode and assists in transferring electrons between the electrode and a redox enzyme.

Abstract: A monomer having a pair of hydroxy groups held in a fixed relationship (e.g. a dihydroxybenzene) is diesterified with a compound having a polymerisable group, e.g. to form a diacrylate. After polymerisation with a crosslinker, the polymer is hydrolysed. The dihydroxy-monomer is removed, leaving a polymer with pair of carboxyl groups held in spatial relationships determined by the dihydroxy monomer. Thus a range of subtly different polymers can be prepared by using different dihydroxy-monomer templates. The polymers are desirably swellable. They can be used as selective binding materials, e.g. in chromatography or analysis.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for synthesis of relatively low molecular weight imprinted polymers using living polymerization, and their application in analytical chemistry, pharmacology, medicine and the food industry. Specifically the low-molecular weight polymers are synthesized by the polymerization of functional monomers in the presence of a template, such as a biological receptor, enzyme, nucleic acid, cell, virus, microorganism, tissue sample or drug using living initiator. The conditions of living polymerization ensure a relatively small size of synthesized molecules. Synthesized in this way molecules (dimers, oligomers, polymers, or their mixture) have a higher affinity to the template than the original monomers and can rebind it in vitro and/or in vivo.

Abstract: Monomers (e.g. thinphenes) are caused to polymerise by mixing them with an oxidising agent (and generally a solvent comprising water) and irradiating the mixture with light (visible or UV). Polymer properties can be varied by doping or chemical modification. Uses include sensor elements for assays and electrical components such as electrodes.

Abstract: Highly porous substance-selective polymeric membranes are produced by co-polymerisation of functional monomers and cross-linker in the presence of template, plasticiser (non-extractable component), and pore-forming component (extractable component). Extraction of the template and porogen molecules leads to the formation of small (<100 nm) and large (>500 nm) pores, including small pores having a shape and arrangement of functional groups complementary to the template molecule. The membranes possess enhanced affinity towards the template and its analogues and also have high flexibility and porosity. Such membranes can be used in analytical chemistry (as sensor elements and for solid-phase extraction materials) for applications in pharmacology, medicine, the food industry, water purification and environmental clean up.

Abstract: A polymer (e.g. a peptide) is produced by polymerizing monomers in the presence of a template, particularly a biologically active molecule or sample. The polymer is extracted and a soluble (preferably water-soluble) fraction is derived which specifically binds the template. Thus it can have complementary activity (e.g. biological). Applications include therapy, detection systems and separation systems.

Abstract: A template (a molecule preferably of molecular size >500 Da, or a larger entity such as a cell, virus or tissue sample) is dissolved or suspended in a fluid. The fluid is frozen, and the template is removed (e.g. by dissolution or electrophoresis, or mechanically) to leave an “imprinted” frozen fluid. This is capable of selectively adsorbing the template substance. It is usable as a separation medium, a recognition element in sensors and assays, and as a catalyst.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for detecting an analyte comprising a support for a bioreceptor or biomimic and a detection means, wherein the support can retain a bioreceptor or biomimic and the support and the bioreceptor or biomimic and the detection means can be arranged such that when the sensor is placed in a medium containing a substrate, the substrate contacts the bioreceptor or biomimic and reacts to generate a response which is detectable by the detection means and which is relatable to the concentration of the analyte, and the support comprises a non-volatile organic liquid.