Peptide-cross-linked protein-imprinted polymers: Easy template removal and excellent imprinting effect

Abstract

Molecular imprinting of proteins remains a huge challenge because of two major obstacles: Difficulty in template removal and low imprinting efficiency. Herein, we propose a new strategy to simultaneously overcome these two challenges by creating molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with nanoscale shape-memorable imprint cavities. These novel MIPs were developed by simply cross-linking the polymers with a peptide cross-linker instead of commonly used cross-linkers. Due to the unique pH-induced helix- coil transition of the peptide cross-linker, adjusting the pH from 5.5 to 7.4 leads to an expansion of the imprint cavities, thus facilitating template removal. Returning the pH back to 5.5 restores the original size and shape of the imprint cavities due to the precise refolding of peptide. A template protein can therefore be readily removed under mild conditions, while simultaneously achieving a significantly improved imprinting effect.