Molecularly imprinted polymer sensor for detecting a target molecule

Abstract

A method of preparing a molecularly imprinted polymer sensor that detects a target molecule includes dissolving a template molecule and a functional monomer in a porogen solvent to form a solution. The solution is allowed to mix and form hydrogen bonds or other interactions between the template molecule and the monomer. A cross-linker is added to the functional monomer. An initiator is introduced to the solution. The solution is purged with nitrogen to remove oxygen. The solution is exposed to ultraviolet light in the presence of a photoinitiator to form a bulk polymer. The bulk polymer is crushed into polymer particles. The polymer particles are washed with a mixture of solvents to remove the template molecule and form a molecularly imprinted polymer.

Description

Attorney Docket: 84706-423620MOLECULARLY IMPRINTED POLYMER SENSOR FOR DETECTING A TARGET MOLECULECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 778,306, filed March 26, 2025, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic materials designed to mimic the recognition properties of biological receptors. MIPs are created by polymerizing functional monomers around a target molecule (template), which is later removed, leaving behind specific cavities that are complementary in size, shape, and chemical functionality to the template. This allows the MIPs to selectively bind to the target molecule. For electrochemical applications, the MIPs are typically deposited onto an electrode surface, such as carbon, gold, or platinum. The binding of the target molecule to the MIP cavities alters measurable electrochemical properties, such as current, potential, or impedance.

[0003] Key advantages of MIPs in electrochemical systems include selectivity as the imprinted cavities ensure high specificity for the target analyte, even in complex mixtures. Another advantage is stability because, unlike biological receptors, MIPs are resistant to harsh conditions (e g., pH, temperature). MIPs also provide versatility as they can be tailored for a wide range and number of analytes.

[0004] A challenge remains for optimizing the polymer’s conductivity, ensuring efficient template removal, and integrating MIPs seamlessly with electrode systems.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure includes one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and / or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

[0006] The disclosed embodiments include a molecularly imprinted polymer sensor for detecting a target molecule. In an exemplary embodiment, the target molecule includes ibuprofen. In some embodiments the sensor is polymerized as a multiple site template to detect multiple targetAttomey Docket: 84706-423620molecules, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, other intoxicating substances that may cause a drug overdose, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a plurality of target molecules are detected simultaneously. Such a sensor facilitates detecting multiple target molecules in a multi-drug overdose. In some embodiments, multiple drugs are configured to be detected on a single detection site or sensor. In other embodiments, a substrate includes multiple detection sites or sensors. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor is operating with a software component for taking an electric signal and converting the signal to concentration of the target molecule using a calibration curve.

[0007] In one aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a method of preparing a molecularly imprinted polymer sensor that detects a target molecule includes dissolving a template molecule and a functional monomer in a porogen solvent to form a solution. The solution is allowed to mix and form hydrogen bonds or other interactions between the template molecule and the monomer. A cross-linker is added to the functional monomer. An initiator is introduced to the solution. The solution is purged with nitrogen to remove oxygen. The solution is exposed to ultraviolet light in the presence of a photoinitiator to form a bulk polymer. The bulk polymer is crushed into polymer particles. The polymer particles are washed with a mixture of solvents to remove the template molecule and form a molecularly imprinted polymer.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method may also include integrating the molecularly imprinted polymer onto a sensor surface. The method may also include integrating a plurality of molecularly imprinted polymers onto the sensor surface. The method may also include packing molecularly imprinted polymer particles into a column for selective separation. The method may also include packing a plurality of molecularly imprinted polymer particles into a column. The template molecule may be ibuprofen. The target molecule and the template molecule may be the same. Dissolving a template molecule may include dissolving a plurality of template molecules to form a molecularly imprinted polymer sensor capable of detecting a plurality of target molecules.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a molecularly imprinted polymer sensor includes a template molecule and a functional monomer dissolved in a porogen solvent to form a solution. A cross-linker is added to the functional monomer. An initiator is introduced into the solution.Attorney Docket: 84706-423620

[0010] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the template molecule may include a plurality of template molecules. The template molecule may include ibuprofen. The solution may be purged with nitrogen to remove oxygen. The solution may be exposed to ultraviolet light in the presence of a photoinitiator to form a bulk polymer. The bulk polymer may be crushed into polymer particles. The polymer particles may be washed with a mixture of solvents to remove the template molecule and form molecularly imprinted polymer particles. The molecularly imprinted polymer particles may be integrated onto a sensor surface. The molecularly imprinted polymer particles may be packed into a column for selective separation.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a molecularly imprinted polymer sensor for sensing ibuprofen includes an ibuprofen molecule and a functional monomer dissolved in a porogen solvent to form a solution. A cross-linker is added to the functional monomer. An initiator introduced into the solution. The solution is transitioned into a bulk polymer.

[0012] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the bulk polymer may be crushed into polymer particles that are washed to form molecularly imprinted polymer particles. The molecularly imprinted polymer particles may be integrated onto a sensor surface. The molecularly imprinted polymer particles may be packed into a column for selective separation.

[0013] Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), such as those listed above and / or those listed in the claims, can comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the embodiments as presently perceived.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

[0015] FIG. l is a flowchart for a method for forming the molecularly imprinted polymer sensor;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a flowchart for a method for bulk polymerization;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for a method for precipitation polymerization;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a front view of a setup for linear sweep voltammetry using a dummy load;Attorney Docket: 84706-423620

[0019] FIG. 5 is a screenshot of data taken using linear sweep voltammetry on the dummy load;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a top view of an MIP sensor with an open circuit, wherein the sensor includes a template molecule and a functional monomer dissolved in a porogen solvent to form a solution, a cross-linker added to the functional monomer, and an initiator introduced into the solution;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a screenshot of data taken using linear sweep voltammetry to identify a target molecule;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an MIP sensor having a drop of blood thereon; and

[0023] FIG. 9 is a screenshot of data taken using linear sweep voltammetry to identify a target molecule in the drop of blood shown in FIG. 8.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

[0025] The materials needed to form a molecularly imprinted polymer sensor include a template molecule. In an exemplary embodiment the template molecule if Ibuprofen. A functional monomer, for example Methacrylic acid (MAA) or another suitable monomer (e.g., 4-vinylpyridine) is needed. A cross-linker, for example, Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) or divinylbenzene (DVB) is needed. An initiator for example Azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) or benzoyl peroxide is needed. The materials also include a solvent, for example Toluene, acetonitrile, or a mixture, depending on solubility. The materials include a porogen to provide a porous structure. In some embodiments, the poroen is the same material as the solvent. The equipment required includes a Nitrogen supply, UV or thermal polymerization setup, a rotary evaporator, a centrifuge, potentiostat, for example Palmsens EmStat4S (CV, EIS, DPV, CA, OCP, SWV), CTI Phase 0 carbon and gold screen-printed electrodes, a U.V.-Vis. Spectrophotometer, thin-layer chromatography, a 150um sieve, a mortar and pestle, and an oven.

[0026] Referring to Fig. 1, a method 200 for forming the molecularly imprinted polymer sensor, for example the sensor shown in Fig. 6, includes preparation of the pre-polymerization mixture, at block 202. The template and the functional monomer are dissolved in a porogenAttorney Docket: 84706-423620solvent. In the exemplary embodiment, the template is ibuprofen and the functional monomer is MAA. The solution is allowed to mix and form hydrogen bonds or other interactions between the ibuprofen and the monomer. In some embodiments, a molar ratio of template to monomer is 1:4 or 1 : 5. At block 204, a cross-Linker and an initiator are added to the solvent. In some embodiments, the cross-linker in EGDMA. In some embodiments, the cross-linker is added at a 1 : 10 to 1 :20 ratio relative to the functional monomer. In some embodiments, a small amount of initiator is added (e.g., 1% by weight of the monomers).

[0027] At block 206, polymerization takes place. The solution is purged with nitrogen to remove oxygen because oxygen inhibits free radical polymerization. The container is sealed and polymerization is initiated. For thermal polymerization, the solution is heated at 60-70°C for 24 hours. For UV polymerization, the solution is exposed to UV light (365 nm) in the presence of a photoinitiator. For bulk polymers, grinding and sieving is initiated, at block 208. The bulk polymer is crushed into fine particles using a mortar and pestle or mechanical grinder. The particles are sieved to obtain a uniform size (e.g., 25-50 pm).

[0028] At block 210, the template is removed. The polymer particles are washed with a mixture of solvents (e.g., methanol and acetic acid) to remove the template. The template removal is monitored using UV-visible spectroscopy or HPLC until no residual ibuprofen is detected in the wash. Characterization takes place, at block 212. For binding studies, the MIP’s binding affinity and capacity for ibuprofen by rebinding tests is assessed. For a control polymer (non-imprinted polymer, NIP), an identical polymer without the template molecule is synthesized to evaluate selectivity. Application-specific preparation takes place, at block 214. For sensors, the MIP is integrated onto a sensor surface (e.g., screen-printed electrode or quartz crystal microbalance). For Chromatography, the MIP particles are packed into a column for selective separation.

[0029] In some embodiments, different functional monomers can be experimented with for enhanced interaction with ibuprofen. In some embodiments, the cross-linker ratio is optimized for desired rigidity and porosity. In some embodiments, it is effective to ensure the solvent is suitable for dissolving all components and allows effective template-monomer interactions. It is also effective to use solvents that can disrupt template-monomer interactions without degrading the polymer.

[0030] In some embodiments, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) is used as an MIP-based sensor aimed at detecting ibuprofen in blood. DPV applies a series of small potential pulsesAttorney Docket: 84706-423620over a baseline ramp. This approach enhances the resolution of current changes, allowing for the sensitive detection of small variations, such as those caused by the specific binding of ibuprofen to the imprinted sites. The differential nature of the technique minimizes capacitive (non-faradaic) currents. This is especially important in complex matrices like blood, where background signals can otherwise obscure the analyte response. When ibuprofen binds to the molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), the electron transfer characteristics at the electrode interface change. DPV is effective at capturing these changes, often by monitoring the response of a redox probe whose access to the electrode is modulated by the binding event. Additionally, blood is a challenging matrix due to the presence of many interfering substances. The high selectivity offered by the MIP, combined with the sensitivity and discriminative power of DPV, helps in achieving reliable and accurate detection even in such a complex environment.

[0031] Other electrochemical techniques can also be used depending on the sensor design and detection strategy. Like DPV, square wave voltammetry (SWV) is sensitive and can provide rapid analysis. It may offer comparable performance, though DPV offers more simplicity in data interpretation. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is a label-free technique that monitors changes in the interfacial properties of the sensor. Binding events (such as ibuprofen interacting with the MIP) alter the impedance of the electrode surface. However, EIS generally requires more complex data analysis compared to the straightforward current measurements of DPV.

[0032] For a molecularly imprinted polymer sensor targeting ibuprofen in blood, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) is generally the preferred electrochemical technique, in some embodiments. Its high sensitivity, ability to suppress background noise, and clear response to binding events make it particularly effective for detecting low concentrations of ibuprofen in complex biological samples. This approach is used in the development of sensors for pharmaceutical compounds, ensuring both specificity and sensitivity in sample analyses.

[0033] When using bulk polymerization, minimal or no solvent is required. The product form is generally a solid monolith that requires grinding. This may result in poor particle size control as there are irregular particle sizes after grinding. The binding site access may be reduced due to the grinding and dense structure of the monolith. The process is generally simple, but may be labor intensive post-processing. Bulk polymerization is suitable for stationary phases.Attorney Docket: 84706-423620

[0034] When using precipitation polymerization, a large volume of solvent is required. The product form generally consists of spherical particles having good particle size control due to uniform micro / nanoparticles. The binding site access is generally better than bulk polymerization due to the particle morphology. The process is generally more complex than bulk polymerization, but simpler post-processing. Precipitation polymerization is suitable for sensors, drug delivery, or assays.

[0035] Referring to Fig. 2, in some embodiments, a method 250 for bulk polymerization includes adding 3 mmol of monomer (e.g., MAA), 15 mmol of cross-linker (e.g., EGDMA), 0.5 mmol of template (e.g., Ibuprofen), 0.3 mmol of initiator (e.g, benzoyl peroxide) and 5 mb of solvent (e.g, chloroform) in a reaction flask, at block 252. At block 254, thermal polymerization takes place. The solution is degassed with nitrogen for 30 minutes then cured at 60°C for 30 minutes. The solution is then dried for 24 hours. At block 256, the solution is washed with 1:9 methanol: acetonitrile to remove the template. TLC and UV-Vis (272nm) are then used to ensure the template has been removed. The polymer is dried at 60°C for 24 hours. At block 258, the membrane is synthesized to drop-cast onto screen-printed electrode. A PVC membrane with plasticizer (1:2 ratio) is used with 0.02 g of MIP and dissolved in 4 mb of THC, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, this solution is drop-casted via pipette onto working electrode (carbon / gold) and left to dry at 60°C for 1 hour. In some embodiments, NIP is synthesized simultaneously along with the MIP. At block 260, the molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor (MIECS) is tested with ibuprofen (0-600 ug / mL) in PBS (pH 7.4) using various electrochemical techniques such as electrochemical impendence spectroscopy (EIS), open circuit potentiometry (OPC), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV).

[0036] Referring to Fig. 3, in some embodiments, a method 300 for precipitation polymerization includes mixing 68.7 mg ibuprofen, 226.0 mb methacrylic acid (MAA), and 100.0 mb acetonitrile and stirring for 1.0 hour, at block 302. In some embodiments, at block 304, 2.1 mb of cross-linker (e.g, EDGMA) is added to the reaction mixture to obtain a molar ratio of 1 :8:20 template:monomer:crosslinker). At block, 306 the initiator (e.g., AIBN) is added in a percentage of 2.0 (mole initiator / total mole excluding ibuprofen) added under nitrogen gas. At block 308, thermal polymerization takes place. The solution is heated at 60°C for 8 hours, under nitrogen. After thermal polymerization, the precipitated particles are collected via centrifugation. At block 310, in some embodiments, the template molecule is removed using two different solutions; MeOHAttorney Docket: 84706-423620and a MeOH:H2O (acetic acid, pH3) (80:20) mixture. Removal of ibuprofen is then confirmed with thin layer chromatography as well as UV-Vis (272nm), at block 312. After complete removal of ibuprofen, the MIPs are dried in an oven at 60°C, in some embodiments. The NIP is synthesized simultaneously along with the MIP, in some embodiments. At block 314, the MIP is applied to a sensor. After drying the MIP is drop-casted onto a CTI Phase 0 screen printed electrode (carbon / gold). To ensure proper adhesion the MIPS will be mixed with various polymer binding solutions including PVC or chitosan, Various potentiometric techniques will be implemented such as DPV, EIS and OPC. At block 316, the sensor is tested with ibuprofen (0-600 ug / mL) in PBS (pH 7.4) using various electrochemical techniques such as electrochemical impendence spectroscopy (EIS), open circuit potentiometry (OPC), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV).

[0037] The bulk polymerization and precipitation polymerization protocols are prepared and analyzed simultaneously due to expedited delivery of results, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the analysis is performed on Palmsens EmStat4S potentiostat. Phase 0 carbon screen printed electrodes are used to analyze MIP first for cost effectiveness, in some embodiments. IN other embodiments, gold SPE’s are used. Multiple common analysis methods may be used including differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), electrochemical impendence spectroscopy (EIS), square wave voltammetry (SWV), and open Circuit Potentiometry (OCP). In some embodiments, carbon nanotubes are added to the formulation. It will be appreciated that initial results can be learned from and the testing optimized as needed.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 4, a voltammetry reader 100 is configured for linear sweep voltammetry. The voltammetry reader 100 includes a connector 102 to connect the reader 100 to a computer, mobile device, or other processing unit for generating data. A dummy load 104 having known quantities of a test substance is inserted into the voltammetry reader 100 to produce the data 110 shown in FIG. 5. The data 110 is used to confirm that the reader 100 is calibrated.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 6, an MIP sensor 120 includes an open circuit 122. The sensor 120 is loaded with a solution in a reaction chamber 124. The solution includes a template molecule and a functional monomer dissolved in a porogen solvent to form the solution. A cross-linker is added to the functional monomer, and an initiator is introduced into the solution. The sensor 120 is placed in the reader 100 to generate the data 130 shown in FIG. 7 and taken using linear sweep voltammetry to identify the target molecule. As such, it is known that the target molecule willAttorney Docket: 84706-423620produce the data 130. Thus, this data 130 is useable to compare to data from future tests to determine whether the target molecule is present in a sample.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 8, a sample 140, shown as a drop of blood is placed in the reaction chamber 124 of the sensor 120. The sensor 120 is inserted into the reader 100. FIG. 9 illustrates the data 150 taken using linear sweep voltammetry to identify the target molecule in the sample 140. The data 150 is compared to the data 130 to determine whether the target molecule is present in the sample 140.

[0041] Embodiments of the invention can be described with reference to the following numbered clauses:

[0042] 1 A method of preparing a molecularly imprinted polymer sensor that detects a target molecule, the method comprising:dissolving a template molecule and a functional monomer in a porogen solvent to form a solution,allowing the solution to mix and form hydrogen bonds or other interactions between the template molecule and the monomer,adding a cross-linker to the functional monomer,introducing an initiator to the solution,purging the solution with nitrogen to remove oxygen,exposing the solution to ultraviolet light in the presence of a photoinitiator to form a bulk polymer,crushing the bulk polymer into polymer particles,washing the polymer particles with a mixture of solvents to remove the template molecule and form a molecularly imprinted polymer.

[0043] 2. The method of clause 1, further comprising integrating the molecularly imprinted polymer onto a sensor surface.

[0044] 3 The method of clause 2, further comprising integrating a plurality of molecularly imprinted polymers onto the sensor surface.

[0045] 4. The method of clause 1, further comprising packing molecularly imprinted polymer particles into a column for selective separation.

[0046] 5. The method of clause 4, further comprising packing a plurality of molecularly imprinted polymer particles into a column.Attorney Docket: 84706-423620

[0047] 6. The method of clause 1, wherein the template molecule is ibuprofen.

[0048] 7. The method of clause 1, wherein the target molecule and the template molecule are the same.

[0049] 8. The method of clause 1, wherein dissolving a template molecule further comprises dissolving a plurality of template molecules to form a molecularly imprinted polymer sensor capable of detecting a plurality of target molecules.

[0050] 9. A molecularly imprinted polymer sensor comprising:a template molecule and a functional monomer dissolved in a porogen solvent to form a solution,a cross-linker added to the functional monomer, andan initiator introduced into the solution.

[0051] 10. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of clause 9, wherein the template molecule includes a plurality of template molecules.

[0052] 11. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of clause 9, wherein the template molecule includes ibuprofen.

[0053] 12. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of clause 9, wherein the solution is purged with nitrogen to remove oxygen.

[0054] 13. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of clause 12, wherein the solution is exposed to ultraviolet light in the presence of a photoinitiator to form a bulk polymer.

[0055] 14. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of clause 13, wherein:the bulk polymer is crushed into polymer particles, andthe polymer particles are washed with a mixture of solvents to remove the template molecule and form molecularly imprinted polymer particles.

[0056] 15. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of clause 14, wherein the molecularly imprinted polymer particles are integrated onto a sensor surface.

[0057] 16. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of clause 15, wherein the molecularly imprinted polymer particles are packed into a column for selective separation.

[0058] 17. A molecularly imprinted polymer sensor for sensing ibuprofen comprising:an ibuprofen molecule and a functional monomer dissolved in a porogen solvent to form a solution,a cross-linker added to the functional monomer, andAttorney Docket: 84706-423620an initiator introduced into the solution, wherein the solution is transitioned into a bulk polymer.

[0059] 18. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of clause 17, wherein the bulk polymer is crushed into polymer particles that are washed to form molecularly imprinted polymer particles.

[0060] 19. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of clause 18, wherein the molecularly imprinted polymer particles are integrated onto a sensor surface.

[0061] 20. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of clause 19, wherein the molecularly imprinted polymer particles are packed into a column for selective separation.

[0062] Any theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding stated herein is meant to further enhance understanding of principles of the present disclosure and is not intended to make the present disclosure in any way dependent upon such theory, mechanism of operation, illustrative embodiment, proof, or finding. It should be understood that while the use of the word preferable, preferably or preferred in the description above indicates that the feature so described can be more desirable, it nonetheless cannot be necessary and embodiments lacking the same can be contemplated as within the scope of the disclosure, that scope being defined by the claims that follow.

[0063] When terms of degree such as “generally,” “substantially,” and “about” are used herein in connection with a numerical value or a qualitative term susceptible to a numerical measurement, it is contemplated that an amount that is plus or minus 10 percent, and possibly up to plus or minus 20 percent, of the numerical value, is covered by such language, unless specifically noted otherwise, to at least account for manufacturing tolerances. Otherwise, a suitable definition for “generally,” “substantially,” and “about” is largely, but not necessarily wholly, the term specified.

[0064] In reading the claims it is intended that when words such as "a," "an," "at least one," "at least a portion" are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language "at least a portion" and / or "a portion" is used, the item can include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0065] It should be understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all possible alternatives, modifications, aspects, combinations, principles,Attorney Docket: 84706-423620variations, and equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosure as defined herein or by any of the following claims are desired to be protected. While embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same are to be considered as illustrative and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Additional alternatives, modifications and variations can be apparent to those skilled in the art. Also, while multiple inventive aspects and principles have been presented, they need not be utilized in combination, and many combinations of aspects and principles are possible in light of the various embodiments provided above.

Claims

Attorney Docket: 84706-423620CLAIMS1. A method of preparing a molecularly imprinted polymer sensor that detects a target molecule, the method comprising:dissolving a template molecule and a functional monomer in a porogen solvent to form a solution,allowing the solution to mix and form hydrogen bonds or other interactions between the template molecule and the monomer,adding a cross-linker to the functional monomer,introducing an initiator to the solution,purging the solution with nitrogen to remove oxygen,exposing the solution to ultraviolet light in the presence of a photoinitiator to form a bulk polymer,crushing the bulk polymer into polymer particles, andwashing the polymer particles with a mixture of solvents to remove the template molecule and form a molecularly imprinted polymer.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising integrating the molecularly imprinted polymer onto a sensor surface.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising integrating a plurality of molecularly imprinted polymers onto the sensor surface.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising packing molecularly imprinted polymer particles into a column for selective separation.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising packing a plurality of molecularly imprinted polymer particles into a column.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the template molecule is ibuprofen.Attorney Docket: 84706-4236207. The method of claim 1 , wherein the target molecule and the template molecule are the same.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein dissolving a template molecule further comprises dissolving a plurality of template molecules to form a molecularly imprinted polymer sensor capable of detecting a plurality of target molecules.

9. A molecularly imprinted polymer sensor comprising:a template molecule and a functional monomer dissolved in a porogen solvent to form a solution,a cross-linker added to the functional monomer, andan initiator introduced into the solution.

10. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of claim 9, wherein the template molecule includes a plurality of template molecules.

11. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of claim 9, wherein the template molecule includes ibuprofen.

12. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of claim 9, wherein the solution is purged with nitrogen to remove oxygen.

13. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of claim 12, wherein the solution is exposed to ultraviolet light in the presence of a photoinitiator to form a bulk polymer.

14. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of claim 13, wherein:the bulk polymer is crushed into polymer particles, andthe polymer particles are washed with a mixture of solvents to remove the template molecule and form molecularly imprinted polymer particles.Attorney Docket: 84706-42362015. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of claim 14, wherein the molecularly imprinted polymer particles are integrated onto a sensor surface.

16. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of claim 15, wherein the molecularly imprinted polymer particles are packed into a column for selective separation.

17. A molecularly imprinted polymer sensor for sensing ibuprofen comprising: an ibuprofen molecule and a functional monomer dissolved in a porogen solvent to form a solution,a cross-linker added to the functional monomer, andan initiator introduced into the solution, wherein the solution is transitioned into a bulk polymer.

18. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of claim 17, wherein the bulk polymer is crushed into polymer particles that are washed to form molecularly imprinted polymer particles.

19. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of claim 18, wherein the molecularly imprinted polymer particles are integrated onto a sensor surface.

20. The molecularly imprinted polymer sensor of claim 19, wherein the molecularly imprinted polymer particles are packed into a column for selective separation.

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