MIP synthesis is relatively novel but increasingly important in trace-analysis characterization. Typically used for the detection of chemical warfare agents as a security measure, recent studies have broadened the application of MIPs to dyes, environmental toxins, and various drug compounds including common over-the-counter analgesics such as aspirin. The high selectivity of MIPs makes them extremely useful in the determination of the presence of trace amounts of compounds in a sample. Detection of the target in sample matrices is via molecular recognition and goodness of fit with respect to the molecular cavities. In the analytical curriculum, students synthesize an aspirin templated MIP along with a nontemplated (blank) MIP. Students determine the useful working range (expressed as mass of template or breakthrough volume), and specificity with respect to caffeine, acetaminophen and salicylic acid then determine the aspirin content in an over-the-counter medication. The experiment requires approximately two four-hour lab periods to complete. The experiment incorporates and reinforces several analytcal techniques/skills and can be combined with alternative aspirin detection methods for statistical comparison.

Lab curriculum development involving the synthesis and characterization of molecularly imprinted polymers in the detection of aspirin

249th National Meeting (2015)

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