Biocompatible Molecularly Imprinted Cryogel Matrices for Protein Recognition in Biological Samples

Abstract

A series of molecularly imprinted and nonimprinted cryogels based on the copolymer of 2‑hydroxyethyl methacrylate and N,N '-methylene-bis(acrylamide) are synthesized at various ratios and contents of comonomers in the polymerization mixture. The resulting materials are characterized in terms of surface morphology, swelling ability, average pore size, porosity, and compression mechanical characteristics. In addition, a comparative assessment of the adsorption properties of the molecularly imprinted and nonimprinted cryogels with respect to a target protein (α-chymotrypsin) in the dynamic mode is performed, as well as the in vitro biocompatibility of the cryogels using two cell lines.