Simple NMR experiments as a means to predict the performance of an anti-17alphaethynylestradiol molecularly imprinted polymer

The affinity and specificity of 17alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE) molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), prepared with methacrylic acid or vinylpyridine (VP) in toluene or methylene chloride, were evaluated by radioassay. Proton NMR model studies into complex formation between the template and functional monomer analogues, acetic acid and deuterated pyridine were performed in the same solvents that were used as porogens for the MIP. A correlation was found to exist between the binding strength and specificity of a particular polymer and the extent of complex formation shown by the corresponding NMR spectrum.