Propofol-imprinted membranes with potential applications in biosensors

Herein we describe a new thin film imprinted polymer for propofol (active ingredient of a commonly used general intravenous anaesthetic) developed on a membrane support. Propofol binds to this polymer in 2 min and can be removed and tested in 1 min, giving a total assay time of 3 min. The non-specific binding to the polymer is below the detection limit (0.1 (mu)g/ml) and the response rate is below the rate of metabolism of the anaesthetic. Tests performed with this polymer against propofolspiked blood samples showed good linearity and specificity at clinically relevant concentrations of 1–10 (mu)g/ml and the working range for the system is 0.1–50 (mu)g/ml. The polymer is easily regenerated and can be re-used for subsequent testing (in blood up to 5000 cycles). These results suggest suitability for use in an on-line propofol detection system.