Effect of functional monomers and porogens on morphology, structure and recognition properties of 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethylamine imprinted polymers

2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)ethylamine imprinted polymers were obtained from seven functional monomers in four porogens, and their properties were tested. Binding experiments revealed the highest selectivity towards a template for the polymer prepared from methacrylic acid in toluene (MIP1). The binding capacities and the imprinting factors were different for the stationary and the dynamic evaluation procedures. For MIP1, the binding capacities were 6.991 ± 0.081 or 18.247 ± 0.005 μmol g−1, and the imprinting factors were 1.97 or 3.84, for stationary and dynamic procedures, respectively. The Scatchard analysis of MIP1 showed two classes of binding sites with values of the dissociation constants Kd equal to 16.2 and 192 μmol L−1. Composition of polymers was supported by 13C CP/MAS NMR, FTIR and SEM-EDS analyses. The binding abilities of MIP1 towards the structurally related compounds showed that the ethylamine group together with steric effects governed the recognition mechanism. Finally, the high affinity of MIP1 towards dopamine or serotonin, but low towards norepinephrine and epinephrine was demonstrated. - Graphical abstract: Obtained polymer possesses high ability to adsorb selectively dopamine or serotonin in presence of norepinephrine and epinephrine. Highlights: ► 4-Methoxyphenethylamine imprinted polymer was obtained with imprinting factor 3.84. ► Ethylamine group plays a crucial role in molecular recognition of the polymer matrix. ► Dopamine or serotonin was adsorbed selectively from multicomponent system. ► Imprinting effect was confirmed by Scatchard and Freudlich isotherm analyses