Sialic acid-imprinted polymers using noncovalent interactions

Sialic acid-selective polymers to which sialic acid was bound with noncovalent interactions were prepared using a molecular imprinting technique. Each basic monomers, 4-vinylpyridine or N,N,N-trimethylaminoethyl methacrylate chloride was used as functional monomers that can interact with the carboxyl group of sialic acid. The imprinted polymer with pyridine residues binding sites showed a specific interaction with sialic acid in 20% acetonitrile/water, and the polymer bearing quaternary ammonium ions had a selective binding in aqueous media.