Bacterial imprinted polymer : innovation for leptospira diagnostic kit

Abstract

Molecular imprinted polymer is a functional polymer that has gained attention in many researches due to its abilities to recognize and bind the molecules which are imprinted onto the polymer. In this study, we aimed to challenge the imprinting technique using more complex morphology of bacteria. Thus, we used Leptospira as the template, since; Leptospira has a unique spiral structure. Prepolymer of poly (methyl methacrylate)-co-(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) was successfully synthesized via photopolymerization using benzophenone and triethylamine under UV radiation (λ≈250 nm). The prepolymer was then spin-coated onto the glass coverslip and stamped with Leptospira template then cured under UV light for 24 hour to obtain the imprinted polymer (IP) film. IP film was then washed with 3%(w/v) sodium hydroxide solution under sonication to remove the bacterial template. The IP film was observed by field emission electron microscope and atomic force microscope. The results showed that Leptospira were successfully imprinted onto the polymer film surface and maintain the spiral structure of the bacteria.