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 μg/ml) and the response rate is below the rate of metabolism of the anaesthetic. Tests performed with this polymer against propofol-spiked blood samples showed good linearity and specificity at clinically relevant concentrations of 1-10 μg/ml and the working range for the system is 0.1-50 μg/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.