Surface initiated molecularly imprinted polymer films: a new approach in chiral capillary electrochromatography

A new generation of imprinted composite particles was tested as capillary electrochromatography stationary phase. Silica particles characterised by a well defined particle size (10 µm diameter), shape and pore system (1000 A) were modified with an azoinitiator and subsequently used to graft molecularly imprinted polymers targeted to bind L-phenylalanine anilide. Fused silica capillaries were packed over a length corresponding to 8 cm, using a pneumatic amplification pump, and the stationary phase thus obtained was tested with respect to its electrochromatographic performance. The electroendosmotic flow mobility was evaluated with respect to both the different content of polymer on the silic…