Characterizing Creatinine MIP Functionality Using Spectroscopy Techniques

Abstract

The availability and timely use of novel diagnostic tools often benefits the prognosis and progression of many common diseases, including chronic and acute kidney disease, through better allotment of scarce treatment resources. Current renal diagnostic technologies employ organic (enzyme-based) sensing elements into devices that measure creatinine, a well-cited proxy for renal health found in serum and urine. While organic sensing elements are sensitive and specific, increased proliferation of the technology is restricted by cost, durability, and reusability concerns. This paper investigates the use of a polymer-based inorganic receptor material (molecularly imprinted polymer, or MIP) for sensing creatinine and demonstrates the viability of assessing MIP function using UV-VIS spectroscopy methods for detection of creatinine in solution. Results demonstrate that synthesis of microbeads of a creatinine MIP requires strict environmental controls, and that the detection of creatinine in pure solutions is possible in the UV-VIS range, but valid detection becomes more difficult once solutions have been exposed to the MIP due to polymer leachate entering the sample solution.