Molecularly-imprinted polymeric materials for visual detection of explosives

摘要

A molecularly-imprinted polymeric material that selectively binds with an explosive compound. The molecularly-imprinted polymeric material comprises a cross-linked, water- soluble polymer having basic functional groups and a binding site capable of selectively binding an explosive compound. The basic functional groups have a pKa that is sufficiently high to react with the explosive compound to result in a visually detectable color change. For example, the basic functional groups may have a pKa in the range of 6.0 - 9.0. The molecularly-imprinted polymeric material may be used in a variety of applications, such as a projectile for detecting explosives. Also described is a method for making a molecularly- imprinted polymeric material.