Introduction

MIP-Kyn is a molecularly imprinted polymer specific for the recognition of l-kynurenine, an endogenous tryptophan catabolite with immunoregulatory properties. MIP-Kyn is proposed as a means of innovative and selective sorbent material for the extraction of l-kynurenine from biologic fluids (MISPE technology). The above technology is useful for the biotechnological production of l-kynurenine from cell culture supernatants (Biotech production), as a detector of the molecule in the serum or urine (Biosensor) or as a vehicle for in vivo delivery of l-kynurenine (Drug delivery).

Technical features

l-Kynurenine is an endogenous metabolite of the essential amino acid l-tryptophan and exerts potent immunoregulatory effects. Actually, l-kynurenine is produced through a chemical process and it is used as analytical standard. According to the production batch, the substance appears highly variable in the physical and chemical properties (color, aspect and solubility of the powder), as well as in its biological activity. MIP-Kyn is a molecularly imprinted polymer specific for the recognition and the extraction of l-kynurenine from biologic fluids (i.e., serum, urine and cell culture supernatants). MIP-Kyn represents an innovative way for producing l-kynurenine by a biotech process. As l-kynurenine is a biomarker of several immunological disorders, MIP-Kyn can work as a biosensor for specifically detecting the molecule in the serum and urine or it can work as a vehicle for the in vivo delivery of l-kynurenine.

Possible Applications

• Solid phase extraction of l-kynurenine by MISPE technology (molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction) from biologic fluids;
• Biotechnological production of l-kynurenine;
• Biosensors for detecting l-kynurenine in biologic fluids (blood, urine);
• Drug delivery of l-kynurenine.

Advantages

• Specific recognition of l-kynurenine;
• Specific extraction of l-kynurenine from biologic fluids.