RESUMEN
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the optimal condition for complete removal of the template molecules from vinblastine (VLB)-imprinted polymer.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The prepared polymers were packed into the cartridges of solid-phase extraction column and washed by methanol-glacial acetic acid mixture with different proportions. The contents and recoveries of VLB in the effluents were determined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Polymer extraction with methanol-glacial acetic acid (9:1, V/V) resulted in VLB recovery of 91.73%, but template bleeding was observed because of incomplete VLB removal. Using methanol-glacial acetic acid (6:4, V/V) as the extraction solvent, the recovery of VLB reached 98.03% with less solvents and extract times. The polymers could selectively adsorb VLB through non-covalent interactions and still exhibited strong affinity for the template molecule but not for the structural analogue vincristine after extraction with methanol-glacial acetic acid (6:4, V/V).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Methanol-glacial acetic acid (6:4, V/V) is an ideal extract solvent for complete template molecule removal from the polymers, and the processed polymers possess stable capacity of specific recognition and selectivity to the template.</p>