Aflatoxin templates, molecularly imprinted polymers, and methods of making and using the same

A molecularly imprinted polymer intermediate, comprising:

• a crosslinked polymer made from monomers which are chemically bonded to each other, and a template having Formula (I):
• wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6 alkyl, substituted C1-6 alkyl, and a halo substituted C1-6 alkyl;
• R2 is selected from the group consisting of halo, C1-6 alkyl, substituted C1-6 alkyl, a halo substituted C1-6 alkyl, CH2C(O)OR′, and CH(C(O)OR′)2;
• wherein R′ is selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6 alkyl, and substituted C1-6 alkyl;
• and R3 is selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6 alkoxy, and substituted C1-6 alkyl,
• or
• wherein R1 together with R2 form a C4-7 cycloalkyl ring, a halo substituted C4-7 cycloalkyl ring, an oxo substituted C4-7 cycloalkyl ring, a C4-7 cycloalkoxy ring, a hydroxy substituted C4-7 cycloalkyl ring, or a carboxylic group substituted C4-7 cycloalkyl;
• and R3 is selected from the group consisting of H, C1-6 alkoxy, and substituted C1-6 alkyl,
• wherein the crosslinked polymer defines a plurality of cavities, wherein at least one of the cavities comprises the template having Formula (I), and
• wherein the at least one cavity is sized and/or shaped to allow an aflatoxin to be boundable therein when empty.