Two molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were prepared using (S)-ibuprofen as the template molecule as well as methacrylic acid (MAA) or 4-vinylpyridine and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the functional monomer and crosslinker, respectively. Free radical polymerization was carried out at 4 degrees C under ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The MIPs thus obtained were ground into 25-44 mu m, which were slurry packed into analytical columns. The template molecules were removed by acetic acid/methanol solution (1:9, v/v). high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with UV detection, was used to evaluate the binding performance of the MIP for the template. The selectivity of (S)-ibuprofen and naproxen on the host-guest system were assessed using acetonitrile-based mobile phases. The limits of detection of ibuprofen and naproxen were found to be 0.1844 mmol/L and 0.3264 mmol/L, while the limits of quantitation were 0.6262 mmol/L and 1.0909 mmol/L, respectively. The stationary phase was applied successfully to the commercial tablet analysis. Ibuprofen and naproxen were extracted from tablets with acetonitrile; analysis results showed a good relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.81-1.24% and accuracy from -4.01 to +2.98% for ibuprofen as well as an RSD of 0.59-0.86% and accuracy from -4.01 to -2.01% for naproxen. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.