The flexibility and simplicity of stir bar sorption extraction (SBSE) have been combined with the selectivity of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP). Stir bars were coated reproducible with a 160-mu m film formed from a formic acid solution of Nylon-6 polymer either non-imprinted or imprinted with L-glutamine. Time sorption profiles were measured for the extraction Of L-glutamine at the concentration of 20-500 mu mol L-1 levels with both types of films in order to compare sorption characteristics. The results indicated that the MIP coated layer showed remarkable high affinity towards L-glutamine and equilibrium adsorption was attained rapidly (60 min) in contrast to conventional bulk molecularly imprinted polymer in which equilibrium adsorption was normally attained after 16-24 h. The imprinted stir bar was also shown a high degree of selectivity toward L-glutamine compared to its isomer and analogues, while a reference stir bar prepared without the imprinting molecule was not shown any selectivity towards the enantiomers. Evidence was also presented by FT-IR analysis that the amide-hydrogen-bonding interaction between L-glutamine and amide groups in MIP-film was originated for L-glutamine recognition. The scanning electron microscope photographs showed that visible pores structure could be detected in the L-glutamine imprinted Nylon-6 film. Compared with traditional MIP and SBSE, the MIP-coated film showed not only the high selectivity, but also the rapid equilibrium adsorption. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.