Chapter 12 - Challenges facing protein imprinting via epitope approach

Abstract

Molecular imprinting technology (MIT) is a technique to design artificial receptors with tailor-made binding sites corresponding to the analyte molecules in shape, size, and functional groups. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), the polymeric matrices obtained using the imprinting technology, are robust molecular recognition elements able to mimic natural recognition entities useful to separate and analyze complex samples such as biological fluids and environmental samples. A well-organized MIP provides the amazing selective molecular recognition ability for small molecular organic compounds, also frequently applied in biological macromolecules assay, which has been close to natural enzymes and antibodies. One of the most efficient applications of MIPs is a selective separation and detection of epitope sequences in biological samples. This chapter discusses the prospects of epitope imprinted sensors and their applications, including optical (fluorescence and surface plasmon resonance (SPR)), electrochemical (potential and impedance) and mass-sensitive (quartz crystal microbalance (QCM)) molecular imprinted sensors. Challenges facing this particular arena are discussed in this chapter and future perspectives to stimulate the development of molecularly imprinted sensors for epitope/protein detection are proposed.