Chapter 7 - New trends in molecular imprinting techniques

Abstract

Abstract Molecular imprinting technology (MIT) has been developed for the past several decades especially in the field of analytical chemistry. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have a versatile nature which, along with the ease of their synthesis, positions MIT as one of the leading material synthesis technologies over a wide range of applications. From sample preparation to sensor technology, MIPs find their utility adjusting their properties by implementation of various available techniques. MIPs are cost-effective with superior properties, though optimization of each step of their synthesis process must be considered. Optimization of MIP synthesis process, so they could combine an ultimate performance but also meet green technology requirements, is a hot topic at the moment. To this direction, studies show that the selection of reagents and the polymerization approach can be predetermined by means of computational tools and simulation modeling. During more or less three decades, a common synthesis protocol has been developed and described in detail in many textbooks and studies. However, the demand for materials with superior physicochemical properties is ever growing, leading to an expeditious scenery of material technology field. Subsequently, an enormous amount of studies has been conducted through recent years, therefore updated reviews must be provided. The present work is a brief review of current trends in MIT with focus on green approaches to MIP materials for different applications. Examples of recently published studies are included and some of the results are further discussed.