Development of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers – from Environmental Sensors to Biotechnology Applications

Abstract

Many researchers have concentrated on the development of new methods for rapid determination of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that are widely detected in environmental waters. Exposure to EDCs is associated with an earlier onset of puberty, decreased fecundity or fertility, altered sexual behavior, and increased incidence of abnormalities or cancers of the reproductive tract in humans [1]. The findings of a new study suggest that some endocrine disruptors may play a role in the obesity epidemic [2]. Direct determination of EDCs in water remains a challenging problem due to their low concentrations (ng/L to μg/L), which is further complicated by the presence of numerous other compounds (pharmaceuticals, personal care products, detergents and natural organic matter). Such matrix effects are formidable even when sophisticated instrumental techniques are used [3,4].