Molecularly imprinted polymers with multi-functionality.

Abstract

Molecular imprinting is a very powerful synthetic method for preparation of robust materials with pre-designed molecular selectivity. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are attractive substitutes for antibodies in many analytical and bioanalytical applications, e.g. for development of biosensors and for drug assays. In addition to selective molecular binding, new functions are being added to MIPs to make the synthetic materials responsive to different environmental conditions, making it possible to modulate the binding and release of different molecular targets and to simplify affinity separation. Introduction of signal-transduction functionality into MIPs also brings in new, more easily operated chemical sensors for detection and quantification of important analytical targets.