Abstract
Molecular imprinting (MI) is a technique that creates a template of a molecule for improving complementary binding sites in terms of size and shape to a peptide, protein, bacteria, mammalian cell, or virus on soft materials (such as polymers, hydrogels, or self-assembled materials). MI has been widely investigated for over 90 years in various industries but is now focused on improved tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, drug delivery, sensors, diagnostics, therapeutics and other medical applications. Molecular targets that have been studied so far in MI include those for the major antigenic determinants of microorganisms (like bacteria or viruses) leading to innovations in disease diagnosis via solid-phase extraction separation and biomimetic sensors. As such, although not widely investigated yet, MI demonstrates much promise for improving the detection of and treatment for the current Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-2019) pandemic as well as future pandemics. In this manner, this review will introduce the numerous applications of MI polymers, particularly using proteins and peptides, and how these MI polymers can be used as improved diagnostic and therapeutic tools for COVID-19.Graphic
Highlights
Fundamentals of molecular imprinting (MI) Molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) are created through a process that can solve problems associated with using a specific living system by creating artificial antibodies, receptors, or even a specific aptamer as a recognition site for binding to a virus, bacteria, mammalian cell, or any other biomolecule
There has been limited research in using MIP for improved COVID-19 diagnosis, there has been some promise. Parisi and his coworkers synthesized MIP based on antibodies, used them as an alternative to traditional antibodies to recognize and bind to a specific sequence on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 to prevent its binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) which is the corresponding receptor on a host cell [51]
That study showed an improvement in the absorption of insulin when it was taken orally due to MIP technology. These polymers are promising in numerous drug delivery and controlled release systems since they can selectively bind to many kinds of drugs, be resistant to a sudden change of pH or temperature, and protect the encapsulated drugs from proteolytic enzymes to allow them to reach the desired site [56,57,58,59,60] .Suksuwan and his team designed MIP nanoparticles to enhance the effectiveness of R-thalidomide which is an effective inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-α to attack cells that resist a multitude of drugs [61]
Summary
Fundamentals of molecular imprinting (MI) Molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) are created through a process that can solve problems associated with using a specific living system by creating artificial antibodies, receptors, or even a specific aptamer as a recognition site for binding to a virus, bacteria, mammalian cell, or any other biomolecule. This review paper will cover numerous applications of MIPs, those imprinting protein and peptides, as improved diagnostic tools for the early detection of pathogens that are urgently needed due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing worldwide cancer problems.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
