Smart polymers as molecular imprinted polymers for recognition of target molecules

Molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) are artificial receptors for a target molecule. These synthetic receptors mimic natural antibodies and enzymes in their function, mode of action, and recognition capability. Herein, the concept and basics of MIPs were discussed with a particular focus on the imprinting process and their synthetic procedures. A lot of ingredients are included in the preparation of MIPs. The analyte or template is the target molecule for creating an imprint in the matrix bearing the configuration of its shape and functional groups. A functional monomer is used to physically interact with the template molecule and chemically with the cross-linker. An initiator is added to promote the polymerization reaction and the network structure formation which provide the mechanical stability of the imprinted sites. Non-covalent and covalent imprinting approaches are the two main types of MIPs depending on the interaction between the template molecule and the functional monomer. MIPs are included in applications such as chromatography, sensors, membranes, drug delivery, etc. There is a particular interest in designing smart MIPs. The intelligence of these polymers stems from their response to an external stimulus such as temperature, pH, biomolecule, and magnetic field which induced more advanced applications for the MIPs.