Selective solid-phase extraction of bio- and environmental samples using molecularly imprinted polymers

Of the many applications of molecular imprinting in analytical separation science, the one with highest potential of soon being used in routine analysis is that of solid-phase extraction. Already several examples of selective pre-concentration of biological and environmental samples have been reported. The interest in imprinted extraction sorbents originates from the high selectivities and affinities obtainable, properties which can be qualitatively and quantitatively pre-determined for a particular analyte and separation by the imprinting process. This review summarises work published on molecular imprinted solid-phase extraction and discusses some imprinted-sorbent specific method development issues.