Recent advances and future trends in molecularly imprinted polymers-based sample preparation

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Molecular imprinting technology creates polymers with specific binding sites for target molecules.
• Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are valuable for selective sample preparation in analytical methods.
• Current MIP applications face limitations due to binding site heterogeneity, slow mass transfer, and reduced performance in aqueous media.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in MIP-based extraction, focusing on improving mass transfer and recognition in aqueous environments.
• To highlight strategies addressing the limitations of MIPs in sample preparation.
• To examine MIP synthesis from a Green Chemistry perspective.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on molecular imprinting technology and MIP applications.
• Focus on strategies for enhancing analyte diffusion and binding affinity in aqueous solutions.
• Analysis of synthesis methods considering Green Chemistry principles.

Main Results:

• Several strategies have been developed to improve mass transfer kinetics and binding selectivity of MIPs in aqueous media.
• Modified MIP synthesis approaches enhance performance and broaden applicability.
• Green Chemistry principles are increasingly integrated into MIP preparation, reducing environmental impact.

Conclusions:

• Recent advancements have significantly improved the performance of MIPs for sample preparation, particularly in aqueous media.
• Addressing mass transfer and recognition challenges expands the utility of MIPs in analytical chemistry.
• The adoption of Green Chemistry in MIP synthesis aligns with sustainable scientific practices.