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Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Catalysts: An Emerging New Trend in the Selective Catalysis Field?
Maciej Cieplak1, Dominik Korol1, Piyush Sindhu Sharma1
1Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|December 11, 2025
Summary
Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) offer a stable, cost-effective alternative to antibodies for selective recognition and catalysis. Advanced imprinting techniques enhance molecular cavity design for improved catalytic efficiency and selectivity.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Catalysis
- Biomimetic Materials
Background:
- Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are recognized as 'plastic antibodies' for selective recognition.
- MIPs can also function as catalysts, mimicking enzyme activity.
- MIPs offer advantages like stability, robustness, and lower cost over biological counterparts.
- MIPs can be developed for reactions lacking natural enzymes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methodologies for designing molecular cavities in MIPs.
- To enhance selectivity and catalytic performance of MIPs.
- To critically assess advanced imprinting approaches.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of various molecular imprinting methodologies.
- Focus on advanced techniques: covalent imprinting, metal-coordinating monomers, postimprinting modification.
- Analysis of cavity design strategies for catalytic applications.
Main Results:
- Advanced imprinting methods yield MIPs with enhanced selectivity.
- Improved catalytic efficiency observed in designed molecular cavities.
- Past five years have seen significant progress in MIP catalysis.
Conclusions:
- Careful molecular cavity design is crucial for MIPs in catalysis.
- Advanced imprinting techniques are effective in improving MIP performance.
- MIPs present a promising platform for enzyme-mimicking catalysis.
Keywords:
BiomimickingCatalysisMetal coordinating functional monomerMolecular cavityMolecularly imprinted polymerProductSubstrateTransition state analogueMore Related Videos
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