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Chapter 2 Fundamentals and primer of molecular imprinting technology

  • Vaishali Goel , Deepika Raina and Prachi Mall
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Abstract

Molecular imprinting technology is a technique used to develop false recognition sites within polymer matrices that are compatible in size, shape, and spatial arrangement with the functional groups of a template. It provides a flexible method for constructing customized molecular recognition sites within polymeric matrices, based on the lock-and-key model. This primer explains the fundamentals of molecular imprinting technology, detailing its principles, methodologies, and applications. The process involves creating molecularly imprinted polymers in which template molecules are inserted into a polymer matrix and then extracting them, thereby exposing complementary recognition sites on the target polymer. The procedure includes selecting a functional monomer and template, polymerization methods, and a strategy to remove the template. The technology finds its applications in various fields such as drug delivery, chromatography, catalysis, and sensors. By thoroughly understanding the concepts and methodologies, the potential of this technology can be harnessed to synthesize more efficient materials with precise molecular identification capabilities, leading to new opportunities in areas like environmental monitoring and biotechnology. Recent technological advancements have led to the development of novel approaches such as stimuli-responsive MIPs, surface imprinting, and nanoimprinting, which have increased the technology’s adaptability and usefulness. These developments demonstrate the ongoing progress of molecular imprinting technology and open the door for the creation of smart materials with specialized molecular recognition properties for a wide range of biosensing, drug delivery, and nanotechnology applications.

Abstract

Molecular imprinting technology is a technique used to develop false recognition sites within polymer matrices that are compatible in size, shape, and spatial arrangement with the functional groups of a template. It provides a flexible method for constructing customized molecular recognition sites within polymeric matrices, based on the lock-and-key model. This primer explains the fundamentals of molecular imprinting technology, detailing its principles, methodologies, and applications. The process involves creating molecularly imprinted polymers in which template molecules are inserted into a polymer matrix and then extracting them, thereby exposing complementary recognition sites on the target polymer. The procedure includes selecting a functional monomer and template, polymerization methods, and a strategy to remove the template. The technology finds its applications in various fields such as drug delivery, chromatography, catalysis, and sensors. By thoroughly understanding the concepts and methodologies, the potential of this technology can be harnessed to synthesize more efficient materials with precise molecular identification capabilities, leading to new opportunities in areas like environmental monitoring and biotechnology. Recent technological advancements have led to the development of novel approaches such as stimuli-responsive MIPs, surface imprinting, and nanoimprinting, which have increased the technology’s adaptability and usefulness. These developments demonstrate the ongoing progress of molecular imprinting technology and open the door for the creation of smart materials with specialized molecular recognition properties for a wide range of biosensing, drug delivery, and nanotechnology applications.

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Preface V
  3. Acknowledgments
  4. Contents IX
  5. Contributing authors XIII
  6. Part 1: Fundamentals of molecular imprinting-based smart carbon nanomaterials
  7. Chapter 1 Introduction to molecular imprinting technology 1
  8. Chapter 2 Fundamentals and primer of molecular imprinting technology 27
  9. Chapter 3 Polymerization techniques of carbon-based molecularly imprinted polymers 41
  10. Chapter 4 Polymerization techniques of carbon-based molecularly imprinted polymers 53
  11. Part 2: Performance evaluation of molecular imprinting-based smart carbon nanomaterials
  12. Chapter 5 Characterization methods of carbon-based molecularly imprinted polymers 79
  13. Part 3: Applications of molecular imprinting-based smart carbon nanomaterials
  14. Chapter 6 Environmental applications of carbon-based molecularly imprinted polymers 111
  15. Chapter 7 Biomedical applications of carbon-based molecularly imprinted polymers 131
  16. Chapter 8 Analytical and industrial applications of carbon-based molecularly imprinted polymers 149
  17. Chapter 9 Sensing applications of carbon-based molecularly imprinted polymers in agriculture 189
  18. Chapter 10 Carbon-imprinted polymers for forensic applications: a game-changing tool in the crime scene 235
  19. Part 4: Case studies of molecular imprinting-based smart carbon nanomaterials
  20. Chapter 11 Binding kinetics and thermodynamics of carbon-based molecularly imprinted polymers 261
  21. Part 5: Various aspects and future prospects of molecular imprinting-based smart carbon nanomaterials
  22. Chapter 12 Green aspects of carbon-based molecularly imprinted polymers 285
  23. Chapter 13 Challenges and future prospects of carbon-based molecularly imprinted polymers 351
  24. About the editors
  25. Index 377
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