Book title: Optical bioensors: Present and future
Editors: Ligler FS, Rowe Taitt CA
Publisher: Elsevier
City: Amsterdam

Abstract: Molecular imprinting is the process of template-induced formation of specific recognition sites (binding or catalytic) in a material where the template directs the positioning and orientation of the material's structural components by a self-assembling mechanism. Synthetic receptors prepared using molecular imprinting possess a unique combination of properties, such as high affinity, specificity, low price and robustness, which make them an attractive alternative to natural receptors, enzymes and antibodies used in biosensors . This review gives a brief overview of the technology with specific emphasis on the mechanisms underlying the ability of imprinted polymers to perform highly selective functions such as recognition and transformation of a binding event into a detectable optical signal . The problems associated with the application of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) in sensors are highlighted. Possible solutions to these problems are discussed and recommendations made about where commercial application of imprinted sensors seems most feasible in the near future.

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