Book title: Encyclopedia of Supramolecular Chemistry
Editors: Atwood JL, Steed JW
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Abstract: Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic macromolecules capable of mimicking the binding of an antigen to an antibody or the transformation of substrate to product by an enzyme. In recent years, this ability has led to an explosion of academic and industrial interest in these extraordinary materials, with obvious applications arising in those areas where antibodies and enzymes are exploited currently. Taking a wider perspective than the biomimetic arena, however, it is clear that MIPs may, in principle, find a niche in essentially any scientific endeavor where molecular recognition phenomena are to be found. In this regard, not only do MIPs offer molecular recognition properties rivalling antibodies, but also a set of highly attractive physicochemical properties that permit their use under conditions that would be incompatible with the majority of antibodies and enzymes. A myriad of applications for MIPs has been described in the literature, from affinity separation and solid-phase extraction through to drug discovery and catalysis.
Template and target information: Review - MIPs
Author keywords: templating, template polymerization, molecular imprinting, Molecularly imprinted polymers, Antibody binding mimics, enzyme mimics, molecular recognition, functional polymers, affinity chromatography, Solid-phase extraction

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