ABSTRACT
Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are polymers formed in the presence of a template molecule. Removal of the template from the polymer matrix creates complementary binding sites with afŠnity and selectivity for the template molecule. Molecularly imprinted polymers are attractive materials capable of molecular recognition owing to their versatility, ease of preparation, and robust physical and chemical properties. Over the past 30 years, MIPs have been developed as stationary phases in chromatography, heterogeneous catalysts in organic synthesis, and sensors for a wide array of biologically relevant compounds. This review seeks to highlight the accomplishments of these materials over this period of time, which has led to their rise in popularity and their potential in commercial applications. We begin by describing the primary approaches to preparing MIPs, and then discuss their success in various applications. We conclude with an eye to the future and suggest where the imprinting Šeld may be heading.
