Applications of Molecular Imprinting Technology in the Study of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Abstract

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is one of the most internationally competitive industries. In the context of TCM modernization and internationalization, TCM-related research studies have entered a fast track of development. At the same time, research of TCM is also faced with challenges, such as matrix complexity, component diversity and low level of active components. As an interdisciplinary technology, molecular imprinting technology (MIT) has gained popularity in TCM study, owing to the produced molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) possessing the unique features of structure predictability, recognition specificity and application universality, as well as physical robustness, thermal stability, low cost and easy preparation. Herein, we comprehensively review the recent advances of MIT for TCM studies since 2017, focusing on two main aspects including extraction/separation and purification and detection of active components, and identification analysis of hazardous components. The fundamentals of MIT are briefly outlined and emerging preparation techniques for MIPs applied in TCM are highlighted, such as surface imprinting, nanoimprinting and multitemplate and multifunctional monomer imprinting. Then, applications of MIPs in common active components research including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides and polyphenols, etc. are respectively summarized, followed by screening and enantioseparation. Related identification detection of hazardous components from TCM itself, illegal addition, or pollution residues (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides) are discussed. Moreover, the applications of MIT in new formulation of TCM, chiral drug resolution and detection of growing environment are summarized. Finally, we propose some issues still to be solved and future research directions to be expected of MIT for TCM studies.

Cytotoxic, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Activities of the Leaf Extract of Sinningia bullata

“…Prior to this study, the TPC of S. bullata remained undetermined. Given that many polyphenols can be developed as drug candidates from the active confirmation of in vitro screens or in vivo evaluations [ 21 , 22 ], it is worth analyzing the TPC of S. bullata extracts. TPC was quantified using the modified Folin–Ciocalteu method.…”

Application of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as environmental separation tools

“…4 depicts the various new imprinting technologies and strategies for the preparation of TCM-related MIPs. 65 Nanoimprinting technology involves the preparation of MIPs with nano-sized dimensions. 66 These nano-MIPs eliminate the need for further processing and exhibit high mechanical strength, ensuring the durability of their recognition locations.…”

Molecular imprinting-based ratiometric fluorescence sensors for environmental and food analysis

“…Nanoimprinting technology is used in the preparation of nanostructured MIPs, which has the advantages of high resolution, fast processing speed, high throughput, wide compatibility with materials and low cost, and is suitable for large-scale production of antibacterial surfaces based on a variety of polymer surfaces. 66,67…”