Combination of Molecular Imprinting and Nanotechnology: Beginning of a New Horizon

Abstract

Th e molecular imprinting technology provides a distinctive prospect for the creation of three-dimensional cavities, which mimic biological recognition. Over the last decade, substantial eff ort has been devoted from the micro to nanoscale to develop variety of polymeric formats that are compatible with molecular imprinting technology with the aim of emerging a variety of novel synthetic receptors. Th is advancement has off ered considerable advantages, such as greater surfaceto-volume ratio, accessibility to the maximum number of recognition sites, lower diff usion times to facilitate greater uptake and release of the template and overall improved effi ciency. In addition to these, there are also benefi ts related to the distinct diff erences in properties (optical, electrical, mechanical, etc.) demonstrated by nanomaterials when compared with their macroscopic counterparts. In response to this, a new generation of molecularly imprinted synthetic receptors has arisen over the past decade that display physical properties, which are oft en closer to those demonstrated by enzymes and antibodies, such as physical size, solubility, fl exibility and recognition site accessibility. In this chapter, we like to focus on the recent development in the fi eld of craft ing recognition sites on nanostructured materials and/or designing imprinted materials at nanoscale and their consequences for the common mankind.