Feasibility study on molecularly imprinted assays for biomedical diagnostics

Abstract

Purpose Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have aroused focus in medicinal chemistry in recent decades, especially for biomedical applications. Considering the exceptional abilities to immobilize any guest of medical interest (antibodies, enzymes, etc.), MIPs is attractive to substantial research efforts in complementing the quest of biomimetic recognition systems. This study aims to review the key-concepts of molecular imprinting, particularly emphasizes on the conformational adaptability of MIPs beyond the usual description of molecular recognition. The optimal morphological integrity was also outlined in this review to acknowledge the successful sensing activities by MIPs. Design/methodology/approach This review highlighted the fundamental mechanisms and underlying challenges of MIPs from the preparation stage to sensor applications. The progress of electrochemical and optical sensing using molecularly imprinted assays has also been furnished, with the evolvement of molecular imprinting as a research hotspot. Findings The lack of standard synthesis protocol has brought about an intriguing open question in the selection of building blocks that are biocompatible to the imprint species of medical interest. Thus, in this paper, the shortcomings associated with the applications of MIPs in electrochemical and optical sensing were addressed using the existing literature besides pointing out possible solutions. Future perspectives in the vast development of MIPs also been postulated in this paper. Originality/value The present review intends to furnish the underlying mechanisms of MIPs in biomedical diagnostics, with the aim in electrochemical and optical sensing while hypothesizing on future possibilities.

Impedimetric Sensors for Cyclocreatine Phosphate Determination in Plasma Based on Electropolymerized Poly(o-phenylenediamine) Molecularly Imprinted Polymers

“…Sensors are considered an interesting area for research as they are highly useful in multidisciplinary fields, such as environmental monitoring, food production, bioprocess control, health care, and biotechnology. − Most sensors are based on a recognition element that is able to recognize a specific target molecule and subsequent transduction of the recognition into an output signal. , Designing materials that have good recognition properties compared with biological receptors is difficult in many cases . MIP materials are considered a powerful and remarkable synthesis platform for producing polymer-type artificial receptors. − This process involves the construction of a host molecule via a polymerization process with a target guest molecule as a template in the polymerization matrix.…”

“…11−13 Most sensors are based on a recognition element that is able to recognize a specific target molecule and subsequent transduction of the recognition into an output signal. 14,15 Designing materials that have good recognition properties compared with biological receptors is difficult in many cases. 16 MIP materials are considered a powerful and remarkable synthesis platform for producing polymer-type artificial receptors.…”

Thermal Mechanical Stretching to Imprint Pores Morphology of Nitrocellulose Membrane for Immuno-sensing Application

“…Typical fluid sample such as serum, blood, urine or saliva can be tested. As the solution (fluid sample together with the recognition element) flows along the membrane to reach the test and control line, the target analyte would bind with the pairing immobilized capture reagent [6,28]. The purpose of membrane is to bind the capture reagent at the test and control lines; and also to maintain lateral capillary flow for the target analyte to move fast within the porous structure to reach to the test and control lines [29].…”

Molecularly Imprinted Nanomaterials with Stimuli Responsiveness for Applications in Biomedicine

“…In recent years, great progress has been made in SR-MIP-NMs, and their feasibility in the biomedical field has been successfully confirmed, laying a solid foundation for their practical application in biomedical clinics one day. Moreover, from a practical and economic point of view, it is not surprising that SR-MIP-NMs are socially acceptable in biomedical applications [ 162 ].…”