MIPs as Tools in Environmental Biotechnology

Abstract

Molecular imprints are potentially fantastic constructions. They are selective, robust, and nonbiodegradable if produced from stable polymers. A range of different applications has been presented, everything from separation of enantiomers, via adsorbents for sample preparation before analysis to applications in wastewater treatment. This chapter deals with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as tools in environmental biotechnology, a field that has the potential to become very important in the future.

The Evolution of Molecular Recognition: From Antibodies to Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) as Artificial Counterpart

“…Like natural proteins after translation, MIPs can undergo post-imprinting chemical modifications [ 132 ], which consist of the addition of new functional groups, the transformation of functional groups and the conjugation with molecules ( Figure 9 ) [ 133 ]. This approach is very useful to enhance the specificity and the sensitivity of MIPs.…”

“…Furthermore, in order to avoid one of the limits of molecular imprinting, that is to say, the heterogeneity of the recognition sites in terms of affinity, another post-imprinting modification has been introduced: the capping. A good solution is the block of the functional monomer residues in the cavities with low affinity, followed by specific post-imprinting modifications of the residues in the high-affinity cavities [ 132 ]. A representative example is the development of a fluorescent MIP for lysozyme recognition.…”

Upgrading of bio‐separation and bioanalysis using synthetic polymers: Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), cryogels, stimuli‐responsive polymers

“…The MIPs in the cryogel captured estrogen‐like compounds [ 73 ]. In order to make the cryogel composite adapted to the harsh conditions that is found in wastewater the gels were polymerized in a plastic housing which made it possible to use the gels under stirring while capturing impurities from the wastewater that was regarded as pure enough to be released to the recipient [ 74 ]. However, the MIPs which were produced in order to have receptors for capturing estrogen‐active compounds can also interact with estrogen receptors in living organisms.…”

Molecularly Imprinted Polymers and Surface Imprinted Polymers Based Electrochemical Biosensor for Infectious Diseases

“…Standard free radical polymerization and sol-gel process are usually used. Free radical polymerization can be further categorized into bulk, multi-step swelling, suspension, emulsion, seed, and precipitation polymerizations based on their synthesis methods [32][33][34]. As a result, the microcavities that The factors influencing yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) recognition by SIPs were studied by means of spectroscopic and microscopy techniques.…”