Molecular Imprinting: Green Perspectives and Strategies

Abstract

Large quantities of organic solvents and reagents are usually required in the fabrication of these materials. Moreover, the use of excess reagents in solvent extraction, purification, filtration/ centrifugation, and cleaning processes is essential for adequate product purity. Because of the numerous practical applications of advanced materials, some are synthesized on a large scale and commercialized. [3] The excessive consumption of nonrenewable, hazardous chemicals is an unsustainable practice and a prominent criticism of these materials. Nonetheless, the use of advanced materials in sensing applications, medicine, electronics, and catalysis is inevitable. [4] During various research activities, such as fabricating advanced materials, as well as in the subsequent stage, i.e., industrial operations, new challenges have arisen that impact not only almost every aspect of human life but also other living creatures and ecosystems. It is estimated that the impact of these practices will endure into the next century. [5] Since the advancement of science, industry, and technology is inevitable, scientists have been persuaded to search for methods to counteract or minimize the negative impacts of human activities. [6] Thus, green chemistry has advanced and green principles have been defined for most sciences, including synthesis, [7] analytical chemistry, [8] engineering, [9] and pharmaceutical science. [10] Fortunately, contemporary society has great awareness of deleterious environmental side effects, resulting in a sense Advances in revolutionary technologies pose new challenges for human life; in response to them, global responsibility is pushing modern technologies toward greener pathways. Molecular imprinting technology (MIT) is a multidisciplinary mimic technology simulating the specific binding principle of enzymes to substrates or antigens to antibodies; along with its rapid progress and wide applications, MIT faces the challenge of complying with green sustainable development requirements. With the identification of environmental risks associated with unsustainable MIT, a new aspect of MIT, termed green MIT, has emerged and developed. However, so far, no clear definition has been provided to appraise green MIT. Herein, the implementation process of green chemistry in MIT is demonstrated and a mnemonic device in the form of an acronym, GREENIFICATION, is proposed to present the green MIT principles. The entire greenificated imprinting process is surveyed, including element choice, polymerization implementation, energy input, imprinting strategies, waste treatment, and recovery, as well as the impacts of these processes on operator health and the environment. Moreover, assistance of upgraded instrumentation in deploying greener goals is considered. Finally, future perspectives are presented to provide a more complete picture of the greenificated MIT road map and to pave the way for further development.

Electrochemical sensing of macromolecules based on molecularly imprinted polymers: challenges, successful strategies, and opportunities

“…The use of ILs as both a monomer and a solvent in the synthesis of MIPs for macromolecules is still largely unexplored. It should be advanced as being highly beneficial for moving toward a green and sustainable imprinting technology, reducing the use of organic solvents and promoting eco-friendly conditions [ 104 ].…”

Molecularly imprinted polymersviareversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer synthesis in sensing and environmental applications

“…This situation opens the opportunity to profoundly understand how to design an MIP for each specific industry since its design depends on a series of experimental parameters, processes, and environmental conditions. 25,43,73,91–93,144,151…”

Green Chemistry and Molecularly Imprinted Membranes

“…Furthermore, the health risk of imprinters and the negative influence of the poor degradability of MIPs that end up in the environment after their use should be consider. In a recent review [ 132 ], Arabi et al listed the critical sides of the traditional imprinting technology (see Figure 6 ).…”