Affinity chromatography is a well-known method dependent
on molecular
recognition and is used to purify biomolecules by mimicking the specific
interactions between the biomolecules and their substrates. Enzyme
substrates, cofactors, antigens, and inhibitors are generally utilized
as bioligands in affinity chromatography. However, their cost, instability,
and leakage problems are the main drawbacks of these bioligands. Biomimetic
affinity ligands can recognize their target molecules with high selectivity.
Their cost-effectiveness and chemical and biological stabilities make
these antibody analogs favorable candidates for affinity chromatography
applications. Biomimetics applies to nature and aims to develop nanodevices,
processes, and nanomaterials. Today, biomimetics provides a design
approach to the biomimetic affinity ligands with the aid of computational
methods, rational design, and other approaches to meet the requirements
of the bioligands and improve the downstream process. This review
highlighted the recent trends in designing biomimetic affinity ligands
and summarized their binding interactions with the target molecules
with computational approaches.