Noncovalent molecular imprinting: antibody-like molecular recognition in polymeric network materials

Molecular imprinting techniques allow the preparation of polymeric receptors which bind small molecules with affinities and selectivities of the same order as those observed in the binding of antigens by antibodies. The molecular imprinting technology has now reached a stage where the commercial use of imprinted materials is being assessed, notably for separations requiring strong and selective binding of small molecules. This development is driven by the potential advantages of polymeric receptors over biological in terms of stability, capacity, cost and ease of preparation. In this short review the state of the art of noncovalent imprinting is summarised indicating a few areas in analytical chemistry where the technique may have future impact.