Molekulekin inprimatutako polimeroak antigorputz naturalak ordezkatzeko etorkizuneko tresna gisa

Abstract

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) are synthetic macromolecules that retain chemical memory for a certain ligand. They work as biomimetic artificial receptors, often demonstrating higher affinity than their natural counterparts. Over the past few decades, the synthesis of MIPs has advanced significantly, evolving from the bulk polymerisation method to reversible deactivation radical polymerisation, giving rise to more homogeneous MIPs as regards size and shape. Applications of MIP have expanded notably in recent years, being employed for separation, purification, and concentration of chemicals, for protein determination, as drug carriers for controlled release, in different types of immunoassays, and as recognition elements in chemical sensor devices. Broadly speaking, these materials have proven their potential to replace natural antibodies in the bioanalytical field. In this article, the most common polymerisation strategies and imprinting methods for MIP production will be summarised, including their most relevant applications in bioanalysis.