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Interleukin-6 (IL-6) belongs to the cytokine family and plays a vital role in regulating immune response, bone maintenance, body temperature adjustment, and cell growth. The overexpression of IL-6 can indicate various health complications, such as anastomotic leakage, cancer, and chronic diseases. Therefore, the availability of highly sensitive and specific biosensing platforms for IL-6 detection is critical. In this study, for the first time, epitope-mediated IL-6-specific magnetic molecularly imprinted core–shell structures with fluorescent properties were synthesized using a three-step protocol, namely, magnetic nanoparticle functionalization, polymerization, and template removal following thorough optimization studies. The magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) were characterized using dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering (DLS and ELS), revealing a hydrodynamic size of 169.9 nm and zeta potential of +17.1 mV, while Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques showed characteristic peaks of the polymer and fluorescent tag, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) investigations confirmed the successful encapsulation of the magnetic core within the ca. 5-nm-thick polymeric shell. The MMIP-based electrochemical sensing platform achieved a limit of detection of 0.38 pM within a linear detection range of 0.38–380 pM, indicating high affinity (dissociation constant KD = 1.6 pM) for IL-6 protein in 50% diluted serum samples. Moreover, comparative investigations with the non-imprinted control polymer demonstrated an imprinting factor of 4, confirming high selectivity. With multifunctional features, including fluorescence, magnetic properties, and target responsiveness, the synthesized MMIPs hold significant potential for application in various sensor techniques as well as imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of enzyme-like catalytic characteristics in nanomaterials triggers the generation of nanozymes and their multifarious applications. As a class of artificial mimetic enzymes, nanozymes are widely recognized to have better stability and lower cost than natural bio-enzymes, but the lack of catalytic specificity hinders their wider use. To solve the problem, several potential strategies are explored, among which molecular imprinting attracts much attention because of its powerful capacity for creating specific binding cavities as biomimetic receptors. Attractively, introducing molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) onto nanozyme surfaces can make an impact on the latter's catalytic activity. As a result, in recent years, MIPs featuring universal fabrication, low cost, and good stability have been intensively integrated with nanozymes for biochemical detection. In this critical review, we first summarize the general fabrication of nanozyme@MIPs, followed by clarifying the potential effects of molecular imprinting on the catalytic performance of nanozymes in terms of selectivity and activity. Typical examples are emphatically discussed to highlight the latest progress of nanozyme@MIPs applied in catalytic analysis. In the end, personal viewpoints on the future directions of nanozyme@MIPs are presented, to provide a reference for studying the interactions between MIPs and nanozymes and attract more efforts to advance this promising area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we combined the imprinting technique, temperature‐sensitive polymer, and Pickering emulsion polymerization to prepare a temperature‐sensitive porous imprinted polymer. First, the temperature‐sensitive block polymer PDEA‐b‐P (DEA‐co‐AM) was prepared by reversible‐addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, and then a temperature‐sensitive porous ReO4− imprinted polymer (ReO4−‐TPIP) was prepared using the Pickering‐like polymerization technique, which was introduced to the preparation of the imprinted polymer. The structure and morphology of the polymer were characterized by FTIR, SEM‐EDS, and BET. The adsorption experiments showed that the maximum adsorption (Q), separation (R), and desorption (D) of ReO4−‐TPIP were 0.1568 mmol/g, 3.41, and 85.22%, respectively, and the adsorption equilibrium could be reached after 120 min, which decreased to 0.1212 mmol/g, 1.23, and 70.01% after repeated use for 11 times. These results indicate that ReO4−‐TPIP has good adsorption and reusability properties. The adsorption studies showed that ReO4−‐TPIP conformed to the zero‐level kinetic model in the pre‐adsorption stage, the quasi‐one‐level kinetic model in the late stage, and the isothermal adsorption process conformed more to the Langmuir model. In addition, in the secondary leach solution of high‐temperature alloys, the purity of rhenium in the solution increased from 35.4119% to 53.4812% after one adsorption/desorption cycle. The prepared ReO4−‐TPIP provides a new material and strategy for the selective separation and purification of rhenium in complex rhenium‐containing solutions for the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular imprinting is an advanced technology in the fabrication of novel chemical sensors recently applied, enabling rapid responses and highly selective binding to specific molecules, thereby enabling efficient detection of material constituents. In this study, a new molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor (MIES) utilizing ferrocene‐functionalized carbon‐nanotubes (Fc‐CNTs) was developed for the determination of tryptophan (Trp). The formation of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) involves polymerization in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) using Trp, methacrylic acid (MAA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the template molecules, functional monomers, and cross‐linking agents, respectively. Due to the modification of MIPs, the sensor achieves high performance. The sensor demonstrates a linear range from 1 to 45 μM and from 45 to 330 μM, with the limit of detection of 0.44 μM, exceeding that of the majority of sensors reported in the literature. Furthermore, the sensor can effectively detect Trp in real samples, including human serum and amino acid oral liquid. The recovery rate of Trp in human serum samples is 94.2 % to 105.30 %, and in amino acid oral liquid is 94.3 % to 101.68 %. This study provides a promising approach for the effective detection and analysis of tryptophan constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are a diverse class of materials designed for selective molecular recognition. These polymers are synthesized with particular binding sites that are suited to a target molecule or a collection of structurally similar molecules through the use of a process called molecular imprinting. MIPs were synthesized in this work to specifically remove direct violet 51 from occupational leachates and aqueous solutions. Methacrylic acid functioned as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the cross-linker, 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator, and alcohol as a porogenic solvent. To improve the dye removal effectiveness, a number of factors were optimized, including time, pH, analyte concentrations, and MIP/NIP dosages. The findings showed that MIPs had a much greater capacity for direct violet 51 adsorption than nonimprinted polymers (NIPs), with MIP adsorption capacity reaching 42.553 mg g−1 and NIP adsorption capacity reaching 7 mg g−1. The pseudo 2nd-order model described the adsorption kinetics, and the rate constant (K2) for MIPs was found to be 0.00251 mg g−1 min. Furthermore, a high rebinding efficiency of 94 % was observed when the selectivity of MIPs for direct violet 51 was assessed against structurally similar templates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Plastics / Zhongguo Suliao is the property of Journal Office of CHINA PLASTICS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Folate (FT) is a suitable targeting ligand for folate receptors (FOLR) overexpressed on inflamed cells. Thus, FT‐loaded polymers can be used as FOLRs‐targeted immunotherapy to positively modulate the inflammatory process. A novel biodegradable imprinted polymer with a FT delivery mechanism driven by pH changes [PCL‐MIP@FT] is designed with molecularly imprinted technology. The pH mechanism is validated in vitro, demonstrating that an acidic environment accelerated and increased the release of FT for a period of 7 days (∼100 µg mL−1). For the first time, FT receptors (FOLR‐1 and FOLR‐3) are discovered and also overexpressed on activated human gingival fibroblasts, representing a favorable target in the oral environment. Although FT itself does not have antimicrobial effects, the nanomechanical properties of biofilm are changed after topical FT administration. In vivo systemic toxicity of PCL‐MIP@FT has been demonstrated to be a safe biomaterial (up to 1.3 mg kg−1). When the PCL‐MIP@FT is assessed in the subcutaneous tissue, it promoted an alleviating inflammation and may be able to stimulate tissue repair. The present findings have demonstrated the reliable in vitro and in vivo anti‐inflammatory actions of FT‐loaded polymer and support its use as a novel drug‐free therapeutic platform for modulating and mitigating inflammatory responses in dental implant‐related infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet selective adsorption toward trifluralin, a novel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was fabricated by the dummy template molecular imprinting technology. First, computational simulation was performed to select a suitable dummy template, 3,5‐dinitro‐4‐methylbenzoic acid (T1), based on the maximum basis set superposition error (BSSE)‐corrected binding interaction energy (ΔE) of the monomer N‐vinylpyrrolidone (NVP)‐T1 complex and its structural overlap with trifluralin. Then, the MIP was prepared via the bulk polymerization. The adsorption experiments showed the MIP exhibited a trifluralin adsorption capacity of 5.1 mg g−1, an imprinting factor (IF) of 2.2, and short adsorption equilibrium time of 5 min. The adsorption of trifluralin conformed to the Freundlich adsorption (R2 = 0.985) and pseudo‐second‐order model (R2 = 0.999). In addition, the MIP exhibited selectivity to trifluralin over other adsorbents, including structural analogs (pendimethalin and oryzalin), pesticide (carbendazim), and nitrocompounds (nitrofurantoin, furazolidone, and furaltadone), with the selectivity factor (β) in the range of 1.2–3.0, respectively. In trifluralin/oryzalin mixture, the IF toward oryzalin was still as high as 1.9. The removal rate of the MIP to trifluralin in environmental water samples ranged from 90.08% to 99.04%. This study provides theoretical and experimental insights for the preparation of MIP using dummy templates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among biomimetic strategies shaping engineering designs, molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) technology stands out, involving chemically synthesised receptors emulating natural antigen-antibody interactions. These versatile 'designer polymers' with remarkable stability and low cost, are pivotal for in vitro diagnostics. Amid the recent global health crisis, we probed MIPs' potential to capture SARS-CoV-2 virions. Large biotemplates complicate MIP design, influencing generated binding site specificity. To precisely structure recognition sites within polymers, we innovated an epitope imprinting method supplemented by in silico polymerization component screening. A viral surface Spike protein informed epitope selection was targeted for MIP development. A novel multi-monomer docking approach (MMSD) was employed to simulate classical receptor-ligand interactions, mimicking binding reinforcement across multiple amino acids. Around 40 monomer combinations were docked to the epitope sequence and top performers experimentally validated via rapid fluorescence binding assays. Notably, high imprinting factor polymers correlated with MMSD predictions, promising rational MIP design applicable to diverse viral pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indacaterol, a β2 agonist prescribed for long-term management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. In this study the first MISPE cartridges was developed using indacaterol as a template for its selective extraction from rat lung tissues, enabling precise pharmacokinetic evaluation at the drug's site of action. A molecular imprinting polymer was synthesized using indacaterol as a template, methacrylic acid as a functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a cross-linker with a molar ratio (1: 4: 20). The polymer was characterized by a high binding capacity of 9840 ± 0.86 and high selectivity with an imprinting factor of 4.53 ± 0.12. The synthesized polymer was utilized as a sorbent in solid-phase extraction to purify and extract indacaterol from lung tissue matrix. The optimum molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) conditions were 20.0 mg of molecular imprinting polymer and non-imprinting polymer, acetonitrile as the loading solvent, acetonitrile: water (20: 80; by volume) as the washing solvent, and methanol: acetic acid (90: 10; by volume) as the eluting solvent. A pharmacokinetic study was performed for indacaterol in rat lungs using the synthesized and optimized MISPE cartridge as a tool for sample purification. These parameters were determined in the lung tissues of rats emphasizing the local exposure of indacaterol to its target organ. The Cmax and Tmax were 51.020 ± 2.810 µg mL− 1 and 0.083 ± 0.001 h, respectively. The AUC 0−24 and AUC0 − inf were 175.920 ± 1.053 and 542.000 ± 5.245 µg h mL− 1, respectively. The elimination rate constant was 0.014 ± 0.00012 h− 1 and the half-life time was 48.510 ± 0.012 h. This study successfully developed and optimized MISPE cartridges using indacaterol as a template, enabling precise pharmacokinetic evaluation in rat lung tissues. The cartridges demonstrated high binding capacity and selectivity, providing crucial insights into the local exposure of indacaterol at its site of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel approach for the simultaneous separation of zearalenone (ZEN) and four types of aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2) from rice samples was presented. This approach utilized modified MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 as core, with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) serving as the shell. The MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 was prepared via ring-opening reaction, while the imprinted polymers were synthesized using warfarin and 4-methylumbelliferyl acetate as co-pseudo template, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross-linker and azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator. The resulting co-pseudo-template-MIPs (CPT-MIPs) were thoroughly characterized and evaluated. Adsorption studies demonstrate that the adsorption process of CPT-MIPs follows a chemical monolayer adsorption mechanism, with imprinted factors ranging from 1.24 to 1.52 and selective factors ranging from 1.29 to 1.52. Self-made columns were prepared, and the method for separation was developed and validated. The limit of detections ranged from 0.12 to 2.09 μg/kg, and the limit of qualifications ranged from 1.2 to 6.25 μg/kg. To assess the reliability of the method, ZEN and AFs were spiked at three different levels, and the recoveries ranged from 79.53 to 94.58%, with relative standard deviations of 2.90–5.78%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of sensing, the development of sensors with high sensitivity, accuracy, selectivity, sustainability, simplicity, and low cost remains a key focus. Over the past decades, optical and electrochemical sensors based on molecular imprinting techniques have garnered significant attention due to the above advantages. Molecular imprinting technology utilizes molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) to mimic the specific recognition capabilities of enzymes or antibodies for target molecules. Recently, MIP-based sensors rooting in signal amplification techniques have been employed to enhance molecular detection level and the quantitative ability for environmental pollutants, biomolecules, therapeutic compounds, bacteria, and viruses. The signal amplification techniques involved in MIP-based sensors mainly cover nucleic acid chain amplification, enzyme-catalyzed cascade, introduction of high-performance nanomaterials, and rapid chemical reactions. The amplified analytical signals are centered around electrochemical, fluorescence, colorimetric, and surface-enhanced Raman techniques, which can effectively realize the determination of some low-abundance targets in biological samples. This review highlights the recent advancements of electrochemical/optical sensors based on molecular imprinting integrated with various signal amplification strategies and their dedication to the study of trace biomolecules. Finally, future research directions on developing multidimensional output signals of MIP-based sensors and introducing multiple signal amplification strategies are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development in hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) that may be used as alternatives to donated blood requires an extensive supply of highly pure hemoglobin (Hb) preparations. Therefore, it is essential to fabricate inexpensive, stable and highly selective absorbents for Hb purification. Molecular imprinting is an attractive technology for preparing such materials for targeted molecular recognition and rapid separations. In this case study, we developed human fetal hemoglobin (HbF)-imprinted polymer beads through the fusion of surface imprinting and Pickering emulsion polymerization. HbF was firstly covalently coupled to silica nanoparticles through its surface-exposed amino groups. The particle-supported HbF molecules were subsequently employed as templates for the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with high selectivity for Hb. After removing the silica support and HbF, the resulting MIPs underwent equilibrium and kinetic binding experiments with both adult Hb (HbA) and HbF. These surface-imprinted MIPs exhibited excellent selectivity for both HbA and HbF, facilitating the one-step isolation of recombinant Hb from crude biological samples. The saturation capacities of HbA and HbF were found to be 15.4 and 17.1 mg/g polymer, respectively. The present study opens new possibilities for designed resins for tailored protein purification, separation and analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hazards associated with highly dangerous pollutants/contaminants in water, air, and land resources, as well as food, are serious threats to public health and the environment. Thus, it is imperative to detect or decontaminate, as risk-control strategies, the possible harmful substances sensitively and efficiently. In this context, due to their capacity to be specifically designed for various types of hazardous compounds, the synthesis and use of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have become widespread. By molecular imprinting, affinity sites with complementary shape, size, and functionality can be created for any template molecule. MIPs' unique functions in response to external factors have attracted researchers to develop a broad range of MIP-based sensors with increased sensitivity, specificity, and selectivity of the recognition element toward target hazardous compounds. Therefore, this paper comprehensively reviews the very recent progress of MIPs and smart polymer applications for sensing or decontamination of hazardous compounds (e.g., drugs, explosives, and biological or chemical agents) in various fields from 2020 to 2024, providing researchers with a rapid tool for investigating the latest research status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel bio-composite material that allow sustained release of plant derived antimicrobial compound was developed for the biomedical applications to prevent the infections caused by microorganisms resistant to commercial antimicrobials agents. With this aim, bacterial cellulose (BC)-p(HEMA) nanocomposite film that imprinted with eugenol (EU) via metal chelated monomer, MAH was prepared. Firstly, characterization studies were utilized by FTIR, SEM and BET analysis. Then antimicrobial assays, drug release studies and in vitro cytotoxicity test were performed. A significant antimicrobial effect against both Gram (+) Staphylococcus aureus and Gram (-) Escherichia coli bacteria and a yeast Candida albicans were observed even in low exposure time periods. When antimicrobial effect of EU compared with commercially used agents, both antifungal and antibacterial activity of EU were found to be higher. Then, sustained drug release studies showed that approximately 55% of EU was released up to 50 h. This result proved the achievement of the molecular imprinting for an immobilization of molecules that desired to release on an area in a long-time interval. Finally, the in vitro cytotoxicity experiment performed with the mouse L929 cell line determined that the synthesized EU-imprinted BC nanocomposite was biocompatible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research copper tagged magnetic surface imprinted polymer (IIP) has been developed using 1,10-phenanthroline immobilized magnesium ferrite–starch. Maximum removal of 95% was achieved at the optimum conditions i.e., 10 min contact time, pH of 6, and IIP amount of 20 mg. According to the kinetic study copper adsorption followed pseudo-second-order model moreover, based on the isotherm study Freundlich model better described the adsorption process as the maximum adsorption capacity of 33.7 mg g−1 was achieved. Adsorbed copper ions were eluted from the adsorbent surface with an HCl solution (0.5 mol L−1) and the IIP exhibited appropriate reusability (removal of more than 92%) after four cycles of sorption and elution. The limit of detection, linear dynamic range and RSD were 0.5 and 3.0–100 µg L−1 and 3%, respectively. The copper-tagged IIP showed a selectivity factor of 8.8, 4.6, 3.3, 3.2 and 5.4 concerning Zn, Ni, Co, Mn and Cd, respectively. The developed IIP-based adsorption system was employed for copper adsorption/preconcentration from water and food samples with an efficiency more than of 95%. Results confirmed that the IIP system is an appropriate route to reduce the side effects of heavy metals in aqueous media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanozymes‐involving colorimetry may represent an effective solution to tetracycline detection due to its affordability and simplicity. To improve the performance in selectivity, molecular imprinting technology has emerged as a promising approach to simulating the interaction between antibodies and receptors. Herein, Mn2V2O7, a form of nanozyme with oxidase‐mimicking activity, was synthesized. With tetracycline as the template, the cavities with unique dimensions were constructed through the self‐polymerization of dopamine (DA) on Mn2V2O7. In Mn2V2O7@MIP, polydopamine (PDA) acts as molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and its cavities are compatible with tetracycline in dimension. It also exhibits oxidase‐mimicking activity. With the introduction of tetracycline, the cavity of PDA is blocked, which leads to obvious color fading, which enables precise tetracycline detection with colorimetry. The range of linear detection is from 10 to 100 μM, and the lower limit of detection is 0.82 μM. It is anticipated that the combination between nanozymes‐involving colorimetry and molecular imprinting technology would contribute to the accurate detection of organic pollutants in the aquatic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a major cause of cardiovascular disease‐related death. It is essential for patients with cardiovascular disease to receive an early diagnosis of AMI. The most popular technique for the early detection of AMI is the use of biosensors to monitor the concentration of pertinent biomarkers, such as cardiac troponin I (cTnI), in the blood. The electrochemical detection methods hold great promise because of their simplicity, miniaturization, ease of integration, high sensitivity, and rapid response. The prime motive of this review is to present a comprehensive understanding of the pros and cons of methodologies employed for the electrochemical approaches toward the detection of cTnI. A detailed summary is provided for the immunosensors, aptamer sensors, molecular imprinting sensors, and peptide sensors based on various affinity elements. We enumerate the modified electrode materials for electrochemical sensors as well as popular detection techniques. Furthermore, this paper reviews some recent significant advances in point‐of‐care assays for rapid, accurate detection of cTnI as a smart integrated device for home monitoring. The accumulation of knowledge about these functions will lead to new insights into and concepts for the design of portable miniature sensors for cardiovascular patients at risk of AMI. It is anticipated that the interdisciplinary collaboration can bring more enlightenment to the progress of cardiac biomarkers sensor in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐N‐methacryloyl‐L‐tryptophan methyl ester) cryogel membranes were synthesized in different concentrations by using molecular imprinting technique, for controlled release of simvastatin. The cryogel membranes were prepared in various compositions and thus the releases of cryogels containing 0.5, 0.75 and 1 mg hydrophilic simvstatin were compared. The chemical and morphological properties of the poly(HEMA‐MATrp) cryogel membranes were evaluated through a series of characterization techniques. The membranes were subjected to swelling tests to assess their ability to absorb water and their degree of crosslinking. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy was applied to determine the functional groups present in the cryogel matrix and to evaluate the degree of chemical modification that occurred during synthesis. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy was employed to visualize the cryogel at high resolution, providing insights into the pore structure and overall architecture of the matrix. Then, cryogel membranes were evaluated for cell proliferation abilities by 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl/thiazol‐2‐yl) 2,5‐diphenyltetra zolium bromide thiazolyl blue (MTT) assay for cell viability. The prepared cryogel membranes have a diameter and thickness of about 10 mm and 1.0 mm, respectively. The increasing attention towards the use of cryogel membranes in tissue‐engineering has resulted in demonstrating the dependency of release profiles of simvastatin cryogel membranes on their composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food & Fermentation Industries is the property of Food & Fermentation Industries and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Triazine pesticide (atrazine and its derivatives) detection sensors have been developed to thoroughly check for the presence of these chemicals and ultimately prevent their exposure to humans. Sensitive coatings were designed by utilizing molecular imprinting technology, which aims to create artificial receptors for the detection of chlorotriazine pesticides with gravimetric transducers. Initially, imprinted polymers were developed, using acrylate and methacrylate monomers containing hydrophilic and hydrophobic side chains, specifically for atrazine, which shares a basic heterocyclic triazine structure with its structural analogs. By adjusting the ratio of the acid to the cross-linker and introducing acrylate ester as a copolymer, optimal non-covalent interactions were achieved with the hydrophobic core of triazine molecules and their amino groups. A maximum sensor response of 546 Hz (frequency shift/layer height equal to 87.36) was observed for a sensitive coating composed of 46% methacrylic acid and 54% ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, with a demonstrated layer height of 250 nm (6.25 kHz). The molecularly imprinted copolymer demonstrated fully reversible sensor responses, not only for atrazine but also for its metabolites, like des-ethyl atrazine, and structural analogs, such as propazine and terbuthylazine. The efficiency of modified molecularly imprinted polymers for targeted analytes was tested by combining them with a universally applicable quartz crystal microbalance transducer. The stable selectivity pattern of the developed sensor provides an excellent basis for a pattern recognition procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractImmunoassays based on the specific antigen—antibody interactions are efficient tools to detect various compounds and estimate their content. Usually, these assays are implemented in water-saline media with composition close to physiological conditions. However, many substances are insoluble or cannot be molecularly dispersed in such media, which objectively creates problems when interacting in aquatic environments. Thus, obtaining immunoreactants and implementing immunoassays of these substances need special methodological solutions. Hydrophobicity of antigens as well as their limited ability to functionalization and conjugation are often overlooked when developing immunoassays for these compounds. The main key finding is the possibility to influence the behavior of hydrophobic compounds for immunoassays, which requires specific approaches summarized in the review. Using the examples of two groups of compounds—surfactants (alkyl- and bisphenols) and fullerenes, we systematized the existing knowledge and experience in the development of immunoassays. This review addresses the challenges of immunodetection of poorly soluble substances and proposes solutions such as the use of hydrotropes, other solubilization techniques, and alternative receptors (aptamers and molecularly imprinted polymers). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excellent physical and chemical properties of palladium(Pd) have made its application and demand increase gradually. Therefore, it is important to develop a new material to efficiently separate and purify palladium from secondary sources to ensure its supply. In this work, a thermosensitive palladium smart imprinted polymer(Pd-T-SIP) was synthesized, which could achieve the efficient separation and purification of Pd. The microstructure and morphology of Pd-T-SIP were characterized. The experimental results showed that the Pd-T-SIP showed the maximum adsorption amount(Q) of 0.1022 mmol/g for Pd(IV), the desorption rate(D) was 83.09%, and it had good reusability. Theoretical studies showed that the adsorption process of Pd-T-SIP was suitable to be described by quasi-first-order model and Langmuir model, which indicated that the adsorption of Pd-T-SIP was monolayer adsorption. Finally, Pd-T-SIP was applied to the platinum group catalyst leach solution, and it could be found that its adsorption/desorption effect was more excellent, with its adsorption amount reaching 0.1558 mmol/L, desorption rate reaching 77.14%, and the palladium purity after one adsorption/desorption cycle increased from 13.75% to 30.62%, and the purity of platinum group metals increased from 40.29% to 73.56% after one adsorption/desorption cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils (EOs) hold therapeutic potential, but their conventional delivery systems have some limitations. This review focuses on the critical review and discussion of research related to EO delivery systems. The review also explores how molecular imprinting technologies (MIT) can advance EO delivery. MIT offer several techniques, namely covalent, non-covalent, and semi-covalent imprinting, creating targeted cavities that selectively bind and release EOs. These approaches promise significant advantages including increased selectivity, controlled release, and protection from environmental degradation. However, some challenges related to the stability and biocompatibility of MIPs remain unsolved. Integrating nanotechnology through methods like nanoparticle imprinting and some lithographic techniques seems promising to overcome these limitations. Some recently established models and systems used for EO-related research are paving the way for a more efficient and targeted EO delivery approach to harnessing the therapeutic power of EOs. Therefore, some recent and future research seems promising, and eventually it will increase the effectiveness of MIP-based EO delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method was developed to fabricate a glassy carbon electrode with electrodeposited palladium particles and a molecularly imprinted polymer derived from nicotinamide. This approach enables the determination of dopamine in the presence of structurally related compounds. The incorporation of a polymer featuring specific recognition sites tailored to the template molecule significantly enhanced the sensitivity and selectivity of dopamine detection. The immobilization of palladium particles on the electrode surface further improved the selectivity of voltammetric dopamine determination, even in the presence of adrenaline and noradrenaline, which exhibited a 200 mV difference in oxidation peak potentials. The analytical signal showed a linear bilogarithmic dependence on dopamine concentration within the range 5.0 × 10–9 to 5.0 × 10–3 M. This method was successfully applied to an analysis of urine samples, demonstrating its practical utility in real-world applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root cause of metabolic chronic syndrome, malignant tumors, and viral/bacterial infections is unconventional biomolecular-recognition-mediated cascade reactions, or the overexpression or suppression of these reactions. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are usually obtained by copolymerization of functional and crosslinking monomers in the presence of template molecules. Upon removing the template molecules, the cavities left in the polymer can specifically bind to the targets, which underlies their intervention activities. MIPs can participate in various biological processes without negative interference, such as targeted drug delivery, blocking pathogenic signaling pathways and constructing functional signal connections, thereby controlling cell fate by regulating their proliferation, migration and apoptosis fate behaviors. Molecular imprints, which are crosslinked architectures containing specific molecular recognition cavities for targeting compounds, have recently transitioned from in vitro diagnosis to in vivo treatment. In current application scenarios, it has become an important topic to create new biomolecular recognition pathways through molecular imprinting, thereby inhibiting the pathogenesis and regulating the development of diseases. This review starts with a pathological analysis, mainly focusing on the corresponding artificial enzymes, enzyme inhibitors and antibody mimics with enhanced functions that are created by molecular imprinting strategies. Recent advances are highlighted in the use of molecular imprints as tailor-made nanomedicines for the prevention of three major diseases: metabolic syndrome, cancer, and bacterial/viral infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we look into how poly[(4‐styrenesulfonic acid)‐co‐(4‐vinylpyridine)] crosslinked with divinylbenzene can be used as a copolymeric material to effectively recognize l‐epinephrine (L‐EP) and chirally separate (±)‐EP. It was first possible to synthesize and analyze L‐EP‐styrene‐4‐sulfonamide (L‐EP‐SSA). The resulting chiral sulfonamide was used to copolymerize with a 4‐vinylpyridine–divinylbenzene mixture. The integrated L‐EP species were removed by heating the polymer materials under strong alkaline conditions to degrade the sulfonamide links, followed by acidification in HCl solution. The imprinted L‐EP‐IP materials were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The produced L‐EP‐IP displayed selectivity characteristics indicative of an affinity for L‐EP almost eleven times higher than that for d‐epinephrine (D‐EP). At a pH of 7, Langmuir adsorption experiments demonstrated a maximal capacity of 165 mg g−1. Following optical separation by means of a column method, enantiomeric excess levels of L‐ and D‐EP in the initial feeding and subsequent recovering solutions were calculated to be 93% and 80%, respectively. © 2024 Society of Industrial Chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining molecular imprinting technique with titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysis technique can improve the degradation ability and selectivity of TiO2 nanoparticles towards pollutants. In this work, methyl orange-imprinted polysiloxane particles (MIPs) were synthesized using TiO2 as matrix and silane as functional monomers. The adsorption capacity (Qe) of MIPs was 20.48 mg·g−1, while the imprinting efficiency (IE) was 3.4. Such MIPs exhibited stable imprinting efficiencies and adsorption efficiencies towards methyl orange (MO) in the multi-cycle stability test. Photocatalytic degradation performances of both MIPs and non-imprinted polysiloxane particles (NIPs) were investigated. Compared with NIPs, MIPs exhibited better photocatalytic degradation performance towards MO, with the degradation efficiency of 98.8% in 12 min and the apparent rate constant (Kobs) of 0.077 min−1. The interaction between silane and MO was also studied through molecular dynamics simulation. This work provides new insights into the use of silane for the synthesis of MIPs as well as the molecular imprinting technique for applications in the field of TiO2 photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Faculty of Pharmacy of Ankara University / Ankara Üniversitesi Eczacilik Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Ankara University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Herein, a reliable and selective photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor for hydroquinone quantitative determination is achieved by combining 0D CdS nanoparticle/3D flower-like ZnIn 2 S 4 microsphere nanocomposite with molecular imprint polymer (MIP) technology. [Display omitted] A novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor was developed for the ultra-sensitive and highly selective detection of hydroquinone (HQ), featuring a composite structure that combines 0D CdS nanoparticles with a 3D flower-like ZnIn 2 S 4 microsphere. The sensor, termed rMIP/CdS/ZnIn 2 S 4 , employed molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) to achieve specific recognition of HQ. An p-phenylenediamine (pPD) polymer film was electrochemically polymerized onto the surface of the CdS/ZnIn 2 S 4 composite-coated glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Through hydrogen bonding, HQ molecules were imprinted onto the polymer film. Subsequent elution removed these molecules, leaving behind specific recognition sites, enabling selective detection of HQ. The unique spatial structure and heterojunction properties of the 0D CdS nanoparticle/3D flower-like ZnIn 2 S 4 composite, combined with molecular imprinting, significantly enhanced the photocurrent response and increased the selectivity and sensitivity for HQ detection. Under optimal conditions, the rMIP/CdS/ZnIn 2 S 4 sensor demonstrated a low detection limit (0.7 nmol·L−1, S/N=3) over a wide linear range of 1–1200 nmol·L−1. The sensor was successfully applied to detect HQ in real water samples, showing promise for environmental pollution control applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro pollutants pose a significant issue in water ecosystems. Particularly high concentrations of 17β‐estradiol (E2) have been identified in agricultural wastewater, which poses harmful effects on aquatic organisms and disrupts ecosystem balance. Therefore, effective determination of E2 from water sources is crucial. This study developed a biosensor capable of detecting E2 in wastewater using specific polymer nanoparticle synthesis through molecular imprinting. Est‐imp‐poly(multi‐walled carbon nanotubes‐glycidyl methacrylate [MWCNT‐GMA]) polymer nanoparticles were synthesized using a surfactant‐free emulsion polymerization method, and their characterization was conducted using FTIR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technologies. The Qmax value for Est‐imp‐poly(MWCNT‐GMA) nanoparticles in a 1 mg/mL E2 solution was determined to be 140 ppm. Comparing adsorption capacities, the molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (MIP) showed nearly five times higher E2 adsorption compared to non‐imprinted polymers (NIP). The Est‐imp‐poly(MWCNT‐GMA)‐Nafion/screen‐printed electrode (SPE) system was employed for analyzing wastewater samples. The current measurements taken at various concentrations in the wastewater consistently matched the E2 concentration calibration curve. The limit of detection (LoD) and limit of quantification (LoQ) were determined to be 0.042 and 0.12 μM, respectively. The biosensor demonstrated a linear working range from 0.12 to 50 μM, with a high correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.9927). These results highlight the potential of the developed biosensor for detecting E2 in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neopterin (Np) is a valuable marker for monitoring infectious diseases and predicting prognosis. This study developed Np-imprinted surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors, specifically designed to detect Np in human serum. Characterization of the Np-imprinted (Np-MIP) and non-imprinted (NIP) SPR sensors was carried out using various techniques. The contact angle measurements revealed increased hydrophilicity of the gold sensor with the nanofilm covering, reducing the contact angles from 60.5° to 45.87° and 32.7° for NIP and Np-MIP SPR sensors, respectively. The nanofilm thickness was determined as approximately 14 nm through AFM studies. Real-time Np detection was successfully achieved with the Np-MIP SPR sensors at different concentrations. The selectivity of Np-MIP was confirmed by testing against pterin and glucose, with Np recognition being 11 and 8.25 times higher than those of pterin and glucose, respectively. Np detection from human serum yielded a detection limit of 3 ng/mL. Furthermore, the synthesized Np-MIP SPR sensors demonstrated reusability over 10 cycles without any loss in Np binding capacity. These findings indicate that Np-MIP SPR sensors possess selective detection capabilities for Np in aqueous solutions and human serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In medical diagnostics, variations in hemoglobin levels can reveal a variety of prevalent health conditions. Abnormal hemoglobin is known to be connected with diseases like anemia, diabetes, hematemesis, hematuria, and hemoglobinuria. Consequently, there is a significant demand for advanced detection technologies and precise methodologies to accurately track and assess hemoglobin levels. This study demonstrates the potential of a novel molecularly imprinted nanoparticle‐based sensor system to rapidly analyze hemoglobin levels without the need for a laboratory environment. Hemoglobin imprinted‐poly(acrylamide‐co‐vinyl imidazole) [Hb‐imp‐p(AAm‐co‐VIM)] nanoparticles with high affinity and selectivity for hemoglobin were synthesized and loaded onto the surface of a screen‐printed carbon electrode (SPCE) with a nafion nanofilm. Nafion has selective ion exchange properties and allows for the enhancement of the electrochemical signal. An increase in signal was observed in the presence of 0.5% Nafion. The Hb‐imp‐p(AAm‐co‐VIM)/Nafion‐SPCE system was employed as the sensor surface for the detection of hemoglobin levels in blood. The Hb‐imp‐p(AAm‐co‐VIM)/Nafion‐SPCE system was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurements. The linear working range for hemoglobin was observed to be 0.73–15.54 μM (R2: 0.9934), with a calculated limit of detection (LoD) value of 0.24 μM (3.3 S/N). The sensor system exhibited high efficiency at the biological pH value of 7.4. Furthermore, percent recovery values for hemoglobin in blood samples were observed to be between 90.34% and 103.68%. To determine the selectivity of the Hb‐imp‐p(AAm‐co‐VIM)/Nafion‐SPCE electrode system, the current values of the system were investigated in the presence of ascorbic acid, cysteine, glucose, and IgG. The system exhibited high selectivity. Based on the data obtained, it is evident that the Hb‐imp‐p(AAm‐co‐VIM)/Nafion‐SPCE system can detect hemoglobin in biological environments and has the potential for use in disease monitoring systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently reported adsorption (hydroxyl or amidoxime) groups must dissociate hydrogen ions to form ─O− units for the coordination with uranyl ions. However, this process suffers a high energy barrier for bond dissociation, leading to the sluggish uptake speed and low adsorption capacity for uranium extraction from natural seawater. Herein, this study proposes a strategy for electrochemical modulation of adsorption sites, which overcomes the chemical dissociation processes of hydrogen ions. Poly‐2,5‐dihydroxy‐1,4‐benzoquinone containing redox carbonyl groups is intercalated into the channels of a covalent organic framework (COF) through in situ cross‐linking of 2,5‐dihydroxy‐1,4‐benzoquinone. Under electrochemical modulation, the C═O groups are transformed into adjacent phenol–oxygen anions to cooperate with the coordination atoms (O and N) on the COF channel for rapid binding of uranyl ions, which gave an absorption rate of 4.2 mg g−1 d−1 (≈3.3 ppb of uranium in natural seawater). Notably, the COF‐based electrodes delivered an average capacity of ≈20.8 mg‐U per g for uranyl ion adsorption during 5 days of extraction, ≈3000 times larger than that of classical tannin‐based adsorbents. The proposed method for preparing electrochemically modulated binding sites is expected to provide guidance for designing high‐efficiency adsorbents in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A traditional phase transformation method is commonly used to prepare molecular imprinting membranes for selective separation. However, traditional molecularly imprinted polymers are mostly micron-sized particles, and the imprinting sites in their membrane are easily embedded, leading to a reduced adsorption capacity and decreased selectivity. In this study, an ultra-long nanowire with a diameter of about 15 nm was synthesized for the separation of artemisinin (ART), and its adsorption capacity was as high as 198.29 mg g−1 after imprinting polymerization. Molecular imprinting membranes were prepared, using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethersulfone (PES), and polysulfone (PSF) as the membrane matrix, for comparison. The average membrane pore size of PVDF-MIM was about 480 nm, and PVDF-MIM had the highest adsorption capacity (69 mg g−1) for ART. The optimal flow rate for PVDF-MIM's dynamic adsorption of ART was 7 mL min−1. Under this optimal flow rate, selectivity experiments were carried out to obtain the separation factor of PVDF-MIM (α = 8.37), which was much higher than the corresponding values of PES-MIM and PSF-MIM. In addition, the hydrophobicity and low flux of PES-MIM and PSF-MIM lead to higher non-specific adsorption. The hydrophobicity of PVDF-MIM is lower than that of PES-MIM and PSF-MIM, which greatly reduces the non-specific adsorption of the membrane, thus increasing the selectivity of the membranes. Therefore, the effective density of the imprinting sites in the pores and the membrane structure are the main factors determining the efficient separation of molecularly imprinted membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomarkers play a pivotal role in the screening, diagnosis, prevention, and post-treatment follow-up of various malignant tumors. In certain instances, identifying these markers necessitates prior treatment due to the complex nature of the tumor microenvironment. Consequently, advancing techniques that exhibit selectivity, specificity, and enable streamlined analysis hold significant importance. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are considered synthetic antibodies because they possess the property of molecular recognition with high selectivity and sensitivity. In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the investigation of these materials, primarily driven by their remarkable adaptability in terms of tailoring them for specific target molecules and integrating them into diverse analytical technologies. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of molecular imprinting techniques, highlighting their application in developing sensors and analytical methods for cancer detection, diagnosis, and monitoring. Therefore, MIPs offer great potential in oncology and show promise for improving the accuracy of cancer screening and diagnosis procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular imprinting is a promising approach for developing polymeric materials as artificial receptors. However, only a few types of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are commercially available, and most research on MIPS is still in the experimental phase. The significant limitation has been a challenge for screening imprinting systems, particularly for weak functional target molecules. Herein, a combined method of quantum mechanics (QM) computations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations was employed to screen an appropriate 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) imprinting system. QM calculations were performed using the Gaussian 09 software. MD simulations were conducted using the Gromacs2018.8 software suite. The QM computation results were consistent with those of the MD simulations. In the MD simulations, a realistic model of the 'actual' pre-polymerisation mixture was obtained by introducing numerous components in the simulations to thoroughly investigate all non-covalent interactions during imprinting. This study systematically examined MIP systems using computer simulations and established a theoretical prediction model for the affinity and selectivity of MIPs. The combined method of QM computations and MD simulations provides a robust foundation for the rational design of MIPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a facile method to prepare water‐compatible molecularly imprinted polymer nanogels (MIP NGs) as synthetic antibodies against target glycans. Three different phenylboronic acid (PBA) derivatives were explored as monomers for the synthesis of MIP NGs targeting either α2,6‐ or α2,3‐sialyllactose, taken as oversimplified models of cancer‐related sT and sTn antigens. Starting from commercially available 3‐acrylamidophenylboronic acid, also its 2‐substituted isomer and the 5‐acrylamido‐2‐hydroxymethyl cyclic PBA monoester derivative were initially evaluated by NMR studies. Then, a small library of MIP NGs imprinted with the α2,6‐linked template was synthesized and tested by mobility shift Affinity Capillary Electrophoresis (msACE), to rapidly assess an affinity ranking. Finally, the best monomer 2‐acrylamido PBA was selected for the synthesis of polymers targeting both sialyllactoses. The resulting MIP NGs display an affinity constant≈106 M−1 and selectivity towards imprinted glycans. This general procedure could be applied to any non‐modified carbohydrate template possessing a reducing end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of fluorescent molecular imprinting sensors for direct, rapid, and sensitive detection of small organic molecules in aqueous systems has always presented a significant challenge in the field of detection. In this study, we successfully prepared a hydrophilic colloidal molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) using a one-pot approach that incorporated polyglycerol methacrylate (PGMMA-TTC), a hydrophilic macromolecular chain transfer agent, to mediate reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer precipitation polymerization (RAFTPP). To simplify the polymerization process while achieving ratiometric fluorescence detection, red fluorescent CdTe quantum dots (QDs) and green fluorescent nitrobenzodiazole (NBD) were introduced as fluorophores (with NBD serving as an enhancer to the template and QDs being inert). This strategy effectively eliminated background noise and significantly improved detection accuracy. Uniform-sized MIP microspheres with high surface hydrophilicity and incorporated ratiometric fluorescent labels were successfully synthesized. In aqueous systems, the hydrophilic ratio fluorescent MIP exhibited a linear response range from 0 to 25 μM for the template molecule 2,4-D with a detection limit of 0.13 μM. These results demonstrate that the ratiometric fluorescent MIP possesses excellent recognition characteristics and selectivity towards 2,4-D, thus, making it suitable for selective detection of trace amounts of pesticide 2,4-D in aqueous systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theaflavins (TFs) are a kind of bioactive compound that formed during the fermentation stage of black tea. TFs play a vital role both in the sensory quality and the biological activity of black tea. However, the complex composition of black tea and the low content of TFs in black tea (0.3%–0.7%) make the technology for the preparation of high‐purity TFs a great challenge. This review provides an updated overview for extracting, synthesizing and purifying of TFs. Molecular imprinting technology, an efficient method for extracting bioactive compounds, will be a promising method for the preparation of TFs with high purity. Overall, this review can provide a scientific basis and technical support for the preparation of TFs with high purity and will be helpful for the in‐depth development and further research of TFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines a comprehensive, inquiry-based instrumental analysis experiment to integrate molecular imprinting technology into undergraduate education. The experiment commences with the fabrication of a streptomycin molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor (STR-MIM/GCE) via the electropolymerization method. Subsequent characterization of the sensor employs cyclic voltammetry and scanning electron microscopy. Utilizing potassium ferricyanide as a probe, a differential pulse voltammetry technique is developed for the electrochemical quantification of streptomycin, with milk serving as a real-world sample for testing. This experiment involves the modification and characterization of electrode surface, alongside the development and application of electrochemical analysis methods. The experiment uses readily available and cost-effective reagents, avoids the need for sophisticated instrumentation, and is designed with a duration suitable for undergraduate coursework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on the development of a hybrid material based on SBA-15 silica with a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), using spiramycin (SPI) as a template, for use as sorbent in solid-phase extraction (SPE). Characterization techniques such as nitrogen gas adsorption–desorption isotherms, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the structure and properties of the SBA-15@MIP-SPI material. SPE conditions using SBA-15@MIP-SPI as sorbent were optimized, which allowed us to demonstrate the high selectivity and adsorption capacity of SPI on the synthesized material. The best conditions were 50 mg of sorbent, loading with 1 mL of standard solution or sample of cow milk previously extracted in acetonitrile and eluting with 3 mL of methanol with 1% acetic acid. After the optimization process, the material demonstrated recovery percentages of 81 ± 3% in SPI standard solutions and showed its potential in cow milk samples (71 ± 6%). The novelty of the research consists of the combination of MIPs with SBA-15, which could offer important advantages in terms of specific surface area and porous structure, thus improving performance and reducing the amount of sorbent compared to other traditional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular imprinting has emerged as an important and practical technology to create economical and stable synthetic mimics of antibodies and enzymes. It has already found a variety of important applications, such as affinity separation, chemical/biological sensing, disease diagnostics, proteomics, bioimaging, controlled drug release, and catalysis. In the past decade, significant breakthroughs have been made in non-covalently imprinted polymers, from their synthesis through to their applications. In terms of synthesis, quite a few versatile and facile imprinting approaches for preparing MIPs have been invented, which have effectively solved some key issues in molecular imprinting. Additionally, important applications in several areas, such as sensors, proteomics and bioimaging, have been well demonstrated. In this review, we critically and comprehensively survey key recent advances made in the preparation of non-covalently imprinted polymers and their important applications. We focus on the state-of-art of this technology from three different perspectives: fundamentals, synthetic strategies, and applications. We first provide a fundamental basis for molecular imprinting technologies that have been developed, which is extremely helpful for establishing a sound understanding of the challenges in molecular imprinting. Then, we discuss in particular the major breakthroughs within the last ten years (2014–2024), with emphasis on new imprinting approaches, what strengths the breakthroughs can provide, and which new applications the properties of the prepared non-covalently imprinted polymers are fit for. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and application of an electrochemical sensor is reported for detection of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) – a bioplastic derived from agro-industrial residues. To overcome the challenges of molecular imprinting of macromolecules such as P3HB, this study employed methanolysis reaction to break down the P3HB biopolymer chains into methyl 3-hydroxybutyrate (M3HB) monomers. Thereafter, M3HB were employed as the target molecules in the construction of molecularly imprinted sensors. The electrochemical device was then prepared by electropolymerizing a molecularly imprinted poly (indole-3-acetic acid) thin film on a glassy carbon electrode surface modified with reduced graphene oxide (GCE/rGO-MIP) in the presence of M3HB. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscopy with field emission gun (SEM-FEG), Raman spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to characterize the electrode surface. Under ideal conditions, the MIP sensor exhibited a wide linear working range of 0.1 – 10 nM and a detection limit of 0.3 pM (n = 3). The sensor showed good repeatability, selectivity, and stability over time. For the sensor application, the bioproduction of P3HB was carried out in a bioreactor containing the Burkholderia glumae MA13 strain and sugarcane byproducts as a supplementary carbon source. The analyses were validated through recovery assays, yielding recovery values between 102 and 104%. These results indicate that this MIP sensor can present advantages in the monitoring of P3HB during the bioconversion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An original molecular imprinting photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor for sarcosine detection based on stable lead-free inorganic halide double perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 is proposed. Cs2AgBiBr6 as a lead-free halide perovskite material possesses several positive optoelectronic properties for PEC analysis, such as long-lived component to the charge-carrier lifetime, and strong absorption of visible light. At the same time, two-dimensional materials also offer excellent electronic and mechanical properties; thus, Bi2O2S was used and combined with Cs2AgBiBr6 to provide a stable and large photocurrent, which also benefits from the stability of perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6. Based on this novel PEC assay, the detection range for sarcosine was between 0.005 and 5000 ng/mL with a low detection limit of 0.002 ng/mL. This work also improved the adhibition of metal halide perovskite in analytical chemistry field, providing a novel way for other small molecule detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecularly imprinted materials based on imprinting dithizone‐Zn (II) (DTZ‐Zn (II)) complexes onto cotton fabric/silica, and the Color Grab application for the OPPO A54 smartphone, were proposed and applied for the first time to detect Zn (II) ions in water samples. The proposed materials were prepared by using cotton fabrics as cellulosic materials, tetraethoxysilane as silica sources and DTZ‐Zn (II) as template molecules. The initial concentration of DTZ and Zn (II), the volume of tetraethoxysilane and the reaction time were optimised to obtain the maximum adsorption of the DTZ‐Zn (II) complexes in the imprinted materials. The concentration of hydrochloric acid and the extraction time were optimised to obtain the maximum Zn (II) removal. The results found that 10 mL of a solution containing DTZ (0.20 mM) and Zn (II) (0.30 mM), 25 μL of tetraethoxysilane, with 10 minutes reaction time, exhibited the strongest binding of the template complexes. Zn (II) ions were selectively removed from the materials by using 0.1 M hydrochloric acid for 10 minutes. The morphology of the prepared materials was characterised by scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance–Fourier Transform‐infrared spectroscopy. The smartphone measurement based the cotton fabric/silica materials exhibited linear relationship between saturation (%) and Zn (II) concentrations in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 mg/L, with limit of detection of 0.02 mg/L and limit of quantification of 0.06 mg/L. The proposed method was successfully applied to determine Zn (II) in real‐water samples with the % recovery ranging from 98% to 115% and an acceptable relative standard deviation of less than 6 (n = 3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)