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Higly efficient separation tools are increasingly required for satisfying the necessity of the modern society. In this context, for achieving optimized separation and purification of targeted compounds, the typical features of the imprinting technology and membrane science for developing the so-called imprinted membranes have been exploited. Imprinted membranes are smart systems endowing selective recognition properties towards specific molecules and ions that exhibit better performance with respect to the traditional separation techniques. The aim of this monography is to give a contribution in promoting the knowlegde on the current research trend about this topic. Starting from the concept of the molecular recognition the book introduces the reader to the fascinating world of the imprinting technology and membrane-based processes up to discussing the development of imprinted polymers as well as imprinted membranes, which represent their special format. The different imprinting strategies as well as the theory and mechanisms of the separation are also explained. Furthermore, the application of molecularly imprinted polymeric membranes in different areas for the selective recognition of drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients, pesticides, other toxic compounds and proteins is discussed. The attention is also devoted to their employment in enantiomeric separation, sensors technology and controlled drug delivery. Finally, the production and application of ion imprinted membranes in the separation of metal ions, rare earth element and anions and the role of cyclodextrins in the imprinting technology are discussed.

This handbook provides a useful guide to preparing molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for diverse practical applications. The first chapter covers the general aspects of molecular imprinting technology. The following chapters focus on specific applications, such as MIPs for sample concentration, MIPs for chromatography and related techniques, MIPs as sensor components, MIPs as traps for medical and bioremediation, MIPs as catalysts and artificial enzymes, and MIPs as components of drug delivery systems. All chapters of the handbook follow a common structure: •interest of the MIP approach for that application •specific aspects of the synthesis of MIPs for this aim (requirements and general recipes) •representative examples of MIPs and their performance for that application •a look to the future.