Search

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]

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]

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 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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.)

Background: The study focuses on developing a stable enantioselective matrix for the efficient chiral identification and enantioresolution of l‐DOPA and (±)‐DOPA. The matrix is derived from a copolymeric material made from poly[(vinylsulfonic acid)‐co‐(4‐vinylpyridine)] crosslinked with divinylbenzene. Results: l‐DOPA‐vinylsulfonamide was synthesized and characterized. This chiral sulfonamide was copolymerized with 4‐vinylpyridine in the presence of a divinylbenzene crosslinker, using azobisisobutyronitrile as a thermal initiator. Post‐polymerization, the polymeric particles were treated with NaOH and subsequently washed with acid to remove the integrated l‐DOPA species. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the imprinted l‐DOPA‐IP particles. The manufactured l‐DOPA‐IP demonstrated a tenfold greater affinity for l‐DOPA compared to d‐DOPA. Langmuir adsorption experiments at pH 6 showed a maximum capacity of 162 mg g−1. Enantiomeric excess values for l‐ and d‐DOPA, determined through optical separation using a column approach, were 94% and 82%, respectively, in the loading and recovery solutions. Conclusion: The developed copolymeric material effectively served as an enantioselective matrix, exhibiting high selectivity and capacity for l‐DOPA. The process demonstrated efficient chiral identification and separation, achieving significant enantiomeric excess values for both l‐ and d‐DOPA. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [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]

Tendon injuries and tendinopathies are increasingly prevalent health problems currently lacking effective treatments. Tissue engineering offers promising strategies to boost the low innate regenerative ability of tendons. Within this context, the simultaneous leveraging of both physical and biochemical cues by engineered scaffolding systems can be explored to promote a stronger tenogenic response from stem cells. Here, molecularly imprinted polymeric nanoparticles (MINPs) against transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β3 are combined with bioinspired anisotropic hydrogels to produce tenogenesis‐inductive constructs. MINPs are first solid phase‐imprinted against a TGF‐β3 epitope, achieving an affinity comparable to monoclonal antibodies. MINPs and magnetically‐responsive microfibers are then encapsulated together with adipose‐derived stem cells within gelatin‐based hydrogels, applying a magnetostatic field during gelation to align the microfibers. The created anisotropic microstructure guides cell growth and elongation unidirectionally, while MINPs act as artificial receptors for TGF‐β3, potentiating its paracrine action in the cellular microenvironment. The combination of both stimuli proves effective at increasing TGF‐β signaling, which promotes the expression of tendon‐associated genes and corresponding protein synthesis, suggesting that microstructural cues and biomolecule sequestration act in tandem to direct cell fate commitment. Overall, this system recapitulates several elements of tendon development, constituting a promising strategy for the regeneration of this tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from different plant species and their organs can provide valuable information about plant health and environmental factors that affect them. For example, limonene emission can be a biomarker to monitor plant health and detect stress. Traditional methods for VOC detection encounter challenges, prompting the proposal of novel approaches. In this study, we proposed integrating electrospinning, molecular imprinting, and conductive nanofibers to fabricate limonene sensors. In detail, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) served here as fiber and cavity formers, respectively, with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) enhancing conductivity. We developed one-step monolithic molecularly imprinted fibers, where S(−)-limonene was the target molecule, using an electrospinning technique. The functional cavities were fixed using the UV curing method, followed by a target molecule washing. This procedure enabled the creation of recognition sites for limonene within the nanofiber matrix, enhancing sensor performance and streamlining manufacturing. Humidity was crucial for sensor working, with optimal conditions at about 50% RH. The sensors rapidly responded to S(−)-limonene, reaching a plateau within 200 s. Enhancing fiber density improved sensor performance, resulting in a lower limit of detection (LOD) of 137 ppb. However, excessive fiber density decreased accessibility to active sites, thus reducing sensitivity. Remarkably, the thinnest mat on the fibrous sensors created provided the highest selectivity to limonene (Selectivity Index: 72%) compared with other VOCs, such as EtOH (used as a solvent in nanofiber development), aromatic compounds (toluene), and two other monoterpenes (α-pinene and linalool) with similar structures. These findings underscored the potential of the proposed integrated approach for selective VOC detection in applications such as precision agriculture and environmental monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrathin molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) films were deposited on the surfaces of ZnO nanorods (ZNRs) and nanosheets (ZNSs) by electropolymerization to afford extended-gate field-effect transistor sensors for detecting phenytoin (PHT) in plasma. Molecular imprinting efficiency was optimized by controlling the contents of functional monomers and the template in the precursor solution. PHT sensing was performed in plasma solutions with various concentrations by monitoring the drain current as a function of drain voltage under an applied gate voltage of 1.5 V. The reliability and reproducibility of the fabricated sensors were evaluated through a solution treatment process for complete PHT removal and PHT adsorption-removal cycling, while selectivity was examined by analyzing responses to chemicals with structures analogous to that of PHT. Compared with the ZNS/extracted-MIP sensor and sensors with non-imprinted polymer (NIP) films, the ZNR/extracted-MIP sensor showed superior responses to PHT-containing plasma due to selective PHT adsorption, achieving an imprinting factor of 4.23, detection limit of 12.9 ng/mL, quantitation limit of 53.0 ng/mL, and selectivity coefficients of 3–4 (against tramadol) and ~ 5 (against diphenhydramine). Therefore, we believe that the MIP-based ZNR sensing platform is promising for the practical detection of PHT and other drugs and evaluation of their proper dosages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel molecularly imprinted ratiometric fluorescent sensor CQDs@MIP/FITC@SiO2 for the detection of p-nitroaniline (p-NA) was constructed through the mixture of CQDs@MIP and FITC@SiO2 in the ratio of 1:1 (VCQDs@MIP:VFITC@SiO₂). The polymers of CQDs@MIP and FITC@SiO2 were prepared by sol-gel method and reversed-phase microemulsion method, respectively. CQDs@MIP was used as the auxiliary response signal and FITC@SiO2 was used as the reference enhancement signal. The signal was measured at excitation/emission wavelengths of 365/438, 512 nm. The sensor showed good linearity in the concentration range 0.14–40.00 µM (R2 = 0.998) with a detection limit of 0.042 µM for p-NA. The color change of "blue-cyan-green" could be observed by the naked eye under 365 nm UV light, thus realizing the visual detection of p-NA. The sensor presented comparable results compared with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the detection of p-NA in hair dye paste and aqueous samples with recoveries of 96.8–103.7% and 95.8–104.4%, respectively. It was demonstrated that the constructed sensor possesses the advantages of simplicity, excellent selectivity, superior sensitivity, and outstanding stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a new surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor based on sulphur-doped titanium dioxide (S-TiO2) nanostructures and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was presented for thiram (THI) determination in milk samples. Firstly, the S-TiO2 nanomaterial with a high product yield was prepared by using a facile sol-gel hydrolysis technique with a high product yield. After that, UV polymerization was carried out for the preparation of the THI-imprinted SPR chip based on S-TiO2 using a mixture including ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the cross-linker, N,N′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator, and methacryloylamidoglutamicacid (MAGA) as the monomer. The reliability of the sensor preparation procedure has been successfully proven by characterization studies of the prepared nanomaterials and SPR chip surfaces through spectroscopic, microscopic, and electrochemical methods. As a result, the prepared SPR sensor showed linearity in the range of 1.0 × 10−9–1.0 × 10−7 M with a detection limit (LOD) of 3.3 × 10−10 M in the real samples, and a sensor technique for THI determination with high sensitivity, repeatability, and selectivity can be included in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining molecular imprinting technology with electrostatic spinning technology, a molecularly imprinted nanofiber membrane material with memory and recognition of specific imprinted molecules is thus produced. It has the advantages of high efficiency, reusability, easy amplification, and simple operation. In this study, alkane molecularly imprinted nanofibrous membranes are prepared as a carrier for immobilize Bacillus cereus LY‐1 for the degradation of diesel in oil–water system. The adsorption capacity of the molecularly imprinted material for diesel oil with n‐decyl alcohol as the template molecule reach 120.25 mg g−1, the adsorption capacity of alkane molecularly imprint nanofiber membrane prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the membrane substrate material is 41.37 mg g−1. After 4 days, the immobilized LY‐1 cells eliminate roughly 80.7% of the diesel at a starting concentration of 3 g L−1. The results show that imprinted structures in MINM enhance degradation by loaded microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nHIGHLIGHTSMolecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as artificial synthetic receptors are in high demand for food analysis due to their inherent molecular recognition abilities. It is common practice to employ functional monomers with basic or acidic groups that can interact with analyte molecules via hydrogen bonds, covalent bonds, and other interactions (π-π, dipole-ion, hydrophobic, and Van der Waals). Therefore, selecting the appropriate functional monomer and cross-linker is crucial for determining how precisely they interact with the template and developing the polymeric network’s three-dimensional structure. This study summarizes the advancements made in MIP’s functional monomers and cross-linkers for food analysis from 2018 to 2023. The subsequent computational design of MIP has been thoroughly explained. The discussion has concluded with a look at the difficulties and prospects for MIP in food analysis.Benefits of MIP in food analysis have been discussed.Different functional monomers of MIPs have been discussed.Different cross-linkers of MIPs have been discussed.Theoretical interactions between functional monomers and templates for MIP design have been discussed.Benefits of MIP in food analysis have been discussed.Different functional monomers of MIPs have been discussed.Different cross-linkers of MIPs have been discussed.Theoretical interactions between functional monomers and templates for MIP design have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the development of a distance-based thread analytical device (dTAD) integrated with an ion-imprinted polymer (IIP) for quantitative monitoring of zinc ions (Zn2+) in human urine samples. The IIP was easily chemically modified onto the thread channel using dithizone (DTZ) as a ligand to bind to Zn2+ with methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as well as 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as cross-linking agents to enhance the selectivity for Zn2+ detection. The imprinted polymer was characterized using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Under optimization, the linear detection range was from 1.0 to 20.0 mg L-1 (R2 = 0.9992) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.0 mg L-1. Other potentially interfering metal ions and molecules did not interfere with this approach, leading to high selectivity. Furthermore, our technique exhibits a remarkable recovery ranging from 100.48% to 103.16%, with the highest relative standard deviation (% RSD) of 5.44% for monitoring Zn2+ in human control urine samples, indicating high accuracy and precision. Similarly, there is no significant statistical difference between the results obtained using our method and standards on zinc supplement sample labels. The proposed method offers several advantages in detecting trace Zn2+ for point-of-care (POC) medical diagnostics and environmental sample analysis, such as ease of use, instrument-free readout, and cost efficiency. Overall, our developed dTADbased IIP method holds potential for simple, affordable, and rapid detection of Zn2+ levels and can be applied to other metal ions' analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using polystyrene two-dimensional photonic crystal as template, l-lysine molecularly imprinted two-dimensional photonic crystal hydrogel (l-Lys MIPCH) sensor with highly sensitive response to l-lysine was prepared by photoinitiated polymerization. The response performance of the l-Lys MIPCH sensor was investigated by observing the change of the diameter of the Debye ring (ΔD) and the structural color of the sensor. In the process of recognizing l-Lys molecules by l-Lys MIPCH sensor, the volume of hydrogel swells, the diameter of Debye ring decreases, and the particle spacing of photonic crystal increases. As the l-Lys concentration increased from 0 to 10−4 mol/L, the diameter of Debye ring decreased by 15.7 mm, the particle spacing of photonic crystals increased by 75.1 mm, and the structural color of hydrogel changed from blue to red correspondingly. When the l-Lys concentration was in the range of 10−12–10−4 mol/L, there was a linear relationship between the change in the diameter of the Debye ring (ΔD) and the logarithm value of the l-Lys concentration (lgc), and the linear relationship was as follows: ΔD = 19.04 + 0.90 lgc, R2=0.9962. In addition, the detection limit of the sensor is as low as 10−16 mol/L. The prepared sensor not only has high selectivity, but also can be used for chiral recognition of l-Lys, and the results of l-Lys in the actual sample of lysiinositol vitamin B12 oral solution were also satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescent sensor is developed for the sensitive detection of tetracycline in environmental and food samples. The sensor uses an ionic liquid (i.e. [APMIM]Br) modified graphene-carbon nanotube composite (GMI) material as substrate, a double-layered core-shell metal-organic framework NH2-UiO-66@ZIF-8 (NUZ) loaded bipyridyl ruthenium (NUZ@Ru) as luminescent material, and a molecularly imprinted copolymer of o-phenylenediamine and hydroquinone as recognition element. The ionic liquid-modified graphene-carbon nanotube composite has a favorable three-dimensional structure, high specific surface area, and good hydrophilicity; the core-shell structured metal-organic framework has high stability and plentiful reaction sites for loading; the molecularly imprinted copolymer film has enhanced stability and recognition effect. Hence, the resulting sensor combines the merits of several materials and presents improved performance. Under the optimum detection conditions, it shows a wide linear range of 0.05 µM − 1 mM, a low detection limit of 20 nM, high selectivity, and excellent stability. It has been successfully applied to the detection of tetracycline in different samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are established artificial molecular recognition platforms with tailored selectivity towards a target molecule, whose synthesis and functionality are highly influenced by the nature of the solvent employed in their synthesis. Steps towards the "greenification" of molecular imprinting technology (MIT) has already been initiated by the elaboration of green MIT principles; developing MIPs in a solvent-free environment may not only offer an eco-friendly alternative, but could also significantly influence the affinity and expected selectivity of the resulting binding sites. In the current study the first solvent-free mechanochemical synthesis of MIPs via liquid-assisted grinding (LAG) is reported. The successful synthesis of the imprinted polymer was functionally demonstrated by measuring its template rebinding capacity and the selectivity of the molecular recognition process in comparison with the ones obtained by the conventional, non-covalent molecular imprinting process in liquid media. The results demonstrated similar binding capacities towards the template molecule and superior chemoselectivity compared to the solution-based MIP synthesis method. The adoption of green chemistry principles with all their inherent advantages in the synthesis of MIPs may not only be able to alleviate the potential environmental and health concerns associated with their analytical (e.g., selective adsorbents) and biomedical (e.g., drug carriers or reservoirs) applications, but might also offer a conceptual change in molecular imprinting technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop a molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor for the specific detection of the anticancer drug amsacrine. The sensor used a composite of bacterial cellulose (BC) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a platform for the immobilization of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) film. The main objective was to enhance the electrochemical properties of the sensor and achieve a high level of selectivity and sensitivity toward amsacrine molecules in complex biological samples. Design/methodology/approach: The composite of BC-AgNPs was synthesized and characterized using FTIR, XRD and SEM techniques. The MIP film was molecularly imprinted to selectively bind amsacrine molecules. Electrochemical characterization, including cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, was performed to evaluate the modified electrode's conductivity and electron transfer compared to the bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Differential pulse voltammetry was used for quantitative detection of amsacrine in the concentration range of 30–110 µM. Findings: The developed molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor demonstrated significant improvements in conductivity and electron transfer compared to the bare GCE. The sensor exhibited a linear response to amsacrine concentrations between 30 and 110 µM, with a low limit of detection of 1.51 µM. The electrochemical response of the sensor showed remarkable changes before and after amsacrine binding, indicating the successful imprinting of amsacrine in the MIP film. The sensor displayed excellent selectivity for amsacrine in the presence of interfering substances, and it exhibited good stability and reproducibility. Originality/value: This study presents a novel molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor design using a composite of BC and AgNPs as a platform for MIP film immobilization. The incorporation of BC-AgNPs improved the sensor's electrochemical properties, leading to enhanced sensitivity and selectivity for amsacrine detection. The successful imprinting of amsacrine in the MIP film contributes to the sensor's specificity. The sensor's ability to detect amsacrine in a concentration range relevant to anticancer therapy and its excellent performance in complex sample matrices add significant value to the field of electrochemical sensing for pharmaceutical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel cost-effective sensor material was developed from modified graphene oxide based molecular imprinted polymer (GO-MIP) for the detection of folic acid (FA). This GO-MIP was obtained through several processes including functionalization, polymerization and template molecule introduction/removal during the synthesizing process. Firstly, graphene oxide (GO) was prepared by modified Hummers method which undergoes hydroxyl functionalization to form GO–OH. It further undergoes surface modification with allyl bromide in presence of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to form vinylated GO–OH (GO–O–CH=CH2). The GO–O–CH=CH2 subjected to further molecular imprinting process with methacrylic acid (MAA) as the monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the cross-linker, azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator and FA as the template molecule. The different preparatory stages of materials were characterized by FTIR, XRD and SEM techniques to understand the formation. The obtained GO–MIP was used as an active material for FA sensing. The pH studies were carried out using cyclic voltameteric measurement and maximum current is obtained at pH 4.0. The proposed GO-MIP based electrode showed excellent electrocatalytic activity toward FA detection at optimized conditions. The limit of detection obtained in the present study is 1.0 nM. The results obtained from the real time usability of electrodes in wheat flour, tablet and spinach are well with commercially available FA monitors. The results endorse the promising application of GO-MIP toward superior FA sensing with long-term stability. Method of synthesis of GO-MIP [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The approach toward the molecular imprinting of hydrogel with different proteins erects the template-size cavities inside the matrix. The cavities provide the binding sites to adsorb the protein perfectly in the hydrogel. To intensify the adsorption efficiency of protein bovine serum albumin (BSA), cobalt ions (Co) play an essential role. In contrast, 2-(Dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) provides pH sustainability as an assistant monomer. Results elucidate that incorporating Co in preparation can enhance the hydrogel's imprinting effect or adsorption efficiency compared to others due to the development of coordinated covalent bonding. Hydrogel adsorption capacity is an essential factor in this study. In this research, the obtained BSA-imprinted hydrogel also observed a high protein adsorption capacity. The Co concentration and pH of the hydrogel system are the main factors affecting proteins' adsorption efficiency. Their optimizations are the main concerns, and their successful implementations are confirmed by UV/Vis spectroscopy. The imprinted BSA protein was removed by using 500 mmol/L NaCl solution. The two and three-parameter isothermal models were implemented to predict the mechanism of the adsorption process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful method for detecting breast cancer-specific biomarkers due to its extraordinary enhancement effects obtained by localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in metallic nanostructures at hotspots. In this research, gold nanostars (AuNSs) were used as SERS probes to detect a cancer biomarker at very low concentrations. To this end, we combined molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as a detection layer with SERS for the detection of the biomarker CA 15–3 in point-of-care (PoC) analysis. This required two main steps: (i) the deposition of MIPs on a gold electrode, followed by a second step (ii) antibody binding with AuNSs containing a suitable Raman reporter to enhance Raman signaling (SERS). The MPan sensor was prepared by electropolymerization of the monomer aniline in the presence of CA 15–3. The template molecule was then extracted from the polymer using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). In parallel, a control material was prepared in the absence of the protein (NPan). Surface modification for the control was performed using electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The performance of the sensor was evaluated using the SERS technique, in which the MPan sensor is first incubated with the protein and then exposed to the SERS probe. Under optimized conditions, the device showed a linear response to CA 15–3 concentrations from 0.016 to 248.51 U mL−1 in a PBS buffer at pH 7.4 in 1000-fold diluted serum. Overall, this approach demonstrates the potential of SERS as an optical reader and opens a new avenue for biosensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor is presented based on one-dimensional ultrathin manganese oxide nanowires/two-dimensional molybdenum titanium carbide MXene (MnO2NWs@Mo2TiC2 MXene) for fenitrothion (FEN) determination. After the synthesis of MnO2NWs@Mo2TiC2 MXene ionic nanocomposite was successfully completed with a facile hydrothermal and the pillaring methods, a new type molecular imprinted electrochemical sensor based on MnO2NWs@Mo2TiC2 MXene was constructed with cyclic voltammetry (CV) polymerization including pyrrole monomer and FEN target molecule. After the characterization studies including spectroscopic, electrochemical and microscopic methods, the analytical applications of the prepared sensor were performed. A linearity of 1.0×10−9–2.0×10−8 mol L−1 was obtained and the values of the quantification limit (LOQ) and the detection limit (LOD) were 1.0×10−9 mol L−1 and 3.0×10−10 mol L−1, respectively. The studies of selectivity, stability and reproducibility of the constructed sensor based on MnO2NWs@Mo2TiC2 nanocomposite and molecularly imprinting polymer (MIP) were carried out in detail. Finally, the developed sensor was applied to white flour samples with the values close to 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A molecularly-imprinted electrochemiluminescence sensor was constructed for the determination of fenpropathrin (FPT) by molecular imprinting technology. In this sensing platform, the introduction of CdS@MWCNTs significantly enhanced the initial ECL signal of the luminol-O2 system. Specifically, MWCNTs was used as a carrier to adsorb more CdS, in which CdS acted as a co-reaction promoter for luminescence. Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) containing specific recognition sites of FPT was used as the material for selective recognition. With increasing amount of FPT the ECL signal decreased. Under the optimum conditions, the ECL response was linearly related to the logarithm of FPT concentration. The developed ECL sensor allowed for sensitive determination of FPT and exhibited a wide linear range from 1.0 × 10− 10 mol L− 1 to 1.0 × 10− 6 mol L− 1. The limit of detection was 3.3 × 10− 11 mol L− 1 (S/N = 3). It can be used for the detection of FPT in vegetable samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the development of a novel electrochemical sensor for caffeine detection in sports drinks, utilizing molecular imprinting technology with surface-imprinted nanoparticles. Key to this study is the synthesis of caffeine-imprinted polypyrrole nanoparticles via electropolymerization, which displayed a high specific surface area (25 m2/g) and efficient template binding. The sensor exhibited a notable linear detection range from 30 to 150 µM and a significantly low limit of detection at 2.5 µM. Characterization of the nanoparticles was rigorously conducted using SEM, FTIR, and BET analysis. Optimized sensing conditions were established at pH 5, with a 5 min accumulation time and a scan rate of 50 mV/s, ensuring high sensitivity and selectivity. Practical application was demonstrated through the accurate detection of caffeine in commercially available sports drinks, with recovery rates ranging from 97.6 to 101.5%. This research underscores the potential of molecularly imprinted polymer-based sensors in simplifying and enhancing the detection of caffeine in complex matrices, offering a promising tool for health monitoring and sports performance analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the selective adsorption of the target pollutant, this study successfully synthesized chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose molecularly imprinted hollow vesicles (CS/CMC-MIV) for selective adsorption of acid blue-113 (AB-113). The vesicles were obtained by mixing the carboxymethyl cellulose solution with the chitosan/AB-113 mixture in sequential fast and slow stirring. Benefiting from the molecular imprinting technique, the maximum adsorption capacity of AB-113 by CS/CMC-MIV was 972.7 mg/g, which was 84.8% higher than that of the vesicles without imprinting (526.4 mg/g). The adsorption process could be well in accordance with Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order models. The vesicles exhibited superior stability and reusability, maintaining 92% of the initial adsorption capacity after four adsorption repeats. What's more, CS/CMC-MIV showed excellent selective adsorption ability on mixed dye solutions, which was attributed to the specific recognition sites created during the molecular imprint process. This study provides a facile method to bind dye templates to vesicles and excels at selective dye removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium poisoning is a chronic accumulation process, and long-term drinking of even low cadmium content water will cause kidney damage, so an ultra-low detection limit is particularly important. However, at the present stage, the traditional detection method cannot reach a sufficiently low detection limit, the response time is too long, and the cost of detection is very high, so that real-time measurement cannot be realized. Therefore, the traditional cadmium ion detection method has a slow response and an insufficient detection limit. This paper presents a fiber optic cadmium ion sensor functionalized based on an Fe3O4@SiO2@CS magnetic ion imprinting polymer (M-IIP). The sensor is based on the coupling characteristics of the optical microfiber coupler (OMC) cone region to achieve a highly sensitive response to the change in the cadmium ion concentration. M-IIP materials were prepared by surface imprinting polymerization to achieve low cross-sensitivity and thus improve the detection limit of the sensor. The results show that the developed fiber sensor has high specificity and a rapid response to cadmium ions. The experimental limit of detection (LOD) reached 0.051 nM within 0–1 μM with a response time of less than 50 s. Moreover, the proposed fiber cadmium ion sensor exhibits excellent performance in terms of sensitivity, stability, repeatability and biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an urgent imperative to discover practical and efficacious artificial catalysts for the expeditious decontamination of toxic organophosphates. Herein, we propose a novel molecularly imprinted approach utilizing electrospun fiber scaffolds. Specifically, an amidoxime-based functional polymer (PMAOX) has been synthesized, which contains amidoxime groups that can act as nucleophiles and ligands for the formation of catalytic active sites. This polymer was blended with polyacrylonitrile (PAN), a well-processable material, to prepare a nanofiber mat using electrospinning techniques. Then, the amidoxime side groups on fiber surface were further cross-linked after the molecular coordination of templates to complete the molecularly imprinting process. This approach can not only enhance the content of functional molecularly imprinted polymers without affecting structural stability, but also combines surface MI technology to fully expose and leverage the advantages of active sites. The as prepared molecularly imprinted electrospun nanofibers MIF-Zn-PMAOX/PAN-6/4 catalyzes the degradation of paraoxon with a half-life of 32 min, and MIF-Ag-PMAOX/PAN catalyzes the degradation of parathion with a half-life of 18 min. The maximum catalytic rate evidence rate enhancements nearly 3700-fold of the self-hydrolysis. Thus, the mono-amidoxime based molecularly imprinted fibers demonstrate the versatility and superiority as self-detoxifying for organophosphates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyimide films with molecular imprints of erythrosine and indigocarmine have been obtained. The structure and morphology of the film surfaces have been studied by scanning probe microscopy and IR spectroscopy. It has been found that the surface roughness of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) increases, while the relief height amounts to 3–4 nm. The removal of template molecules leads to a redistribution of pores over sizes in the polymers with molecular imprints. The adsorption of dyes by MIP films has been carried out under static conditions. The degrees of extraction and the imprinting factors have been calculated for polymers with molecular imprints of the dyes. The high values of these parameters indicate the selectivity of MIPs to the target template molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is the synthesis of nanoparticles with selective arsenic recognition capability for the removal of arsenic from water. Arsenic recognition based molecularly imprinted (As(V)-MIP) were synthesized using the molecular imprinting technique via mini-emulsion polymerization. The synthesized As(V)-MIP nanoparticles were characterized using zeta sizer, zeta potential, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and elemental analysis. The adsorption behavior of nanoparticles was investigated in a batch system at pH 4.0–9.0. The maximum adsorption capacity of As(V)-MIP nanoparticles was determined to be 54.29 mg As/g polymer at pH 5.0. Various parameters such as pH, concentration and adsorption time were examined to determine the optimum adsorption conditions. As(V)-MIP nanoparticle selectivity experiments were conducted in the presence of NO3−, PO43−, and SO42− anions to determine the relative selectivity coefficients (K'). The experimental data showed a good correlation with the Langmuir isotherm equation and adherence of the adsorption process to pseudo-second-order kinetics was observed. Applying As(V)-MIP nanoparticles to real water sample showed up to 95.3% As(V) removal efficiency. Reusability experiments were performed by renewal of nanoparticles using a 1 M HNO3 solution containing 0.05% thiourea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]