Affinity separation: imprint polymers

Molecular imprinting is now recognized as one of the most rapid and powerful methods for creating tailor-made synthetic receptors with strong, yet selective, affinities for a diverse selection of analytes. The imprinting of small organic compounds, metal ions and peptides is well developed and almost routine, and the imprinting of much larger analytes, such as proteins and cells, has also now been demonstrated. The impressive molecular recognition characteristics of molecularity imprinted materials, allied to their highly robust physical nature, makes them ideally suited for numerous application in affinity separation. This article will outline the general principles behind molecular imprinting and the generic approaches to the preparation of imprinted materials. Particular emphasis will be placed on their role as affinity materials in separation science.