Molecularly imprinted polymers template shape

This chapter will introduce the field of sensors based on molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs). MIPs are highly cross-finked polymers that are formed with the presence of a template molecule (Haupt and Mosbach 2000 Wulff 2002). The removal of the template molecule from the polymer matrix creates a binding cavity that is complementary in size and shape to the template molecule and is fined with appropriately positioned recognition groups (Scheme 15.1). 

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) form when template molecules are surrounded by monomers which then react with cross-linkers to produce a porous polymer around the templating species. Once the template has been removed a porous polymer remains in which the pores are ideal binding sites for a target with the same molecular shape as the template as shown in Fig. 4.28. 

Removal of the template from the formed polymer liberates binding sites (3) complementary in shape and binding groups to the template structme. Hence, these molecularly imprinted polymers (MlPs) are functional in... 

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