Molecularly Imprinted Polymer as Advanced Material for Development of Enantioselective Sensing Devices

Abstract

Chiral recognition is a fundamental property of many biological molecules. The enantiodifferentiation of the sensor signal requires the interaction of the determined chiral compound (one or a mixture of enantiomers) and a selector. Th is interaction is controlled by at least three binding centers, whose mutual arrangement and characteristics of interactions with one of the enantiomers control the selectivity of recognition. Molecular imprinting provides a unique opportunity for the creation of three-dimensional cavities with tailored recognition properties. Over the past decade, the molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) field has expanded considerably across a variety of disciplines, leading to novel approaches and many potential applications. The application of the imprinting approach to novel polymeric formats offers new insights and attractive methods for the preparation of synthetic receptors for chiral recognition. The state-of-art of MIP-based chiral polymers may set a new trend in the development of chiral sensors, and that will have a big impact on the future of enantio-sensing. In this chapter, we present a useful guide to all researchers who are interested in exploiting MIP technology for potential applications in the development of chiral sensors as highly sensitive and selective devices. © 2014 Scrivener Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.