Patents based on molecularly imprinted polymers: Exploring their commercial potential

Abstract

Science and technology are working toward developing materials that can imitate molecular recognition–based activities present in life. Molecular imprinting is a technique that solves this problem by imparting polymeric materials with antibody-like recognition properties. Many of the practical issues traditionally associated with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), such as difficulties in imprinting proteins, poor compatibility with aqueous environments, template leakage, and the presence of heterogeneous populations of binding sites in the polymers that contribute to high levels of nonspecific reactivity, have recently seen significant progress. This development is linked to a technologically driven transition in MIP research from bulk polymer to nanomaterial forms. The purpose of this chapter is to shed light on recent advancements in this sector and to provide a critical analysis of the current state of patents in the field as well as its commercialization possibilities. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.