Introduction to Molecularly Imprinted Polymers

Molecular imprinting is a technique to create template-shaped cavities in polymer matrices, which have high predetermined affinity for their target molecule. Compared to natural receptors such as enzymes and antibodies, Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) are low-cost, robust (can withstand extremes of pH and temperature), have virtually unlimited shelf life, and are produced using animal-free technology. A great advantage of MIPs is their versatility; you can find reports in literature on molecular imprinting of something as small as ions, to organic molecules, proteins, and even whole cells. Finding your perfect MIP "recipe" is not an easy task and in this video, I talk about how you can find the optimal functional monomer for your target of choice. Interested in MIPs and sensing? Then check out our playlist "Topical Research" where you can find examples of MIP-based sensors for cardiac biomarkers, antibiotics, and pathogenic bacteria. You can check out our website (www.marloespeeters.nl) for more work of our group.