Molecularly Imprinted Polymers in Biomedical Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer networks endowed with the ability to recognize specific molecules have an enormous interest in the biomedical field. The application of the molecular imprinting technology to the design of tailored receptors for drugs, bioactive molecules, therapeutic peptides and biomacrolecules is opening novel, amazing possibilities. Advanced drug delivery systems able to precisely regulate the release through rate-programmed, activation-modulated, or feedback-regulated mechanisms are good examples of the potential of the molecularly imprinted polymers in therapeutics. The versatile formats and compositions of the imprinted networks make them also suitable for the removal of toxic substances from the body, the detection and analysis of biological molecules and pathogen agents, and the diagnosis of illnesses. Polymers imprinted for enzymes and microorganisms have already found a niche in biotechnology. New applications in the biomedical field can be forecast as molecularly imprinted polymers able to perform their functions in the biological environment are being developed and optimized.

Dr. Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo
Dr. Angel Concheiro
Guest Editors