Recent Advances in Immobilization of Bioactive Molecules in Polymeric Materials
A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Macromolecular Chemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 17
Special Issue Editors
Interests: polymer chemistry; reactive microencapsulation; reactive processing; polymer micro- and nanocomposites; polymer crystallization; synchrotron wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering of polymers; spectroscopy of polymers; mechanical testing of polymer composites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: polymer chemistry; anionic polymeriation; enzymatic catalysis; immobiliation of enzymes; enzyme-mediated synthesis of conductive polymers; polymer analysis (solid state NMR, X-ray scattering, molecular spectroscopy)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The immobilization of bioactive molecules in polymer-based systems is a central topic in advanced materials science, biotechnology, and biomedical engineering. Beyond classical enzyme immobilization, contemporary strategies integrate proteins, peptides, antibodies, DNA/RNA sequences, aptamers, and therapeutic agents into engineered polymer supports. Advances in polymer chemistry now enable precise control over the microenvironments provided by these supports including their surface topography, molecular orientation, and release profiles. All these ultimately enhance the activity, stability, and long-term performance of the immobilized biomolecules.
Immobilization strategies based covalent bonding of biomolecule to the support ensure robust and well-oriented conjugation, while non-covalent interactions such as electrostatic forces, affinity motifs, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic domains allow gentle incorporation of fragile biomacromolecules. Encapsulation within hydrogels, microcapsules, and polymeric nanoparticles generates protective architectures with tunable diffusion characteristics and programmable release. Molecular imprinting further offers selective recognition through tailor-made binding cavities, providing exceptional specificity for catalysis, sensing, diagnostics, and controlled delivery. Together with stimuli-responsive polymers, these methodologies highlight the decisive role of polymer-supported biomolecule immobilization in next-generation biotechnological and biomedical applications.
The aim of this Special Issue of Molecules is to present high-quality research papers and reviews illustrating emerging trends in the immobilization of bioactive molecules through interactions with diverse polymer systems. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Immobilization of enzymes, proteins, peptides, antibodies, DNA/RNA, aptamers, hormones, drugs, and other natural or synthetic bioactive molecules.
- Polymer supports of natural, synthetic, or bioderived origin in micro-/nanoscale 1D, 2D, or 3D forms, including stimuli-responsive and molecularly imprinted polymer systems.
- Covalent coupling on polymer substrates using click chemistry, activated esters, carbodiimide chemistry, or related techniques enabling stable and stereoselective immobilization.
- Non-covalent binding via electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, or affinity motifs suitable for sensitive biomacromolecules.
- Encapsulation or entrapment in polymeric or hybrid matrices for protection and controlled release.
- Applications of polymer-immobilized biomolecules in biocatalysis, biosensing, gene/drug delivery, diagnostics, and related biotechnologies.
Dr. Zlatan Denchev
Dr. Nadya Vasileva Dencheva
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- immobilization of biomolecules
- polymer supports for biomolecules
- covalent immobilization
- non-covalent immobilization
- immobilization by encapsulation/entrapment
- stimuli-responsive polymer-based conjugates
- molecularly imprinted polymers
- biocatalysis with polymer-supported biomolecules
- biosensing with polymer-supported biomolecules
- drug/gene delivery with polymer-supported biomolecules
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