Functional Polymeric Materials for Molecular Recognition and Bioseparation
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 2
Special Issue Editor
2. Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Ecology and Bio-Resource Utilization of Ministry of Education, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
Interests: functional materials; molecularly imprinted materials; multifunctional hydrogel; bioseparation; molecular recognition; bionalytical chemistry; natural products; chemical engineering
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Molecular recognition—the specific interaction between a target molecule and a tailored binding site—is the fundamental mechanism underpinning critical biological processes. Harnessing this precision with synthetic materials represents a central challenge and opportunity in biotechnology, particularly for the demanding task of purifying next-generation biotherapeutics, diagnostics, and vaccines.
Functional polymeric materials have emerged as a powerful answer to this challenge. By engineering specific recognition sites into robust polymer networks, these materials can selectively capture target biomolecules from complex mixtures. This unique synergy of molecular-level specificity and macroscopic-scale processability makes them exceptionally promising for advancing bioseparation, offering a potential alternative to complex and expensive biological affinity reagents.
The cutting edge of this field lies in the seamless integration of rational design and practical application. Key advances are being driven by innovative synthesis strategies—such as molecular imprinting and the development of biomimetic interfaces—coupled with their successful implementation in separation formats like chromatographic resins, affinity membranes, and magnetic beads.
This Special Issue, entitled “Functional Polymeric Materials for Molecular Recognition and Bioseparation”, aims to capture the current state-of-the-art in this dynamic field. We seek to assemble a collection of articles that highlight the direct link from material design to separation performance. Contributions are welcome on, but not limited to, the following topics:
Rational Design and Synthesis: Novel polymers, molecularly imprinted materials, smart/responsive systems, and biomimetic interfaces. Studies on binding mechanisms, affinity, selectivity, and computational modelling guiding material design are highly encouraged.
Applications in Bioseparation: Purification of high-value biomolecules (e.g., proteins, antibodies, nucleic acids); development of materials for chromatography, solid-phase extraction, membrane separations, and other scalable processes.
Integrated and Smart Systems: Materials that leverage molecular recognition for combined separation-sensing, controlled release, or stimuli-responsive purification.
This Special Issue will feature high-quality research articles, communications, and reviews that collectively document the journey of these functional materials from conceptual design to impactful bioseparation technologies.
Dr. Chunfang Xie
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- functional polymeric materials
- molecularly imprinted polymers
- smart/responsive polymers
- biomimetic interfaces
- affinity polymers
- surface-imprinted materials
- hydrogels
- membranes
- bioseparation
- affinity chromatography
- membrane separation
- integrated system
- continuous bioprocessing
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