Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
9.7
4.7
Journals
Polymers
Special Issues
New Advances in Molecularly Imprinted Polymer
polymers-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Polymers Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

New Advances in Molecularly Imprinted Polymer

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Analysis and Characterization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 August 2025 | Viewed by 5259

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Jae Sup Shin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
Interests: functional polymer; molecularly imprinted polymer; hard coating; latent curing epoxy resin; polyurethane; polydiacetylene; sol–gel process; controlled release

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are a field of science that mimics nature. The aim is to imprint the target molecule onto a polymer to create sites that can be used, akin to the binding sites of enzymes. This concept was introduced by Polyakov in 1931 and by Dickey in 1949, and since then, significant progress has been made, particularly in 1972 by Wulff, and research in this area has been steadily advancing. While the recognition ability of these formed sites is much lower compared to enzymes, research in this field holds significant value in terms of cost-effectiveness, as it can be manufactured using very inexpensive materials and simple processes. Most of the research so far has focused on methods to enhance the low recognition ability even slightly. Over time, a wide variety of polymeric materials and methods have been used to form MIPs. This Special Issue will provide an excellent opportunity to explore recent advancements in this field.

Prof. Dr. Jae Sup Shin
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • molecular imprinting
  • recognition ability
  • biomimic
  • target molecule
  • sensor

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

26 pages, 6708 KiB  
Article
Development of Optimal Conditions for Synthesis of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Effective Terbium Sorption
by Laura Agibayeva, Yevgeniy Melnikov, Ayakoz Berdaly and Ruslan Kondaurov
Polymers 2025, 17(10), 1398; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17101398 - 19 May 2025
Viewed by 375
Abstract
Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as well as non-imprinted polymers (NIPs) were synthesized for selective sorption of lead and terbium. The ratio of raw monomers for the terbium–MIPs’ synthesis was optimized based on the results of the synthesis of lead–MIP. It was found that [...] Read more.
Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as well as non-imprinted polymers (NIPs) were synthesized for selective sorption of lead and terbium. The ratio of raw monomers for the terbium–MIPs’ synthesis was optimized based on the results of the synthesis of lead–MIP. It was found that the molar ratio of template/monomer/monomer/cross-linker = 1:5:5:8 was the most accurate for successful synthesis of the target MIP. As a result, the yields of the MIP and NIP on terbium were 59.3% and 61.2%, respectively. The structure of the imprinted samples was determined by FTIR spectroscopy. SEM analysis of the imprinted structures showed that the Tb–MIP contained a large number of pores compared to the NIP. The size of these pores ranged from 0.779 μm to 1.874 μm. The results of sorption experiments showed that the adsorption efficiency of Tb–MIP was seven times higher than that of NIP: the sorption degree was 70.80% for MIP and 9.95% for NIP. The imprinting factor was calculated and was equal to 7.06. The sorption process was described by the Radushkevich and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. It was shown that sorption by NIP occurred with a fast saturation of a lower Tb concentration, and the MIP’s sorption passed slower and more efficiently. The desorption degrees of Tb–MIP and NIP were 90.15% and 52.67%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Molecularly Imprinted Polymer)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 5688 KiB  
Article
Cutting-Edge Sensor Design: MIP Nanoparticle-Functionalized Nanofibers for Gas-Phase Detection of Limonene in Predictive Agriculture
by Fabricio Nicolàs Molinari, Marcello Marelli, Enrico Berretti, Simone Serrecchia, Roxana Elisabeth Coppola, Fabrizio De Cesare and Antonella Macagnano
Polymers 2025, 17(3), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17030326 - 25 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1181
Abstract
As population growth and climate change intensify pressures on agriculture, innovative strategies are vital for ensuring food security, optimizing resources, and protecting the environment. This study introduces a novel approach to predictive agriculture by utilizing the unique properties of terpenes, specifically S(-)-limonene, emitted [...] Read more.
As population growth and climate change intensify pressures on agriculture, innovative strategies are vital for ensuring food security, optimizing resources, and protecting the environment. This study introduces a novel approach to predictive agriculture by utilizing the unique properties of terpenes, specifically S(-)-limonene, emitted by plants under stress. Advanced sensors capable of detecting subtle limonene variations offer the potential for early stress diagnosis and precise crop interventions. This research marks a significant leap in sensor technology, introducing an innovative active sensing material that combines molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) technology with electrospinning. S(-)-limonene-selective MIP nanoparticles, engineered using methacrylic acid (MAA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), were synthesized with an average diameter of ~160 nm and integrated into polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanofibers reinforced with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). This design produced a conductive and highly responsive sensing layer. The sensor exhibited rapid stabilization (200 s), a detection limit (LOD) of 190 ppb, and a selectivity index of 73% against similar monoterpenes. Optimal performance was achieved at 55% relative humidity, highlighting environmental conditions’ importance. This pioneering use of polymeric MIP membranes in chemiresistive sensors for limonene detection opens new possibilities for monitoring VOCs, with applications in agricultural stress biomarkers, contaminant detection, and air quality monitoring, advancing precision agriculture and environmental protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Molecularly Imprinted Polymer)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 2258 KiB  
Article
Two-Dimensional Estrone-Imprinted System on a Self-Assembled Monolayer
by Min Jae Shin and Jae Sup Shin
Polymers 2024, 16(14), 2035; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16142035 - 17 Jul 2024
Viewed by 857
Abstract
In this study, a thin poly (methyl methacrylate) coating was formed on a self-assembled monolayer formed on a gold plate after chemically binding estrone. Subsequently, the estrone molecules were hydrolyzed and extracted using a solvent to form a molecular-imprinted system. The estrone-imprinted gold [...] Read more.
In this study, a thin poly (methyl methacrylate) coating was formed on a self-assembled monolayer formed on a gold plate after chemically binding estrone. Subsequently, the estrone molecules were hydrolyzed and extracted using a solvent to form a molecular-imprinted system. The estrone-imprinted gold plate was then used as a working electrode to measure the estrone recognition ability through electrochemical methods. The recognition ability of this working electrode was evaluated for similar compounds. The selectivity factors for the seven estrone analogs were measured, and these values ranged from 0.19 to 0.67. According to the experimental results, the estrone-imprinted system showed good differentiation of estrone from other estrone analogs. Comparing these selectivity factors with those of a previous study on a cholesterol-imprinted system, the relative molecular size difference between the target molecule and similar molecules had a significant impact on the selectivity factor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Molecularly Imprinted Polymer)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 5051 KiB  
Article
Enhancement in Sensitivity and Selectivity of Electrochemical Technique with CuO/g-C3N4 Nanocomposite Combined with Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for Melamine Detection
by Dalawan Limthin, Piyawan Leepheng, Benchapol Tunhoo, Annop Klamchuen, Songwut Suramitr, Thutiyaporn Thiwawong and Darinee Phromyothin
Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1800; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131800 - 25 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1807
Abstract
This study focused on enhancing the sensitivity and selectivity to detect melamine by utilizing a photoelectrochemical method. This was achieved by combining a melamine-imprinted polymer with a CuO/g-C3N4 nanocomposite, which was synthesized through chemical precipitation and calcination. The resulting nanocomposite [...] Read more.
This study focused on enhancing the sensitivity and selectivity to detect melamine by utilizing a photoelectrochemical method. This was achieved by combining a melamine-imprinted polymer with a CuO/g-C3N4 nanocomposite, which was synthesized through chemical precipitation and calcination. The resulting nanocomposite exhibits improved carrier mobility and photoelectrochemical properties. A molecularly imprinted receptor for selective detection was created through bulk polymerization with methacrylic acid and a melamine template. The characterization of the nanocomposite was performed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for the chemical oxidation state, X-ray diffraction patterns for the crystalline structure, and ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared spectroscopy for optical properties. The CuO/g-C3N4 nanocomposite exhibits photoactivity under visible light. The modified electrode, incorporating the CuO/g-C3N4 nanocomposite and melamine-imprinted polymer, demonstrates a linear detection range of 2.5 to 50 nM, a sensitivity of 4.172 nA/nM for melamine, and a low detection limit of 0.42 nM. It shows good reproducibility and high selectivity to melamine, proving effective against interferences and real samples, showcasing the benefits of the molecularly imprinted polymer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Molecularly Imprinted Polymer)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

27 pages, 715 KiB  
Review
Application of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers in the Analysis of Explosives
by Chenjie Wei, Lin Feng, Xianhe Deng, Yajun Li, Hongcheng Mei, Hongling Guo, Jun Zhu and Can Hu
Polymers 2025, 17(10), 1410; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17101410 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 357
Abstract
The detection of explosives is highly important for the investigation of explosion cases and public safety management. However, the detection of trace explosive residues in complex matrices remains a major challenge. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), which mimic the antigen–antibody recognition mechanism, can selectively [...] Read more.
The detection of explosives is highly important for the investigation of explosion cases and public safety management. However, the detection of trace explosive residues in complex matrices remains a major challenge. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), which mimic the antigen–antibody recognition mechanism, can selectively recognize and bind target explosive molecules. They offer advantages such as high efficiency, specificity, renewability, and ease of preparation, and they have shown significant potential for the efficient extraction and highly sensitive detection of trace explosive residues in complex matrices. This review comprehensively discusses the applications of MIPs in the analysis of explosives; systematically summarizes the preparation methods; and evaluates their performance in detecting nitroaromatic explosives, nitrate esters, nitroamine explosives, and peroxide explosives. Finally, this review explores the future potential of emerging technologies in enhancing the MIP-based analysis of explosives. The aim is to support the further application of MIPs in the investigation of explosion cases and safety management, providing more effective technical solutions for public safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Molecularly Imprinted Polymer)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop