Multi-Functional Nanocavities Fabricated Using Molecular Imprinting and Post-Imprinting Modifications for Efficient Biomarker Detection

Antibodies and enzymes are currently considered the gold-standard molecular recognition elements as they facilitate the construction of biosensing systems and exhibit high specificity and affinity toward target molecules. However, the low stability of such systems and high associated production cost limit the practical applications of antibodies and enzymes, thereby necessitating the development of alternative molecular recognition elements. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic polymer receptors that are capable of molecular recognition. These polymers contain binding cavities of various shapes and sizes that are complementary to the target molecule and aid in the capture of target molecules. However, although the original procedure for generating MIPs, developed before 2000, is simple, the resulting binding activity and selectivity are inferior to those of antibodies. Meanwhile, post-imprinting modification (PIM) involves site-directed chemical modification of functional monomer residues within the molecularly imprinted cavities to alter MIP functionality. In this review, we provide an overview of sophisticated PIM techniques for developing highly sensitive MIPs that can be used to recognize biomarker proteins. Toward this, we draw heavily on information from our own recent work. This article has the potential to provide important insights that would aid the development of synthetic polymer materials for biosensing.

Automated summary

Antibodies and enzymes are considered as gold-standard molecular recognition elements due to their high specificity and affinity, but their low stability and high production cost limit practical applications, leading to the development of alternative molecular recognition elements such as molecularly imprinted polymers. Post-imprinting modification techniques offer a way to enhance the sensitivity and functionality of MIPs for recognizing biomarker proteins, contributing to the development of synthetic polymer materials for biosensing.