Novel applications of molecularly-imprinted polymers in sample preparation

Molecularly-imprinted polymers (MIPs), possessing tailor-made recognition sites, can specifically rebind to a target molecule in preference to analogous compounds. Molecular-imprinting technology is a powerful tool in the development of highly selective analytical methods. MIPs are especially good candidates as adsorbents for sample preparation, due to their high selectivity and their ability to pre-concentrate the analytes from a complex sample matrix. In this article, we review and discuss the recent applications of MIPs to sample preparation. We briefly discuss the principle and the synthesis of MIPs. We critically evaluate novel applications of MIPs in different formats, including solid-phase extraction, solid-phase microextraction, stir-bar sorptive extraction, and magnetic beads. We especially highlight new formats and microextraction methods. We then discuss the problems and the future expected trends in these research areas. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.