Current status of molecularly imprinted polymers as alternatives to antibodies in sorbent assays

The literature on the use of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) in antibody-like sorbent assay using radio, fluoro and enzyme-linked approaches is comprehensively reviewed, and their current status discussed. Although immunoassays are still commonly carried out using antibodies, recent developments have demonstrated that molecularly imprinted polymers can be viable alternatives. It is predicted that both traditional antibody-based and MIP sorbent assays will continue to develop in parallel, with each having superiority in certain areas. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.