Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs): Synthesis, Applications and Recent Advances in Water Remediation

KAPASE, SHAMBHURAJ A.; JADHAV, SUSHILKUMAR A.; PERALTA, MARCOS E.; CARLOS, LUCIANO

ACS Applied Polymer Materials

ACS Publications

Año: 2025 vol. 7 p. 10358 - 10394

2637-6105

Molecularly imprintedpolymers (MIPs) are an innovative class of synthetic materials designed for theselective recognition and binding of specific target molecules. With theirunique ability to mimic biological recognition mechanisms, MIPs have gained significantattention across diverse fields, particularly for water purification, pollutantdetection, and drug delivery applications. This review explores varioussynthesis techniques for MIPs, including sol-gel, electropolymerization, freeradical, bulk, suspension, emulsion, precipitation, and advanced controlledpolymerization methods such as Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) andReversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT). The integration ofMIPs with nanomaterials, magnetic particles, and stimuli-responsive systems hasexpanded their functionality, leading to improved sensitivity, stability, andreusability. Recent developments highlight the growing use of MIP-based sensorsfor real-time environmental monitoring, food safety analysis, and biomedicalapplications. Furthermore, advancements in photocatalytic degradation utilizingMIP composites offer promising solutions for efficient removal of pollutantsfrom water. As interdisciplinary studies continue to evolve, MIPs are expectedto play a crucial role in the development of next-generation technologies forenvironmental protection, healthcare, and industrial applications. Despitetheir extensive benefits, challenges remain in enhancing synthesis efficiency,stability, and selectivity, necessitating further research. The aim of thisreview is to provide latest collective information with comparative analysis ofthe synthesis methods and main applications of MIPs with emphasis on waterremediation