Post-Cross-Linked Molecular Imprinting with Functional Polymers as a Universal Building Block for Artificial Polymeric Receptors

A post-cross-linked molecular imprinting (PC-MI) technique utilizing a functional polymer (FP) with interacting and post-cross-linking groups was developed to create molecularly imprinted polymeric (MIP) receptors. Molecular recognition cavities were formed in the cross-linked polymer matrix by a posteriori cross-linking of the FP with template molecules using photoirradiation. These cavities could be easily tuned to recognize the target molecules by changing the template using a common FP as a universal building block. Thus, precise chiral recognition cavities were successfully created using PC-MI and optimizing the molar ratio of the functional groups between the FP and the target molecules, which suppressed the nonspecific binding of the off-target molecules. Furthermore, the morphology of the MIPs could be changed from bulk to particles. This study provides a facile and efficient synthetic route for MIPs with tailor-made properties. Thus, PC-MI can be utilized to create molecular recognition elements for purification, hygiene control, disease diagnosis, and sensors.