Progress and prospects in the green synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers for sorptive extraction and sensing applications toward emerging contaminants in various sample matrices

Abstract

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are well-known for their enhanced selectivity and affinity for specific targets even in complex matrices. As such, MIPs have been widely employed in various areas such as sensing, catalysis, and drug delivery applications. Considering the limitations of conventional synthesis approaches for MIPs (i.e., reliance on organic solvents and their release into the environment), the use of new cleaner synthesis strategies based on the principles of green chemistry and engineering has become more important to tune the morphology and to unify the binding sites without the involvement of organic solvents. This article has been organized to describe the environmentally friendly features of imprinted materials along with their promising prospects toward sorptive extraction and sensing technologies (e.g., electrochemical/optical sensors). The current challenges in this research field as well as future perspectives are also highlighted.