Core-shell structured molecularly imprinted materials for sensing applications

Abstract

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are promising materials for analytical applications because of their structural predictability and recognition specificity. However, the applications of conventional MIPs suffer in a practical sense due to several defects (e.g., deeply embedded cavities, incomplete removal of the template, non-uniform distribution of binding sites, and slow rebinding kinetics). Core-shell nano particles coated with MIPs can be an attractive alternative to overcome such limitations. The core-shell structure offers a high surface area with a uniform distribution of binding sites to facilitate the removal of the template molecule and subsequent rebinding of the target molecule at high mass transfer efficiency. This work provides a comprehensive review of the classes of core-shell MIPs such as solid single, solid composite, and hollow core forms. The utility of novel and emerging core-shell MIPs is described for applications in optical, electrochemical, and piezoelectric sensors along with the associated challenges and opportunities.