Application and Development of Molecularly Imprinted Polymer to Solid Phase Extraction

Recently, molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction (MISPE) has been used more frequently separate drugs and natural substances. This modern separation methodologies require reliable tools that perform on a high level in terms of efficiency and reproducibility. The molecular imprinting technique is a reliable technique for the preparation of materials of predetermined selectivity. It is highly significant in research of the structure of enzyme, mechanism of receptor-antibody and analytical chemistry. Solid phase extraction can be used to isolate and pre-concentrate the analytes in complex samples. This technique is more rapid, simple, economical and environment-friendly than the traditional liquid-liquid extraction. The materials used in SPE are usually based on the non-specific binding of the targets, which often suffers some shortcomings, such as low specificity and selectivity. In recent years, solid phase extraction involving molecular imprinted polymer have been proved to be successful applications for its features of high selectivity, ease of synthesis, low cost for preparation and workability under different conditions especially that of harsh pH and organic solvents. In this work, the principles, application and development tends of MISPE will be reviewed and the disadvantages and limitation of the MISPE and future development direction are also briefly discussed.