Designing and controlling the morphology of spherical molecularly imprinted polymers

Abstract

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) display specific recognition ability for their template in shape, size and functional monomers. The morphology has an important influence on the binding capacity of MIPs, thus affecting the enrichment efficiency and detection sensitivity. In this critical review, we highlight the morphology design and control of spherical MIPs, mainly focusing on solid sphere, core–shell, hollow and mesoporous MIPs. The methods for preparation of MIPs of different morphologies are summarized, and typical TEM or SEM images are displayed. The influence of morphology on the application of MIPs is highlighted. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges, and some significant attempts in further improving the morphology of MIPs are also proposed.