Preparation and Applications of Core-Shell Molecularly Imprinted Polymers

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are a new kind of smart polymers with molecular recognition sites complementary to the template molecules in shape, size and functional groups. MIPs can selectively recognize and effectively concentrate target analytes (template molecules) as well as reduce matrices interferences, and they have been widely applied in many fields such as sample pretreatment, chemical/biological sensors, and drug delivery. However, there are still some problems during the traditional synthesis processes of MIPs, such as incomplete template removal, low binding capacity, slow mass transfer and binding kinetic. Surface imprinting is a very effective way to solve the problems, and the resultant core-shell MIPs have cavities at the polymer surface or close to the surface, which can facilitate the elution and diffusion of the template molecules, and increase effective recognition sites and improve imprinting capacities. This review summarizes several types of core-shell MIPs including magnetic core and non-magnetic core, focusing on their preparation and applications. Also, the preparation and development of hollow core-shell MIPs are discussed. Finally, the future outlook of core-shell MIPs is proposed.