Multi-templates molecularly imprinted polymers for simultaneous recognition of multiple targets: From academy to application

Multiplex application is one major trend in analytical chemistry. Recently, multi-templates molecularly imprinted polymers (mt-MIPs) have gained high interest as promising materials for selective recognition. The mt-MIPs can generate multiple types of recognition sites on a single polymeric material via simultaneous two or more targets as template molecules. Compared to single-template molecularly imprinted polymers, mt-MIPs offer great potential for simultaneous identification, enrichment, and multiplex detection. Herein, we commented the preparation strategies of mt-MIPs, including bulk polymerization, precipitation polymerization, surface imprinting polymerization, in-situ polymerization, and electropolymerization method. Meanwhile, we emphasized the recent application for sample pretreatment, sensor, contaminant removal, drug delivery, and commercial products. Finally, current challenges and future trends of mt-MIPs are discussed.