Biosensors Nanotechnology

Chapter 12

Combination of Molecular Imprinting and Nanotechnology: Beginning of a New Horizon

Rashmi Madhuri^*,1, Ekta Roy¹, Kritika Gupta¹ and Prashant K. Sharma^*,2

¹Department of Applied Chemistry, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, India

²Department of Applied Physics, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, India

*Corresponding authors: [e-mail], [e-mail]

Abstract

Molecular imprinting technology provides a distinctive prospect for the creation of three-dimensional cavities, which mimic biological recognition. Over the last decade, a substantial effort has been devoted, from the micro- to nanoscale, to developing a variety of polymeric formats that are compatible with molecular imprinting technology with the aim of bringing forth a variety of novel synthetic receptors. This advancement offers considerable advantages, such as greater surface-to-volume ratio, accessibility to the maximum number of recognition sites, lower diffusion times to facilitate greater uptake and release of the template and overall improved efficiency. In addition to these, there are also benefits related to the distinct differences in properties (optical, electrical, mechanical, etc.) demonstrated by nanomaterials when compared with their macroscopic counterparts. In response to this, a new generation of molecularly imprinted synthetic receptors has arisen over the past decade that display physical properties, which are often closer to those demonstrated by enzymes and antibodies, such ...