Design of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) using computational methods: A review of strategies and approaches

Abstract

This paper focuses on the computationally assisted design of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP), emphasizing the selected strategies and chosen methods of approach. In summary, this paper provides an overview of the MIP fabrication procedure, focusing on key factors and challenges, where the fabrication of MIP includes a step-by-step process with extensive experimental procedures. This brings challenges in optimizing experimental conditions, such as the selection of monomer, cross-linker, and their relevant molar ratios to the template and solvent. Next, the principles of computational methods are elucidated to explore their potential applicability in solving the challenges. The computational approach can tackle the problems and optimize the MIP's design. Finally, the atomistic, quantum mechanical (QM), and combined methods in the recent research studies are overviewed with stress on strategies, analyses, and results. It is demonstrated that optimization of pre-polymerization mixture by employing simulations significantly reduces the trial-and-error experiments. Besides, higher selectivity and sensitivity of MIP are observed. The polymerization and resulting binding sites by computational methods are considered. Several models of binding sites are formed and analyzed to assess the affinities representing the sensitivity and selectivity of modeled cavities. Combined QM/atomistic methods showed more flexibility and versatility for realistic modeling with higher accuracy. This methodological advancement aligns with the principles of green chemistry, offering cost-effective and time-efficient solutions in MIP design.

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