Current advances in the implementation of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers tailored for enrichment of target analytes in different environmental samples: An overview from a comprehensive perspective

Abstract

In recent years, advancements in separation techniques have been made by the use of magnetic characteristics in molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) have benefits over traditional molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) in sample pretreatment because of their larger specific surface areas and highly accessible particular binding sites, which result in excellent specificity and selectivity toward analytes. MMIPs are easily separated from a variety of complicated matrices and have a high adsorption capability. They play an essential role in the efficient extraction of various analytes from a variety of matrices, including water, soil, food and its derivatives, plant extraction, fruits and vegetables, and various biological samples. Additionally, MMIPs have the major benefit of being a green chemistry approach, whether in synthesis or applications; as a result, they effectively reduce pollution in the environment and minimize the use of resources. A variety of MMIP applications from 2019 to 2023 were reviewed in this work. The various approaches and procedures utilized to create MMIPs are covered in this review. In addition, a brief description of several MMIP-based analytical techniques is provided in this manuscript, along with information on various aspects such as their adsorption capacity, equilibrium time, limit of detection, extraction recovery, and recyclability assessment. The types of porogen and functional monomer used have the greatest effect on the efficiency and reusability of the constructed MMIPs. On the contrary, the cross-linker type has no prominent effect on the efficiency and reusability of the constructed MMIPs. Future opportunities and current obstacles to better promote MMIPs features are also covered. This publication served as a comprehensive assessment of a number of analytes in various matrices recovered by MMIP, including pollutants, dyes, natural components, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides. As a result, it can serve as a guide for creating new MMIP-based analytical techniques for a range of uses.