Molecularly imprinted polymers as artificial catalysts – Recent trends and emerging applications

Abstract

Over the past three decades, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have emerged as a major research focus in the field of synthetic receptors, driven primarily by their applications in diagnostics. As a by-product of their recognition capabilities, MIPs often exhibit catalytic properties, whether by stabilising transition states, increasing the local concentration of substrates near catalytic sites, or selectively removing products. These reactions can be advantageous not only for diagnostics but also for a range of other applications. Significant efforts have been made to harness this behaviour, aiming to design MIPs that bridge the gap between traditional enzyme catalysis and the biomimetic catalysis offered by synthetic materials. This review highlights advancements in MIP-based catalysis from 2021 to 2025, with a particular focus on recent trends and emerging applications.