Advancements in molecularly imprinted polymers-based monolithic structures for biomedical analysis

Abstract

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have emerged as a promising alternative in biomedical analysis due to their specific recognition capabilities, chemical stability and applicability in biological systems. This review focuses on recent advancements in MIP systems those integrated with monolithic structures for biomedical analytical applications. Owing to their high surface area, low flow resistance and porous morphology, monolithic MIPs exhibit superior performance in applications such as separation, diagnostics and targeted drug delivery. Compared to conventional particle-based systems, these structures are more readily integrated into microfluidic platforms and yield more effective outcomes in sample preparation, sensor-based diagnostics and chromatographic separations. Moreover, novel technologies such as 3D printing and stimuli-responsive materials further enhance the functionality of these polymers, facilitating their translation into future clinical applications. This review systematically discusses the design, synthesis strategies, analytical performance and biomedical potential of MIP-monolith composites. By considering existing challenges, it also highlights their potential for developing of high-performance systems with broader application scopes in the future.