Molecular imprinting for neurology: Materials, applications, and limitations

Abstract

Neurological disorders represent one of the most pressing challenges in contemporary medicine, requiring tools that enable early diagnosis, targeted treatment, and deeper mechanistic understanding. Conventional biological agents such as antibodies, though widely used, often face limitations related to stability, brain penetration, cost, and integration into real-world platforms. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have emerged as a promising synthetic alternative, capable of mimicking the molecular recognition functions of biological systems while offering enhanced robustness and customisability. MIPs provide key advantages, including high thermal and chemical stability, reusability, and design flexibility, making them especially attractive for neurological applications. In this review, we begin by presenting an overview of the main MIP formats applied in neurology, detailing their preparation, characterisation, and application-relevant advantages and limitations. We then explore the most actively investigated areas of MIP use in neurological diagnostics, research, and therapy, with a particular focus on: (i) nerve agents, (ii) neurotransmitters, and biomarkers, and (iii) drug development, drug delivery, and direct biological activity. Finally, we discuss the key challenges that currently hinder the clinical translation of MIPs in neurology, including poor biodegradability, in vivo biocompatibility concerns, and scalability, along with emerging strategies aimed at overcoming these barriers. We hope this analysis will serve as a useful reference for neuroscientists seeking novel material-based tools, as well as for materials scientists aiming to develop neurological applications of molecular imprinting.