Molecularly imprinted polymers: applications, computational approaches, and the transformative role of artificial intelligence

The review examines molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) technology and its potential applications to present current scientific progress in the field. It highlights that MIPs production at an industrial scale faces difficulties because different types of intermolecular interactions and polymerization conditions and material performance create complex synthesis challenges. Emphasis is placed on the versatility of MIPs in environmental monitoring, the food industry, extraction, sensors, drug delivery, and biomedicine, with the discussion on the integration of MIPs pointing out the possibilities for enhancing accuracy and reliability. Furthermore, combining MIPs with analytical and computational methods creates new opportunities for qualitative and quantitative evaluation. In this light, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve MIP performance, expedite polymerization procedures, and forecast ideal monomer-template interactions is expanding. This manuscript offers a fresh viewpoint using combined MIP applications in biosensing, drug delivery, environmental treatment, food safety, and catalysis with AI-driven strategies. It also aims to establish a framework for the future development of the next generation of smart and sustainable technologies.