Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are polymers tailored for chemical-specific binding of target molecules. They work best when the target sizes are smaller than proteins. A specific MIP material can be prepared either for the detection of single species from complex and often turbid suspensions or for targeting a whole family of compounds of interest. When integrated into a sensing system, MIPs can be used to enhance specific detection of pharmaceutical waste in drinking water, drugs or toxins in agricultural products or food, or volatile mold products, to name just a few examples.
At Imego, we are developing generic sensor systems applicable to a variety of imprints. The techniques we are developing use the electrochemical detection principle as well as fluorescence. In the latter case, the shell of the imprinted polymer is synthesized around the fluorescent core, often around a quantum dot nanoparticle. The fluorescence helps to distinguish between the imprinted nanoparticles and debris in the suspension.
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