Funktionalisering av sensorytor med molekylära avtryck - MIP

There is a great need of equipment for real time detection of bacteria, virus and toxins. Existing sensors used for biological detection are often based on natural molecules such as antibodies. Unfortunately, the stability of these molecules is relatively low and major efforts have been made to develop alternative receptor molecules. A promising method is the formation of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP). This method is based on the formation of specific recognition sites in synthetic polymers, using imprint molecules, which can result in binding sites with similar affinities and selectivity as natural receptors. The technique has previously been applied to a variety of small inorganic molecules and used in chromatography. The new challenge is to produce imprints of macromolecules such as protein and bacteria and immobilize these at a sensor surface. the interest of MIP as recognition material in sensors resides in the expected high stability of these receptors and their expected low production costs. The report reviews methods to produce and characterize MIP. Using some examples, it also discusses the potential of MIP in sensor applications.