Synthesis and polymerisation techniques of molecularly imprinted polymers

Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) are materials that has been processed using the molecular imprinting technique which permit to obtain well-defined three-dimensional cavities, with affinity to a template molecule, in the polymer matrix. Technology involves three strategies, i.e., covalent, non-covalent and semi-covalent approach, but the most popular is non-covalent approach. The most important components for the synthesis of MIPs are templates, functional monomers (commonly used are carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids, and heteroaromatic bases), cross-linkers (for example dimethacrylate esters of diols), initiators (mostly azocompounds and peroxides) and porogenic solvents. The mechanism of the reactions involves classical free radical polymerisation, controlled and living polymerisation and can be realized as for example bulk, suspension, emulsion and precipitation polymerisation. This chapter presents general overview in the area of synthesis and polymerisation techniques of molecularly imprinted polymers prepared by non-covalent approach.