Application of molecular imprinting for targeted removal of organic contaminants and resistance genes from water: A review

The combination of molecular imprinting technology (MIT) and functional materials shows promise for water pollution remediation, particularly in the removal of low-concentration pollutants. While current reports primarily focus on material preparation and pollutant removal effects, there is an aspect worth exploring in greater depth - the relationship between the targeted removal effect of trace pollutants and the surface performance of the imprinted material. This aspect is crucial for water pollutant remediation. In this paper, we comprehensively review the principles and preparation methods of molecularly imprinted functional materials and discuss its impact on the surface functional groups and the formation of 3D imprinted cavities, with a focus on the surface imprinting of MIT, smart imprinting strategies, and the advantages and control points of sol-gel MIPs, including their modes of action, functional groups, and the control of sustainability. From the three perspectives of organic, inorganic and inorganic non-metal refractory biodegradable trace pollutants, the performance modulation and development trends of molecularly imprinted functional materials (including nanomaterials) with 3D imprinted cavities rich in functional groups prepared by MIT are summarized. Finally, we examined the present research status of MIT in routine laboratory activities and practical applications, and propose prospective hypotheses for future applications of MIT from an interdisciplinary perspective.