Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs): Commercialization Prospects guides the reader through the various steps in the conceptualization, design, preparation and innovative applications of molecularly imprinted polymers while also demystifying the challenges relating to commercialization. Sections cover molecularly imprinted polymers, design, modeling, compositions and material selection. Other sections describe novel methods and discuss the challenges relating to the use of molecularly imprinted polymers in specific application areas. The final chapters of the book explore the current situation in terms of patents and commercialized materials based on MIPs, as well as prospects and possible opportunities. This is a valuable resource for all those with an interest in the development, application, and commercialization of molecularly imprinted polymers, including researchers and advanced students in polymer science, polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, materials science, chemical engineering, and biomedicine, as well as engineers, scientists and R&D professionals with an interest in MIPs for advanced applications.

Prof. Meenakshi Singh is a Professor in the Dept. of Chemistry, at Banaras Hindu University, in India. Prof. Singh’s research is currently focused on designing novel polymeric formats for crafting molecular recognition elements to device sensors for biomolecules/drugs/proteins/virus using molecular imprinting technology. These functionalized polymeric frameworks are incorporated in analytical technology based on molecularly imprinted polymers for detection of target molecules. The molecular imprinting technique using zwitterionic polymeric format functionalized over surface for scrutinizing their bicompatibilty. Additionally, theoretical predictions of geometry and other vital parameters of newly synthesized monomers using ab-initio methods are also carried out. Polymeric hydrogels/organogels are also designed and examined for their characteristics to explore their application as functional materials for application in drug-delivery, waste-water treatment and/or other industrial applications. The group has shown water-compatible imprinting with novel polymer format in which the entire imprinting protocol is followed in water only for selective and sensitive detection of many drug molecules amino acids, peptides, proteins by molecular imprinting. Recently this laboratory is working on development of diagnostic tool for common diseases through ‘epitope imprinting’ approach for detection of proteins from virus/bacteria causing infection. This approach was successfully tested on patients and has already been reported in journals through publication of papers. Prof. Singh’s interests also include environmental chemistry, solid phase extraction, solid phase microextraction, electroanalysis and detection principles for chemical analysis. Currently, her group are engaged in developing MIP-QCM-sensor for biomolecules. A pioneer in the field of molecular imprinting in India. Prof. Singh has published 61 articles in international peer reviewed journals. 3 book chapters, and 1 book, with more than 400 citations.