Biomimetic Imprinted Polymers: Theory, Design Methods, and Catalytic Applications. Theory, Design Methods, and Catalytic Applications

Abstract

The development of novel and efficient biomimetic materials able to exhibit high catalytic activity is a massive challenge in synthetic chemistry. Natural enzymes have ability to catalyze chemical reactions with high specificity, stereoselectivity, and regioselectivity under moderate conditions (i.e., lower temperature and pressure and near-neutral pH). However, they have some drawbacks, such as the high cost of enzyme isolation and purification, and low operational stability owing to denaturation under harsh reaction conditions. Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based biomimetic catalysts can overcome these drawbacks of natural enzymes.This chapter provides an overview of recent developments in the design and synthesis of biomimetic catalysts based on MIPs. It begins with a short summary of the transition state theory. This is followed by a description approaches to the construction of biomimetic catalysts. Then, several studies reported in the literature regarding the use of MIP-based biomimetic catalyst systems in hydrolysis, elimination, and C-C bond formation reactions are discussed