CHAPTER 11: Designing of Biomimetic Molecularly Imprinted Catalysts

In this chapter, we summarized the recent advances of the research topic on biomimetic molecularly imprinted catalysts. The introduction of biomimetic catalysts was briefly reviewed to represent a basic comprehension on the state-of-the-art of artificial enzymes. Then, biomimetic molecularly imprinted catalysts were highlighted with respect to molecular catalysis and even supramolecular catalysis. The highlights suggested that a number of chemical reactions, such as oxidation, reduction, elimination, and carbon–carbon bond formation and more, can efficiently be catalyzed by molecularly imprinted catalysts. Owing to the selectivity features of molecular recognition originating from molecularly imprinted catalysts, these synthetic materials will be promising for a wide use in sensing applications for environmental monitoring, clinical diagnostics, the detection of organisms and toxins, and security.