In addition to chemistry, which disciplines are showing the most interest in molecular imprinting?

• Biology - antibody substitutes, pseudobiosensors
• Pharmaceuticals - high throughput screening, sample cleanup, product recovery (e.g. from fermentation), drug delivery devices, bioresponsive devices, receptor mimics
• Waste Management - detoxification of waste streams, site reclamation, recovery of valuable compounds, robust sensors
• Catalysis
• Food Processing
• .... and virtually any other process where inexpensive selective sorption is valuable

Is it true that MIP2000 was the first international meeting devoted entirely to molecular imprinting?

• We believe so - and the 140 delegates from all over the globe agreed with us!
• In previous conferences imprinting was only a side-show to the main event.
• To be honest we were bowled over by the response. We were guessing that we could attract 60-70 (rather than 140).

When and where will the next MIPworkshop be?

• We are working on it! Discussions are ongoing on the pros and cons of Europe vs the US, but we certainly plan to hold a major international meeting in 2002.
• Check out www.MIPworkshop.org to keep up to date with arrangements.

Nature seems to use the fit - induced fit type of binding, while molecular imprinting tends to use a more rigid lock and key type. Is there any potential in or progress towards less rigid and more biomimetic molecular imprinting?

• Yes - but I don't think that anyone would be willing to talk to you about their ideas or progress at the moment.
• You are obviously very perceptive!

Anything else that you or colleagues wish to say?

• The real potential of MIP technology has yet to be realized.
• Chris Allender - JAN 19, 2001
• Integration of the analyte sensing and selective delivery potentials of imprinted polymers promise the key to realization of truly bioresponsive drug delivery devices.
• Keith Brain - JAN 19, 2001

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