Recent advances in synthetic methods and applications of photo-luminescent molecularly imprinted polymers

Molecularly imprinted polymers with photo-luminescent properties (PLMIPs) and PLMIPs-based hybrids have been widely studied in recent years because of their integrated merits from molecular imprinting technologies and PL properties. PLMIPs have superior capabilities for signal transducer and molecular recognition, exhibiting great potential as the constructing platforms for promising applications. During the past decade, numerous researches have mentioned PLMIPs. In terms of unique merits and important applications of PLMIPs, a timely, comprehensive and in-depth review on PLMIPs is significant and is still lacking currently. This review systematically summarizes recent advances of PLMIPs, focusing on different synthetic methods and applications. Based on different components and structures, PLMIPs include different categories. Synthetic methods majorly involve encapsulation polymerization of nanomaterials (fluorophores) into MIPs, copolymerization of fluorescent monomers, electro-polymerization, photo-polymerization, etc. Various engineering structures and luminescence properties of PLMIPs are highlighted Potential applications of PLMIPs mention significant research fields, including chemo/bio-detection, bio-imaging, functionalized separation materials, versatile sensing materials, optical devices, etc. We also discuss present status, probable challenges and future perspectives of PLMIPs. This review is desirable for scientists from broad research fields and can promote further development of MIPs-based functional materials, luminescent hybrid materials and other advanced optical materials.