Methacrylic acid as a potential monomer for molecular imprinting: A review of recent advances

Abstract

Molecular Imprinted polymers (MIPs) are man-made receptors for the specific molecules of drug delivery use. These polymers are meant for their site-specificity and recognition. Molecular Imprinting Technique (MITs) comprised of Template, Functional Monomers, Cross-Linkers, Initiators, and solvents. Methacrylic acid (MAA) has shown its potential utility as a monomer for molecular imprinting. It is the most used and preferred monomer with great future potential. Therefore, this review highlights different aspects of MAA as a universal functional monomer that is believed to happen due to its flexibility, robustness, durability, etc. Computational Methods exhibit MAA as one of the most compatible monomers showing excellent binding efficacy with a wide range of drug molecules. A comprehensive assessment of its physiochemical, interactive, and binding properties is deliberately compiled along with the biodegradability of MAA. This review also highlights the future prospects, recent advances, and current applications, including MAA-based Nano MIPs, and trigger-responsive MIPs related to drug delivery. The comparative studies showed that MIPs and Non-MIPs have a drastic difference in their drug release either controlled or sustained. Eventually, the trend pattern associated with drug classification and disease diagnosis in the past decade showcases the tremendous utility of MAA-MIP in various fields of pharmaceutical and medical importance.

Keywords

• Methacrylic acid
• Molecular imprinted polymer
• Monomer
• Drug delivery