Medical diagnostics aims at specific localization of molecular targets as well as detection of abnormalities associated with numerous diseases. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) represent an approach of creating a synthetic material exhibiting selective recognition properties toward the desired template. The fabricated target-specific MIPs are usually well reproducible, economically efficient, and stable under critical conditions as compared to routinely used biorecognition elements such as fluorescent proteins, antibodies, enzymes, or aptamers and can even be created to those targets for which no antibodies are available. In this review, we summarize the methods of polymer fabrication. Further, we provide key for selection of the core material with imaging function depending on the imaging modality used. Finally, MIP-based imaging applications are highlighted and presented in a comprehensive form from different aspects. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this review, we summarize the methods of polymer fabrication. Key applications of Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) in imaging are highlighted and discussed with regard to the selection of the core material for imaging as well as commonly used imaging targets. MIPs represent an approach of creating a synthetic material exhibiting selective recognition properties toward the desired template. The fabricated target-specific MIPs are usually well reproducible, economically efficient, and stable under critical conditions as compared to routinely used biorecognition elements, e.g., antibodies, fluorescent proteins, enzymes, or aptamers, and can even be created to those targets for which no antibodies are available.

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester MA 01605 USA

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Mendel University in Brno Zemedelska 1 CZ 613 00 Brno Czech Republic; Central European Institute of Technology Brno University of Technology Purkynova 123 CZ 612 00 Brno Czech Republic

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