Unveiling the Latest Developments in Molecularly Imprinted Photocatalysts: A State-of-the-Art Review

Responding to the growing concerns about environmental pollutants, scientists are increasingly turning to innovative solutions rooted in the field of environmental science. One such promising avenue combines the robustness of traditional photocatalysis with the precision of molecular imprinting, leading to the proposition of molecularly imprinted photocatalysts (MIPCs). These MIPCs hold the potential to specifically target and eliminate environmental pollutants, marking them as a promising tool in modern environmental remediation. As researchers delve deeper into this field, the design and optimization of MIPCs have become hotbeds for scientific inquiry. This comprehensive overview delves into the multifaceted approaches to MIPC design, elucidating on aspects like the selection of appropriate photocatalytic bases, the pivotal role of templates, the choice of monomeric building blocks, and the integration of effective cross-linking agents. However, as with all burgeoning technologies, the development of MIPCs is not without its challenges. These potential impediments to the successful innovation and implementation of MIPCs are also explored.

The Use of Computational Methods for the Development of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers

Recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in the use of theoretical and computational approaches in the study and development of molecular imprinting systems. These tools are being used to either improve understanding of the mechanisms underlying the function of molecular imprinting systems or for the design of new systems. Here, we present an overview of the literature describing the application of theoretical and computational techniques to the different stages of the molecular imprinting process (pre-polymerization mixture, polymerization process and ligand-molecularly imprinted polymer rebinding), along with an analysis of trends within and the current status of this aspect of the molecular imprinting field.

Hydrothermally Assisted Fabrication of TiO2-Fe3O4 Composite Materials and Their Antibacterial Activity

The TiO2-Fe3O4 composite materials were fabricated via the hydrothermal-assisted technique. It was determined how the molar ratio of TiO2 to Fe3O4 influences the crystalline structure and morphology of the synthesized composite materials. The effect of the molar ratio of components on the antibacterial activity was also analyzed. On the basis of XRD patterns for the obtained titanium(IV) oxide-iron(II, III) oxide composites, the two separate crystalline forms-anatase and magnetite -were observed. Transmission electron microscopy revealed particles of cubic and tetragonal shape for TiO2 and spherical for Fe3O4. The results of low-temperature nitrogen sorption analysis indicated that an increase in the iron(II, III) oxide content leads to a decrease in the BET surface area. Moreover, the superparamagnetic properties of titanium(IV) oxide-iron(II, III) oxide composites should be noted. An important aim of the work was to determine the antibacterial activity of selected TiO2-Fe3O4 materials. For this purpose, two representative strains of bacteria, the Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, were used. The titanium(IV) oxide-iron(II, III) oxide composites demonstrated a large zone of growth inhibition for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, it was found that the analyzed materials can be reused as antibacterial agents in three consecutive cycles with good results.