Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence studies of fluorescent imprinted polymers

Molecular imprinting of synthetic polymers provides a powerful approach to control electronic and optical properties through nanoscale modification of molecular design of the material. The functional monomers were co-polymerised in the presence of a target/imprint molecule, which acts as a molecular template. Subsequent removal of the template molecules left behind functionalised cavities that are able to recognise the template molecule. The steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy studies are presented as methods for monitoring of the specificity and selectivity of binding of the template on the functionalised cavities.