The molecular imprinting technique can be defined as the formation of specific nano-sized cavities by means of the facile template-directed synthesis. The resulting molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are characterized by their high affinity and specificity

easy preparation

and good thermal and chemical stability

which makes them highly promising in many potential applications

including their use for separation and isolation purposes

as antibody mimics (biomimetic assays and sensors)

as enzyme mimics

in organic synthesis

in drug delivery

and in biomedicine. The ultimate goal of the molecular imprinting research is to prepare MIPs with an affinity and a selectivity approaching those of the biological receptors such as antibodies and eventually replace them in real applications. Among various problems associated with the presently developed MIPs

the facile and efficient preparation of MIPs applicable in aqueous solutions remains a challenging task. This paper presents a review of the recent progress in the development of such advanced water-compatible MIPs

with an emphasis on our strategies to solve this problem.