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An important challenge for scientific research is the production of artificial systems able to mimic the recognition mechanisms occurring at the molecular level in living systems. A valid contribution in this direction resulted from the development of molecular imprinting. By means of this technology, selective molecular recognition sites are introduced in a polymer, thus conferring it bio-mimetic properties. The potential applications of these systems include affinity separations, medical diagnostics, drug delivery, catalysis, etc. Recently, bio-sensing systems using molecularly imprinted membranes, a special form of imprinted polymers, have received the attention of scientists in various fields. In these systems imprinted membranes are used as bio-mimetic recognition elements which are integrated with a transducer component. The direct and rapid determination of an interaction between the recognition element and the target analyte (template) was an encouraging factor for the development of such systems as alternatives to traditional bio-assay methods. Due to their high stability, sensitivity and specificity, bio-mimetic sensors-based membranes are used for environmental, food, and clinical uses. This review deals with the development of molecularly imprinted polymers and their different preparation methods. Referring to the last decades, the application of these membranes as bio-mimetic sensor devices will be also reported.

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Novel catalytic membranes have been prepared by linking phosphotungstic acid H3PW12O40 (W12), a polyoxometalate having interesting properties as photocatalyst, on the surface of plasma-modified membranes. Porous flat-sheet membranes made of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) have been prepared by a phase-inversion technique induced by a nonsolvent. These membranes have been modified by plasma treatments on the surface to graft N-containing polar groups that are able to act as binding sites with W12 (PVDF−NH2−W12). A comparison of the surface and bulk properties of the native and modified PVDF membranes has been reported. Catalytic activity of the PVDF−NH2−W12 membranes has been evaluated in the aerobic degradation reaction of phenol in water. Catalytic tests have been carried out in a membrane reactor operating in continuous mode. Better catalytic performances have been observed for the W12 heterogenized on PVDF membrane than for W12 in a homogeneous phase. Moreover, PVDF−NH2−W12 membranes have given proof of their complete stability under photooxidation conditions and their good recycle. This study has shown the possibility of heterogenizing catalysts by a controlled modification of the membrane surface via a plasma technique. This new method is very versatile and can be easily extended to other catalysts. Further studies are actually in progress with other catalysts belonging to the polyoxometalates group.

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