Enzyme Models Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymers with Strong Esterase Activity

Functions similar to those of catalytic antibodies are shown by molecularly imprinted polymers, when the cavities in the polymer not only have the correct form but also contain catalytically active groups. Polymers have now been prepared by imprinting with a transition state analogue of alkaline ester hydrolysis (see picture). These “artificial enzymes” combine strong catalytic activity with typical enzyme properties such as Michaelis—Menten kinetics, competitive inhibition, turnover, and substrate selectivity.