Heba A. El-Sabban, Ibrahim Saeed Gataa, M.A. Diab, Mumtaj Shah, Mutabar Latipova, Doniyor Jumanazarov, Akmal Abilkasimov, Jee-Hyun Kang, Young Gun Ko, Hossam E.M. Sayour
In recent years, extensive research has focused on developing antibody alternatives through epitope imprinting to advance molecular recognition, a process critical for diagnostics, therapeutics, and biosensing. By employing short peptide fragments as templates, these systems offer enhanced robustness and reproducibility in targeting biomolecules. While epitope imprinting represents a major advancement in selective biomolecular recognition, this review also acknowledges the emergence of other innovative imprinting platforms, such as molecularly imprinted aptamers, molecularly imprinted frameworks (MOFs), and supramolecularly imprinted polymers, which have rapidly evolved in recent years and collectively expand the functional landscape of molecular imprinting technologies. It highlights cutting-edge approaches for molecular recognition, including dynamic combinatorial chemistry, mechanically interlocked molecules, and molecular imprinting techniques. It outlined the applications of epitope imprinting in molecular recognition, including biosensing and pathogen recognition. In addition, emerging strategies for epitope selection via evolving computational tools, such as the Immune Epitope Database, BepiPred, and AlphaFold, which enable the design of next-generation synthetic receptors, were reviewed. By bridging molecular design, materials science, and bioanalytical innovation, this review underscores how epitope imprinting contributes to the One Health framework by enabling rapid, accurate, and sustainable monitoring of pathogens and biomarkers across human, animal, and environmental health. Collectively, these innovations are redefining molecular recognition and supporting progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through smart, interdisciplinary, and application-driven solutions. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, South Korea; Analysis and Evaluation Department, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute (EPRI), 1 Ahmed El Zomor St., Nasr City, Cairo, 11727, Egypt; Warith Al-Anbiyaa University, Karbala, 56001, Iraq; Department of Chemistry, Yeungnam University, Gyeongbuk, Gyeongsan, 38541, South Korea; Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongbuk, Gyeongsan, 38541, South Korea; Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 960, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia; University of Tashkent for Applied Sciences, Str. Gavhar 1, Tashkent, 100149, Uzbekistan; National Research University TIIAME, Kori Niyoziy 39, Tashkent, 100000, Uzbekistan; Urgench State University, Kh. Alimdjan str. 14, Urgench, 220100, Uzbekistan; Kimyo International University in Tashkent, Shota Rustaveli str. 156, Tashkent, 100121, Uzbekistan; Chemistry Program, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, 40154, Indonesia; Molecular Biomimetics Research Group, Biomedical Chemistry Research Unit, Chemistry Dept., Animal Health Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, 12618, Egypt
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