Molecular imprinted polymers are custom made materials with specific recognition sites for a target molecule. Their specificity and the variety of materials and physical shapes in which they can be fabricated make them ideal components for sensing platforms. Despite their excellent properties, MIP-based sensors have rarely left the academic laboratory environment. This work presents a comprehensive review of recent reports in the environmental and biomedical fields, with a focus on electrochemical and optical signaling mechanisms. The discussion aims to identify knowledge gaps that hinder the translation of MIP-based technology from research laboratories to commercialization.

The detection of testosterone in aqueous solutions is a difficult task due to the low concentration levels that are relevant in environmental and physiological samples. Current analytical methods are expensive and/or complex. To address this issue, we fabricated a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) photonic film for the detection of testosterone in water. The films were obtained using colloidal crystals as templates for the pore morphology. Monodispersed silica particles with an average diameter 330 nm were used to obtain the colloidal crystal by vertical deposition. A solution of acrylic acid with testosterone as the imprinted template was infiltrated in the colloidal crystal and polymerized via bulk polymerization; the particles were then removed by acid etching and the testosterone eluted by a suitable solvent. The material was characterized by FTIR, swelling experiments and microscopy; MIPs were investigated by equilibrium rebinding, kinetics and reuse experiments. The results showed that the MIPs exhibited selectivity to the template, a 30-min equilibration time and stability after at least six cycles of use and regeneration. After incubation, the reflectance spectra of the films showed a shift of the Bragg diffraction peak that correlated with testosterone concentration in the 5–100 ppb range.

Ceramic membranes suffer from rapid permeability loss during filtration of organic matter due to their fouling propensity. To address this problem, iron oxide ultrafiltration membranes were coated with poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (polySBMA), a superhydrophilic zwitterionic polymer. The ceramic-organic hybrid membrane was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical profilometry (OP). Membranes with and without polySBMA coating were subjected to fouling with bovine serum albumin solution. Hydraulic cleaning was significantly more effective for the coated membrane than for the non-coated one, as 56%, 66%, and 100% of the fouling was removed for the first, second, and third filtration cycle, respectively. Therefore, we can highlight the improved cleaning due to an increased fouling reversibility. Although some loss of polymer during operation was detected, it did not affect the improved behavior of the tested membranes.

Background: The importance of this research lies in preparing handball players with enhanced physical and skill capabilities through modern methods such as competitive plyometric training. The study was motivated by observed performance inconsistencies among Iraqi handball teams, particularly a decline in players' physical and technical execution toward the end of matches. This issue is attributed to the use of traditional training programs, which fail to develop the players’ physical fitness and technical performance adequately. Objective: This study examines the effects of competitive plyometric training on handball players' speed, strength, and defensive skills. Methods: The research was driven by the observation that many teams in the Iraqi Handball League exhibit performance decline toward the end of matches, which is attributed to inadequate physical and skill preparation under traditional training programs. An experimental design was used, involving 18 young male players from the Karbala Handball Club, divided randomly into experimental and control groups. The experimental group followed an 8-week competitive plyometric training program, while the control group continued with standard training. Result: Results showed significant improvements in the experimental group's speed-strength and defensive skills compared to the control group. Conclusion: In conclusion, competitive plyometric training effectively enhances physical and skill performance in handball players and is recommended as part of structured training programs. It is recommended that future research explore the long-term effects of competitive plyometric training across different age groups and levels of play, to determine its applicability and sustainability in improving athletic performance.