Affinity based and molecularly imprinted cryogels: Applications in biomacromolecule purification

•Cryogels are attractive to use them in affinity and molecular imprinting methods.•The applications of cryogels in protein purification are reviewed.•The results are promising for further use of functionalized cryogel matrices.

The publications in macro-molecularly imprinted polymers have increased drastically in recent years with the development of water-based polymer systems. The macroporous structure of cryogels has allowed the use of these materials within different applications, particularly in affinity purification and molecular imprinting based methods. Due to their high selectivity, specificity, efficient mass transfer and good reproducibility, molecularly imprinted cryogels (MICs) have become attractive for researchers in the separation and purification of proteins. In this review, the recent developments in affinity based cryogels and molecularly imprinted cryogels in protein purification are reviewed comprehensively.