Review of the recent progress in photoresponsive molecularly imprinted polymers containing azobenzene chromophores

Photoresponsive molecularly imprinted polymers (PMIPs) containing azobenzene have received wide research attention in recent years and made notable achievements. This article reviews the recent developments on PMIPs containing azobenzene. Topics include the following: (i) brief introduction of azobenzene, molecularly imprinted polymers, and PMIPs containing azobenzene; (ii) progress in functional monomers, cross-linkers, and polymerization conditions; (iii) preparation methods, properties, applications, as well as advantages and disadvantages of conventional PMIPs; (iv) substrate, preparation method, and applications of photoresponsive surface molecularly imprinted polymers; and (v) some perspectives for further development of PMIPs containing azobenzene. [Display omitted] •An extensive overview on recent progress in photoresponsive molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) containing azobenzene.•General background on MIPs and main progress in the preparation of advanced photoresponsive MIPs are introduced.•Applications of photoresponsive MIPs for real samples in analytical chemistry field are reviewed.•The aim of the future progress in photoresponsive MIPs is suggested.