Robust artificial protein binders in the form of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) could potentially overcome these limitations, thus offering a step change in the above disciplines. In spite of numerous reports that describe protein-imprinted hydrogels, advances towards generic and robust imprinting techniques have been slow. One reason is the need for employing a low cross-linking level in order to provide a mesh size of the network large enough for the protein to penetrate. The memory effects of these gels are thus easily erased, thereby preventing repeated use of the gels. Various forms of surface-imprinting techniques have been used with promising results to address this problem. However, robust imprinting techniques that afford materials, which can compete with established bioaffinity media in terms of both affinity and capacity, are still lacking.