This feature article is to summarize the methods of preparing surface molecular imprinted films utilizing unconventional layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly.Template molecules first preassembled with polyelectrolyte in solution to form supramolecular complex.Thus preassembled complex was used sequentially as a building block to construct LbL thin film with other photoreactive building block such as diazoresin at solid/liquid interface.Through photo cross-linking in between layers of the multilayer film following with template washing

the surface molecular imprinted LbL (SMILbL) film was generated.Diversified interactions have been introduced to fabricate the SMILbL film

and the selectivity of the SMILbL film could be effectively enhanced by the introduction of multivalent interaction.For practical application purposes

cation selective stamps and charge selective membranes have been demonstrated by combination of SMILbL film with corresponding microcontact printing and membrane separation technique

providing a new avenue for surface molecular imprinted materials.