Abstract: An adsorbent which selectively binds to one enantiomer of an optically active amino acid or peptide. The adsorbent includes a polymer matrix which contains one or more metal complexes that are oriented within the polymer matrix by molecular imprinting to provide selective binding of the matrix to only one enantiomer of the optically active amino acid or peptide. Separation systems are disclosed which use the adsorbent as the basis for conducting enantioresolution of optically active amino acids and peptides. Methods for using the adsorbent are also disclosed.