Molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) are tailor made from synthetic polymers and designed to mimic the recognition properties of natural biological affinity molecules. MIPs incorporate binding motifs complementary to target organic molecule shape and functional groups in order to mimic the complex binding surfaces of natural macromolecules. This confers selectivity and specificity, with the added advantage of artificial MIP polymer stability and ready adaptability to the fabrication and creation of miniaturised affinity interfaces for electrochemical sensing and extra‐laboratory testing. Their generic capability as robust sorbent phases for drug extraction and concentration allows for targeted, interfacial interrogation by the active electrochemical surface. A wide range of electrochemical sensing strategies has also been advanced in recent years, which is covered by this review. The review covers MIP functional principles, examples of MIP preparative routes and final assay outcomes for the measurement of small molecule drugs of biomedical, and also of potential environmental relevance. Some small molecules as examples of toxin and contaminant measurement are also given. A historic background to MIP development is provided, but the review mainly focuses on electrochemical sensor advances in the last five years.

Pesticide residues like chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, deltamethrin and dichlorvos were monitored by an improved extraction method from apple, peach and potato using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. The selected pesticides were extracted from fruits and vegetable samples using smaller volume of ethyl-acetate, anhydrous sodium sulphate, and sodium chloride. Cleanup of extract was done with activated charcoa. Final extracts of fruits and vegetable samples were analysed using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography with a ultraviolet detector in an isocratic mode. Maximum residue levels (MRL), 0.924, 1.630 and 0.454 µg/g for chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin and deltamethrin were found in peach respectively. The MRL 0.283 µg/g for dichlorvos was found in apple samples. All these observed results were compared with Codex maximum residue levels. It was found that cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos residual amounts were greater than MRLs, so their spray on the target crops should be limited because these are resistant to the degradation.

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