Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for the Determination of Cancer Biomarkers

Abstract

Biomarkers can provide critical information about cancer and many other diseases; therefore, developing analytical systems for recognising biomarkers is an essential direction in bioanalytical chemistry. Recently molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been applied in analytical systems to determine biomarkers. This article aims to an overview of MIPs used for the detection of cancer biomarkers, namely: prostate cancer (PSA), breast cancer (CA15-3, HER-2), epithelial ovarian cancer (CA-125), hepatocellular carcinoma (AFP), and small molecule cancer biomarkers (5-HIAA and neopterin). These cancer biomarkers may be found in tumours, blood, urine, faeces, or other body fluids or tissues. The determination of low concentrations of biomarkers in these complex matrices is technically challenging. The overviewed studies used MIP-based biosensors to assess natural or artificial samples such as blood, serum, plasma, or urine. Molecular imprinting technology and MIP-based sensor creation principles are outlined. Analytical signal determination methods and the nature and chemical structure of the imprinted polymers are discussed. Based on the reviewed biosensors, the results are compared, and the most suitable materials for each biomarker are discussed.

Fabrication of Cholesterol‐Imprinted Microspheres‐Based Metal‐Chelating Monomer for Cholesterol Recognition from Serum

“…Possessing chemical and physical resilience to mechanical stress, pH variations, temperature fluctuations, and acid‐base conditions, MIPs exhibit specific binding to both their original templates and related counterparts. With versatility spanning various domains, MIPs prove valuable as recognition elements for biosensors, [7,8] for drug delivery applications, [6] in solid‐phase extraction processes, [9] and for analyzing ligand binding with artificial receptor systems [10] . The interaction between the functional monomer and the template is considered a crucial aspect encompassing metal coordination, non‐covalent bonds, and covalent bonds [11] .…”

Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Biosensor Based on Nitrogen-Doped Electrochemically Exfoliated Graphene/Ti3 CNTX MXene Nanocomposite for Metabolites Detection

“…Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have emerged as highly efficient biomimetic receptors, offering exceptional chemical stability and precise recognition of target molecules owing to their specialized architecture within the polymer matrix. With attributes such as straightforward preparation, affordability, scalability, impressive reusability, and prolonged shelf life, MIPs hold immense potential to revolutionize chemical-biological sensors by replacing conventional biological recognition elements utilized in biosensors. − However, the development of MIP biosensors faces certain challenges, including inadequate control over polymer film thickness and potential leakage of the entrapped template. This deficiency can result in incomplete removal of template molecules, slow binding kinetics, and reduced sensitivity of MIP biosensors. − To address these challenges, the electropolymerization of conductive monomers, such as pyrrole, , aniline, and thiophene, offers a direct, in situ fabrication of MIPs on the electrode’s surface.…”

Preparation and Application Progress of Imprinted Polymers

“…Sensitive sensing of the surrounding environment has become necessary for modern life. Molecular recognition is the foundation of sense, which is very important to some biological processes and is the focus of much material investigation due to its importance in sensing processes, separations, and detection [ 1 ]. Based on the natural antibody–antigen, enzyme–substrate recognition systems and synthetic receptors with selectivity were developed, namely imprinted polymers [ 2 ].…”