Picomolar or beyond Limit of Detection Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Electrochemical Sensors: A Review

Abstract

Over the last decades, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have emerged as selective synthetic receptors that have a selective binding site for specific analytes/target molecules. MIPs are synthetic analogues to the natural biological antigen–antibody system. Owing to the advantages they exhibit, such as high stability, simple synthetic procedure, and cost-effectiveness, MIPs have been widely used as receptors/sensors for the detection and monitoring of a variety of analytes. Moreover, integrating electrochemical sensors with MIPs offers a promising approach and demonstrates greater potential over traditional MIPs. In this review, we have compiled the methods and techniques for the production of MIP-based electrochemical sensors along with the applications of reported MIP sensors for a variety of analytes. A comprehensive in-depth analysis of recent trends reported on picomolar (pM/10−12 M)) and beyond picomolar concentration LOD (≥pM) achieved using MIPs sensors is reported. Finally, we discuss the challenges faced and put forward future perspectives along with our conclusion.

Biosensing Applications of Molecularly Imprinted-Polymer-Based Nanomaterials

“…Molecular identification constitutes a pivotal event with profound implications across diverse applications. For instance, antibodies and enzymes, quintessential biomolecules, harbor specific recognition sites facilitating interactions with their corresponding antigens and substrates [43][44][45]. These interactions, serving as inspiration, have catalyzed the development of various recognition materials, among which molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) hold a significant position.…”

Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Sensors for the Detection of Skeletal- and Cardiac-Muscle-Related Analytes

“… Examples of target analytes detected with the use of an MIP sensor. Reproduced from [ 27 ] with permission. © 2022 by the authors (open access).…”

“…Several polymerization methods have been used to fabricate MIPs, among which are free radical polymerization (FRP), controlled radical polymerization (CRP), sol-gel process, electropolymerization, and photopolymerization [ 25 ]. Free radical polymerization is a common method used to fabricate MIPs and requires the use of a radical initiator with a template and monomer [ 26 , 27 ]. However, the control of the reactions of propagation and termination is difficult, resulting in different polymer chain lengths and branching.…”

Ascorbic Acid Sensing by Molecularly Imprinted Electrosynthesized Polymer (e-MIP) on Screen-Printed Electrodes

“…At present, electrochemical sensors are some of the most effectively used MIP-based devices [41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51], and different strategies have been proposed for integrating MIPs with the electrodes. Surface imprinting is, so far, the most commonly used approach.…”