Recent advances in bioelectroanalytical sensors based on molecularly imprinted polymeric surfaces

Abstract

Molecularly imprinting technology (MIT) is a strategy to develop artificial receptors for a given analyte for a range of applications. The resultant polymeric matrices known as “molecularly imprinted polymers” (MIPs) offer resilient molecular recognition that mimic natural bioreceptors. Such recognition systems are beneficial for separation and analysis of complex biological and environmental samples, primarily due to their flexibility towards varied functional monomers and availability of pores. This chapter, however, ponders over the present research status in MIPs towards biosensing applications. We have covered a few preparative advancements of MIT and representative applications of different MIPs in electroanalytical molecular recognition for point-of-care diagnosis. Potential challenges in MIP synthesis and solutions to the problems have also been assessed. MIPs require extensive research on improved synthesis techniques, target selectivity, and similarity with the environment in which they are to be utilized, and as such, can readily outperform the conventional bioreceptors, yielding enhanced sensor performance.