Molecular-Imprinting-Based Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Sensors.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) offer predictable structures, specific recognition, and robustness for various applications.
• Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) provides sensitive, rapid, and nondestructive detection with unique fingerprint recognition.
• MIP-SERS sensors integrate these technologies for advanced chemo- and bioanalysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review recent advances in the construction and application of MIP-SERS sensors.
• To highlight novel imprinting strategies and their impact on sensor performance.
• To summarize representative applications in chemo- and bioanalysis and discuss future perspectives.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature on MIP-SERS sensor development.
• Analysis of sensing principles and signal enhancement mechanisms in MIP-SERS systems.
• Categorization of novel imprinting strategies (multifunctional monomer, dummy template, controlled polymerization, stimuli-responsive).

Main Results:

• MIP-SERS sensors demonstrate excellent identification and detection capabilities in chemo- and bioanalysis.
• Novel imprinting strategies significantly enhance sensor specificity and sensitivity.
• Applications span the detection of both small and macromolecular analytes.

Conclusions:

• MIP-SERS sensors represent a promising technology for sensitive and selective molecular detection.
• Further research into advanced imprinting and signal amplification is crucial for expanding applications.
• The integration of MIPs and SERS offers a powerful platform for future analytical challenges.