Biomimetic Sensors to Detect Bioanalytes in Real-Life Samples Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymers: A Review

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are recognized as adaptable artificial receptors for diverse analyte detection.
• Despite extensive research in imprinting, limited studies focus on real-life biological samples and analytes.
• MIP-based sensor commercialization remains nascent, with most designs still in the research phase.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in MIP-based sensors specifically designed for biological species.
• To explore MIP sensor applications in medical diagnostics, illicit substance detection, environmental monitoring, and food quality control.
• To emphasize studies demonstrating MIP sensor performance in real-world biological matrices.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of recent MIP sensor research targeting biological analytes.
• Analysis of sensor systems applicable to medical diagnostics, forensic science, environmental analysis, and food safety.
• Focus on studies utilizing real-life samples and addressing practical analytical challenges.

Main Results:

• Recent progress shows MIP sensors are increasingly capable of detecting biological targets.
• Applications span medical diagnostics, detection of illicit substances, environmental monitoring, and food quality control.
• Successful demonstrations in real-life matrices, including diluted biological samples, are highlighted.

Conclusions:

• MIPs show significant potential as artificial receptors for biological sensing applications.
• Further research and development are needed to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and commercialization.
• The review underscores the importance of validating MIP sensors in complex biological matrices for practical utility.