Disease diagnosis and application analysis of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) in saliva detection

Saliva has significantly evolved as a diagnostic fluid in recent years, giving a non-invasive alternative to blood analysis. A high protein concentration in saliva is delivered directly from the bloodstream, making it a "human mirror" that reflects the body's physiological state. It plays an essential role in detecting diseases in biomedical and fitness monitoring. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are biomimetic materials with custom-designed synthetic recognition sites that imitate biological counterparts renowned for sensitive analyte detection. This paper reviews the progress made in research about MIP biosensors for detecting saliva biomarkers. Specifically, we investigate the link between saliva biomarkers and various diseases, providing detailed insights into the corresponding biosensors. Furthermore, we discuss the principles of molecular imprinting for disease diagnostics and application analysis, including recent advances in integrated MIP-sensor technologies for high-affinity analyte detection in saliva. Notably, these biosensors exhibit high discrimination, allowing for the detection of saliva biomarkers linked explicitly to chronic stress disorders, diabetes, cancer, bacterial or viral-induced illnesses, and exposure to illicit toxic substances or tobacco smoke. Our findings indicate that MIP-based biosensors match and perhaps surpass their counterparts featuring integrated natural antibodies in terms of stability, signal-to-noise ratios, and detection limits. Additionally, we highlight the design of MIP coatings, strategies for synthesizing polymers, and the integration of advanced biodevices. These tailored biodevices, designed to assess various salivary biomarkers, are emerging as promising screening or diagnostic tools for real-time monitoring and self-health management, improving quality of life.