Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Coupled with Cellulosic Paper-Based Analytical Devices for Biosensing Applications.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) mimic biomolecular receptors for selective analyte recognition in biosensing.
• Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) offer a low-cost, portable, and disposable platform for chemical and biological analysis.
• Integrating MIPs with PADs (MIP-PADs) enhances selectivity and enables on-site detection in complex samples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advances in the fabrication of MIP-PADs.
• To explore the diverse applications of MIP-PADs in various detection formats.
• To discuss the challenges and future prospects of MIP-PAD technology.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of MIPs tailored for specific target analytes.
• Incorporation of MIPs into cellulosic paper substrates to create MIP-PADs.
• Utilizing various detection mechanisms including colorimetric, fluorometric, chemiluminescent, electrochemical, photoelectrochemical, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• MIP-PADs demonstrate high selectivity and sensitivity for detecting biomolecules, pathogens, and small molecules.
• Fabrication yields affordable, portable, and disposable analytical devices.
• MIP-PADs are suitable for on-site detection in environmental monitoring, food safety, and biomedical analysis.

Conclusions:

• MIP-PADs represent a promising technology for accessible and effective on-site analysis.
• Their cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness make them ideal for resource-limited settings.
• Further development is needed to address challenges for widespread real-world application.