Research progress on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs)-based sensors for the detection of organophosphorus pesticides

  • 1School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, No. 266 Xincun Xilu, Zibo, Shandong 255049, China.
  • 2Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100102, China.
  • 3School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, No. 266 Xincun Xilu, Zibo, Shandong 255049, China. Electronic address: gym@sdut.edu.cn.
  • 4School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, No. 266 Xincun Xilu, Zibo, Shandong 255049, China; Institute of Food & Nutrition Science and Technology, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China. Electronic address: fsmp@vip.126.com.

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Abstract

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPs), widely used in agriculture, have become major focuses of research in food safety and environmental pollution control due to their neurotoxicity and environmental persistence. In recent years, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs)-based sensors have demonstrated tremendous potential in OPs detection due to their high specificity, excellent stability and reusability. This review introduced the fundamental principles and synthesis methods of MIPs. It also provided an in-depth discussion of the applications of eight types of MIPs-based sensors in the quantitative detection of OPs, offering insights into the challenges and future directions for different types of sensors. Furthermore, the review summarized the key challenges faced by MIPs-based sensors and explored future development trends, including the improvement of the specificity, stability and repeatability of MIPs-based sensors, the development of on-site detection technologies, integration with artificial intelligence and big data, and the exploration of green synthesis strategies for MIPs. In the future, MIPs-based sensors are expected to integrate nanomaterials, intelligent algorithms and microfluidic technologies to achieve high sensitivity, strong specificity and enhanced stability, providing efficient and reliable technological support for food safety and environmental monitoring.