Molecularly imprinted polymers for mycotoxin biosensing: Rational design, advanced applications, and future horizons

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Science

Background:

• Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic receptors with high stability and design flexibility for mycotoxin detection.
• Current challenges in food safety necessitate advanced detection methods for mycotoxins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution of MIPs from empirical synthesis to rational design for mycotoxin detection.
• To analyze advancements in MIP-based sensing platforms and identify future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of literature on MIP synthesis, design, and application in mycotoxin sensing.
• Analysis of performance-enhancing strategies including nanomaterial integration, AI-assisted design, and stimuli-responsive systems.

Main Results:

• MIPs have shifted towards computationally guided rational design, improving molecular recognition and fabrication.
• Integrated nanomaterials with optical/electrochemical transducers achieve lower detection limits via dual-mode signaling and nanozyme catalysis.
• AI-assisted design and stimuli-responsive MIPs are enhancing biosensor capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Significant progress has been made, but challenges remain in template removal, multiplexing, and point-of-care integration.
• Future MIP development requires interdisciplinary collaboration for robust, field-deployable biosensors.
• Next-generation MIP sensors will improve mycotoxin monitoring in food supply chains, enhancing food safety and public health.