Paper-based molecularly imprinted polymers (PB-MIPs): miniaturized sensors for environmental monitoring applications

Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) are flexible sensing devices that determine various analytes because of their portability, low cost, biodegradability, and simplicity of use. However, the analysis of complex samples and conditions causes an issue due to lack of selectivity. MIPs can be integrated with PADs to improve selectivity. As biomimetic receptors, MIPs have been widely employed for the determination of target analytes in a variety of complex matrices. The MIPs as a receptor combining with PADs have initiated innovative prospects for advanced analytical devices with short assay time, lower cost, and improved sensitivity and selectivity. Therefore, PB-MIP sensors provide a suitable choice for environmental monitoring. This review gives information about PAD development methods such as wax printing, inkjet printing, photolithography, dip coating, and screen printing. This points out the incorporation of MIPs with different materials (quantum dots, nanomaterials) and fabrication of MIP-based PADs. The detailed PB-MIP fabrication methods and their recent implication in the field of onsite environmental monitoring are presented. Different environmental pollutants detection such as toxic metals, organic pollutants, pesticides, and microbial contaminates is also described.