The rise of molecularly imprinted polymers in food analysis: selective, reliable, and cost-effective approaches

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), commonly known as "artificial" or "plastic" antibodies, serve as synthetic substitutes for natural receptors. Over the past five decades, MIPs have garnered significant interest in both academic research and commercial sectors, spanning diverse fields from medicine to food. The analysis of food presents a formidable challenge due to the intricate nature of food matrices and the minimal concentration of analytes. However, molecular imprinting techniques, with their exceptional selectivity and sensitivity, are perfectly equipped to address these two obstacles. Moreover, MIP methodologies remain highly favored owing to their myriad advantageous attributes, such as ensuring food safety, maintaining quality, enabling traceability, and facilitating detection. This article sheds light on innovative perspectives regarding the applications and advancements of molecular imprinting technology within the food industry, alongside MIP-based analytical methods and prospective future applications.