The current state-of-the-art in electroanalytical tools for identifying food-borne performance enhancing substances in sports testing

Electroanalytical methods have gained significant attention for the detection of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in food matrices due to their high sensitivity, selectivity, and rapid response. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in electroanalytical tools for identifying food-borne PEDs in sports testing. The article discusses various classes of PEDs found in food, including animal-derived, plant-derived, and synthetic nutritional supplements. It also covers the principles and applications of voltammetric techniques, amperometric biosensors, and recent advancements in electrode materials and surface modification strategies. In particular, the use of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as selective recognition elements in electroanalytical sensors is highlighted, as they offer improved specificity for target PEDs in complex food matrices. The challenges associated with PED detection in food matrices, such as matrix effects and interferences, are addressed, along with future perspectives on method validation, standardization, multiplexed detection, and on-site screening applications. The most significant results highlighted in this review include the achievement of low detection limits, wide linear ranges, and high selectivity for various PEDs in complex food matrices.