Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Sensors for the Monitoring of Antibiotic Traces and Microorganisms in Water Samples to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
摘要
Monitoring of antibiotic and bacterial contamination in situ in a fast and low-cost manner will be key to combatting the accelerated development of the worldwide antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) are synthetic receptors that are robust and low-cost whilst rivalling the affinity of antibodies, and thus are promising recognition elements that can be used in diagnostics for environmental monitoring. In this chapter, we critically evaluate portable MIP-based sensors for measuring both antibiotics and E. coli, an important indicator for microorganism contamination, in aqueous samples. The focus will be on optical and electrical detection, which provide the highest potential for point-of-care sensing. Finally, we will discuss the future of MIP-based sensors for these compounds and what improvements are needed to bring this variety of sensor closer to widespread commercial application.