Importance of MIPs as Artificial Antibodies for the Detection of Bacteria and Viruses

In light of the persistent threat of pandemics, researchers are diligently advancing innovative technologies to diagnose and treat infections caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) stand out as synthetic polymeric materials featuring specific recognition sites that mirror template molecules in shape, size, and functional groups. Their stability, specificity, low cost, ease of preparation, and potential for miniaturization position them as promising alternatives to natural bioreceptors in sensor technology. Notably, imprinting of bacteria and viruses have garnered significant attention due to the high selectivity, simplicity, rapidity, excellent stability, low cost, and eco-friendliness of the process. This comprehensive review aims to assess key accomplishments in MIP-based sensors, encompassing electrochemical, optical, fluorescence, and piezoelectric approaches, particularly in detecting and quantifying host proteins, gene transcripts, and cellular processes relevant to the identification of bacteria and viruses. Additionally, the review outlines pivotal advancements in MIP-based sensor technologies and delineates future trends, underscoring their potential applications in detecting biomarkers associated with bacteria and viruses.