Important of MIPs as Artificial Antibodies in Cancer Detection and Monitoring

Early cancer detection plays a crucial role in successful treatment, with biomarkers serving as vital components in this process. The emergence of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as artificial antibiotics, or receptor-like materials, has opened up new possibilities in cancer detection and monitoring as targeted tools. MIPs, synthetic materials with molecular recognition capabilities, selectively bind to molecules of interest, including cancer biomarkers. Despite recent advancements in molecular imprinting technology, the application of MIPs as artificial antibiotics remains a significant challenge. This chapter highlights recent advancements (2016–2023) and provides an overview of the current state of MIPs in the selective extraction/microextraction of cancer biomarkers. It discusses the design, fabrication, and analytical performance of MIPs, including the limit of detection and quantification, recovery, and imprinting factors. The focus is on the design and synthesis of MIPs specifically tailored for cancer detection, emphasizing their enhanced specificity and selectivity compared to conventional detection methods. Furthermore, the article explores the applications of MIPs in cancer biomarker analysis and their potential as diagnostic tools for early cancer detection. Lastly, the challenges and future perspectives of MIPs in the field of cancer monitoring are addressed, highlighting the promising advancements and potential impact of this technology on improving cancer diagnostics and therapies.