MIP-Based Electrochemical Sensors

The latest technique for creating receptors with excellent selectivity against particular compounds is molecular printing of polymers. Functional monomers and the target analyte interact during molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) synthesis. The development of a polymer network all around the analyte covers it. Following the removal of the analyte, binding cavities in the polymer develop that show the analyte’s size, shape, and function. With basic electrochemical instrumentation, electrochemical MIP sensors integrate the potentials of synthetic binders. An electrochemical sensor is a device that converts an analytical signal into a meaningful analyte–receptor interaction on the surface of an electrode. The electrochemical signal depends on the mass transfer rate of the target analytes to the MIP-coated electrode, in other words, the coupling of the analyte with the MIP. Due to their simplicity, ease of manufacture, and affordability of equipment and devices, the use of nanoparticles or nanostructured coatings is a current approach to the development of electrochemical MIP sensors. The use of nanoparticles provides MIP-based sensors with good sensitivity and selectivity and fast analytical responses. MIP-based electrochemical sensors have received increasing attention in recent decades. The unique properties of MIPs have made them highly popular for different areas of application, including electrochemical sensors, biosensors, catalysis, and drug delivery. This chapter discusses in detail the development of MIP over the past decade and the advantages of electrochemical sensing based on MIPs.