Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Coupled with Cellulosic Paper-Based Analytical Devices for Biosensing Applications

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) function as versatile and highly selective elements in biosensing, mimicking biomolecular receptors and effectively interacting with target analytes within complex matrices. Integrating MIPs with paper-based analytical devices (PADs) allows for rapid, convenient, and cost-effective deployment of molecular imprinting technologies. This review provides an overview of the advances in the fabrication process of MIP-PADs and explores their diverse applications, highlighting their utility in on-site detection using various detection mechanisms such as colorimetric, fluorometric, chemiluminescent electrochemical, photoelectrochemical, and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The fabrication process involves synthesizing MIPs tailored for specific target analytes and incorporating them into cellulosic paper-based analytical devices, resulting in MIP-PADs that offer advantages such as affordability, portability, and disposability. Applications of MIP-PADs extend across environmental monitoring, food safety, and biomedical analysis, demonstrating exceptional selectivity and sensitivity toward diverse biomolecules, pathogens, and small molecules. Their affordability and user-friendly design make them particularly suitable for resource-limited settings. Lastly, the challenges and future prospects of MIP-PAD technologies are presented in the context of real-world applications.