Deposition Methods for the Integration of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) in Sensor Applications

Abstract

AbstractOffering high specificity and selectivity, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic polymeric affinity reagents that have become increasingly popular over the last couple of decades. Due to their long‐term chemical and physical stability and low production cost, they have become an increasingly popular choice of receptor in the realm of sense. MIPs have therefore been associated with the detection of small molecules, proteins, cells, and pathogens, proving a highly robust and useful tool in the production of next‐gen sensing platforms. This said, the development of these sensors pivots on one simple fact; these receptors have to be deposited onto a substrate for their desired application. The deposition of MIPs during sensor fabrication is therefore of great importance, with the field utilizing an array of mechanical and chemical deposition methods to achieve this. To this end, this review, therefore, sets aim at coalescing these different deposition approaches, classifying them, and outlining their utility when it comes to receptor design and integration. Thus, offering a knowledge base on current deposition methods, potential future approaches and analyzing where the MIP deposition field is tending toward.