Abstract
Biosensors have been used extensively in diagnostics, medicine , environmental monitoring and food processes. Various biological molecules such as antibodies and enzymes, which are capable of recognizing a specific target molecule , can be used as the biorecognition elements in biosensors. However, the cost and inactivation under harsh environments such as high pH and high temperature hamper the use of macrobiomolecules. In addition , it is difficult to find suitable enzymes OI receptors that are able to recognize certain target analytes. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are highly cross-linked synthetic polymers, which can be obtained from the innovative technique of molecular imprinting technique. MIPs have many advantages, including stability under harsh environment, the simplicity of their preparation and can be used as altematives for enzymes and antibodies. In recent years, MIPs have received much attention on applications to sensor design, the separation of drugs and chiral compounds and catalysis. In this text, the principles of MIPs preparation will be introduced. The 孔lIP-based sensors can be classified as optical sensors, electrochemical sensors and mass-sensitive sensors. In addition, the fabrication and application of molecularly imprinted polymer-based sensors will be presented and discussed.