Molecular-Imprinting-Based Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Sensors

Abstract

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) receive extensive interest, owing to their structure predictability, recognition specificity, and application universality as well as robustness, simplicity, and inexpensiveness. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is regarded as an ideal optical detection candidate for its unique features of fingerprint recognition, nondestructive property, high sensitivity, and rapidity. Accordingly, MIP based SERS (MIP-SERS) sensors have attracted significant research interest for versatile applications especially in the field of chemo-and bioanalysis, showing excellent identification and detection performances. Herein, we comprehensively review the recent advances in MIP-SERS sensors construction and applications, including sensing principles and signal enhancement mechanisms, focusing on novel construction strategies and representative applications. First, the basic structure of the MIP-SERS sensors is briefly outlined. Second, novel imprinting strategies are highlighted, mainly including multifunctional monomer imprinting, dummy template imprinting, living/controlled radical polymerization, and stimuli-responsive imprinting. Third, typical application of MIP-SERS sensors in chemo/bioanalysis is summarized from both small and macromolecular aspects. Lastly, the challenges and perspectives of the MIP-SERS sensors are proposed, orienting sensitivity improvement and application expanding.

Determination of methotrexate in spiked human urine using SERS-active sorbent

“…Besides the enhancement of Raman signal, such substrates possess additional capabilities which can improve the analysis, e.g., selectivity, sensitivity, and detection limits [8,9]. Particular attention has been paid to the substrates based on metallic nanoparticles incorporated into porous (in)organic matrices [10][11][12]. These substrates improve colloidal and chemical stability of the nanoparticles and possess better sorption capabilities compared with the pure nanoparticles [13,14].…”

Towards the room-temperature synthesis of covalent organic frameworks: a mini-review

“…After removal of target analyte, the recognition sites can act as selective cavities based on the size, shape, and functional groups of the applied analyte [72,73]. MIPs are not only selective but also are simple, easy to synthesize, and cheap [74,75]. In spite of selectivity, MIPs are faced with main drawback, namely low adsorption capacity.…”

Molecular Imprinted Polymer Modified Electrochemical Sensors for Small Drug Analysis: Progress to Practical Application

“…Alternative optical waveguide principles are also being explored such as SPR and with Raman. With the latter SERS tracking direct binding is possible for molecules with strong Raman signatures or with labelled competing probes [166]. Acetaminophen has been measured using direct SERS with an MIP coated on gold nano‐cylinders [167].…”