Recent advances in the application of molecularly imprinted polymers for electrochemical detection of biomedical markers

Abstract

Late diagnosis of multifactorial diseases such as cancer, respiratory diseases, and infections continues to be a leading cause of high mortality rates, negatively impacts treatment outcomes, and leads to increased healthcare costs. Biomarkers that indicate the presence of various pathophysiological events, especially cancer, are critical for early diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. However, traditional analytical methods used for biomarker detection, such as chromatographic, spectroscopic, and electrophoretic techniques, have disadvantages such as long analysis times, the need for specialized personnel, and large reagent consumption. Electrochemical methods have emerged as promising alternatives that offer advantages such as faster analysis, cost-effectiveness, sensitivity, and reproducibility. Despite these advantages, electrochemical sensors face selectivity challenges. This problem is addressed by molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based sensors designed to create selective recognition sites that match target molecules. With their high selectivity, specificity, cost-effectiveness, stability, and reusability, MIPs have been rapidly adopted for biomarker detection in various fields, including environmental, food, and biomedical applications. Miniaturized and portable MIP-based sensors further enhance the practicality of biomarker detection. This review covers the recent developments in MIP-based electrochemical sensors, focusing on their applications, sensitivities, and mechanisms for rapid and selective detection of key biomarkers. Additionally, it aims to provide insights and directions for future research in this field.