Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) is illustrated as an analogue of a natural biological antibody-antigen system. MIP is an appropriate substrate for electrochemical sensors owing to its binding sites, which match the functional groups and spatial structure of the target analytes. However, the irregular shapes and slow electron transfer rate of MIP limit the sensitivity and conductivity of electrochemical sensors. Nanomaterials, famous for their prominent electron transfer capacity and specific surface area, are increasingly employed in modifications of MIP sensors. Staying ahead of traditional electrochemical sensors, nanomaterials-based MIP sensors represent excellent sensing and recognition capability. This review intends to illustrate their advances over the past five years. Current limitations and development prospects are also discussed.
Keywords: electrochemical sensor; molecularly imprinted; nanomaterials; polymer.