Molecularly imprinted polymers for selective piezoelectric sensing of small molecules

Molecularly imprinted polymers (Mil's) are attracting great interest in research to develop biomimetic sensors, as they are advantageous over biological molecules, such as natural receptors and enzymes, because of their high stability, low cost and ease of preparation. In this article, we present and discuss the evolution in the use of MIPs as selective materials in piezoelectric (PZ) sensors for small molecules, over the past 10 years. We point out the analytical features and the practical potential of MIP-PZ sensors, which combine the synergetic advantages of selectivity provided by MIPs with the sensitivity given by PZ sensing. With insight into the different types of sensing, we summarize PZ transduction and integration strategies, describe reported applications of MIP-PZ methods, and show the real possibilities for routine work in the near future. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.