Molecularly imprinted polymer-modified carbon paste electrodes (MIP-CPE): A review on sensitive electrochemical sensors for pharmaceutical determinations

Recent years have been associated with the development of various sensor-based technologies in response to the undeniable need for the rapid and precise analysis of an immense variety of pharma-ceuticals. In this regard, special attention has been paid to the design and fabrication of sensing platforms based on electrochemical detection methods as they can offer many advantages, such as portability, ease of use, relatively cheap instruments, and fast response times. Carbon paste electrodes (CPEs) are among the most promising conductive electrodes due to their beneficial properties, including ease of electrode modification, facile surface renewability, low background currents, and the ability to modify with different analytes. However, their widespread use is affected by the lack of sufficient selectivity of CPEs. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) composed of tailor-made cavities for specific target molecules are appealing complementary additives that can overcome this limitation. Accordingly, adding MIP to the carbon paste matrix can contribute to the required selectivity of sensing platforms. This review aims to present a categorized report on the recent research and the outcomes in the combinatory fields of MIPs and CPEs for determining pharmaceuticals in complex and simple matrices. CPEs modified with MIPs of various pharmaceutical compounds, including analgesic drugs, antibiotics, antivirals, cardiovascular drugs, as well as therapeutic agents affecting the central nervous system (CNS), will be addressed in detail. (c) 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In response to the need for rapid and precise analysis of pharmaceuticals, various sensor-based technologies, particularly electrochemical detection methods, have been developed. Carbon paste electrodes (CPEs) have shown promising properties for conductive electrodes, but lack sufficient selectivity. To overcome this limitation, the addition of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) to the carbon paste matrix can improve the selectivity of sensing platforms. This review provides a categorized report on the recent research and outcomes of MIPs and CPEs in determining pharmaceuticals in complex and simple matrices.