Molecularly imprinted polymers based optical fiber sensors: A review

Given the challenges facing on-site analysis, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) based optical fiber (OF) sensors are earning worldwide attention because of their integration of high specificity (from MIPs) and flexible sensing ability (from OF sensors). As such, how to design an efficient MIPs based OF sensor becomes a timely research topic. In this review, we discuss the state-of-the-art of MIPs based OF sensors, including the simply combined MIP/OF sensors and the directly integrated MIP@OF sensors. We first summarize the progress of MIP/OF sensors using MIPs as solid phase extraction materials and binding films. In addition, we give a comprehensive overview of the MIP@OF sensors, with an emphasis on fluorescence, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), gratings, interferometry, lossy mode resonance and intensity distribution based MIP@OF sensors. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of the on-site applications of these sensors are highlighted. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) based optical fiber (OF) sensors are gaining attention worldwide due to their high specificity and flexible sensing ability. The design of efficient MIPs based OF sensors has become a timely research topic, with advancements in simply combined MIP/OF sensors and directly integrated MIP@OF sensors. These sensors utilize MIPs as solid phase extraction materials and binding films, with emphasis on various detection methods such as fluorescence, surface plasmon resonance, and interferometry.