Molecularly imprinted polymers-surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy: State of the art and prospects

ABSTRACT

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technique has attracted more and more interest for specific identification of chemicals. However, the low selectivity and repeatability of the SERS-based technique limit its wide use in testing complex real-world samples containing various analytes. These shortcomings can be overcome by combining the SERS technique with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), which can provide a highly selective SERS measure. This review firstly summarises the principles and preparation methods of MIPs and background knowledge of the SERS technique. Then, different MIPs-SERS preparation approaches and nanocomposites are highlighted. Finally, the main challenges and future efforts in developing MIPs-SERS sensors for detecting environmental contaminants are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
• molecularly imprinted polymers
• chemical detection
• biological detection
• sensor

Acknowledgments

The two authors contribute equally to this paper and should be regarded as co-first authors.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.