A Review of Sensing Applications of Molecularly Imprinted Fluorescent Carbon Dots for Food and Biological Sample Analysis

Abstract

Molecularly imprinted fluorescent carbon dots (MI-FCDs) find numerous applications in analytical chemistry due to their outstanding photoluminescent properties and having specific pockets for the recognition of target molecules. Despite significant advances, practical applications of MI-FCDs-based fluorescent sensors are still in their initial stages. Therefore, the topical developments in the synthesis, working, and application of MI-FCDs for sensing various target species (e.g., pharmaceuticals, biomolecules, pesticides, food additives, and miscellaneous species) in food and biological media have been highlighted. Moreover, a careful evaluation has been made to select the best methods based on their performance in terms of analytical parameters. To expand the horizons of this field, important challenges and future directions for developing MI-FCDs for practical use are also presented. This review will highlight important aspects of MI-FCDs-based fluorescent sensors for their applicability in food science, material science, environmental science, nanoscience, and biotechnology.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

1. Fabrication of MI-FCDs probes with sensing properties.

2. Recognition ability of MI-FCDs via single or dual emission detection.

3. Important sensing applications in food and biological samples.

4. Comparison of performance of MI-FCDs based on analytical parameters.

5. Discussion on challenges and future trends of MI-FCDs probes.

Keywords:

• Molecularly imprinted polymers
• fluorescent carbon dots
• food samples
• biological samples
• spectrofluorimetric sensor

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge UGC-D. S. Kothari Post-Doctoral Fellowship scheme (No.F.4-2/2006 (BSR)/CH/20-21/0257) for providing financial support.