Molecularly imprinted polymers for mycotoxin biosensing: Rational design, advanced applications, and future horizons.
Journal:
Biosensors & bioelectronics
Published Date:
Oct 15, 2025
Abstract
Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have emerged as transformative synthetic receptors for mycotoxin detection, addressing critical global food safety challenges through their exceptional stability and design flexibility. This review systematically examines the paradigm shift from empirical synthesis to computationally guided rational design of MIPs, highlighting fundamental advances in molecular recognition mechanisms, monomer-crosslinker synergy, and innovative fabrication strategies including surface imprinting and epitope/virtual templating. We critically analyze performance-enhanced sensing platforms that integrate nanomaterials with optical and electrochemical transducers, demonstrating unprecedented detection limits through dual-mode signaling, nanozyme catalysis, and self-powered systems. The review further elucidates transformative developments in stimuli-responsive MIPs and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted molecular design that are reshaping biosensor capabilities. Despite significant progress, key challenges persist in template removal fidelity, multiplex detection specificity, and point-of-care integration. Future advancements will require interdisciplinary convergence of computational modeling, sustainable nanomaterial engineering, and microfluidic system integration to enable robust, field-deployable biosensing platforms. This comprehensive analysis provides a strategic framework for developing next-generation MIP-based sensors capable of reliable mycotoxin monitoring across complex food supply chains, ultimately contributing to enhanced food safety governance and public health protection.
