Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP) Nanocomposites–based Sensors

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Molecular recognition in biological systems drives and controls all the activities related to 'Life.' The accuracy, specificity, and selectivity of biological elements led to their use as biosensors for 'sensing'. An ideal molecular recognition agent must comprise a stable, reproducible, reusable, robust, specific and preferably nonbiological material. Molecular imprinting has almost all attributes that qualify it to be an 'ideal' recognition agent. As a surrogate to biological receptors, synthetic MIPs have shown aspiring futuristic tools. Next-generation sensors could be visualized by a collaboration of synthetic polymers (MIPs) with innovative technologies replacing biosensors. Over the period of the last three decades, the introduction of specific binding sites within synthetic polymers by utilizing target-directed cross linking of functional monomers has attracted substantial consideration for the sake of the formation of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) based sensors. MIP seems like a reasonable tool for the creation of various sensors with broad practical relevance. This chapter outlines the sensors prepared on nanocomposite as an imprinting matrix. Strategic planning in synthesizing these novel matrices is praiseworthy. Hopefully, such measures would bring down the economic burden by devising cheaper sensing tools, especially diagnostic kits in such pandemic times.