Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-based Sensors for Lipopolysaccharide Detection in Food Safety Systems: A Review
Abstract
The conventional methods for detecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in food safety systems, such as the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), still face several limitations, including time-consuming procedures, the requirement for specialized laboratory facilities, and limited applicability for on-site monitoring. Therefore, the development of alternative detection approaches that are rapid, selective, stable, and cost-effective is highly required. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP)-based sensors for LPS detection in food safety applications. A structured narrative review approach was conducted through literature searches in Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases, covering publications from 2012 to 2026. The discussion focuses on the fundamental imprinting strategies for LPS recognition, MIP synthesis approaches, material characterization techniques, sensor platforms, and the relationship between structural properties and sensing performance of MIP-based LPS sensors. The reviewed studies demonstrate that integrating MIPs with various transducer platforms enables the development of LPS sensors with high selectivity, low detection limits, and rapid response, including applications in complex food matrices. MIP-based LPS sensors represent a promising and strategic approach for advancing rapid and reliable monitoring systems to enhance food safety.
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