Recent advances of food hazard detection based on molecularly imprinted polymer paper-based analytical devices

Background

The rising incidence of foodborne hazards demands urgent advancements in rapid on-site detection technologies. While conventional methods provide reliable contaminant analysis, their dependence on bulky equipment, lengthy protocols, and skilled technicians limits field applications. Paper-based analytical devices (PADs), characterized by affordability, ultralight portability, and single-use practicality, have emerged as ideal platforms for decentralized food safety monitoring. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), serving as synthetic molecular recognition elements, replicate natural receptor specificity through template-shaped cavities while offering superior thermal/chemical stability. The fusion of MIPs with PADs (MIP-PADs) bridges the gap between laboratory-grade selectivity and field-deployable simplicity, enabling cost-effective contaminant screening without sacrificing accuracy.

Scope and approach

This review comprehensively examines the evolution of MIP-PADs as disruptive tools for food safety assurance. We first outline the core design principles of MIP-PADs, detailing imprinting strategies tailored for paper substrates—from in situ modification to post-introduction polymerization. The discussion then focuses on dominant detection modalities (e.g., colorimetric systems, fluorescent platforms, electrochemical sensors, surface-enhanced Raman scattering-based assays). Applications span critical food hazards—antibiotics in dairy, mycotoxins in grains, and allergens in processed foods. Current limitations faced by MIP-PADs alongside emerging solutions and future trends are also presented.

Key findings and conclusions

MIP-PADs have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in food safety monitoring, enabling selective detection of food hazards through their tailored molecular recognition cavities. Despite advantages in rapidity, cost-effectiveness, and field adaptability, challenges persist in MIP-PADs reusability, cross-reactivity mitigation for structurally similar contaminants, and batch-to-batch consistency during large-scale fabrication. Future advancements may focus on multiplexed MIP-PADs for simultaneous multi-contaminant screening, and smartphone-integrated platforms with AI-powered image analysis. Addressing these limitations could transform MIP-PADs into mainstream tools, empowering decentralized food safety surveillance from farms to consumer endpoints.