Strategies to improve the sensitivity of molecularly imprinted sensors

Abstract Sensitivity is one of the imperial parameters of molecularly imprinted sensors. Owing to the importance of this parameter, a variety of strategies have been designed to improve it. In this chapter, novel methods that can enhance the sensitivity of these sensors are summarized. Typically, the sensitivity of molecularly imprinted sensors is primarily limited by the number of cavities formed after eluting the template molecule from the molecularly imprinted membrane. Methods for enhancing sensitivity and fabricating sensor devices could categorize into three strategies, that is, use signal probe labeling, amplification by nanomaterials doped in imprinted films, and imprinted film amplification. Moreover, some perspectives in this area of research, current issues, and challenges have also been outlined.