Molecularly imprinted polymers-surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy: State of the art and prospects

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technique has attracted more and more interest for specific identification of chemicals. However, the low selectivity and repeatability of the SERS-based technique limit its wide use in testing complex real-world samples containing various analytes. These shortcomings can be overcome by combining the SERS technique with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), which can provide a highly selective SERS measure. This review firstly summarises the principles and preparation methods of MIPs and background knowledge of the SERS technique. Then, different MIPs-SERS preparation approaches and nanocomposites are highlighted. Finally, the main challenges and future efforts in developing MIPs-SERS sensors for detecting environmental contaminants are discussed.