Molecularly imprinted polymers for the sensing of explosives and chemical warfare agents

Recent events related to the terrorist threats make it clear that real-time and on-site detection of explosives and chemical warfare agents (CWAs) are in an urgent demand. As an artificial mimic of natural receptors, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have already been utilized for the detection of hazardous materials due to their strong mechanical strength, flexibility, long-time storage and low cost. The MIP sensors show great promis for the selective and sensitive detection. This review aims to provide a consolidation of information relating to the integration of MIPs and electrochemical, surface acoustic and optical sensors, using the most important or recent illustrative examples.