Molecularly Imprinted Plasmonic-Based Sensors for Environmental Contaminants—Current State and Future Perspectives

The increase of production and consumption persistently introduce different pollutants into the environment. The constant development and improvement of analytical methods for tracking environmental contaminants are essential. The demand for high sample throughput analysis has hit the spotlight for developing selective sensors to avoid time-consuming sample preparation techniques. In addition, the sensor’s sensitivity should satisfy the rigorous demands of harmful compound tracking. Molecularly imprinted plasmonic-based sensors are excellent candidates to overcome selectivity and sensitivity issues. Molecularly imprinted polymers are robust, stable in aqueous and organic solvents, stable at extreme pHs and temperatures, and include a low-cost synthesis procedure. Combined with plasmonic-based techniques, they are the perspective choice for applications in the field of environmental protection. Plasmonic-based sensors offer a lower limit of detection, a broad linearity range, high sensitivity, and high selectivity compared to other detection techniques. This review outlines the optical plasmonic detection of different environmental contaminants with molecularly imprinted polymers as sensing elements. The main focus is on the environmental pollutants affecting human and animal health, such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, hormones, microorganisms, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dyes, and metal particles. Although molecularly imprinted plasmonic-based sensors currently have their application mostly in the biomedical field, we are eager to point them out as a highly prospective solution for many environmental problems.