Analytical Methods Incorporating Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) for the Quantification of Microcystins: A Mini-Review

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) negatively impact numerous natural waterways worldwide and have significant socioeconomic and health-related ramifications for local populations. In order to better detect, characterize, and mitigate bloom events, novel field deployable analytical technologies capable of quantifying common HAB toxins (e.g., microcystins) are of paramount importance. Toward this end, molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) transducing elements used in conjunction with sensitive analytical techniques may be a useful tool for microcystin detection and quantification. Indeed, several efforts have been undertaken in the last decade (2010-2020) to combine the selectivity provided by MIPs with various analytical methods, many of which are adaptable for in-field analysis. This review presents a summary of the current state of microcystins detection methods incorporating MIPs with a focus on potentiometry, photoelectrochemistry, liquid chromatography, quartz crystal microbalance, competitive ELISA, interferometry, and immunochromatography. Furthermore, a perspective detailing trends and observations from the current body of literature is provided to guide future MIP-based microcystin and other HAB toxin detection efforts with a specific focus on deployable analytical platforms.