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 ( 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.