Application of molecular imprinting approach for alkaloids analysis in food and nutraceuticals: review and perspective

Abstract

Alkaloids are major dietary components well known for their pharmacological activities. Herbal matrices require extensive processing due to their high level of complexity in order to isolate their alkaloidal contents. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are tailored receptors with a highly specific molecular recognition, which is the most important function of receptors. They can hence be utilized in applications wherein selective binding activities are of significance, such as solid phase extraction (SPE), chromatographic separation and chemical sensors. This review presents on recent applications of MIPs to analyze alkaloids in plants and bio-fluid samples as well as herbal formulations. We discuss the development of nano-sized MIPs for various applications, particularly in biomimetic sensors for electrochemical detection of various alkaloids. Due to its easier phase separation compared to common MISPEs, magnetic MISPEs were also discussed in order to explore the potential benefits of this approach for further phytochemical applications.