Recent advances in molecular imprinting-based ratiometric fluorescence sensors

Fluorescence sensors possess excellent advantages of high sensitivity, rapid response and simple operation. However, for single-emission fluorescence sensors, some uncontrollable factors, such as background signal, temperature, and pH, can interfere with the detection results. In order to attain more sensitive and accurate detection results, ratiometric fluorescence sensors come into being, with self-correcting characteristics. Molecular imprinting technology (MIT) that mimics the specific binding effect of antigen and antibody is introduced into the ratiometric fluorescence system, and thereby constitutes the molecular imprinting-based ratiometric fluorescence (MI-RFL) sensors. The sensors have the excellent performances such as high selectivity, high sensitivity and convenience, and receive wide concerns. Herein, we review the research advances of construction and application of MI-RFL sensors since 2017. Firstly, the fluorescence source and working mechanism of MI-RFL sensor are introduced. Then, the preparation strategy of imprinting material and fluorescence double/triple emission types developed to improve the performance of the MI-RFL sensors are highlighted. In addition, the micromation design of the MI-RFL sensor and application in field detection are discussed. Finally, the challenges of MI-RFL sensors and their promising future are proposed.