Conventional diagnostics for the detection of small molecules in various matrices are time-consuming and require centralized laboratories, experienced personnel and bulky equipment. Recent advances in biosensor technologies have potential to deliver point-of-care diagnostics that match or surpass conventional standards in regards to time, accuracy and cost. In literature, there are described as either label-free or labeled, modern biosensors exploit micro- and nanofabrication technologies and diverse sensing strategies including optical, electrical and mechanical transducers. Despite the need, translation of biosensors from research laboratories to actual applications has remained limited to a few notable examples. Within this project the aim is to valorize specific knowledge towards actual applications for the detection of small molecules in liquid matrices. 

Given the advances in nanotechnology for biomedical and diagnostic applications, however, it is not surprising that in the past decade a more interesting approach toward the formation of synthetic receptors, real artificial antibodies alternatives, has been represented by the use of molecularly imprinted polymers, MIPs. These synthetic receptors combine high affinity with high selectivity for the target analyte. .

There are various readout techniques which can be used for the detection of certain target molecules using MIPs. But the most recently developed heat-transfer method (HTM) is a very promising technique. The methodology is based on changes in heat-transfer resistance at a functionalized solid–liquid interface. The latest results show a tremendous potential of this HTM sensor platform.