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Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic receptors designed to selectively bind specific molecules, mimicking natural antibody–antigen interactions. Produced through polymerization around a target molecule (template), MIPs create imprints that confer high specificity and binding affinity upon template removal. Initially developed in the 1970s with organic polymers, MIPs now play critical roles in separation sciences, catalysis, drug delivery, and sensor technology. In forensic science, MIPs offer potential for sample preparation, pre-concentration, and analyte detection, especially with complex biological and non-biological matrices. They exhibit superior stability under extreme conditions, enabling their use in challenging forensic contexts such as detecting new psychoactive substances or trace explosives. Despite advantages like reusability and high selectivity, MIPs face limitations in forensic analysis due to their complex synthesis, potential template leakage, and non-specific binding. Moreover, the lack of standardized protocols limits their mainstream adoption, as forensic applications require validated, reproducible methods. This review systematically assesses MIPs in forensic toxicology, focusing on their current capabilities, limitations, and potential for broader integration into forensic workflows. Future research should address standardization and evaluate MIPs’ effectiveness in diverse forensic applications to realize their full potential.

Background: Sevoflurane is a polyfluorinated compound extensively used as an inhalation anesthetic in patients undergoing surgery. If administered outside the operating room, sevoflurane is dangerous and potentially lethal, and toxicologists may be asked to investigate its presence in biological matrices for forensic purposes. The aim of the present study is to develop and validate a method for the detection and the quantification of sevoflurane in biological fluids and organs through gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization detection (GC–FID). Methods: The method was optimized based on the maximization of the signal-to-noise ratio. The GC–FID instrument was equipped with a Zebron capillary column ZB-624 (30 m, 0.32 mm ID, 1.80 µm film thickness). Results: The method was validated over a concentration range of 1.0–304.0 µg/mL (blood and urine) and µg/g (brain, lungs). The lower limit of quantitation was 1.0 µg/mL or µg/g. Both the intra- and interassay imprecision and inaccuracy were ≤15% at all quality control concentrations in all the matrices. The method was successfully applied to measure the sevoflurane concentrations for 20 negative controls and for a real forensic case. Conclusions: The present method is suitable for the identification and quantification of sevoflurane in fluids and organs and can be a reliable tool in forensic casework.