This project developed a novel method to detect pathogens on surfaces like food using cell imprinted polymers (CIPs) and investigated conditions to optimize CIP production. The USDA currently requires 7 days to confirm safety of food products (far too long), so this project sought to create a tool to confirm food safety for real-time monitoring. It was hypothesized that varying pH, cell density, and centrifugal force would affect the CIP’s cell count and surface coverage. CIPs were produced via stamp fabrication for E. coli and S. enterica. The effects of various pHs (5, 7, 9), cell densities (OD 2, 3, 4), and centrifugal force levels (radius 5, 10, 15, 20, 25mm) were studied. Optimal conditions for effective CIP production were pH 5, OD 3 for E. coli and pH 7, OD 3 for S. enterica. AFM images revealed the presence of cavities complementary to cells in shape and highlighted that imprints were close to a monolayer. Hypotheses were partially supported: significantly, pH 5 displayed best results for E. coli since a lower pH increases surface charge on cells, increasing electrostatic interactions and surface affinity. The approach optimized in this project yields a disposable, amplification-free, simple-to-use biosensing wipe for point-of-care detection of pathogens on surfaces. This innovation can usher in a new paradigm for food safety management to prevent microbial outbreaks and significantly minimize instances of foodborne diseases throughout the world.