Recognition and determination of bovine hemoglobin using a gold electrode modified with gold nanoparticles and molecularly imprinted self-polymerized dopamine

A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was prepared by self-polymerization of dopamine in the presence of bovine hemoglobin (BHb) and then deposited on the surface of an electrode modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and differential pulse voltammetry were employed to characterize the modified electrode using the hexacyanoferrate redox system as an electroactive probe. The effects of BHb concentration, dopamine concentration, and polymerization time were optimized. Under optimized conditions, the modified electrode selectively recognizes BHb even in the presence of other proteins. The peak current for hexacyanoferrate, typically measured at + 0.17 V (vs. SCE), depends on the concentration of BHb in the 1.0 x 10(-11) to 1.0 x 10(-2) mg mL(-1) range. Due to the ease of preparation and tight adherence of polydopamine to various support materials, the present strategy conceivably also provides a platform for the recognition and detection of other proteins.