Synthesis and characterization of an innovative molecular imprinted polymers based on CdTe QDs fluorescence sensing for selective detection of sulfadimidine

An innovative molecular imprinted polymer based on KH-570 modified SiO2-coated cadmium telluride quantum dots was prepared as fluorescence sensor for sulfadimidine (SM2) sensitive and selective detection. The quantum dots were firstly encapsulated in silica by sol-gel process, and then the double bond was modified on the surface of silica with KH-570. Finally, the molecular imprinted layer was synthesized on the surface of silica by template molecule, methacrylic acid (MAA) and ethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate. The fluorescence sensors showed good structure when characterized by SEM. Besides, the fluorescence sensors showed a good linear range from 10 to 80 mu mol(.)L(-1) with a lower LOD of 0.42 mu mol(.)L(-1). These sensors were successfully applied to detect SM2 in the water samples with a recovery rate from 91.6% to 97.8% and the relative standard deviation less than 2.5%, indicating that fluorescence sensors have the potential application in the detection of real samples.

Automated summary

A novel molecular imprinted polymer based on KH-570 modified SiO2-coated CdTe quantum dots was developed as a fluorescence sensor for sensitive and selective detection of sulfadimidine (SM2). The sensors exhibited good structure, high sensitivity with a wide linear range, and were successfully applied in detecting SM2 in water samples with high recovery rates and low relative standard deviations, showing potential for real sample detection applications.