Blocking-effect detection strategy of clenbuterol by molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence sensor based on multiple synergistic excitation of AgNW luminophores signal with highly active BNQDs@AuNFs nanoscale co-reaction accelerator

A molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence sensor (MIECLS) is constructed to selectively detect clenbuterol (CLB) based on boron nitride quantum dots@gold nanoflowers/silver nanowires (BNQDs@AuNFs/AgNWs). The abundant amino and hydroxyl groups on the surface of the BNQDs generate an electrostatic self-assembly effect with the multi-tipped spatial structure of AuNFs, constituting a novel nanoscale co-reaction accelerator (NCRA) with high activity and large load capacity. An NCRA embedded in the network structure of the AgNW luminophores significantly promotes the reduction of peroxydisulfate (S2O82-) to sulfate anion radicals (SO4-center dot) through the catalysis of amino groups and boron radicals (B-center dot) and the electron acceleration of AuNFs while also reducing the reaction distance between SO4-center dot and AgNWs(-center dot), realizing the multiple synergistic amplification of the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signal. Imprinted cavities in the molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) prepared by electropolymerization can generate a blocking-effect by recognizing CLB, realizing ECL signal quenching. Analytical results indicate that the established MIECLS detects CLB in a line concentration range of 0.5-50000 nM and detection limit of 0.00693 nM. The spiked recoveries are 85.90%-97.77%, with the relative standard deviations (RSD) under 5.1%, consistent with those of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This work demonstrates that an efficient NCRA can significantly enhance the output of the ECL signal in collaboration with the original luminophore, providing a new method to realize the ultradetection of targeted substances by MIECLS.

Automated summary

A molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence sensor (MIECLS) is developed using boron nitride quantum dots@gold nanoflowers/silver nanowires (BNQDs@AuNFs/AgNWs) to selectively detect clenbuterol (CLB). The sensor utilizes an electrostatic self-assembly effect between BNQDs and AuNFs to create a novel nanoscale co-reaction accelerator (NCRA) with high activity. The NCRA, along with the network structure of AgNW luminophores, enhances the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signal through catalysis and electron acceleration. The MIECLS also utilizes molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) to recognize and block CLB, resulting in ECL signal quenching. The MIECLS demonstrates high sensitivity and accuracy in CLB detection.