Recognition of terpenes using molecular imprinted polymer coated quartz crystal microbalance in air phase

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor which covered by molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) for terpene was fabricated. The MIP-QCM sensor was designed for enhance the sensor selectivity. The MIP membrane contained the methacrylic acid, which formed specific cavities originated by target molecule. The ingredients for MIP membrane was polymerized on the surface of QCM substrate. The sensing property was examined in gas phase for evaluate the sensor sensitivity and selectivity. The MIP-QCM sensor can detect terpene-contained gas. The sensor characteristics were strongly influenced by the composition ratio of cross-linker, functional monomer and template molecule. The response of the sensor towards terpene gases was partially reversible, however, the terpene gas partially remained in the MIP membrane. The remained molecule can be removed by immersing in a specific solution, and sensor can be used repeatedly. The sensor can distinguish the resemble gas successfully. Additionally, the newly fabricated MIP-QCM sensor showed particularly high sensitivity than that of conventional method. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.