Molecularly Imprinted Chemiresistive Sensor for Specific Recognition of Furaneol as a Biomarker of Strawberry Flavor Conditions

This work introduces the concept of a molecularly imprinted gas sensor to monitor the condition of naturally ripened strawberries. Furaneol, 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone, is considered as an important biomarker related to the strawberry flavor. Identification of furaneol concentration is still a challenge because of its weak adsorption, nonpolar, and unreactive properties. Therefore, no study has been reported yet to measure furaneol gases via a simple chemiresistive mechanism. Herein, we demonstrate the sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based polyaniline (PANI). The sensitive and selective detection of furaneol gas with a MIP-PANI gas sensor was observed at room temperature and under different humidity conditions. The comparison between MIP and the nonimprinted (NIP)-based PANI shows a strong interaction between furaneol and the molecularly imprinted polymer. The furaneol gas sensing mechanism is explained based on the interaction between the gas molecules and the charge carriers of MIP-PANI, which results in the functional group change in the carboxylic group. Furthermore, the developed MIP-chemiresistive sensor for real strawberries was compared with a commercial e-nose system. The results show the potential to offer a rapid and cost-effective platform for specific recognition of furaneol.

Automated summary

This work presents a molecularly imprinted gas sensor for monitoring the condition of naturally ripened strawberries. The sensor utilizes a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based polyaniline (PANI) to selectively detect furaneol gas, a biomarker associated with strawberry flavor. The sensor showed sensitivity and selectivity at room temperature and under different humidity conditions. The developed MIP-chemiresistive sensor offers a potential platform for rapid and cost-effective recognition of furaneol in real strawberries.