A molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for specific and ultrasensitive determination of an aminoglycoside drug: the role of copper ions in the determination

Herein, a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was fabricated for specific sensing of an aminoglycoside e.g. kanamycin (KANA). Carbon paste modified with a MIP specific to Cu2+-KANA was first introduced. Copper (Cu2+) as a metal ion was used as a signal tracer and an amplifier, producing a current response measured by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Introducing the aminoglycoside drug into the solution containing Cu2+ did not affect the current response of the NIP/CPE. Under the optimum conditions, the as-fabricated sensor exhibited an increase in the current response in the range of 0.55-550 nM with a good limit of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) of 161 pM. The sensor exhibited many advantages including high sensitivity and selectivity, good stability and reproducibility, and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, it was successfully applied for the determination of KANA in milk and honey samples with RSD % not more than 3.3%, suggesting the reliability of the as-designed sensor.

Automated summary

In this study, a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) sensor was successfully developed for the specific detection of aminoglycoside kanamycin (KANA). The fabricated sensor exhibited high sensitivity and selectivity, good stability and reproducibility, and cost-effectiveness. It was capable of detecting KANA in the range of 0.55-550 nM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 161 pM (S/N = 3). The sensor was also successfully applied for the detection of KANA in milk and honey samples with good accuracy and precision (RSD % ≤ 3.3%), demonstrating its reliability.