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Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Engineering Molecular Recognition with Bio-mimetic Polymers on Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Published on: January 10, 2017
Novel electrochemical sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymer for selective recognition of sesquiterpene
Igor Medeiros de Assis1, Maria Oneide Silva de Moraes1, Relem Cativo da Conceição1
1Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas 69067-005, Brazil.
Abstract:
Molecularly imprinted polymers provide an excellent platform for the modification of selective electrodes for sensing applications. Herein, we present a novel modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) with a selective molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for recognition of sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene, constituted of important plants oil-resins and extracts. The non-covalent MIP was synthesized using AA, EGDMA, and AIBN as a functional monomer, cross-linker and initiator agent, respectively. Structural and chemical characterization of the synthesized MIP was conducted through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was possible to verify the functional features of the synthesized MIP related to the extraction process of the template molecule. The CPE modified with MIP for sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene recognition was characterized by electrochemical techniques as cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV). The highest selective recognition electrode enables to detect concentrations in the range between 1.5 × 10-7 and 7.5 × 10-7 M, showing great potential for applications in monitoring content of sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene in technological processes and for predicting the quality of extracts, oils, and resins of plants.
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