Novel molecularly imprinted amoxicillin sensor based on a dual recognition and dual detection strategy

The use of dual recognition and multiple detection modes is an attractive strategy for realising sensors with improved selectivity and accuracy. Herein, a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based sensor is developed for amoxicillin detection based on two detection modes (fluorescence and electrochemiluminescence) and dual recognition. First, graphene oxide loaded with CdTe quantum dots/gold nanoparticles (GO/CdTe/Au NPs) is coated onto an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode. Then, 4-mercapto-calix[6]arene is bonded to GO/CdTe/Au NPs as the first recognition element, which then form a host-guest complex with the target molecule amoxicillin. Subsequently, as the second recognition element, an MIP is prepared on the ITO electrode. After amoxicillin is removed from the MIP, specific identification sites for amoxicillin are obtained. Furthermore, the GO/CdTe/Au NPs can generate fluorescence and electrochemiluminescence signals that are effectively quenched by amoxicillin. Therefore, on/off switching of these signals can be achieved through the elution or adsorption of amoxicillin. The dual detection modes are complementary and provide mutual authentication, which can improve the detection accuracy and application scope. Moreover, the dual recognition sites for amoxicillin, improve detection selectivity. The fluorescence and electrochemiluminescence modes have detection ranges of 5-1000 × 10^-11 mol L^-1 and 5-1500 × 10^-11 mol L^-1, respectively, with detection limits of 9.2 × 10^-12 mol L^-1 and 8.3 × 10^-12 mol L^-1, respectively.