Generic sensor platform based on electro-responsive molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (e-NanoMIPs)

The present research describes the design of robust electrochemical sensors based on electro-responsive molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (e-MIPs). The e-MIPs, tagged with a redox probe, combine both recognition and reporting functions. This system replaces enzyme-mediator pairs used in traditional biosensors. The analyte recognition process relies on the generic actuation phenomenon when the polymer conformation of e-MIPs is changing in response to the presence of the template analyte. The analyte concentration is measured using voltammetric methods. In an exemplification of this technology, electrochemical sensors were developed for the determination of concentrations of trypsin, glucose, paracetamol, C4-homoserine lactone, and THC. The present technology allows for the possibility of producing generic, inexpensive, and robust disposable sensors for clinical, environmental, and forensic applications.