A Sensor Array Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymers and Machine Learning for the Analysis of Fluoroquinolone...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are vital antibiotics, but their widespread use necessitates monitoring due to antibiotic residue and resistance concerns.
• Existing methods for FQ detection can be complex and time-consuming, highlighting the need for rapid and simultaneous analytical techniques.
• The development of sensitive and selective sensors is crucial for ensuring the safe use of FQs in clinical, poultry, and aquaculture settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a voltammetric electronic tongue (ET) for the simultaneous determination of ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin.
• To create novel sensors using molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) integrated with gold nanoparticle-decorated multiwall carbon nanotubes (Au-fMWCNTs).
• To assess the ET's performance in analyzing FQs in pharmaceutical formulations and biological matrices like human urine.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an electronic tongue comprising four sensors, three modified with MIPs and one with a nonimprinted polymer, all on Au-fMWCNT platforms.
• Characterization of sensor morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
• Electrochemical characterization and optimization of sensor performance for simultaneous FQ detection.

Main Results:

• The developed MIP(FQs)@Au-fMWCNT sensors achieved limits of detection around 1 μM and a wide detection range up to 300 μM for the target FQs.
• The electronic tongue demonstrated high accuracy and reliability for simultaneous FQ determination in mixtures, with R² values ≥0.960.
• Successful application of the ET for analyzing FQs in commercial pharmaceutical products and spiked human urine samples.

Conclusions:

• The voltammetric electronic tongue offers a sensitive, selective, and reliable platform for the simultaneous monitoring of key fluoroquinolones.
• The integration of MIPs with Au-fMWCNT nanomaterials provides an effective strategy for enhancing sensor performance.
• This developed ET system holds significant potential for routine analysis in pharmaceutical quality control and environmental/biological sample monitoring.