Molecularly imprinted electrochemical biosensor for thrombin detection by comparing different monomers.

Area of Science:

• Biomarker Detection
• Electrochemical Biosensors
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Thrombin is a critical protein biomarker.
• Accurate thrombin detection is vital for clinical diagnostics.
• Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are promising for biosensor development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate MIPs for electrochemical thrombin detection.
• To compare the performance of different monomers (dopamine, thionine, ethanolamine) in MIP synthesis.
• To evaluate monomer-specific advantages in sensitivity, specificity, and stability.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of MIPs using dopamine, thionine, and ethanolamine as monomers.
• Characterization of sensor surfaces using electrochemical methods and atomic force microscopy.
• Evaluation of sensor performance, focusing on monomer-dependent electrochemical responses.

Main Results:

• Dopamine-based MIPs exhibited superior signal change and stability over 30 days.
• Achieved a low limit of detection (5 pg/ml) and a broad linear range (5-200 pg/ml).
• Demonstrated enhanced selectivity against potential interfering substances.

Conclusions:

• Dopamine-based MIPs are highly promising for developing high-performance electrochemical thrombin biosensors.
• These MIPs show significant potential for applications in clinical diagnostics.
• Monomer selection critically influences MIP performance in biosensing applications.