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Electromimetic molecularly imprinted Polymersensor for wastewater emtricitabine
Kefilwe V Mokwebo1, Samantha F Douman2, Kaylin C Januarie3
1SensorLab (University of the Western Cape Sensor Laboratories), Chemical Sciences Building, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) Chair for NanoElectrochemistry & Sensor Technology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, 7535, Cape Town, South Africa.
A new electrochemical sensor detects the anti-HIV drug emtricitabine (FTC) in water. This sensitive sensor uses molecularly imprinted polymers and iron oxide nanoparticles for environmental monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Emtricitabine (FTC) is an anti-HIV drug increasingly detected as an environmental micropollutant.
- Its persistence in aquatic environments necessitates rapid and sensitive detection methods.
- Current wastewater treatment methods are insufficient for complete FTC removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel electrochemical sensor for the selective and ultrasensitive detection of emtricitabine (FTC).
- To create a cost-effective and rapid onsite monitoring system for FTC in environmental samples.
- To assess the sensor's performance in real-world water samples.
Main Methods:
- Electrochemical preparation of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) on iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE).
- Utilized differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for FTC detection.
- Evaluated sensor selectivity, sensitivity, and performance in spiked wastewater and drinking water samples.
Main Results:
- The MIP/Fe3O4 NPs/GCE sensor demonstrated a linear dynamic range of 1.24-24.7 μg L−1 for FTC detection.
- Achieved a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.439 μg L−1 and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 1.30 μg L−1.
- The sensor exhibited high sensitivity (5.2 times higher than NIP) and excellent recovery rates (98.8%-101.5%) in real water samples.
Conclusions:
- A high-performance voltammetric MIP sensor was successfully developed by combining Fe3O4 nanoparticles, conducting polymer, and MIP technology.
- The sensor offers a simple, cost-effective, and sensitive method for FTC detection.
- This sensor shows significant promise for future onsite monitoring of emtricitabine in various sample types without pretreatment.
