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A Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Porous Silicon Optical Sensor for Quercetin Detection in Wines
Tiziano Di Giulio1, Ibrar Muhammad Asif1, Martina Corsi2
1Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (Di.S.Te.B.A.), University of Salento, via Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|February 11, 2025
Summary
A new optical sensor using molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) can selectively detect quercetin, a key antioxidant in wine. This cost-effective sensor offers reliable, real-time quality control for beverages.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Food Science
Background:
- Quercetin (QU) is a vital bioactive flavonoid in wine, impacting its quality and stability due to its antioxidant properties.
- Accurate monitoring of quercetin levels is crucial for wine quality control and understanding its health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a selective and sensitive molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based optical sensor for quercetin detection in wine.
- To validate the sensor's performance against established methods like HPLC and assess its reusability and stability.
Main Methods:
- A novel room-temperature vapor-phase polymerization method was used to synthesize MIPs on nanostructured porous silica (PSiO2) scaffolds.
- Computational simulations were employed to optimize monomer interactions and binding sites.
- UV-vis reflectance spectroscopy and surface analyses were used for characterization.
Main Results:
- The MIP optical sensor demonstrated high sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.7 μM and a dual linear response range (2.5-80 μM and 80-200 μM).
- The sensor showed excellent selectivity for quercetin over similar compounds (imprinting factor of 3.6).
- Validation with real wine samples showed strong agreement with HPLC, and the sensor exhibited good reusability and stability over 60 days.
Conclusions:
- MIP-based optical sensors offer a robust, cost-effective, and reliable alternative for real-time monitoring of bioactive compounds in complex matrices like wine.
- This technology has significant potential for enhancing quality control in the food and beverage industry.
