Photoelectrochemical sensor for the detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 based on TPA-NO2 and dual-functional polythiophene films

The detection of Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) is of great significance for the environment and human health. Herein, a photoelectrochemical (PEC) detection strategy based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) was proposed for the sensitive detection of E. coli . 4,4′,4″-Trinitrotriphenylamine (TPA-NO 2 ) was prepared using a simple nitration reaction. Subsequently, MIP films were polymerized on the surface of TPA-NO 2 using 1,3-dihydrothieno[3,2- d ]pyrimidine-2,4-dione as the functional monomer with the dual functions of specific recognition and sensitization. The linear range was 10–10 8 CFU/mL and the limit of detection was 10 CFU/mL. It showed favorable recoveries in real sample tests of milk, orange juice and tomato. Additionally, the ability of functional monomers to bind excellently with E. coli was verified using molecular docking techniques. This research provided broader possibilities for constructing MIPs-PEC sensors and analyzing the interaction mechanism between E. coli and functional monomers.