A visible light responsive molecularly imprinted photoelectrochemical sensor for the sensitive detection of BSA

A molecularly imprinted photoelectrochemical (PEC) cathodic sensor was developed for the detection of bovine serum albumin (BSA). The PEC sensor was constructed with NiCo-layered double hydroxides (NiCo-LDHs)/Cu 2 O composite as the visible light active species and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) made of the electropolymerization of 4-aminobenzenethiol as the recognition element. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed for the characterization of the morphological structure, crystal phase, and composition of NiCo-LDHs/Cu 2 O. Electrochemical method and photoelectrochemical detection technique were used for the study of the sensor. Under the optimal conditions, the photocurrent responses of sensor were linear with BSA concentrations over the range of 2.5 × 10 −10  ~ 1.4 × 10 −8  g/L with a detection limit of 1.9 × 10 −10  g/L ( S / N  = 3). This PEC sensing strategy exhibited an effective method for BSA determination with high selectivity and good stability.