Molecular Imprinted Photonic Crystal Sensor for the Rapid and Visual Detection of Benzocaine in Fish

A “smart” molecular imprinted photonic crystal (MIPC) sensor has been developed based on the combination of photonic crystal (PC) and molecular imprinting technique (MIT). It can give rise to readable optical signals and color changes upon sensing benzocaine with detection limit of 16.5 μg/ml. In fish sample detection, the developed MIPC sensor shows satisfied result accuracy with HPLC. With the advantage of satisfactory specificity, rapid responsiveness and excellent recoverability, this MIPC material shows great potential towards on-site screening and visual detection of trace benzocaine in real sample.