Molecularly imprinted photonic polymer for rapid visual detection of sulfamethoxazole in environmental water samples

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) has numerous adverse effects and is present in various water systems; thus, the development of a rapid and accurate analytical method to detect SMX in water systems is crucial for protecting the environment and human health. A sulfamethoxazole molecularly imprinted photonic polymer (MIPP-SMX) capable of facile naked-eye recognition of target molecules was synthesized using the dual-functional monomers acrylamide and methacrylic acid. The color of the MIPP-SMX changed from green to blue in water samples containing sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in the concentration range of 0.5–5.0 mM. Furthermore, a linear correlation existed between the detected Bragg diffraction peak shift Δλ and SMX concentrations in water ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 mM. The detection limit for SMX was 0.3 mM. A recovery rate of 91.9%–108.5% was achieved when the polymer sensor was used to detect SMX in river water samples, with a relative standard deviation of 4.9%–6.0%. The designed MIPP-SMX enabled rapid visual detection of SMX in water samples. The proposed method represents a significant advancement in the visual detection of SMX in environmental water samples.