Preparation of a chemiluminescence sensor for multi-detection of benzimidazoles in meat based on molecularly imprinted polymer

In this study, a molecularly imprinted polymer capable of recognizing 8 benzimidazoles was first synthesized. The computation simulation showed that the shape and size of used template were the main factors influencing its recognition ability. Then the polymer was used as recognition reagent to prepare a chemiluminescence sensor on conventional 96-well microplate. The sample solution and a HRP-labeled hapten were added into the microplate wells to perform competitive binding, and the light signal was initiated with 4-(imidazol-1-yl)phenol enhanced luminol-H 2 O 2 system. The optimized sensor was used to determine the residues of 8 benzimidazoles in mutton and beef. Result showed that the sensor achieved ultrahigh sensitivity (limits of detection of 1.5–21 pg/mL), rapid assay process (18 min) and satisfactory recovery (65.8%–91.2%). Furthermore, this sensor could be reused for 4 times. Therefore, this sensor could be used as a rapid, simple, sensitive and durable tool for screening the residual benzimidazoles in meat.