Molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor based on PEDOT-OH@au/MWCNT-OH composite for ultrasensitive detection of pefloxacin

Hydroxyl-functionalized MWCNs and PEDOT are better suited for loading MIP. • The sensor detects pefloxacin at the picomolar level. • Synthesis of ultra-thin tubular PEDOT-OH@Au/MWCNs-OH nanocomposites. • The excellent thin-layered structure offers an efficient electron transport pathway. To safeguard public health and prevent the increase of bacterial resistance, the creation of practical and accurate detection methods for the quantitative analysis of fluoroquinolone antibiotics is essential. In this study, a tubular PEDOT-OH@Au/MWCNTs-OH substrate material was prepared using a one-step in situ oxidation method, with chloroauric acid as the oxidant. Pyrrole (Py) was used as the functional monomer, and pefloxacin (PFX) as the template molecule, to ingeniously design a molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor (MIP/PEDOT-OH@Au/MWCNT-OH) with sensitive sensing capabilities. As expected, the unique structure and properties of PEDOT-OH@Au/MWCNTs-OH provided the sensor more surface area and enhanced electrochemical activity, increasing the number of distinct recognition sites. Based on experimental results, the MIP/PEDOT-OH@Au/MWCNT-OH sensor showed good anti-interference and stability, a low detection limit of 0.149 nM, S/N = 3, and a broad linear range of 0.002–30 μM. Additionally, the sensor achieved a recovery rate of 97%–103% in detecting PFX in pefloxacin mesylate ointment. This sensor shows promise as a highly selective and sensitive portable detection method for the quantitative analysis of PFX in the environmental monitoring. Download: Download high-res image (239KB) Download: Download full-size image