Dual-template molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor on acupuncture needle electrodes for sensitive detection of hydroquinone and catechol

Ternary composite interface of gold nanoparticles, l -serine and molecularly imprinted polymer modified microelectrode was electrochemically fabricated. • A dual-template molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor was constructed for the simultaneous detection of HQ and CC. • Molecular imprinting technology can achieve high selectivity for the analyte. • The platform shows potential application in pharmacology, diagnostics and electrophysiology, in-vivo and in-real. • This explore should open an access to integrate with Chinese acupuncture. Catechol (CC) and hydroquinone (HQ), typical toxic phenolic pollutants in industrial effluents, pose risks to ecosystems and human health, demanding rapid, accurate detection. Inspired by traditional Chinese acupuncture, This study developed a molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor using acupuncture needle (ANE) as substrates. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were electrodeposited on ANE for enhanced conductivity, l -Serine electropolymerized to strengthen recognition, and a melamine-based dual-template molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) layer constructed as the sensing interface. The sensor was characterized via cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and elemental mapping techniques . It showed outstanding selectivity for HQ and CC, with a linear response of 0.1–1000 μM and detection limits of 0.021 μM (HQ) and 0.027 μM (CC), outperforming most reported sensors. In lake water analysis, it exhibited robust anti-interference, stability (RSD < 3.48%), and recoveries of 94.46%–105.6% (HQ) and 98.37%–106.08% (CC). This work integrates traditional Chinese acupuncture wisdom with modern molecular imprinting technology, providing an innovative, cost-effective strategy for on-site environmental monitoring of phenolic pollutants.