Optical sensors with molecularly imprinted nanospheres: a promising approach for robust and label-free detection of small molecules

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2012 Apr;402(10):3245-52. doi: 10.1007/s00216-011-5592-0. Epub 2011 Dec 8.

Abstract

Molecularly imprinted nanospheres obtained by miniemulsion polymerization have been applied as the sensitive layer for label-free direct optical sensing of small molecules. Using these particles as the sensitive layer allowed for improving response times in comparison to sensors using MIP layers. As a model compound, well-characterized nanospheres imprinted against L-Boc-phenylalanine anilide (L-BFA) were chosen. For immobilization, a simple concept based on electrostatic adsorption was used, showing its applicability to different types of surfaces, leading to a good surface coverage. The sensor showed short response times, good selectivity, and high reversibility with a limit of detection down to 60 μM and a limit of quantitation of 94 μM. Furthermore, reproducibility, selectivity, and long-term stability of the sensitive layers were tested. The best results were achieved with an adsorption on aminopropylsilane layers, showing a chip-to-chip reproducibility of 22%. Furthermore, the sensors showed no loss in signal after a storage time of 1 year.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / analysis
  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Molecular Imprinting
  • Nanospheres / chemistry*
  • Phenylalanine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Phenylalanine / analysis
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis
  • Polymers / chemistry*

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Polymers
  • phenylalanine anilide
  • Phenylalanine