Novel electrochemical sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymer for selective recognition of sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene

Abstract

Molecularly imprinted polymers provide an excellent platform for the modification of selective electrodes for sensing applications. Herein, we present a novel modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) with a selectivemolecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for recognition of sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene, constituted of important plants oil-resins and extracts. The non-covalentMIPwas synthesized using AA, EGDMA, and AIBNas a functional monomer, cross-linker and initiator agent, respectively. Structural and chemical characterization of the synthesized MIP was conducted through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was possible to verify the functional features of the synthesized MIP related to the extraction process of the template molecule. The CPE modified withMIP for sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene recognition was characterized by electrochemical techniques as cyclic voltammetry (CV) and squarewave voltammetry (SWV). The highest selective recognition electrode enables to detect concentrations in the range between 1.5 × 10−7 and 7.5 × 10−7 M, showing great potential for applications in monitoring content of sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene in technological processes and for predicting the quality of extracts, oils, and resins of plants.