Mussel-inspired PDA-based MIP-SERS sensor for the detection of trace MG in environmental water

The abuse of antibiotics such as malachite green (MG) has caused its residues in foods and environmental water, and therefore, it is important to establish a rapid and reliable method for sensitive detection of antibiotics. In this work, a novel molecularly imprinted polymer surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensor integrating high sensitivity, selectivity, and reusability is fabricated for the detection of trace MG in environmental water. SiO2@Au, by adjusting the gap between nanoparticles, provides SERS activity, and then the template MG is molecularly imprinted and wrapped by oxidative self-polymerization properties of dopamine (SA-100@MIP). The prepared SA-100@MIP achieved sensitive and selective detection of MG in pond water (0.1 nM) and presented a good linear correlation in the range of 10−6–10−10 M. Moreover, the substrate still has excellent SERS performance after 12 times of repeated use. These properties indicate that this sensor may provide broad prospects for the practical application of SERS in food and environmental monitoring.