A molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for specific and ultrasensitive determination of an aminoglycoside drug: the role of copper ions in the determination

Herein, a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was fabricated for specific sensing of an aminoglycoside e.g. kanamycin (KANA). Carbon paste modified with a MIP specific to Cu2+–KANA was first introduced. Copper (Cu2+) as a metal ion was used as a signal tracer and an amplifier, producing a current response measured by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Introducing the aminoglycoside drug into the solution containing Cu2+ did not affect the current response of the NIP/CPE. Under the optimum conditions, the as-fabricated sensor exhibited an increase in the current response in the range of 0.55–550 nM with a good limit of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) of 161 pM. The sensor exhibited many advantages including high sensitivity and selectivity, good stability and reproducibility, and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, it was successfully applied for the determination of KANA in milk and honey samples with RSD % not more than 3.3%, suggesting the reliability of the as-designed sensor.