Molecularly Imprinted Copolymer-Based Electrochemical Sensor for Sensitive and Selective Detection of Paracetamol

Abstract

In this study, a molecularly imprinted co-polymer-based electrochemical sensor has been fabricated that shows sensitive and selective detection of paracetamol. Molecularly imprinted co-polymer synthesis was achieved using methacrylic acid and styrene as functional monomers, azobisisobutyronitrile as a free radical initiator, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a cross-linker, and dimethyl sulfoxide as a porogenic solvent. The molecularly imprinted co-polymer was synthesized using a thermal free radical bulk polymerization technique. The molecularly imprinted co-polymer is characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The LCR meter was used to measure electrical parameters such as inductance and resistance. The sensor response was linear and concentration-dependent. The lower limit of detection of the fabricated sensor in terms of inductance and resistance was 12 and 5.33 mg/L, respectively. Furthermore, in the presence of competing substances such as ascorbic acid and uric acid, the fabricated sensor proved a selective response. The fabricated sensor also shows reproducibility and reversible response.