Capacitive sensing of an amphetamine drug precursor in aqueous samples: Application of novel molecularly imprinted polymers for benzyl methyl ketone detection

Highly selective molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) towards benzyl methyl ketone (BMK) were synthesized for application as recognition elements in a capacitive sensor. A computational approach was employed to select the most appropriate monomers and cross-linkers. Using selected compounds, different polymerization techniques protocols compared order study effect on MIP performance characteristics. MIPs by bulk using itaconic acid 1-vinylimidazole p-divinylbenzene cross-linker possess highest affinity target analyte. Prior analysis, developed particles immobilized surface of gold transducers tyramine linker. The validity sensor checked BMK detection spiked tap water real samples. linear working range from 50 1000 μM found while limit (LOD) determined be 1 water. To best our knowledge, both electrochemical its have not been published or marketed date. • Benzyl is well-known amphetamine drug precursor. first (capacitive) developed. Selective synthesized. has used aid design. continuous-flow system simulate flowing waterways.