Molecularly Imprinted Sensor Layers for the Detection of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Water

Abstract

Molecularly imprinted polyurethanes are presented as sensitive coatings for the detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water. These sensor layers were combined with fluorescence and mass-sensitive transducers. Imprinting based on van der Waals interactions allows detection of these analytes even without any pronounced functionality. The geometry of the imprint molecule determines the selectivity of the sensor layer. In varying the size of template molecules from anthracene up to 1,12-benzoperylene, selectivity is tuned to a distinct analyte. The enrichment factor of up to approximately 107 renders detection down to the ppt range possible with hardly any matrix effect by humic acids.