Molecularly Templated Polymer Matrix Films for Biorecognition Processes: Sensors for Evaluating Oxidative Stress and Redox Buffering Capacity

Abstract

Novel designs of molecularly imprinted sensor films have been investigated for possible applications for the detection of biomolecules. The templated glutathione-sensing films were synthesized by in-situ electropolymerization of orthophynylenediamine (oPD) in the presence of glutathione (GSH). The sensor response to GSH analyte was tested after hydrolyzing and removal of templating molecules. The analytical signal enhancement has been obtained by employing GSH-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPGSH) for molecular imprinting. Multilayer sensory films consisting of a basal thiolate self-assembled monolayer (SAM), a film of AuNP network assembled on the SAM, and a top poly(oPD) template film with imprinted GSH, have also been investigated. Using the electrochemical quartz crystal nanogravimetry (EQCN), we have found that during the electropolymerization of poly(oPD) templates, considerable amounts of water soluble oPD radicals and oligomers are also generated. The proposed molecular imprinting technique can be applied in polymer sensor designs based on biorecognition principles with piezoelectric transduction.