(375b) Reshaping Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Robust Sensing Performance

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) function as synthetic analogues to antibody-antigen systems with a “lock and key” mechanism for molecular recognition. In combination with an electrochemical interface, MIPs have been used to detect a diverse range of biological and chemical analytes, e.g., carcinoma biomarkers and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, current challenges exist with MIP sensors specific to detection reliability, film reversibility, repeated reusability, and transport phenomena dynamics. These intrinsic challenges limit the MIP sensor robustness and practicality in real word scenarios. In this work, we present a materials science approach to address the current MIP shortcomings through tuning of the copolymer film composition. Varying the copolymer film makeup through electrophilic aromatic substitutions of di-substituted phenylenediamines has shown enhanced MIP performance and reliability as determined through potentiodynamic analysis. Specifically, we target cross-link density to affect the degree of swelling and contraction during the solvent extraction process to improve film reversibility. Furthermore, we then control film porosity to enhance non-covalent interactions during anodic electrochemical polymerization and measure the impact on adsorption and desorption kinetics for the target compound. We anticipate this materials science approach will address current limitations with MIP sensors and provide a framework for robust MIP sensing performance.