Background:
As a broad-spectrum antibiotic of the sulfonamide family, Sulfadimethoxine
(SDM) has been widely utilized for therapeutic and growth-promoting purposes in animals. However,
the use of SDM can cause residual problems. Even a low concentration of SDM in the aquatic
system can exert toxic effects on target organisms and green algae. Therefore, the quantitation of
SDM residues has become an important task.
Methods:
The present work describes the development of a sensitive and selective electrochemical
sensor for sulfadimethoxine based on molecularly imprinted poly(o-aminophenol) film. The
molecular imprinted polymer film was fabricated by electropolymerizing o-aminophenol in the presence
of SDM after depositing carboxylfunctionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes onto a glassy
carbon electrode surface. SDM can be quickly removed by electrochemical methods. The imprinted
polymer film was characterized by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and scanning
electron microscopy.
Results:
Under the selected optimal conditions, the molecularly imprinted sensor shows a linear
range from 1.0 × 10-7 to 2.0 × 10-5 mol L-1 for SDM, with a detection limit of 4.0 × 10-8 mol L-1. The
sensor was applied to the determination of SDM in aquaculture water samples successfully, with the
recoveries ranging from 95% to 106%.
Conclusion:
The proposed sensor exhibited a high degree of selectivity for SDM in comparison to
other structurally similar molecules, along with long-term stability, good reproducibility and excellent
regeneration capacity. The sensor may offer a feasible strategy for the analysis of SDM in aquaculture
water samples.
Approaches to the Rational Design of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Developed for the Selective Extraction or Detection of Antibiotics in Environmental and Food Samples
