Surface imprinted sensor with fluorescence detection

A technique combining surface imprinting with fluorescence detection is developed to detect trace amounts of analyte in a solution. Dipicolinic Acid (DPA) is selected as the test case to demonstrate the proof of concept and to parametrically assess the efficacy of the methodology. DPA, 2,6- pyridinedicarboxylic acid, is a common chemical component of bacterial spores and is an important fluorescent marker for biodetection. The technique imprints the fluorescent analyte in a polysiloxane monolayer on an Indium Tin Oxide plate. When the sensor is dipped in the solution the analyte molecules are recognized and entrapped by the template cavities. Upon removal from the solution the fluorescence emission from the analyte serves to indicate the presence of the analyte and therefore a sensor capable of detecting trace amounts of analytes in solution is obtained. This fluorescence based surface imprinted sensor is found to be selective, specific, and sensitive, has high resolution and is very reproducible, with short response time and a long shelf life.