Development of a molecularly imprinted Ag/g-C3N4/GCE electrochemical sensor for specific detection of ofloxacin

Developing efficient and sensitive techniques for detecting ofloxacin (OFL) residues is crucial for ensuring food safety and environmental protection. In this study, the electropolymerization method was utilized with polypyrrole (Ppy) as the functional monomer and OFL as the template to produce a molecularly imprinted composite material comprising silver (Ag) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) (MIP-Ag/g-C3N4/GCE) for the electrochemical detection of OFL. The electrochemical characterization was conducted using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Under the optimal conditions, the prepared sensor demonstrated decent sensitivity and selectivity using the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique. The sensor demonstrated an optimal linear range of 10-13 to 10- 11 mol L-1, with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 8.842x10- 14 mol L- 1 and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 2.947x10- 13 mol L-1, which can successfully detect OFL in milk and honey samples, showing a recovery range of 97.38-104.00 %, and 99.45-102.00 %, with relative standard deviations (RSD) below 2.82 % and 2.16 % (n=5), respectively. The sensor exhibited high selectivity, high stability, and decent reproducibility in OFL determination. This study offers valuable insights into the application of semiconductor-based electrochemical sensors, opening new possibilities for the field and contributing to the improvement of food safety and environmental protection.