Dual Recognition Strategy-Based Transistor Sensor Array for Ultrasensitive and Multi-Target Detection of Antibiotics

Multi-target detection is a notable development direction in the field of analytical methods, boasting significant potential for breakthroughs in complex sample detection. Herein, an extended gate field-effect transistor (EGFET) sensor array for ultrasensitive and multi-target detection of antibiotics is developed. To enhance the recognition ability for diverse antibiotics, a dual-recognition strategy based on tailor-made molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and aptamer is adopted to fabricate the extended gate electrode (sensing electrode). The dual-recognition strategy-based EGFET exhibits superior sensitivity, selectivity, and stability compared to single recognition probes due to the synergistic effect of the affinities of MIP and specific aptamer. The developed sensor array can detect three types of antibiotics, including ampicillin, amoxicillin, and kanamycin, at the same time with record-low detection limit (fM level) and a detection range spanning six orders of magnitude. The practical detection of antibiotics in various samples (tap water, river water, milk, honey, and artificial urine) further validates the feasibility of the sensor array in practical applications. The key advantages of flexibility, high sensitivity and selectivity, and multifunctionality demonstrate the high potential of EGFET sensor array for simultaneous detection of multiple target molecules.