Molecular imprinting based on metal-ion mediated recognition: Electrosynthesis of artificial receptors for the selective detection of peptides

• DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2023.133589
• Publication Date: 2023-02-26T21:13:15Z
• Authors: Tiziano Di Giulio; Amilcare Barca; Tiziano Verri; Marco De Gennaro; Gabriele Giancane; Elisabetta Mazzotta; Cosimino Malitesta
• Keywords: Carnosine; Molecular imprinting; Molecularly imprinted polymer; Electrosynthesis

We describe the electrosynthesis of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) based on metallo-porphyrin, namely Zn(II)− 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(p-aminophenyl)-porphyrin (ZnTAPP), as new artificial receptor for recognition carnosine (β-Ala--His), used model dipeptide. The MIP architecture has been selected with aim to exploit metal-ion mediated leveraging ability chelate metal ions Zn(II) through its histidine moiety. Metal ion coordination in imprinting procedures is beneficial it combines flexibility noncovalent approach strength and specificity covalent one representing an attractive hybrid strategy. assembly was monitored by cyclic voltammetry electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) both showing deposition electrode well template removal. FT-IR analysis confirmed entrapment within electrosynthesized Zn-porphyrin, further XPS characterization which also demonstrated significant removal from film upon treatment EDTA. Interestingly, no EIS response as-treated film, revealing rebinding absence ion. High instead emerged measurements good time stability remarkable selectivity little or cross-reactivity other peptides, including histidine-bearing ones peptides high structural similarity. Tests lysates human neuron-derived cells revealed sensor applicability real samples analysis. This strategy allows achieve excellent analytical performances versatility being possibly expandable detection any molecules aminoacids, proteins, target molecule able interact ions.