A novel dual recognition sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymers and photochemical aptamer for non-autofluorescence determination of dopamine

Abstract

Dopamine (DA), as a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in neuronal communication. Abnormal levels of DA concentration in vivo are associated with severe neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Highly selective and highly efficient determination of DA from complex biological samples is very important. In this work, m-MIPs@DA@ZGGC-Apt, a novel sandwich structure persistent luminescence sensor was designed based on a photochemical aptamer sensor and magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (m-MIPs). By modifying aptamers on the surface of ZGGC persistent luminescent nanoparticles, ZGGC-Apt probes with dual capabilities (recognition and detection) were obtained, which allowed for specific recognition and autofluorescence-free detection of DA. The m-MIPs recognition probe with specific cavity captures of DA was synthesized using Fe3O4 as the imprint carrier. In the presence of both probes, a m-MIPs@DA@ZGGC-Apt sandwich structure was formed continuously in real samples with the increase in DA concentration, resulting in a strong the luminescence response. Under optimal experimental conditions, satisfactory selectivity and sensitivity were obtained by the dual recognition sensor achieved a wide linear range from 0.01 to 100 μM and a low detection limit of 0.0065 μM. Moreover, the designed sensor showed good reliability and practicability in the detection of small molecule DA in real biological samples.