Electrochemical Sensor for Levetiracetam Therapeutic Monitoring in Biological Fluid Utilizing Molecular Imprinted Polymer Electrografted onto Pencil Graphite Electrode

Abstract

A newly-developed, molecularly imprinted copolymer (MIP) has been constructed and effectively employed as a highly-selective recognition element for anti-epileptic drug; levetiracetam (LEV) in low concentrations. The MIP sensor for LEV was fabricated via in situ electrochemical co-polymerization of o-phenylenediamine (o-PD) and L-dopa as functional monomers in the presence of LEV as a template molecule onto pencil graphite electrode. UV-Spectrophotometric technique was carried out to inspect and assess the template-monomer binding interactions. The molecularly imprinted copolymer’s structure and morphology were examined through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Multiple experimental parameters have been investigated and optimized in order to improve the sensor’s responsiveness towards LEV. Utilizing differential pulse voltammetry, quantitative measurements of MIP-based LEV detection were achieved indirectly by measuring the decrease in response of redox probe upon binding of LEV to the 3D cavities of MIP in phosphate buffer saline pH 7.40. The method’s validation was performed in accordance with ICH guidelines. The fabricated sensor showed a linear voltammetric response with a linearity range of (1.5 × 10–12–1.0 × 10–10 M). The sensor was able to effectively detect LEV in spiked artificial human saliva.