Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2026
DOI
10.1016/j.rechem.2026.103686
Publication Title
Results in Chemistry
Volume
29
Pages
103686
Abstract
Reagent-free electrochemical sensors offer significant benefits for rapid, affordable point-of-care drug testing. In this study, we introduce a novel, reagent-free electrochemical sensor based on a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) specifically designed for the selective detection of Emtricitabine (FTC), a common antiretroviral used in HIV therapy. The sensor uses laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes, renowned for their high conductivity and porosity, ideal for electrochemical sensing. To enable reagent-free operation, the LIG surface was electrochemically coated with Prussian Blue, serving as a redox-active layer. Next, an MIP-PPy film was electropolymerized onto the Prussian Blue surface in the presence of FTC as a template, yielding highly selective recognition sites upon template removal. The device was extensively characterized using electrochemical techniques to evaluate its charge-transfer and sensing capabilities. Morphological, structural, and compositional analyses using SEM, EDS, and Raman spectroscopy verified the successful formation of the LIG/Prussian Blue/MIP structure at every fabrication stage. The procedures for template removal and rebinding were optimized to improve performance. Under optimal conditions, the sensor displayed a broad linear detection range of 0.01–200 μM for FTC, with a detection limit of 5 nM. It showed good stability, functioning reliably for 20 days before signal degradation, and could be reused for up to three measurements after template removal. Selectivity tests, including potential interferents such as structurally similar compounds and other anti-HIV medications used in combination, confirmed their high specificity for FTC. Lastly, the sensor successfully detected FTC in spiked synthetic urine samples, demonstrating its potential for practical sample analysis and clinical monitoring.
Original Publication Citation
Lahcen, A. A., & Slaughter, G. (2026). Modulation of Prussian blue redox signaling by molecular imprinting for reagent-free electrochemical detection of emtricitabine. Results in Chemistry, 29, Article 103686. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rechem.2026.103686
Repository Citation
Lahcen, A. A., & Slaughter, G. (2026). Modulation of Prussian blue redox signaling by molecular imprinting for reagent-free electrochemical detection of emtricitabine. Results in Chemistry, 29, Article 103686. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rechem.2026.103686
ORCID
0000-0002-7091-3388 (Lahcen), 0000-0002-4307-091X (Slaughter)
Supplementary Data
Included in
Chemicals and Drugs Commons, Investigative Techniques Commons, Polymer and Organic Materials Commons, Virus Diseases Commons
Comments
© 2026 The Authors.
This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) License.
Article states: "Data will be made available on request."