Construction of an Electrochemical Molecularly Imprinted Sensor Based on L-carnitine Doped Polypyrrole for Vibrio Parahaemolyticus Detection

Abstract

This study addresses the pressing need for rapid detection of pathogenic microorganisms by designing and fabricating an L-carnitine-doped polypyrrole (L-CN/PPy) electrochemical molecularly imprinted sensor, with Vibrio parahaemolyticus as the model target. Employing L-carnitine as a dual-functional dopant and auxiliary recognition element in the electropolymerization process, the sensor not only enhances the conductive properties of polypyrrole but also significantly improves its specific recognition capability towards the target bacteria. The sensor preparation encompasses the electrochemical polymerization of L-CN/PPy composite material, immobilization and elution of template bacteria, followed by bacterial recognition and detection steps. Through systematic optimization of L-CN concentration, polymerization conditions, eluent composition, elution time, and operational parameters, the sensor's performance is maximized. Experimental results confirm the sensor's efficacy in rapidly completing template bacteria elution within just 30 minutes and achieving efficient recognition of Vibrio parahaemolyticus within 20 minutes, demonstrating high sensitivity and selectivity. Moreover, the straightforward and rapid construction method of the sensor introduces a novel technological strategy for practical microbial detection applications, highlighting extensive application prospects.