Polypyrrole-based bovine serum albumin imprinted electrochemical sensor for clinical application

Abstract

The molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP), in conjunction with bovine serum albumin (BSA), plays a crucial role in identifying various health conditions, making its monitoring essential for clinical applications. This study aims to fabricate a highly sensitive biosensor based on a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for the detection of a bovine serum albumin (BSA) sensing platform. The MIP was developed using BSA as the template molecule and polypyrrole (PPy) as the functional monomer via an electrochemical polymerisation process induced by cyclic voltammetry (CV) onto screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE). Surface morphology analysis confirmed the formation of a polymer nanofilm with surface variations. Electrochemical characterisation of the MIP sensor was carried out via cyclic voltammetry across a BSA concentration range of 10–60 mg.ml^-1. The sensor demonstrated excellent sensitivity, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.31 µg.ml^-1. A strong linear response was observed, with a correlation coefficient (R²) exceeding 0.99. The sensor exhibited excellent reproducibility and repeatability, with relative standard deviations (%RSD n = 3) <1 %. The selectivity of the MIP/BSA sensor toward BSA was investigated in the presence of creatinine/urea, and the results revealed the strong recognition ability of the sensor toward the BSA protein. Owing to its reusability, fast response time, and ease of operation, this biosensor holds promise for real-time detection and monitoring of BSA and can potentially be adapted for other clinically relevant proteins.