Fabrication and Characterization of a Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Sensor Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for Glucose Monitoring in Medical Systems

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by disturbances in blood glucose levels. As a result, continuous and real-time glucose monitoring—especially during routine daily activities—remains essential for effective disease management. In the present study, a non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor incorporating a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was developed for the selective and sensitive detection of glucose in blood samples.
Materials and Methods: Graphene was synthesized on a nickel substrate via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and then transferred onto a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. The underlying nickel was subsequently etched away using an iron (III) chloride solution. To fabricate the MIP layer, dopamine hydrochloride was electropolymerized on the graphene surface in the presence of glucose as a template molecule. Following polymerization, the glucose was extracted with sulfuric acid, leaving behind molecularly imprinted cavities that serve as selective recognition sites for glucose detection.
Results: Raman spectroscopic analysis verified the few-layered structure of the synthesized graphene. The polymer morphology showed little change after template removal, suggesting that the structure remained stable. A notable reduction in the total resistance of the electrode following template removal was attributed to the generation of nanoscale cavities, confirming the successful formation of molecularly imprinted sites. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) analysis demonstrated a limit of detection of 0.3 μM and a well-defined linear response over the concentration range of 0.2 to 2 μM.
Conclusion: The combination of polydopamine and graphene in the MIP-based sensor notably improved its electrochemical response for glucose detection, highlighting its potential as a sensitive and enzyme-free sensing platform.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Advanced Materials in Engineering
Volume 45, Issue 1
March 2026
Pages 1-15

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