Molecularly imprinted nanoparticles-based electrochemical sensor for determination of ultratrace parathion in real samples

Molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nano-MIP), containing parathion selective sites, were synthesized by using suspension polymerization in silicon oil and then used for carbon paste electrode preparation. The obtained electrode was applied as an electrochemical sensor for parathion determination in different fruit and vegetable samples. Different factors including electrode composition, conditions of parathion extraction in the electrode and electrochemical measurement conditions were evaluated and then optimized by using various techniques of screening and response surface experimental designs. Electrode response to parathion (Res₁) and its selectivity for parathion (Res₂) were the desired responses. These responses were optimized simultaneously. After optimization, a sensor with high selectivity and picomolar detection limit were obtained. It was shown that the sensor response to parathion concentration was linear in the concentration range of 0.05 to 150?nmol?L^?1. The detection limit of designed sensor was calculated equal to 0.02?nmol?L^?1. The developed determination method was properly used for ultra-trace level assay of parathion in different fruit and cabbage samples.