Molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor based on 3D-flower-like MoS2 decorated with silver nanoparticles for highly selective detection of butylated hydroxyanisole

This study introduces an innovative procedure for the development of a molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for ultra-sensitive and specific recognition of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). First, a uniquely flower-like molybdenum disulfide/Ag nanoparticle-chitosan (MoS2/Ag NPs-CS) composite was prepared and used as a matrix to modify the electrode surface. Then, a layer of BHA-molecularly imprinted polymer was grown on the surface of the modified electrode by electropolymerization, with BHA as template molecule, which improved the specific recognition of the modified electrode to BHA. The MoS2/Ag NPs-CS material could not only increase the specific surface area of the electrode, accelerate the electron transport rate and mass transfer, but also promote the recognition of the polymer, so as to increase the current response and improve the performance of the electrochemical sensor. The prepared electrochemical sensor showed a wide linear range for BHA in the range of 1 × 10-9-1 × 10-4 mol/L with a detection limit of 7.9 × 10-9 mol/L. The recovery of BHA in several foods was from 95% to 103%. The sensor had good reproducibility, stability and excellent selectivity, and was successfully used for the detection of BHA in foods, providing a reliable detection method for sensitive, rapid and selective detection of BHA in complex food samples.