Abstract

In this research, molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanoparticles were used as recognition elements for development of a new electrochemical sensor for selective and sensitive determination of benzodiazepine drug, midazolam (MDZ). The MIP nanoparticles synthesized via precipitation polymerization method and then incorporated in composition of carbon paste electrode (CPE) as sensing element. In order to achieve a sensor with maximum performance, the effective parameters on the extraction of MDZ from sample solution and also, electrochemical analysis step were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the fabricated sensor showed good linearity in the ranges of 5.0 x 10(-10) to 1.0 x 10(-7) M (R-2 = 0.9920) and 1.0 x 10(-7) to 1.0 x 10(-6) M (R-2 = 0.9939). Also, the high sensitivity (3.05 x 10(8) mu A L mol(-1)) along with low limits of detection (1.77 x 10(-1) M) and quantification (5.89 x 10(-10) M) was obtained for MDZ determination. This sensor was successfully used to analysis of midazolam drug in pharmaceutical formulation and Human urine samples. The results indicated that the Nano-MIP modified CPE is promising sensor for selective detection of MDZ at trace levels in real samples with complicated matrices.