Feasibility of a microwave liquid sensor based on molecularly imprinted sol-gel polymer for the detection of iprodione fungicide

A new microwave sensor coupled with molecularly imprinted silica is described here for the first time in order to detect iprodione fungicide in hydroalcoholic medium. A Molecularly Imprinted Silica (MIS) and its control (Non-imprinted silica, NIS) were synthesized and characterized by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The capacity of the MIS was determined by batch binding studies. MIS showed aggregates on micrometric scale and had a good capacity of sorption towards iprodione of 25 mg/g, whereas the NIS adsorption of iprodione was insignificant. MIS and NIS were deposited on the surface of the sensor by spin coating. The MIS and NIS microwave sensors were then tested in hydroalcoholic medium containing iprodione. The sensor response was stable over 10 min. The response of the MIS microwave senor was dependent on iprodione concentration whereas, the response of the NIS microwave sensor was not. The lowest detected iprodione concentration was 10−9 mol/L or 0.33 ng/L of iprodione.