Sensors based on conductive molecularly imprinted polymers (cMIPs) for acetophenone vapor detection

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer types. However, it can be treated effectively, when diagnosed early. Screening methods play a crucial role in early detection of the disease. Breath analysis is an alternative to invasive screening methods. Acetophenone has been confirmed as a breath biomarker in breast cancer patients. This work introduces quartz crystal microbalance and chemiresistor sensors for acetophenone vapor detection based on conductive molecularly imprinted polymers. Imprinted polymers composed of methacrylic acid-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (MAA-co-EGDMA) and MAA-co-EGDMA-co-styrene were developed and tested for their rebinding abilities. Those were included into polymer blends with the conductive poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and optimized with regard to the P3HT-concentration in a range of 2.5 – 25 wt% P3HT. The developed sensors showed a linear response in the range 50–300 ppm. The lowest limit of detection obtained with a chemiresistor was 42 ppm. Selectivity tests suggested no interference of other volatile organic compounds.