MIP-Based Sensor for Detection of Gut Microbiota Derived Trimethylamine

Abstract

The current study is the first to describe the construction of an electrochemical sensor based on a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for specific and sensitive detection of trimethylamine (TMA) in human body fluid such as urine. The MIP designed was based on polydopamine (PDA), which was made with and without TMA using a polymerization technique. On the glass coated with indium tin oxide, the MIP, NIP, and non-sonicated polymer (PPy-TMA) were all individually deposited. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical techniques were used to study the chemical, morphological, and electrochemical characteristics of MIP, non-imprinted polymer, and PDA-TMA. Differential pulse voltammetry was used to record the detection response, which demonstrated that as TMA concentration increased, the peak current increased as well. With a sensitivity of 2.47 A mL ppm-1 cm-2, the MIP sensor demonstrated a dynamic detection range of 1–15 ppm. The new sensor is simple to build and use and it can detect TMA in human fluids like urine with great precision. The current study lays the groundwork for developing MIP-based sensors to detect additional compounds that play role in human health and are originating from gut microbiota.