Electrochemical detection of Bisphenol A in plastic bottled drinking waters and soft drinks based on molecularly imprinted polymer

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting compound that may interfere with the function of thyroid systems. Sensitive and reliable detection of BPA has become one of the most pressing environmental issues related to the consequences of plastics on human health. This work reports the development of an electrochemical sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) prepared using BPA as a template, 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) as a functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinker with a ratio (1:2:30), respectively. The MIP was incorporated in carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The stepwise topography during the electrode fabrication steps was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). While, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical (EIS) impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate the electrochemical response. Linearity was validated within the working dynamic range 1 × 10−10 to 1 × 10−4 M (0.023–23 ×103 ng/mL) was observed with a detection limit of 8 × 10−11 M (0.02 ng/mL) and a limit of quantification of 2.4 × 10−10 M (0.05 ng/mL). BPA was successfully tested in tap water, stored water in a baby bottle, filtered water (water from household purification unit), and soft drink samples with recovery ranges 97.60–102.0% with RSD values 0.37–2.45% indicating the possible applicability of the electrode in real samples. [Display omitted] •Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) were applied for the first time for BPA imprinting.•A MIP based MWCNT/CPE was optimized.•A linear response range of 1 × 10−10 to 1 × 10−4 M (0.023–23 ×103 ng mL−1) was attained.•Detection limit of 0.08 × 10−9 M (0.02 ng mL−1) was obtained.•LOD is l lower than that indicated as hazardous by FDA or EFSA (50 µg/Kg/day).