Molecularly imprinted paper-based electrochemical cell for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural determination in honey

[Display omitted] •A MIP paper-based electrochemical cell was developed for the determination of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.•The linear concentration range was between 5.0 to 1000 µmol/L.•The device was successfully applied in different honey samples. The concentration of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) has become one of the most useful parameters for the quality evaluation of honey − a crucial focus within the honey industry. In this work, a voltammetric molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) paper-based electrochemical cell for the rapid quantification of HMF in honey is presented for the first time. Carbon ink was used to produce a custom-designed working electrode on chromatographic paper. The selected functional monomer was 4-aminobenzoic acid (ABA). MIP was obtained by electropolymerization directly on electrodes. The preparation process of the MIP, as well as the integrity of the paper platform, were investigated and optimized. Cyclic voltammetry was employed to characterize the sensor. Based on the optimized conditions, it revealed an imprinting factor of 13.5, a linear response in the range between 5.0 and 1000 µmol/L with a limit of detection of 0.608 mg kg−1. The sensor’s practical applicability for the quantification of HMF in honey samples was successfully tested, demonstrating good performance compared with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). With the inherent sustainable properties of paper platforms, this cost-effective and disposable MIP paper-based electrochemical cell holds promise as a viable alternative for on-site monitoring of HMF in honey.