Preparation of hemoglobin (Hb) imprinted polymer by Hb catalyzed eATRP and its application in biosensor

Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was prepared on the surface of Au electrode by electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (eATRP) with hemoglobin (Hb) both as catalyst and template molecule. Firstly, the condition for eATRP such as the potential, time and Hb concentration were selected and determined to be −0.51V, 120min and 20mg/mL, respectively. Further, the electrode modified with MIP (MIP/Au) was carefully examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Finally, the MIP/Au electrode was used as a biosensor and successfully applied for the determination of Hb by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurement. The results of experiments showed that the proposed biosensor displayed a broader linear range and a lower detection limit for Hb determination when it was compared to those Hb sensors based on MIP. The linear range was from 1.0×10−10 to 1.0×101mg/L with a detection limit of 7.8×10−11mg/L (S/N=3.3). In a word, the work of this paper established a useful way for the preparation and application of biosensor based on protein imprinted polymers. •Hemoglobin (Hb) imprinted polymer was prepared by Hb catalyzed eATRP.•The method was very simple, nontoxic and saving reagent.•The electrode modified with Hb imprinted polymer could be used as a biosensor.•The biosensor can detect Hb in a range from 1.0×10−10 to 1.0×101mg/L.