Alternative method for rhamnolipids quantification using an electrochemical platform based on reduced graphene oxide, manganese nanoparticles and molecularly imprinted Poly(L-Ser)

Rhamnolipids (RHLs) are promising biosurfactants with important applications in several industrial segments. These compounds are produced through biotechnological processes using the bacteria Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. The main methods of analyzing this compound are based on chromatographic techniques. In this study, an electrochemical sensor based on a platform modified with reduced graphene oxide, manganese nanoparticles covered with a molecularly imprinted poly (L-Ser) film was used as an alternative method to quantify RHL through its hydrolysis product, acid 3-hydroxydecanoic acid (3-HDA). The proposed sensor was characterized microscopically, spectroscopically and electrochemically. Under optimized experimental conditions, an analytical curve was obtained in the linear concentration range from 2.0 × 10−12 mol L−1 to 1.0 × 10−10 mol L−1. The values estimated of LOD, LOQ and AS were 8.3 × 10−13 mol L−1, 2.7 × 10−12 mol L−1and 1.3 × 107 A L mol−1, respectively. GCE/rGO/MnNPs/L-Ser@MIP exhibits excellent selectivity, repeatability, and high stability for the detection of 3-HDA. Furthermore, the developed method was successfully applied to the recognition of the hydrolysis product (3-HDA) of RHLs obtained from guava agro-waste. Statistical comparison between GCE/rGO/MnNPs/L-Ser@MIP and HPLC method confirms the accuracy of the electrochemical sensor within a 95% confidence interval. [Display omitted] •Method based on the fractionation of the rhamnolipid macromolecule.•A sensor for the quantification of 3-hydroxydecanoic based on MIPS was proposed.•rGO decorated with MnNPs was electrodeposited on GCE surface for a better response.•An aminoacid monomer was utilized to obtain the GCE/rGO/MnNPs@MIP sensor.•The sensor was successfully applied in RHL sample with a LOD of 8.3 × 10 −13 mol L−1.