Chameleon-inspired molecular imprinted polymer with bicolored states for visual and stable detection of diethylstilbestrol in water and food samples

A novel biomimetic molecular imprinted polymer chip with fluorescence (FL) and structural (STR) states, inspired by color patterns of chameleon skin, is fabricated for detecting diethylstilbestrol (DES). The chip features a regularly structured, non-closed-packed (NCP) colloidal photonic crystal (CPC) lattice made monodisperse MIP spheres containing fluorescence poly ionic liquid (FPIL) pigments. The FL color originates from FPIL pigments and is further enhanced by the Purcell effect, while the STR color results from the periodic arrangement of the NCP CPC structure. Upon the addition of DES, the molecular imprinting recognition events of the chip induce bicolored responses. These color variations are observable to the naked eye. Based on a self-correction function of colors, the chip showed direct, sensitive (as low as 0.5 ng/mL), rapid (6 min), selective and stable detection of DES. In sample analysis, the results of DES detected by the chip were by which obtained by the HPLC-MS/MS method. [Display omitted] •Inspired chameleon skin, the novel biomimetic MIP chip was developed.•The chip had a NCP CPC structure with FPIL pigments.•The chip can detect DES by FL and STR responses.•Color changes of the chip can be observed by the naked eye.•The chip had higher sensitive, rapid, selective and stable detection of DES.