New molecularly imprinted polymers are described, and a method for their production using novel particle technology based on multifunctional placeholder templates.

A chemical analysis apparatus that quantitatively determines an object of detection rapidly with high sensitivity, and a pretreatment apparatus and a chemical analysis method used for the chemical analysis apparatus, are provided. The chemical analysis apparatus includes a pretreatment unit that accommodates a molecularly imprinted polymer capable of capturing a polar group-containing molecule included in a specimen. A quantification unit quantitatively determines a component included in the specimen that has been passed through the pretreatment unit.

A colorimetric sensor for detecting an analyte of interest in a fluid sample includes a lamellar photonic material having alternating layers of a first polymer layer and a second polymer layer. Each first polymer layer can be a molecularly imprinted polymer defining a cavity shaped to receive an analyte of interest. The photonic material is configured such that, when an analyte contacts the photonic material and becomes disposed within a cavity of the molecularly imprinted polymer, a refractive property of the photonic material changes, causing a detectable color change in the sensor.

A device for detecting an analyte includes a thermocouple having an assay polymer over a surface of the thermocouple. The assay polymer is formulated to bind to the analyte, and a heat transfer property of the assay polymer varies responsive to an amount of the analyte bound thereto. A method of forming a sensor includes providing an assay polymer over a thermocouple. A method for detecting an analyte includes passing a liquid containing an analyte adjacent a thermocouple having an assay polymer over a surface thereof, binding an analyte to the assay polymer, detecting a temperature of the thermocouple, and calculating a concentration of the analyte in the liquid based at least in part on the heat transfer property of the assay polymer.

A device for detecting cotinine includes (a) a film that includes a plurality of molecularly-imprinted-polymer (MIP) coated conductive nanoparticles having specific affinity for binding with cotinine, and (b) two electrodes in contact with the film for passing electrical current through the film to detect binding with cotinine as a change in electrical conductivity of the film. A MIP coated conductive nanoparticle for detecting cotinine includes (a) a conductive nanoparticle, (b) a silicon dioxide coating formed on the conductive nanoparticle and forming a first shell around the conductive nanoparticle, and (c) an MIP coating formed on the silicon dioxide coating and forming the second shell, wherein the MIP coating includes a polymer molecularly imprinted with cotinine to provide specific affinity for binding of cotinine to the MIP coated conductive nanoparticle such that the cotinine is detectable as a change in electrical conductivity of the MIP coated conductive nanoparticle.

The application provides a method of detecting an analyte in a sample. The method comprises disposing a binding agent in an electrochemical compartment. The binding agent is configured to bind to an interfering species. The method further comprises disposing a solution comprising a sample in the electrochemical compartment. The sample comprises an analyte and the interfering species. The method then comprises applying a voltage across first and second spaced apart electrodes disposed in the solution, and thereby causing a current to flow through the solution between the electrodes. Finally, the method comprises measuring the current and/or voltage and thereby detecting the analyte.

A device for the detection of a food allergen includes a sensor having a printed circuit board and a chip comprising a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and a non-imprinted polymer (NIP); a reservoir comprising a liquid; and a chamber for mixing the liquid with a food.

A device for detecting cotinine includes (a) a film that includes a plurality of molecularly-imprinted-polymer (MIP) coated conductive nanoparticles having specific affinity for binding with cotinine, and (b) two electrodes in contact with the film for passing electrical current through the film to detect binding with cotinine as a change in electrical conductivity of the film. A MIP coated conductive nanoparticle for detecting cotinine includes (a) a conductive nanoparticle, (b) a silicon dioxide coating formed on the conductive nanoparticle and forming a first shell around the conductive nanoparticle, and (c) an MIP coating formed on the silicon dioxide coating and forming the second shell, wherein the MIP coating includes a polymer molecularly imprinted with cotinine to provide specific affinity for binding of cotinine to the MIP coated conductive nanoparticle such that the cotinine is detectable as a change in electrical conductivity of the MIP coated conductive nanoparticle.

The present invention provides a system and method for detecting a target in a sample. In one aspect, a collection device includes a collection chamber, a test chamber, a passageway between the collection chamber and the test chamber, and a detection system positioned within the test chamber. The detection system includes at least one of a spiropyran, a molecularly imprinted polymer and a nonimprinted polymer.

A sensor for detecting an analyte in a liquid. The sensor includes an antenna, covered with a layer of a molecularly imprinted polymer capable of interacting with an analyte and inducing a variation in the characteristics of the antenna within the microwave frequency range.