A fibre-optic chemical sensor for the detection of cocaine
T. H. Nguyen, T. Sun, K. T. V. Grattan, City University London (United Kingdom); S. A. Hardwick, Home Office Scientific Development Branch (United Kingdom)
A fibre-optic chemical sensor for the detection of cocaine has been developed, based on a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) containing a fluorescein moiety as the signalling group. The fluorescent MIP was formed and covalently attached to the distal end of an optical fibre. The sensor exhibited an increase in fluorescence intensity in response to cocaine in the concentration range of 0 – 500 μM in aqueous acetonitrile mixtures with good reproducibility over 24 h. Selectivity for cocaine over others drugs has also been demonstrated.
