Development of a new molecular impressed SPR sensor for detection of famoxadone from foods

In this study, a novel molecularly imprinted surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor was developed for the detection of Famoxadone (FAM), a fungicide. Biosensors offer a rapid, non-destructive, and cost-effective technology for food analysis by enabling automatic detection. SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance) biosensors are widely used in food testing and analysis due to their high sensitivity and broad application range. The aim of this study is to utilize this sensor for the quantitative analysis of Famoxadone (FAM) in tomato samples, which is known as a fungicide with high sensitivity and signal acquisition. Initially, the FAM-MAGA complex was prepared in PBS (pH 6.0) and AIBN-HEMA-EGDMA solution (1.5 mL) was added. The SPR chip imprinted with FAM was then fabricated using UV polymerization (MIP/SPR). The sensor surfaces were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Analytical results showed that SPR signals in tomato samples were linear in the range of 1.0–10.0 ng L⁻¹ for FAM, with a strong correlation. The limit of quantification (LOQ) and limit of detection (LOD) values were calculated as 1.0 ng L⁻¹ and 0.30 ng L⁻¹, respectively. Consequently, the developed SPR-based sensor platform demonstrated high selectivity, repeatability, reusability, and structural stability, exhibiting superior performance in terms of critical analytical parameters. With these features, the sensor has the potential to serve as an effective analytical tool in strategies aimed at monitoring food safety at a global level.