Molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence sensor based on ZIF-8 doped with CdSe quantum dots for the detection of trace estriol

A composite of the metal–organic framework compound ZIF-8 doped with CdSe quantum dots (QDs) with sensitive and stable luminescence was synthesized, and a molecularly imprinted electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor was constructed based on this composite. The ZIF-8@CdSe molecularly imprinted ECL sensor combines the high sensitivity of ECL and the high selectivity of molecular imprinting to realize the sensitive and specific detection of estriol. CdSe QDs and gold nanoparticles were encapsulated within ZIF-8 to obtain the ZIF-8@CdSe QDs/GNP (ZIF@CdSe/GNP) composite. Subsequently, the GNPs were further loaded on the surface of this composite to obtain the GNP/ZIF@CdSe/GNP composite. l -Cysteine was used to immobilize the GNP/ZIF@CdSe/GNP composite on the surface of a gold electrode to obtain the GNP/ZIF@CdSe/GNP-modified gold electrode. A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) film was prepared on the surface of the modified electrode by electropolymerization with o-phenylenediamine as the functional monomer and estriol as the template molecule. After elution, estriol could be specifically recognized by the cavities. The readsorption of estriol by the MIP can prevent the coreactant from reaching the electrode surface through the cavities, thereby weakening ECL. A good linear relationship existed between the ?ECL and lg C of estriol concentrations of 1 × 10^?14 to 1 × 10^?9 mol·L^?1. The detection limit was as low as 8.9 × 10^?16 mol·L^?1. The sensor was applied in the determination of estriol in serum samples with a recovery of 97.0–102%.