Abstract: Antibodies and enzymes are often used as molecular recognition elements in chemical sensors. However, their lack of stability and signal transduction mechanisms limits their use as sensors. Advances in the field of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have created synthetic materials that can mimic the function of biological receptors with less stability constraints. These polymers provide high sensitivity and selectivity while maintaining thermal and mechanical stability. The advantages of the MIP are enhanced by a fluorescent component which provides chemical affinity and signal transduction. A fiber-optic spectrometer monitors the reversible binding of the analyte to the reporter molecule that invokes a spectral signature between 550-700nm. Detection limits are less than 10 parts per trillion with long linear dynamic ranges. The sensors exhibit the same recognition characteristics over several months of use with response times of less than 15 minutes. Selectivity of the sensors against other similar compounds will be demonstrated.

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