Molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for the highly selective and sensitive determination of melamine

A selective and sensitive molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor was developed for the determination of melamine. Carbon nanotube–ionic liquid composite was used as a carrier to enhance the number of imprinted cavities and then improve the selectivity and sensitivity of the sensor. The proposed sensor showed a linear relationship with the concentration of melamine in the range of 0.4 to 9.2μM, with a detection limit of 0.11μM. The sensor was successfully applied to the determination of melamine in milk products with good recovery.