Intrinsic Fluorescence-Based Optical Fiber Sensor for Cocaine Using a Molecularly Imprinted Polymer as the Recognition Element

A fiber-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 fiber. 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 one month. Selectivity for cocaine over others drugs has also been demonstrated.