Integrating Molecularly Imprinted Polymer and Silver Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering for Highly Selective Malathion Detection

It is necessary to develop a sensitive and selective analytical method for detecting organophosphate insecticides, such as malathion, for environmental protection. Herein, we have designed an innovative sensing platform that incorporates silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), with AgNPs synthesized via in situ silver ion reduction during the precipitation polymerization of the MIP. Integrating AgNPs into MIP allows us to leverage both the selectivity and high sensitivity of molecular imprinting technology and the enhanced surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) properties of AgNPs. The sensors demonstrate a linear detection range of 0.005-5 µg/ml and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.005 µg/ml for malathion in water solution. The sensor is tested and evaluated in spiked drinking and tap water, obtaining recovery rates ranging from 93% to 100.5%. The AgNPs@MIP SERS sensor provides a rapid, selective, and sensitive approach for malathion detection, promising to develop an analytical tool for environmental and agricultural monitoring of organophosphate compounds.