Objective: To prepare and optimize a kind of molecular imprinted sensor

investigate its performance and applicability

and use it for the determination of shikimic acid in Illicium verum fructus. Method: The molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs)were prepared by bulk polymerization with shikimic acid as a template molecule

with 2-vinylpyridine (2-VPY)

4-vinylpyridine (4-VPY) and methacrylic acid (MAA) as functional monomers

and then they were loaded in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane as sensing component of ion-selective electrode (ISE). The morphologies of the optimal MIP and imprinted membrane were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A series of electrode performances

including the pH applicability

standard curve

selectivity

response time and stability

were investigated. The potentiometry was employed to detect shikimic acid in I. verum fructus

and the test result was verified by UV-visible spectrometry. Result: Under the optimized conditions

2-VPY was screened as functional monomer to prepare MIP ISE

as the rough porous structure of the electrode material and the pH tolerance

selectivity

response time and stability of the electrode were beneficial to the actual samples analysis. The detection limit of this methos was 1×10-6 mol·L-1

with linear range of 1×10-6 -1×10-1 mol·L-1

slope of 38.7 mV·decade-1

and electrode response time of 3 min. The real sample test results were consistent with those provided by UV spectrophotometry. Conclusion: The novel MIP ISE was applicable to the determination of shikimic acid in I. verum fructus because of its high sensitivity

selectivity

accuracy

precision and stability.