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Topic

Developing an impedimetric glucose sensor using multi-layer molecularly imprinting technique

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Date & location

• Thursday, May 1, 2025

• 10:30 A.M.

• Virtual Defence

Reviewers

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Mina Hoorfar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria (Supervisor)

• Dr. Jason Lee, Department of Mechanical Engineering, UVic (Member) 

External Examiner

• Dr. Makhsud Saidaminov, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, UVic 

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Tim Pelton, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, UVic 

Abstract

A sensitive and cost-effective measurement of glucose has always been a priority in clinical and quality control settings. In this thesis, glucose-imprinted and non-imprinted polymer (GIP & NIP) based on conducting polymers and functionalized composites are proposed to achieve repeatable and stable determination of glucose in POC analyses. Glucose was introduced into the imprinted layer composed of polypyrrol (PPy) along with aminophenylboronic acid (APBA), which was formed on carboxylayed multiwalled carbon nanotubes (COO-MWCNT) as the step to immobilize glucose. Further polymerization of an imprinting layer for glucose, in a basic medium, was performed to trap the glucose molecule. A layer-by-layer analysis of the sensor was performed with electrochemical (CV, EIS) and surface analyzing methods (Raman and SEM). Also, both NIP and MIP were characterized before and after the glucose removal by phosphate buffer. The glucose rebinding to form gluco-boronate ester in sensor was tested using impedance technique and a linear range between 1 μM and 20 μM with the detection limit of 6 μM was achieved. The reusability and stability of the imprinted sensor were determined to be 10 uses and 96% of the initial current was maintained after 15 days. Overall, this sensor demonstrates promise for developing affordable, reusable and non-invasive glucose sensors.