Molecularly imprinted sensor layers for the detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water

Molecularly imprinted polyurethanes are presented as sensitive coatings for the detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water. These sensor l ayers were combined with fluorescence and mass-sensitive transducers. Impri nting based on van der Waals interactions allows detection of these analyte s even without any pronounced functionality. The geometry of the imprint mo lecule determines the selectivity of the sensor layer. In varying the size of template molecules from anthracene up to 1,12-benzoperylene, selectivity is tuned to a distinct analyte, The enrichment factor of up to approximate ly 10(7) renders detection down to the ppt range possible with hardly any m atrix effect by humic acids.