Voltammetric determination of lincomycin using a molecularly imprinted sensor based on low-temperature electropolymerized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)

Rapid and selective determination of lincomycin in complex food matrices is essential for residue monitoring. We present a glassy carbon electrode modified with a molecularly imprinted poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (MIP-PEDOT) film, electropolymerized at 10 °C. Fabrication (template/monomer ratio, total monomer level, scan rate, cycle number) and DPV conditions were optimized. The sensor affords a linear response from 0.00195 to 0.50 mM and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.013 µM. Selectivity tests versus amoxicillin and azithromycin show high selectivity for lincomycin molecule. FTIR confirms the presence of both PEDOT and lincomycin features; SEM documents surface evolution across fabrication steps. Spike–recovery in milk and meat demonstrates practical applicability, with recoveries ∼95–97 % (milk) and ∼92–94 % (meat) and RSD ≤ 9.5 % (n = 10). The MIP-PEDOT/GCE platform combines high selectivity and simple, reagent-lean preparation, supporting its use for rapid screening of lincomycin residues. • Carefully optimized electropolymerization conditions yielded PEDOT-MIP films with high sensor sensitivity and stability. • Temperature optimization during polymerization increased peak currents and enhanced the selectivity of the resulting sensor. • The MIP–PEDOT/GCE sensor demonstrated a low LOD of 0.013 µM and a broad linear range (1.95–500 µM). • Strong selectivity toward lincomycin was achieved compared to other antibiotics such as amoxicillin and azithromycin. • Accurate determination in milk and meat samples confirmed excellent reproducibility and practical analytical applicability.