Study on a TCM evaluation method based on an MIP-modified MOF sensor with highly selective electrocatalytic activity—an <i>Artemisia annua</i> L. perspective

Quantitative analysis of artemisinin (ART) in <i>Artemisia annua</i> decoction samples is crucial for the quality assessment of <i>Artemisia annua</i> samples; however, no comprehensive solution currently exists for its rapid and sensitive quantification. This gap necessitates a novel method that accommodates the complex composition of traditional Chinese medicine samples. In this study, we developed an electrochemical sensor suitable for determining the ART content level in <i>Artemisia annua</i>. By introducing MIP-MOF composites, the sensor was endowed with selectivity based on spatial and electronic structures specific to particular molecules. This sensor, which mimics the <i>in vivo</i> pharmacological activation process of ART, could swiftly and selectively measure ART concentrations, thereby providing a reflection of the efficacy of the samples. The sensors' limit of detection and limit of quantification were determined to be 1.738 × 10^-13 M and 4.764 × 10^-9 M, respectively. Methodology validation confirmed the great selectivity and accuracy of the sensor. Tests conducted across various <i>Artemisia annua</i> decoction samples, including those from online and offline sources, as well as deteriorated samples, yielded results consistent with the expected ART content levels, demonstrating the sensor's potential for application in <i>Artemisia annua</i> sample quality assessment.