Molecularly imprinted optical fibre sensor for detection of nitroglycerin

In this study, a nitroglycerin (NG) sensor has been developed, utilizing indium tin oxide (ITO) coated optical fibres, molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) and xerogel technologies. Nitroglycerin detection remains of great importance in the defense and security industry and therefore, steps towards sensitive and specific detection technology are important to be explored. Experimental methods reported focus on the removal of NG from the MIP, evidenced by a change in wavelength shift, (38.62 nm), indicating that NG was fully removed, before exploring the rebinding and subsequent quantification of NG uptake in follow-up analysis. A non-imprinted polymer (NIP) has been developed in parallel and measurements made, to compare the performance and behaviour of the MIP. The chemical sensor scheme developed here shows promise for detecting NG using the technologies discussed, and while most relevant to the defense and security applications, they also have side applicability to different targets for other industries.