A surface molecularly imprinted electrochemical biosensor for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by using Cu7S4-Au as built-in probe

•A SMI electrochemical biosensor is fabricated for SARS-CoV-2 S protein detection.•Cu7S4-Au is used as the built-in probe and modified on the surface of SPCE.•4-MPBA is anchored to Cu7S4-Au surface for the immobilization of the template.•3-APBA is electropolymerized on the electrode surface and used as the MIPs.•Boronate ester bonds play a crucial role in the fabrication of the SMI biosensor.