Molecularly imprinted dispersive solid-phase microextraction for determination of sulfamethazine by capillary electrophoresis

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering based determination on sulfamethazine using molecularly imprinted polymers decorated with silver nanoparticles

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were combined with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and AgNPs were prepared by in situ reduction within the MIP for selective and sensitive detection of sulfamethazine (SMZ). The MIP@AgNPs composites were characterized in detail by several analytical techniques, showing the generation of polymers and the formation of AgNPs hot spots. The specific affinity and rapid adsorption equilibrium rates of MIP@AgNPs composites were verified by static and kinetic adsorption studies. The MIP@AgNPs with high selectivity and excellent sensitivity were used as SERS substrates to detect SMZ. A good linear correlation (R² = 0.996) in rang of 10^-10-10^-6 mol L^-1 was observed between the Raman signal (1596 cm^-1) and the concentration of SMZ. The limit of detection (LOD) was as low as 8.10 × 10^-11 mol L^-1 with relative standard deviations (RSD) of 6.32%. The good stability and reproducibility are also fully reflected in the SERS detection based on MIP@AgNPs. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of lake water samples, with recoveries in the range 85.1% to 102.5%. In summary, SERS detection based on MIP@AgNPs can be developed for a wider and broader range of practical applications. Schematic illustration of MIP@AgNPs sensor for the SERS detection of sulfamethazine.

Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Dispersive Solid-Phase Microextraction of Three UV Blockers Prior to Their Determination by HPLC-DAD

The need for proper handling of environmental samples is significant, owing to their environmental effects on both humans and animals, as well as their immediate surroundings. In the current study, magnetic nanoparticle-based dispersive solid-phase microextraction was combined with high-performance liquid chromatography using a diode array as the detector (HPLC-DAD) for both the separation and determination of three different UV blockers, namely octocrylene, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, and avobenzone. The optimum conditions for the extraction were found to be as follows: Stearic acid magnetic nanoparticles (20 mg) as the sorbent, acetonitrile (100 µL) as the eluent, as well as a sample pH of 2.50, adsorption and desorption time of 1.0 min, with a 3.0 mL sample volume. The limits of detection were as low as 0.05 µg mL-1. The coefficient of determination (R2) was above 0.9950, while the percentages of relative recoveries (%RR) were between 81.2 and 112% for the three UV blockers from the environmental water samples and sunscreen products.

Determination of Ultra-Trace Cobalt in Water Samples Using Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction Followed by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

A novel method for the determination of ultra-trace cobalt by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) coupled with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry has been developed. It is based on the color reaction of Co²⁺ with 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-dimethylaminoaniline (5-Br-PADMA) in a Britton–Robinson buffer solution at pH 6.0 to form stable hydrophobic chelates, which were separated and enriched by DLLME with 1,2-dichloroethane (CH₂ClCH₂Cl) as extraction and acetonitrile (CH₃CN) as a dispersive solvent. The sedimented phase containing the chelates is then determined with GFAAS. Parameters that affect extraction efficiency, such as types and volumes of extraction and disperser solvents, pH of sample solution, extraction time, concentration of the chelating agent 5-Br-PADMA, and salt effect, were investigated. Under optimal conditions, the calibration graph was linear over the range 0.05–1.0 ng/mL, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9922 and a detection limit of 0.03 ng/mL. Preconcentration factor (PF) is calculated as the ratio of the aqueous solution volume (5 mL) to that of the organic phase volume (40 μL), and enrichment factor (EF) is calculated as the ratio of the slopes of the calibration graphs obtained with and without DLLME for 5.0 mL of sample solution, which were 120 and 112.5, respectively. The extraction efficiency, calculated by EF/PF·100, was 93.8%. The relative standard deviation (RSD) at the 0.5 ng/mL Co²⁺ level was 3.8% (n = 6). The method has been applied to the determination of trace cobalt in water samples with satisfactory results.

Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Dispersive (Micro)Solid Phase Extraction: A Review

The review describes the development of batch solid phase extraction procedures based on dispersive (micro)solid phase extraction with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and magnetic MIPs (MMIPs). Advantages and disadvantages of the various MIPs for dispersive solid phase extraction and dispersive (micro)solid phase extraction are discussed. In addition, an effort has also been made to condense the information regarding MMIPs since there are a great variety of supports (magnetite and magnetite composites with carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, or organic metal framework) and magnetite surface functionalization mechanisms for enhancing MIP synthesis, including reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Finally, drawbacks and future prospects for improving molecularly imprinted (micro)solid phase extraction (MIMSPE) are also appraised.

Modern microextraction techniques for natural products

Natural product analysis has gained wide attention in recent years, especially for herbal medicines, which contain complex ingredients and play a significant clinical role in the therapy of numerous diseases. The constituents of natural products are usually found at low concentrations, and the matrices are complex. Thus, the extraction of target compounds from natural products before analysis by analytical instruments is very significant for human health and its wide application. The commonly used traditional extraction methods are time-consuming, using large amounts of sample and organic solvents, as well as expensive and inefficient. Recently, microextraction techniques have been used for natural product extraction to overcome the disadvantages of conventional extraction methods. In this paper, the successful applications of and recent developments in microextraction techniques including solvent-based and sorbent-based microextraction methods, in natural product analysis in recent years, especially in the last 5 years, are reviewed for the first time. Their features, advantages, disadvantages, and future development trends are also discussed.

Ternary deep eutectic solvent magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers for the dispersive magnetic solid-phase microextraction of green tea

Ternary deep eutectic solvent magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers grafted on silica were developed for the selective recognition and separation of theophylline, theobromine, (+)-catechin hydrate, and caffeic acid from green tea through dispersive magnetic solid-phase microextraction. A new ternary deep eutectic solvent was adopted as a functional monomer. The materials obtained were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, NMR spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. The practical recovery of the theophylline, theobromine, (+)-catechin hydrate, and caffeic acid isolated with ternary deep eutectic solvent magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers in green tea were 91.82, 92.13, 89.96, and 90.73%, respectively, and the actual amounts extracted were 5.82, 4.32, 18.36, and 3.69 mg/g, respectively. The new method involving the novel material coupled with dispersive magnetic solid-phase microextraction showed outstanding recognition, selectivity and excellent magnetism, providing a new perspective for the separation of bioactive compounds.

Novel electrochemical aptasensor for ultrasensitive detection of sulfadimidine based on covalently linked multi-walled carbon nanotubes and in situ synthesized gold nanoparticle composites

In the current study, a sensitive electrochemical sensing strategy based on aptamer (APT) for detection of sulfadimidine (SM₂) was developed. A bare gold electrode (AuE) was first modified with 2-aminoethanethiol (2-AET) through self-assembly, used as linker for the subsequent immobilization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticle composites (MWCNTs/AuNPs). Then, the thiolated APT was assembled onto the electrode via sulfur-gold affinity. When SM₂ existed, the APT combined with SM₂ and formed a complex structure. The specific binding of SM₂ and APT increased the impedance, leading to hard electron transfer between the electrode surface and the redox probe [Fe(CN)₆]^3-/4- and producing a significant reduction of the signal. The SM₂ concentration could be reflected by the current difference of the peak currents before and after target binding. Under optimized conditions, the linear dynamic range is from 0.1 to 50 ng mL^-1, with a detection limit of 0.055 ng mL^-1. The sensor exhibited desirable selectivity against other sulfonamides and performs successfully when analyzing SM₂ in pork samples. Graphical abstract A new electrochemical biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of sulfadimidine (SM₂) by using a gold electrode modified with MWCNTs/AuNPs for signal amplification and aptamer (APT) for selectivity improvement.

Aptamer based fluorometric sulfamethazine assay based on the use of graphene oxide quantum dots

The authors have developed a homogeneous "off-on" fluorometric method for the determination of the antibiotic sulfamethazine (SMZ). Aptamer against SMZ was labeled with graphene oxide quantum dots upon which the Graphene oxide quenched the blue fluorescence of the GOQDs. On addition of SMZ, the aptamers will bind SMZ and this will cause the release of GOQDs. As a result, fluorescence will be regenerated. Fluorescence, best measured at excitation/emission wavelengths of 365/455 nm, increases linearly in the 8 pg·mL^-1 to 60 ng·mL^-1 SMZ concentration range, with a 5 pg·mL^-1 detection limit. The method is reliable and was successfully applied to the determination of SMZ in spiked milk samples, with recoveries ranging from 89 to 96% depending on analyte concentration. Graphical abstract Graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) were covalently bound to the aptamer (apt) against sulfamethazine (SMZ) and adsorbed on the surface of graphene oxide (GO). This results in quenching of the fluorescence of GOQDs. On addition of SMZ, fluorescence is restored due to the release of GOQD@apt from GO.

Molecularly imprinted polymers for sample preparation and biosensing in food analysis: Progress and perspectives

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are biomimetics which can selectively bind to analytes of interest. One of the most interesting areas where MIPs have shown the biggest potential is food analysis. MIPs have found use as sorbents in sample preparation attributed to the high selectivity and high loading capacity. MIPs have been intensively employed in classical solid-phase extraction and solid-phase microextraction. More recently, MIPs have been combined with magnetic bead extraction, which greatly simplifies sample handling procedures. Studies have consistently shown that MIPs can effectively minimize complex food matrix effects, and improve recoveries and detection limits. In addition to sample preparation, MIPs have also been viewed as promising alternatives to bio-receptors due to the inherent molecular recognition abilities and the high stability in harsh chemical and physical conditions. MIPs have been utilized as receptors in biosensing platforms such as electrochemical, optical and mass biosensors to detect various analytes in food. In this review, we will discuss the current state-of-the-art of MIP synthesis and applications in the context of food analysis. We will highlight the imprinting methods which are applicable for imprinting food templates, summarize the recent progress in using MIPs for preparing and analysing food samples, and discuss the current limitations in the commercialisation of MIPs technology. Finally, future perspectives will be given.

Recent Advances in the Determination of Pesticides in Environmental Samples by Capillary Electrophoresis

Nowadays, owing to the increasing population and the attempts to satisfy its needs, pesticides are widely applied to control the quantity and quality of agricultural products. However, the presence of pesticide residues and their metabolites in environmental samples is hazardous to the health of humans and all other living organisms. Thus, monitoring these compounds is extremely important to ensure that only permitted levels of pesticide are consumed. To this end, fast, reliable, and environmentally friendly methods that can accurately analyze dilute, complex samples containing both parent substances and their metabolites are required. Focusing primarily on research published since 2010, this review summarizes the use of various sample pretreatment techniques to extract pesticides from various matrices, combined with on-line preconcentration strategies for sensitivity improvement, and subsequent capillary electrophoresis analysis.

Recent advances in sample preparation techniques and methods of sulfonamides detection - A review

Sulfonamides (SAs) have been the most widely used antimicrobial drugs for more than 70 years, and their residues in foodstuffs and environmental samples pose serious health hazards. For this reason, sensitive and specific methods for the quantification of these compounds in numerous matrices have been developed. This review intends to provide an updated overview of the recent trends over the past five years in sample preparation techniques and methods for detecting SAs. Examples of the sample preparation techniques, including liquid-liquid and solid-phase extraction, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and QuEChERS, are given. Different methods of detecting the SAs present in food and feed and in environmental, pharmaceutical and biological samples are discussed.