Molecularly imprinted polymers with a streamlined mimic for zearalenone analysis

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Zearalenone (ZON) is an estrogenic mycotoxin found in food, posing health risks.
• Developing selective and efficient methods for ZON detection and removal is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for selective zearalenone (ZON) recognition.
• To evaluate the performance of MIPs as a stationary phase for ZON detection in food samples.

Main Methods:

• Non-covalent imprinting approach using a ZON analogue (CDHB) as a template.
• Synthesis and evaluation of various functional monomers, including 1-allylpiperazine (1-ALPP).
• Utilizing the prepared MIPs as a stationary phase in liquid chromatography.

Main Results:

• A MIP synthesized with 1-ALPP, TRIM, and acetonitrile demonstrated superior binding capacity for ZON.
• The MIP exhibited significant affinity for ZON and related metabolites in food samples.
• Improved ZON recognition performance compared to previously reported MIPs.

Conclusions:

• Molecularly imprinted polymers offer a promising alternative for the selective clean-up and preconcentration of zearalenone.
• These MIPs can be effectively used for mycotoxin detection in contaminated food matrices.