Selective solid-phase extraction using molecular imprinted polymer for the analysis of diethylstilbestrol

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic estrogen with potential health risks.
• Accurate and selective methods are needed for DES detection in food matrices.
• Solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a common analytical technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize an amino-functionalized silica gel material for selective DES extraction.
• To evaluate the performance of the imprinted material for DES determination using SPE-HPLC.
• To apply the developed method for DES analysis in fish samples.

Main Methods:

• Surface molecular imprinting technique combined with sol-gel process.
• Synthesis of DES-imprinted and non-imprinted silica sorbents.
• Solid-phase extraction (SPE) for sample cleanup and preconcentration.
• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for DES quantification.

Main Results:

• The DES-imprinted silica sorbent exhibited high adsorption capacity (62.58 mg/g) and selectivity (selective factor 61.7).
• Fast binding kinetics were observed, reaching equilibrium within 10 minutes.
• The SPE-HPLC method achieved good recoveries (>87.5%) with acceptable R.S.D. (11.6%) for DES in fish samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed imprinted silica gel material is a promising sorbent for selective and efficient SPE of DES.
• The MIP-SPE-HPLC method provides a reliable approach for DES determination in complex matrices like fish.
• This method offers enhanced selectivity and efficiency compared to non-imprinted materials.