Simultaneous and sensitive detection of methylparaben and its metabolites by using molecularly imprinted solid-phase...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Methylparaben (MP) is a widespread preservative in consumer products, entering aquatic environments.
• MP and its metabolites pose ecological risks and potential human health concerns due to endocrine disruption and toxicity.
• Sensitive and reliable methods for simultaneous detection of MP and metabolites in water are crucial for environmental analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a flexible molecularly imprinted fiber array strategy for simultaneous enrichment and detection of trace methylparaben and its four main metabolites.
• To enhance the sensitivity and efficiency of detecting these compounds in environmental water samples.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a flexible molecularly imprinted fiber array using MP-imprinted fibers.
• Evaluation of the array's performance for simultaneous enrichment and detection of MP and its metabolites.
• Comparison with commercial fiber arrays (PA, PDMS, PDMS/DVB).

Main Results:

• The three-fiber imprinted fiber array demonstrated superior simultaneous enrichment of the five target analytes.
• Enrichment factors ranged from 38-1201 times higher than commercial arrays.
• Achieved a low limit of detection (0.033 μg L⁻¹), high recovery rates (86.78-113.96%), and low RSD (<9.17%).
• The array exhibited good stability, a long service life, and reusability (≥100 times).

Conclusions:

• The molecularly imprinted fiber array strategy allows flexible assembly for enhanced enrichment and detection sensitivity.
• Enables simultaneous, selective enrichment and detection of multiple analytes in complex environmental matrices.
• Provides an easy, efficient, and reliable method for monitoring trace analytes in environmental water.