Application of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Combined with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometry for Detecting...

The selective and sensitive detection of organic pollutants in complex matrices continues to be a major challenge in environmental, biological, and food analysis. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have emerged as robust and highly selective sorbent materials with the capability to recognize and extract target analytes at trace levels, even in the presence of coexisting interferents. This review article highlights the integration of MIPs with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as a powerful analytical strategy for the selective pre-concentration and determination of organic contaminants. The MIP-GC-MS platform has been successfully applied in diverse matrices: for instance, bisphenol A and nonylphenol in river water, diclofenac and carbamazepine in human urine, and organochlorine pesticides in fruit and vegetable samples. These applications demonstrate that MIP-based extraction not only enhances selectivity but also minimizes matrix effects, enabling detection limits in the low ng·L^-1 to ng·g^-1 range. Furthermore, advances in MIP design, including green imprinting approaches and nanostructured composites, have broadened their applicability, improving sensitivity, reproducibility, and reusability. Overall, the synergistic combination of MIPs and GC-MS offers a reliable and sustainable solution for trace-level monitoring of organic pollutants, supporting environmental protection, food safety, and public health.