Deproteination of Serum-Drug Samples Utilizing a Temperature-Responsive Spin Column Containing Thermoresponsive...

Therapeutic drug monitoring requires a straightforward method for deproteinizing serum samples. In this study, a temperature-responsive spin column was developed by employing layers packed with beads modified with a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) copolymer brush. The modification of the silica beads with the PNIPAAm copolymer brush was accomplished through atom transfer radical polymerization, and the modified beads were subsequently packed into empty spin columns. The prepared spin column achieved effective separation of voriconazole and midazolam from serum proteins using pure water as the eluent, with temperature as the sole control parameter. This spin column is particularly advantageous for sample preparation in medical settings, as it eliminates the need for organic solvents and simplifies the process by leveraging temperature control.