Polymeric sorbent phase sorptive extraction for radiation metabolomics

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Novel biodosimetry assays are crucial for assessing radiation exposure and guiding treatment after radiological incidents.
• Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics offers a rapid method for detecting radiation biomarkers in biofluids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a chemically functionalized polymeric Sorbent Phase Sorptive Extraction (SPSE) method for rapid, high-sensitivity metabolite extraction.
• To evaluate the performance of SPSE using various biofluids and radiation exposure levels.

Main Methods:

• Developed chemically functionalized polymeric thin film sorbents for SPSE.
• Utilized microporous membrane systems for metabolite extraction from urine, serum, and whole blood.
• Analyzed samples from mice exposed to X-rays using untargeted and targeted metabolomics.

Main Results:

• Nylon-6-based cellulose paper membranes showed highest porosity, absorption capacity, and metabolite recovery.
• SPSE demonstrated comparable sensitivity and specificity to conventional methods for classifier performance.
• Metabolite stability was maintained at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Conclusions:

• The developed SPSE method is effective for rapid, high-sensitivity biodosimetry.
• Polymeric sorbent coated substrates offer potential for high-throughput analysis without cold-chain requirements.
• The approach aligns with green chemistry principles, reducing waste and energy demand.