Selective Separation and Quantification of Tetracycline Antibiotics Using Ionic Liquid-Functionalized MOF-Derived...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Tetracycline antibiotics (TAs) are prevalent environmental contaminants.
• Effective methods for selective TA detection in complex matrices are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a selective phase for tetracycline antibiotics (TAs) uptake using a DGT device.
• To enhance the sensitivity and reliability of TA detection in environmental samples.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of [BMIM][PF6]-functionalized ZIF-67-derived carbonaceous material into DGT binding gel (ta-DGT).
• Adsorption capacity and selectivity testing against coexisting contaminants.
• Mechanistic analysis of TA interactions with the functionalized material.
• Field deployment in a domestic wastewater treatment plant.

Main Results:

• ta-DGT exhibited strong affinity for TC, OTC, and CTC (12.22-13.78 µg/disc).
• Selective uptake of TAs over other contaminants (>80% adsorption ratio).
• Stable performance across pH 4-9 and ionic strength 0.001-0.1 M.
• 5-40 times higher detectable TA concentrations compared to conventional DGT devices during field deployment.

Conclusions:

• The ta-DGT device enables selective separation and quantification of TAs in complex aqueous matrices.
• The developed material demonstrates high sensitivity, reliability, and feasibility for environmental monitoring.
• π-π interactions and cation-π bonding are key mechanisms for selective TA targeting.