Abstract:
Two molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were synthesized, by sol-gel and radical polymerization procedures. These MIPs were evaluated as selective stationary phases for miniaturized solid phase extraction (MISPE) to determine parabens in plasma samples by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Selective cavities of the MIPs, based on molecular recognition (hydrogen bonds), were revealed after removal of the template (benzylparaben). Both MIPs were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). MIP prepared by radical process presented higher selective binding capacity for the target parabens than MIP prepared by sol-gel. Several variables that influence MISPE performance, including sample pH, sorbent washing, elution solvent, and elution solvent volume were also evaluated. According to the analytical validation parameters, the MISPE/UHPLC-MS/MS method is suitable for the analysis of parabens in plasma samples. The effectiveness of this method was demonstrated through the analyses of the umbilical plasma samples from postpartum women.
Template and target information: parabens
Author keywords: Parabens, molecularly imprinted polymer, miniaturized solid phase extraction, UHPLC-MS, MS, Plasma samples