Synthesis, Characterization and Application of a MIP-polyHIPE for Selective Extraction of Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists Residues in Natural Waters

Abstract

Polymers via high internal phase emulsion (polyHIPEs) were molecularly imprinted with Irbesartan, an antihypertensive drug belonging to the class of angiotensin II receptor antagonists (sartan drugs), chosen for the proof-of-concept extraction of hazardous emerging contaminants from water. Different analyte-functional monomer molar ratios (1:100, 1:30 and 1:15) were investigated, and the MIP polyHIPEs have been characterized, parallel to the not imprinted polymer (NIP), by batch sorption experiments. The material with the highest template-functional monomer ratio was the best for Irbesartan removal, showing a sorption capacity fivefold higher than the NIP. Regarding the adsorption kinetics, the analyte–sorbent equilibrium was reached after about 3 h, and the film diffusion model best fitted the kinetic profile. Selectivity was further demonstrated by testing Losartan, another sartan drug, observing a fourfold lower sorption capacity, but still higher than that of NIP. The polymers were also synthesized in cartridges for solid-phase extraction (SPE), which was helpful for evaluating the breakthrough curves and performing pre-concentrations. These have been done in tap and river water samples (100–250 mL, 15–500 µg L−1 Irbesartan), obtaining quantitative sorption/desorption on the MIP-polyHIPE (RSD < 14%, n = 3). The NIP provided a recovery of just around 30%, evidence of partial uptake of the target from water.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Molecularly Imprinted Nanoparticles for Detection and Quantification of Zolpidem In Human Plasma

“…[23] The specific ratio of these components, set at 1:4:20 (template: monomer: crosslinker), is supported by extensive research and repeated in-lab optimization. [24,25] The choice of DMSO as the porogen and solvent was a less routine choice, but a conscious one, as zolpidem did not present acceptable solubility in acetonitrile and chloroform for our purposes.…”