Polydopamine-coated magnetic nanoparticles for isolation and enrichment of estrogenic compounds from surface water samples followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry determination

Magnetic conjugated microporous polymer for rapid extraction and sensitive analysis of environmental endocrine disruptors in environmental waters and dairy products

BACKGROUND

Environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) are a class of new pollutants that are diffusely used in the medical industry and animal husbandry. In view of toxicity concerns, elevated levels of EEDs in the environment and food, which cause potential harm to human beings and ecosystems, must be monitored. Determination of EEDs contaminants to ensure environment and food safety has became a major concern worldwide, it is also a challenging task because of their trace level and probable matrices interference. Thus, developing rapid adsorption and efficient analysis methods for EEDs is apparently necessary.

RESULTS

A magnetic conjugated micro-porous polymer (Fe3O4@TbDt) was designed and synthesized, which was endowed with large specific surface area, rich functional groups and magnetic responsiveness. The material showed high extraction efficiency for EEDs via magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE). The quantum chemistry calculations showed the adsorption mechanism of Fe3O4@TbDt on EEDs mainly included electrostatic interactions, van der waals forces (N-H … π interaction, C-H … π interaction), and multiple hydrogen bonds. Finally, a trace analysis method for nine EEDs was established combined with HPLC-MS/MS under optimized MSPE conditions. The method showed a good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.996), low limits of detection (0.25-5.1 ng L-1), high precision (RSD of 1.1-8.2 %, n = 6). The applicability of this method was investigated by analyzing four water samples and two dairy products, and satisfactory recovery rates (82.1-100.7 %) were obtained. The proposed method showed the potential for the analysis of EEDs residues in food and environmental samples.

SIGNIFICANCE

The developed MSPE method based on conjugated micro-porous polymers (CMPs) is simple, green, and efficient compared to existing techniques. The application of CMPs provides a new idea for preparing versatile sample pre-treatment materials. What's more, this work has certain reference value for addressing of EEDs residues in the environment and food.

Potential of sodium dodecyl sulfate micellar solutions as eluents in magnetic dispersive micro-solid phase extraction with polydopamine-coated magnetite nanoparticles. Application to antidepressant drugs

In this paper, the potential of micellar solutions of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as eluents in dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (D-μSPE) using polydopamine-coated magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@PDA NPs) for the extraction and preconcentration of seven basic drugs (bupropion, citalopram, fluoxetine, mianserin, nomifensine, trimipramine, and viloxazine) is explored for the first time (to the best to our knowledge) and compared with conventional hydro-organic eluents. The impact of the sample solution pH, Fe₃O₄@PDA NPs and PDA coating amounts and extraction time on the extraction efficiency (EE), as well as the composition of the eluent on the overall efficiency (OE) are studied. Under the selected experimental conditions (50 mg of Fe₃O₄@PDA NPs, 100 μL of 1 M NH₃, 5 min of extraction time and 0.15 M SDS at pH 2.6 as eluent), EE and OE values were higher than 90% for all compounds and for the most hydrophobic compounds (trimipramine, fluoxetine and mianserin), respectively. The results shown in this paper demonstrate the suitability of Fe₃O₄@PDA NPs as a sorbent for the extraction of antidepressants as well as the advantages of using SDS micellar solutions over classic hydro-organic eluents containing methanol, acetonitrile or tetrahydrofuran. Finally, the stability and reusability of the Fe₃O₄@PDA NPs is proven.

Carbon fibers as green and sustainable sorbent for the extraction of isoflavones from environmental waters

Isoflavones are a group of phytoestrogens of important environmental concern due to their endocrine disrupting effects. This article presents a rapid, green, and sustainable method for determining four isoflavones (daidzein, genistein, formononetin, and biochanin A) in environmental waters complying with current trends in Analytical Chemistry. The method consists of in-syringe dispersive solid-phase extraction (DSPE) as the extraction approach, using carbon fibers as extraction material. The synthesis of carbon fibers is simple and sustainable, since it only requires a natural product such as raw cotton as precursor, which is thermally treated (600 °C for 30 min) in an inert (Ar) atmosphere to convert it into carbon fibers. After extraction, the final eluate is analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The proposed methodology allows the determination of the four isoflavones in water samples at the ng L^-1 range, with limits of detection in the range from 17 to 25 ng L^-1, relative standard deviations (RSD) from 2.8 to 10.1%, and good batch-to-batch repeatability (RSD < 13%). The method was finally applied to six environmental water samples from different sources and two swimming pool waters, and concentrations of all analytes up to 490 ng L^-1 were found. The highest concentrations were found in those samples close to crop fields. Relative recovery values (80-121%) showed that the aqueous matrices considered in this work did not significantly affect the extraction process. This method overcomes the drawbacks of the previous works with the same purpose, such as consuming large volumes of organic solvents or prolonged extraction times. Moreover, this procedure would allow the extraction stage to be carried out in situ, since only the sorbent material (previously synthesized in the laboratory) and disposable syringes are required.

Advanced Functional Nanostructures based on Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanomaterials for Water Remediation: A Review

The fast growth of industrialization combined with the increasing population has led to an unparalleled demand for providing water in a safe, reliable, and cost-effective way, which has become one of the biggest challenges of the twenty-first century faced by global society. The application of nanotechnology in water treatment and pollution cleanup is a promising alternative in order to overcome the current limitations. In particular, the application of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONs) for environmental remediation has currently received remarkable attention due to its unique combination of physicochemical and magnetic properties. Given the broadening use of these functional engineered nanomaterials, there is a growing concern about the adverse effects upon exposure of products and by-products to the environment. This makes vitally relevant the development of green chemistry in the synthesis processes combined with a trustworthy risk assessment of the nanotoxicity of MIONs as the scientific knowledge of the potential hazard of nanomaterials remains limited. This work provides comprehensive coverage of the recent progress on designing and developing iron oxide-based nanomaterials through a green synthesis strategy, including the use of benign solvents and ligands. Despite the limitations of nanotoxicity and environmental risks of iron oxide-based nanoparticles for the ecosystem, this critical review presents a contribution to the emerging knowledge concerning the theoretical and experimental studies on the toxicity of MIONs. Potential improvement of applications of advanced iron oxide-based hybrid nanostructures in water treatment and pollution control is also addressed in this review.

Molecularly imprinted polymers prepared from a single cross-linking functional monomer for solid-phase microextraction of estrogens from milk

In this work, a single cross-linking functional monomer, 2,5-divinylterephthalaldehyde, was designed and synthesized to simplify the preparation of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). In the presence of estradiol as a template, MIPs were successfully prepared using 2,5-divinylterephthalaldehyde along with a solvent and initiator. This method reduced most of the complex variables encountered in the traditional synthesis. Characterization of the morphology and structure of the MIPs was performed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis. Compared with non-imprinted polymers, the MIPs had higher adsorption capacities for five estrogens with imprinting factors above 2.9. The MIPs had high extraction efficiencies, good functional properties, long lifetimes, and good reproducibility, which made them suitable for solid-phase microextraction (SPME). Coupled with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, the MIP-based fibers were applied to SPME for the analysis of five estrogens in milk samples. Under the best conditions, the established method had a wide linear range (0.5-10000 ng kg^-1), low limits of detection (0.08-0.26 ng kg^-1) and quantification (0.26-0.87 ng kg^-1), good precision (3.2-8.1%, n = 6), and fiber-to-fiber reproducibility (4.3%-8.8%, n = 3). The MIPs-based fibers can be reused at least 60 times without apparent loss of extraction efficiency. Finally, this method was applied to the determination of target estrogens in milk samples with satisfactory relative recoveries (84.3%-105%, relative standard deviation ≤ 7.8%).

A Novel Magnetic Molecular Imprinted Polymer for Selective Extraction of Zearalenone from Cereal Flours before Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Determination

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a nonsteroidal estrogenic mycotoxin produced by various Fusarium species and commonly occurring in corn and other cereals. Even though its acute toxicity is low, still the estrogenic activity of ZEN and metabolites is a matter of concern. In this work, a new magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (mMIP) for the selective extraction of ZEN from cereal flours is presented. The mMIP was synthesized previously using quercetin as dummy template, and here we wanted to test its applicability to complex food samples. Analyte determination was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The selectivity of the mMIP and the main validation method parameters were assessed. In particular, even in samples as complex as cereals, matrix effect was negligible. Although the mMIP showed cross-selectivity towards both ZEN-related and quercetin-related compounds, nonetheless ZEN recovery was > 95% for the two lower spiking levels, and the quantification limit was 0.14 ng g⁻¹, i.e., ca. 500 times lower than the maximum limit fixed for most cereals by European law. Therefore, the material, also in comparison with a commercial sorbent, appears suitable for the application in food analysis, also to isolate ZEN at trace levels.

Preparation of titanium ion functionalized polydopamine coated ferroferric oxide core-shell magnetic particles for selective extraction of nucleotides from Cordyceps and Lentinus edodes

In this study, a titanium ion (Ti4+) functionalized polydopamine coated ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4@PDA@Ti4+) core-shell magnetic particle was prepared for the selective extraction of nucleotides. Firstly, different metal ions including Ti4+, Zr4+, Fe3+, Al3+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+ and Mg2+ were respectively immobilized onto Fe3O4@PDA particles and their extraction efficiency for five nucleotides [cytidine-5'-monophosphate (CMP), uridine-5'-monophosphate (UMP), guanosine-5'-monophosphate (GMP), thymidine-5'-monophosphate (TMP) and adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP)] were compared. Among these prepared materials, Fe3O4@PDA@Ti4+, which exhibited the highest extraction efficiency for nucleotides, was further characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. After being optimized of the extraction parameters including adsorbent amounts, extraction time, extraction temperature, type and concentration of the eluent, the prepared Fe3O4@PDA@Ti4+ magnetic particles were successfully applied for the selective extraction and determination of CMP, UMP, GMP, TMP and AMP in Cordyceps and Lentinus edodes. Good linearity (varying from 0.063 to 19.000 μg/mL, R2 > 0.999) and low limit of detection (LODs) (ranging between 0.0047 and 0.0141 μg/mL) for target analytes were achieved. These results demonstrated that the synthesized material in this study had potential for selective extraction of phosphorylated small molecular compounds in complicated matrix.

A Rapid Magnetic Solid Phase Extraction Method Followed by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis for the Determination of Mycotoxins in Cereals

Mycotoxins can contaminate various food commodities, including cereals. Moreover, mycotoxins of different classes can co-contaminate food, increasing human health risk. Several analytical methods have been published in the literature dealing with mycotoxins determination in cereals. Nevertheless, in the present work, the aim was to propose an easy and effective system for the extraction of six of the main mycotoxins from corn meal and durum wheat flour, i.e., the main four aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, and the mycoestrogen zearalenone. The developed method exploited magnetic solid phase extraction (SPE), a technique that is attracting an increasing interest as an alternative to classical SPE. Therefore, the use of magnetic graphitized carbon black as a suitable extracting material was tested. The same magnetic material proved to be effective in the extraction of mycoestrogens from milk, but has never been applied to complex matrices as cereals. Ultra high–performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used for detection. Recoveries were >60% in both cereals, even if the matrix effects were not negligible. The limits of quantification of the method results were comparable to those obtained by other two magnetic SPE-based methods applied to cereals, which were limited to one or two mycotoxins, whereas in this work the investigated mycotoxins belonged to three different chemical classes.