Development of Molecularly Imprinted Membranes for Selective Determination of Urinary Ultra-Trace 5-Fluorouracil as Antineoplastic Drug Used in Chemotherapy

Comparative analysis of dermal and inhalation exposures to antineoplastic drugs among workers in the workplaces: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs presents significant health risks to workers, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of both dermal and inhalation exposures. This systematic review examines the relative significance of cutaneous versus inhalation exposure among professionals handling these potent medications.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

A systematic search using the PECO framework was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Data from surface and air sampling studies were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, assessing various antineoplastic drugs across different occupational settings. Surface contamination levels varied widely, with concentrations ranging from very low to high, whereas airborne monitoring consistently reported "Not Detectable" levels. Exposure levels were influenced by workplace practices, handling procedures, and the sensitivity of detection methods.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review of ten studies on dermal and inhalation exposure to antineoplastic drugs in various occupational settings reveals significant variability in contamination levels. Tailored safety measures, including stringent protocols, decontamination procedures, and respiratory protection, are essential for workplace safety. The review highlights the importance of standardized safety protocols, considering the impact of workplace practices and detection method sensitivity. Additionally, it underscores the health risks associated with even low-level exposure, emphasizing the need for biological monitoring. Despite some limitations, this study offers valuable insights for enhancing the safety of staffs handling these potent drugs, guiding future research and policy development.

The Use of Computational Methods for the Development of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers

Recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in the use of theoretical and computational approaches in the study and development of molecular imprinting systems. These tools are being used to either improve understanding of the mechanisms underlying the function of molecular imprinting systems or for the design of new systems. Here, we present an overview of the literature describing the application of theoretical and computational techniques to the different stages of the molecular imprinting process (pre-polymerization mixture, polymerization process and ligand-molecularly imprinted polymer rebinding), along with an analysis of trends within and the current status of this aspect of the molecular imprinting field.

Recent Advances in Molecularly Imprinted Membranes for Sample Treatment and Separation

This review describes the recent advances from the past five years concerning the development and applications of molecularly imprinted membranes (MIMs) in the field of sample treatment and separation processes. After a short introduction, where the importance of these materials is highlighted, a description of key aspects of membrane separation followed by the strategies of preparation of these materials is described. The review continues with several analytical applications of these MIMs for sample preparation as well as for separation purposes covering pharmaceutical, food, and environmental areas. Finally, a discussion focused on possible future directions of these materials in extraction and separation field is also given.