Novel polymer monolith microextraction using a poly(methacrylic acid-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) monolith and its application to simultaneous analysis of several angiotensin II receptor antagonists in human urine by capillary zone electrophoresis

Sponge-nested polymer monoliths: Versatile materials for the solid-phase extraction of bisphenols

Polymer monoliths are promising materials for sample preparation due to their high porosity, pH stability, and simple preparation. The use of melamine formaldehyde foams has been reported as an effective support to prepare highly robust silica and polymer monoliths. Herein, divinylbenzene monoliths based on a 50:50 (%, w/w) crosslinker/porogen ratio have been nested within a melamine-formaldehyde sponge, resulting in monoliths with a surface area higher than 400 m2 /g. The extraction performance of these monoliths was evaluated for the extraction of endocrine-disrupting bisphenols from aqueous solutions. We evaluated for the first time the versatility of sponge-nested polymer monoliths by comparing three different extraction modes (vortex mixing, magnetic stirring, and orbital shaking). Vortex mixing showed a comparable recovery of bisphenols (39%-81%) in a shorter extraction time (30 min, instead of 2 h). In addition, the robustness of the sponge-nested polymer monoliths was demonstrated for the first time by reshaping a larger monolithic cube (0.125 cm3 ) into four smaller pieces (4 × 0.03125 cm3 ) leading to a 16%-21% increase in extraction efficiency. This effect was attributed to an increase in the effective contact area with the sample, obtaining a higher analyte extraction capacity.

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

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.

All-solid-state paper-based potentiometric combined sensor modified with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and molecularly imprinted polymer for monitoring losartan drug in pharmaceuticals and biological samples

A cost-effective, highly selective and sensitive paper-based potentiometric combined sensor for losartan potassium drug (LOS) is fabricated, characterized and used for the drug monitoring. The sensor consists of 2 strips of filter paper (20 × 5 mm each) as platform, each imprinted with 4 mm diameter circular spot of carbon. One carbon spot is covered by a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for use as a substrate for the recognition sensor and the other without rGO is used for the reference electrode. LOS molecularly imprinted drug polymer (MIP) is applied onto the graphene oxide containing strip to act as a drug recognition sensing material and a solid-state polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is applied onto the second carbon spot to act as a reference electrode. Performance characteristics of the combined sensor are examined with chronopotentiometry (CP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Increase effect of rGO on the interfacial double-layer capacitance of the sensing membrane and consequently on the potential stability is confirmed. The developed combined sensor (strip cell) displays a Nernstian slope of -58.2 ± 0.3 mV/decade (R² = 0.9994) over the linear range 8.5 × 10^-7 - 6.9 × 10^-2 M with a detection limit of 2.7 ± 0.3 × 10^-7 M. The sensor shows remarkable selectivity toward various related compounds especially those commonly used by the COVID-19 patients such as paracetamol, ascorbic acid and dextromethorphan. The assay method is validated and proved to be satisfactory for direct potentiometric determination of LOS-K in some pharmaceutical formulations and in spiked human urine samples. An average recovery of 96.3 ± 0.3-98.7 ± 0.6% of the nominal or spiked concentration and a mean relative standard deviation of ±0.6% are obtained. The use of an indicating and a reference electrodes combined into a single flexible disposable paper platform enables applications to a minimum sample volume due to the close proximity of the responsive membrane and the liquid junction. The efficiency of the proposed sensor in complex urine matrix suggests its application in hospitals for rapid diagnosis of overdose patients and for quality control/quality assurance tests in pharmaceutical industry.

Polyoxometalate-based materials in extraction, and electrochemical and optical detection methods: A review

Polyoxometalates (POMs) as metal-oxide anions have exceptional properties like high negative charges, remarkable redox abilities, unique ligand properties and availability of organic grafting. Moreover, the amenability of POMs to modification with different materials makes them suitable as precursors to further obtain new composites. Due to their unique attributes, POMs and their composites have been utilized as adsorbents, electrodes and catalysts in extraction, and electrochemical and optical detection methods, respectively. A survey of the recent progress and developments of POM-based materials in these methods is therefore desirable, and should be of great interest. In this review article, POM-based materials, their properties as well as their identification methods, and analytical applications as adsorbents, electrodes and catalysts, and corresponding mechanisms of action, where relevant, are reviewed. Some current issues of the utilization of these materials and their future prospects in analytical chemistry are discussed.

Occurrence, detection and ecotoxicity studies of selected pharmaceuticals in aqueous ecosystems- a systematic appraisal

Pharmaceutical compounds (PCs) have globally emerged as a significant group of environmental contaminants due to the constant detection of their residues in the environment. The main scope of this review is to fill the void of information on the knowledge on the African occurrence of selected PCs in environmental matrices in comparison with those outside Africa and their respective toxic actions on both aquatic and non-aquatic biota through ecotoxicity bioassays. To achieve this objective, the study focused on commonly used and detected pharmaceutical drugs (residues). Based on the conducted literature survey, Africa has the highest levels of ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, lamivudine, acetaminophen, and diclofenac while Europe has the lowest of all these PC residues in her physical environments. For ecotoxicity bioassays, the few data available are mostly on individual groups of pharmaceuticals whereas there is sparsely available data on their combined forms.

Irbesartan (a comprehensive profile)

Irbesartan, (2-butyl-3-({4-[2-(2H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]phenyl}methyl)-1,3-diazaspiro[4.4]non-1-en-4-one), is a member of non-peptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists used worldwide in the treatment of hypertension and diabetic nephropathy in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes, elevated serum creatinine, and proteinuria. Irbesartan can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide). These combination products are indicated for hypertension in patients with uncontrolled hypertension with monotherapy or first line in patients not expected to be well controlled with monotherapy. Irbesartan is also indicated for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, an elevated serum creatinine, and proteinuria. Irbesartan exerts its action mainly via a selective blockade action on AT1 receptors and the consequent reduced pressor effect of angiotensin II. This article discusses, by a critical comprehensive review of the literature on irbesartan in terms of its description, names, formulae, elemental composition, appearance, and therapeutic uses. The article also discusses the methods for preparation of irbesartan, its physical-chemical properties, analytical methods for its determination, pharmacological-toxicological properties, and dosing information.

A vinylpyrrolidone-based thin film microextraction in combination with direct solid-state spectrofluorimetry for determination of sartans in human plasma

A vinylpyrrolidone-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate-acrylic acid thin film was prepared on a polypropylene guard and its formulation was optimized for application in thin film microextraction followed by direct solid-state spectrofluorimetry method. The surface morphology, fluorescence property and extraction performance of the thin film were investigated systematically. The intra- and inter-batch reproducibilities of thin film fabrication were obtained 2.3 and 4.2%, respectively. The lifetime of each prepared thin film was 30 times with a relative standard deviation of less than 1.4%. The developed method was optimized for extraction of some sartans as angiotensin II receptors antagonist (including losartan, valsartan, and olmesartan) which have been used to control hypertension as the main causes of cardiovascular disease. The optimum extraction conditions achieved at 2- (for losartan) and 4- (for valsartan and olmesartan) sample pH, 500-rpm rotation rate and 30-min extraction time for all three analytes. At the optimum conditions, analyses of losartan, valsartan, and olmesartan were validated in the human plasma matrix. Broad linearity ranges with determination coefficients of more than 0.999 were achieved for each calibration curve. Limit of detection of the method was 0.5 ng mL^-1 for all three analytes. The intra- and inter-day accuracies and precisions of the developed method were evaluated in spiked plasma samples at three concentration levels of each analyte with high recoveries of 95-101% and relative standard deviations less than 6%. This method provides a simple, sensitive, fast, and high-throughput analysis method with the possibility of effective extraction of at least 40 samples simultaneously without the necessity of protein precipitating, desorption, and solvent evaporation steps.

A polymer monolith composed of a perovskite and cucurbit[6]uril hybrid for highly selective enrichment of phosphopeptides prior to mass spectrometric analysis

A hybrid monolith was prepared from perovskite and cucurbit[6]uril [poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-pentaerythritol triacrylate) monolith] for the enrichment of phosphopeptides. By coupling with mass spectrometry, three goals were simultaneously realized, viz. (a) selective enrichment of phosphopeptides from non-phosphopeptides, (b) identification of mono- and multi-phosphopeptides, and (c) recognition of tyrosine phosphopeptides. The perovskite introduced into the monolith warrants high selectivity for phosphopeptides even at a high (10,000:1) ratio of non-phosphopeptides to phosphopeptides, and and enables identification of eight mono- and multi-phosphopeptides from standard β-casein tryptic digests. Tyrosine phosphopeptides were specifically detected via the recognition capability of cucurbit[6]uril integrated into the monolith. The method has remarkably specific enrichment capacity for phosphopeptides from samples including human serum, nonfat milk, and human acute myelocytic leukemia cell lysate. Graphical abstractSchematic representation of a monolith integrated with perovskite and cucurbit[6]uril. The monolithic column was coupled with mass spectrometry and applied to the enrichment of phosphopeptides. The method has remarkably specific enrichment capacity for phosphopeptides from complex biological samples.

Butyl Methacrylate-Co-Ethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate Monolith for Online in-Tube SPME-UHPLC-MS/MS to Determine Chlopromazine, Clozapine, Quetiapine, Olanzapine, and Their Metabolites in Plasma Samples

This manuscript describes a sensitive, selective, and online in-tube solid-phase microextraction coupled with an ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (in-tube SPME-UHPLC-MS/MS) method to determine chlopromazine, clozapine, quetiapine, olanzapine, and their metabolites in plasma samples from schizophrenic patients. Organic poly(butyl methacrylate-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) monolith was synthesized on the internal surface of a fused silica capillary (covalent bonds) for in-tube SPME. Analyte extraction and analysis was conducted by connecting the monolithic capillary to an UHPLC-MS/MS system. The monolith was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). The developed method presented adequate linearity for all the target antipsychotics: R² was higher than 0.9975, lack-of-fit ranged from 0.115 to 0.955, precision had variation coefficients lower than 14.2%, and accuracy had relative standard error values ranging from -13.5% to 14.6%, with the exception of the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ). The LLOQ values in plasma samples were 10 ng mL^-1 for all analytes. The developed method was successfully applied to determine antipsychotics and their metabolites in plasma samples from schizophrenic patients.

Exploitation of localized surface plasmon resonance of silver/gold nanoparticles for the fluorescence quantification of angiotensin II receptor antagonists in their tablets and bio-samples

The present study suggested six different fluorimetric systems for the determination of three angiotensin II receptor antagonists, candesartan cilexetil (CDC), valsartan (VAL) and telmisartan (TEL) in their bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms.

Development of on-line monolith-based in-tube solid phase microextraction for the sensitive determination of triazoles in environmental waters

In this work, a convenient and sensitive method for the determination of triazoles in environmental waters was developed by on-line combining in-tube solid phase microextraction (IT-SPME) and high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). To extract triazoles effectively, poly (4-vinyl pyridine-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) monolith was in-situ fabricated and utilized as the extraction phase of IT-SPME. A series of key extraction parameters including desorption solvent, sample volume, adsorption and desorption flow rate, pH value and ionic strength in sample matrix were optimized thoroughly. Under the most favorable conditions (volume of sample, 6.0 mL; adsorption flow rate, 0.2 mL/min; desorption solvent, 80.0 µL mixture of ACN/water (70/30, v/v); desorption flow rate, 50.0 µL/min; sample pH value, 8.0; ionic strength did not be adjusted), the developed monolith-based IT-SPME could extract target analytes effectively and expected analytical merits were achieved. The limits of detection (S/N = 3) and limits of quantification (S/N = 10) were in the ranges of 0.014-0.031 µg/L and 0.11-0.074 µg/L, respectively. Satisfactory method reproducibility was obtained by intra-day and inter-day precisions, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) lower than 10%. The optimized IT-SPME-HPLC-DAD method was then applied to detect triadimenol, triazolone and hexaconazole in water samples including lake, river and sewage waters. The spiked recoveries were 78.9-106% and the RSDs were in the range of 0.2-7.2%. The results well evidence that the proposed method is convenient, accurate, sensitive, practical and environmentally friendly for the determination of triazoles in environmental waters.

Enhanced SIA-chemiluminescence probes for angiotensin II receptor antagonist detection using silver and gold nanoparticles: applications in pharmaceutical formulations

The present work describes three different sequential injection chemiluminescence systems for the detection of some angiotensin II receptor antagonists, such as candesartan cilexetil, valsartan and telmisartan.

Polymer monolith containing an embedded covalent organic framework for the effective enrichment of benzophenones

A COF modified poly(glycidyl methacrylate–ethylene dimethacrylate) monolith was prepared and used for the microextraction of benzophenones in urine and serum samples.

Methacrylate Polymer Monoliths for Separation Applications

This review summarizes the development of methacrylate-based polymer monoliths for separation science applications. An introduction to monoliths is presented, followed by the preparation methods and characteristics specific to methacrylate monoliths. Both traditional chemical based syntheses and emerging additive manufacturing methods are presented along with an analysis of the different types of functional groups, which have been utilized with methacrylate monoliths. The role of methacrylate based porous materials in separation science in industrially important chemical and biological separations are discussed, with particular attention given to the most recent developments and challenges associated with these materials. While these monoliths have been shown to be useful for a wide variety of applications, there is still scope for exerting better control over the porous architectures and chemistries obtained from the different fabrication routes. Conclusions regarding this previous work are drawn and an outlook towards future challenges and potential developments in this vibrant research area are presented. Discussed in particular are the potential of additive manufacturing for the preparation of monolithic structures with pre-defined multi-scale porous morphologies and for the optimization of surface reactive chemistries.

Preconcentration of bisphenols by using calix[4]arene derivatives modified porous polymer monolith coupled with HPLC

A functionalized calix[4]arene (alkenyl@C[4]A) was introduced into the poly(butyl methacrylate-ethylene dimethacrylate) monolith inside a capillary to prepare a polymer monolith microextraction (PMME) material (poly(BMA-alkenyl@C[4]A-EDMA)).

New ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of irbesartan in human plasma

With the objective of reducing analysis time and maintaining good efficiency, there has been substantial focus on high-speed chromatographic separations and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) is a preeminent analytical tool for rapid biomedical analysis. In this study a simple, rapid, sensitive, and specific ultra-performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS method was developed and validated for quantification of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist, irbesartan (IRB), in human plasma. After a simple protein precipitation using methanol and acetonitrile, IRB and internal standard (IS) telmisartan were separated on Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (50 mm × 2.1 mm, i.d. 1.7 μm, Waters, Milford, MA, USA) using a mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile: methanol: 10 mM ammonium acetate (70: 15: 15 v/v/v) with a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min and detected MS/MS in negative ion mode. The ion transitions recorded in multiple reaction monitoring mode were m/z 427.2→193.08 for IRB and m/z 513.2→469.3 for IS. The assay exhibited a linear dynamic range of 2–500 ng/mL for IRB in human plasma with good correlation coefficient of (0.995) and with a lower limit of quantitation of 2 ng/mL. The intra- and interassay precisions were satisfactory; the relative standard deviations did not exceed 9.91%. The proposed UPLC-MS/MS method is simple, rapid, and highly sensitive, and hence it could be reliable for pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic study in both animals and humans.

Investigation of pH-induced conformational change and hydration of poly(methacrylic acid) by analytical ultracentrifugation

Analytical ultracentrifugation was performed on poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) with a series of weight average molar masses (Mw) in aqueous solutions as a function of pH. The scales of the sedimentation coefficient (s) and the diffusion coefficient (D) to Mw at infinite dilutions were obtained at different pH values, indicating that PMAA chains adopt a collapsed structure at low pH values, and stretch at pH higher than 5.2. Our results show that the sedimentation coefficient exhibits a minimum at pH ∼ 6.0, presumably due to the effect of the conformational change and the hydration state of PMAA chains. When pH increases from 6.0 to 8.5, PMAA chains with high molar mass shrink a little bit, presumably because the sodium ions act as a bridging agent between nonadjacent carboxylate groups. Furthermore, the weight average molar mass of PMAA at pH 8.5 increases by one fold than that at pH 4.0, indicating the condensation of sodium ions and the increase in the number of hydration water molecules around carboxylate groups at high pH values.

Determination of hexanal and heptanal in human urine using magnetic solid phase extraction coupled with in-situ derivatization by high performance liquid chromatography

In this study, magnetic solid phase extraction coupled with in-situ derivatization (MSPE-ISD) was established for the determination of hexanal and heptanal in human urine. 2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) was used as the derivatization reagent that was adsorbed onto the surface of magnetite/silica/poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (Fe3O4/SiO2/P(MAA-co-EGDMA)). And then simultaneous extraction and derivatization of the aldehydes were performed on the DNPH-adsorbed Fe3O4/SiO2/P(MAA-co-EGDMA). The simple, rapid and sensitive determination of hexanal and heptanal can be accomplished within 9min. Under optimized conditions, the limits of detection (LODs) were 1.7 and 2.5nmol/L for hexanal and heptanal, respectively. The relative recoveries ranged from 72.8% to 91.4% with the intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSDs) being less than 9.6%. Furthermore, the proposed method was successfully applied to determine endogenous hexanal and heptanal in human urine from healthy persons and lung cancer patients. The results showed the higher concentrations of hexanal and heptanal were observed in lung cancer patients compared to healthy controls. Thus, the developed MSPE-ISD method is suitable for the determination of aldehydes in urines.