Enhanced Bioanalytical Methods Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Coupled to Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

The quantitative analysis of biomarkers is crucial for understanding human health, as they play essential roles in physiological functions and serve as indicators of internal homeostasis. Additionally, the monitoring of pollutants that interact with biological systems is critical for establishing links between environmental exposure and disease development. However, existing analytical methodologies frequently exhibit deficiencies in sensitivity, selectivity, capturing efficiency, and reproducibility, particularly when applied to complex biological matrices. This thesis addresses these challenges through the development of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the selective extraction and quantification of thyroxine, bile acids, and perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The application of MIPs offers a viable approach for achieving high selectivity in biomarker analysis; however, this methodology is not intended to replace immunoassays for thyroxine due to the limited accessibility of LC-MS in clinical settings. Nonetheless, it may be beneficial for monitoring patients who are not undergoing standardised treatment. Similarly, MIPs show potential for bile acid analysis in clinical diagnostics. For PFCAs, MIPs could serve as a valuable reference method for large-scale screening, facilitating the assessment of contamination levels and potential exposure risks within populations.