Imprinted polymers as an analytical tool for organotin compounds speciation

In the present work the efficiency of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) in analytical chemistry, especially for sample pretreatment and for trace element speciation, is discussed. Selectivity of MIP allows reduction of the analysis time and sample handling. Several bulk polymers following covalent and non-covalent strategies by using organotin compounds (OTC) as template molecules have been synthesized. The non-covalent polymer is an excellent approach to be used in solid phase extraction (MISPE) for sea water organotin compounds screening. High pre-concentration factors and quantitative recoveries were achieved. Both covalent and non-covalent polymers appeared as a very useful tool for matrix interference removal in complex environmental matrices such as oyster and mussel tissues and sediments. A combination of fast OTC extraction by using a focused ultrasonic probe and MISPE provides a good alternative for OTC determination. Finally, the use of the molecular imprinting technology has been employed to prepare a specific affinity chromatographic stationary phase (ACSP) for OTC speciation by LC-ICP-MS. Detection limits were similar to those obtained with other commercial and not specific stationary phases. These first findings can contribute in the future to propose new LC procedures based on the use of MIPs as an alternative to GC for OTC determination. (86 references).