Evaluation of molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction for a 1,2:3,4-diepoxybutane adduct to valine

A molecularly imprinted polymer, MIP, was prepared and evaluated as SPE sorbent for a cyclicized adduct formed to N-terminal valine (Pyr-Val) in hemoglobin from 1,2:3,4-diepoxybutane (DEB). This metabolite plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of 1,3-butadiene. The hydrazide of Pyr-Val, formed after hydrazinolysis of hemoglobin, as well as necessary standards was synthesized. The MIP was prepared from methacrylic acid with a structure analogue to the investigated adduct as template and the method was developed for aqueous conditions. Selective desorption was achieved when the sample was washed with water after loading in 10% acetonitrile. The primary interaction with the binding sites in the imprints was most likely of ionic character. Quantification of the Pyr-Val adduct was performed with LC/ESI-MS/MS, yielding an instrumental LOD of 150 pg injected amount.