Novel chemically cross-linked self-molding particulate sorbents as solid-phase extraction media

Here, we describe novel, chemically cross-linked, self-molding particulate polymer sorbents that are utilized as a molding-type solid-phase extraction medium (M-SPEM), which exhibits high permeability and rigidness. To fabricate such M-SPEM, first, polyethyleneimine (PEI)-modified reversed-phase (RP)-type particulate sorbents were synthesized, thereafter, they were chemically cross-linked by a polymer having many epoxy groups together with additional PEI. By optimizing the binding conditions of the particulate sorbents, the resultant M-SPEM has almost the same adsorption properties as the corresponding unmolded particulate sorbent for some polar (e.g., uracil and adenine) compounds. The binding technique proposed here is expected to facilitate the fabrication of molding-type sorbents and improve the performance of the SPE procedure. Graphical abstract