MIPs in Analytical Instrumentation and Detection

The environmental matrices evaluation has long been a formidable task, a challenge that endured until conventional sample preparation techniques were introduced. Nevertheless, integrating molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as sorbent phases in these established sample treatment strategies has increasingly gained recognition since their inception. This signifies a compelling strategy for attaining selective environmental analysis, marking a notable advancement in the field. While MIPs have consistently exhibited adequate analytical performances within these conventional methods, such as remarkable selectivity and reusability, the current trajectory of MIPs applied in environmental analysis increasingly focuses on their integration into diverse analytical instrumentation. In line with this evolving trend, the incorporation of MIPs in automated chromatography and their utilization in ambient mass spectrometry (AMS) methods showcase the remarkable versatility of these materials in assessing various intricate ambiental matrices, ensuring the environmental health evaluation. Within automated chromatography methods, MIPs have consistently proven their excellence as sorbent phases for applications, such as column switching and in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) techniques. In AMS applications, MIPs have earned recognition as versatile substrates for enhancing established AMS methods, including noteworthy examples such as paper spray ionization (PSI). A standout advantage of employing automated chromatography and ambient mass spectrometry lies in their alignment with green analytical principles, significantly reducing chemical waste production. The utilization of MIPs in both strategies has captured significant interest, particularly concerning their promise in assessing target analytes within environmental samples. Consequently, this chapter presents an exploration of their complete potential as selective materials for evaluating environmental samples, harnessing their advantages within the realms of automated chromatography and AMS methods.