Advancing the use of molecularly imprinted polymers in bioanalysis: the selective extraction of cotinine in human urine: supplementary figures

Aim: To characterize a molecularly imprinted polymer via precipitation polymerization for the extraction

of cotinine in urine. Methods: The polymer was created via precipitation polymerization. Physical

characteristics of the polymer were assessed via scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared

spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The polymer adsorption capacity was assessed and an SPE

method from urine by LC–MS/MS was developed. Results: The polymer had small, spherical morphology

and little thermal decomposition. The extraction method yielded cotinine recoveries of 77–103% in urine.

The molecularly imprinted polymer adsorption capacity for cotinine was 448.2 ± 2.1 μg/mg. Common

interferants did not affect cotinine’s extraction. Conclusion: The resulting polymer was determined to be

specific for cotinine and can be used for the detection of cotinine in urine for clinical samples.