Novel three-dimensional porous polyethyleneimine-functionalized graphene-sodium alginate-based aerogel for rapid extraction and sensitive detection of F-LCMs in human serum

Abstract

Liquid crystal monomers (LCMs), as essential components of liquid crystal displays, have been identified as potentially hazardous to human health. However, research on highly sensitive methods for assessing internal exposure levels within populations remains limited. This gap in research hinders effective monitoring, early intervention, and the mitigation of health risks associated with LCM exposure. In this study, a novel polyethyleneimine-functionalized reduced graphene oxide-sodium alginate (PRGS) monolithic column aerogel adsorbent was synthesized, which demonstrates excellent potential for the extraction of fluorinated liquid crystal monomers (F-LCMs) in human serum. The PRGS was synthesized through the grafting of polyethyleneimine (PEI) onto graphene oxide (GO), followed by high-temperature reduction and subsequent cross-linking with sodium alginate. The resulting three-dimensional macroporous network (~50 μm) of PRGS exhibited a rapid mass transfer, reaching adsorption equilibrium within 5 min, and maintaining excellent regeneration capability for over 10 adsorption-desorption cycles. PRGS was employed as adsorbent of solid-phase extraction, combined with gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, to establish a sensitive detection method for F-LCMs. This method provided a wide linear detection range (0.02–500 ng/mL, r ≥ 0.9997), high sensitivity with LODs between 0.002 and 0.005 ng/mL, and recovery rates ranging from 85.7% to 100.4%. The study highlights the proposal of a rapid, simple, and sensitive method for the extraction and quantitative determination of F-LCMs in complex serum matrices. This work offers a significant advancement in the preparation of monolithic aerogels adsorbents and presents a valuable technique for monitoring human exposure to F-LCMs, thus contributing to better risk assessments and health protection measures.