Design and application of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for detection of veterinary residues and contaminants in food safety

Abstract

The occurrence of residues and contaminants in food may be a health hazard for consumers as they can generate reactions in some cases and/or the emergence of bacterial resistance and toxicity, among others. In this research project, the selection of analytes of interest was carried out based on their frequency of use in livestock, both legal and fraudulent options, and based on the European Directive 96/22/EC. The first group was the group of corticosteroids, hormonal compounds frequently used in animal husbandry. The second group was the group of antibacterial substances, which consists of a wide range of molecules, both natural and synthetic. Amongst them, we selected two of the most important families: the beta-lactams and the amphenicols. Apart from residues of veterinary drugs, there is also the possibility of the unintentional presence of certain contaminants, such as fungal toxins. Within these mycotoxins, we selected the group of aflatoxins and patulin. The most unique and innovative aspect this thesis project lies in the development of molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) to achieve the selective extraction of the analytes above mentioned, which could be found in food. These polymers are synthesized using different techniques and combined with various methods of detection.