High throughput analysis and capture of benzo[a]pyrene using supermacroporous poly(4-vinyl pyridine-co-divinyl benzene) cryogel matrix

A novel supermacroporous cryogel matrix, poly(4-vinyl pyridine-co-divinyl benzene) has been synthesized by free radical polymerization using 4-vinyl pyridine and divinyl benzene as monomers and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate as crosslinker. Hydrophobic property of such synthesized matrix allows capture of polyaromatic hydrocarbons like benzo[a]pyrene. The cryogel matrix produced is highly porous (porosity more than 80%) having large and interconnected pores in the range of 10–100 μm that allows easy passage of particulate matter and viscous liquids. The newly synthesized cryogel minicolumns (0.5 ml; 0.9 cm dia. × 1.2 cm height) were used to develop a high throughput analysis system in a miniaturized platform (open ended 96-well microtitre plate). The performance of the cryogel columns in 96-well microtitre plate was reproducible in different wells having approximately 72% binding. This system is drainage- and leakage- protected and can be used for the easy, fast and parallel analysis of many samples. The 96-well format also allows efficient analysis of benzo[a]pyrene in the spiked sample. The cryogel matrix was then used for column chromatography, which showed that the matrix has a binding capacity of 2 μg per ml of matrix for benzo[a]pyrene, thus providing a system for remediation/separation of benzo[a]pyrene. The chromatographic column could bind and partially separate the spiked mixture of benzo[a]pyrene and anthracene.