Date of Award

7-2-2025

Document Type

Doctoral Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

First Advisor

Dr. Michael McAuliffe

Second Advisor

Dr. William Whelan-Curtin

Abstract

Molecular Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) are polymer based solid phase extraction (SPE)recognition systems. MIPs were formulated using Acrylic Acid (AA) and Ethylene glycoldimethacrylate (EGDMA) to selectively target the following compounds Bisphenol A (BPA),Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and caffeine. This study presents novel MIPs for each targetqualitatively analysed with Raman Spectroscopy with Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy(SERS) substrates. SERS can greatly enhance Raman signals allowing for detection of lowconcentration solutions. BPA, a possible carcinogen and hormone disruptor, is a very commonreagent in manufacturing as is known to leech into environmental and consumer products.PFOA, a constituent of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), can cause kidney and thyroiddisease, testicular cancer, and developmental & reproductive problems. Food, drinking water,breast milk, outdoor air, indoor air, dust, and food packaging are potential vectors for PFOAcontamination to humans. Caffeine is a reversible Adenosine receptor antagonist andwidespread stimulant. As such it represents a class of compounds called performanceenhancing drugs (PEDs). 4.9x10-4 M PFOA milk and 1.9x10-2 M caffeine energy drink spikedsamples were detected using MIP formulations using Raman Spectroscopy. Multiyear stabilityand functionality studies conducted on MIP formulations for BPA and PFOA respectivelyshowing that MIPs can be “shelf stable” for years but reusability may be a concern.

Access Level

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

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