Construction of F, N-riched covalent organic framework adsorbent for efficient glucocorticoids adsorption

Abstract

Glucocorticoids possess extensive and potent pharmacological effects, but their misuse and overuse are widespread concerns. Consequently, the environmental pollution and health hazards associated with their excessive usage cannot be overlooked. There is an urgent need for enhanced removal and a thorough understanding of the environmental and safety risks arising from the overconsumption of these drugs. In this study, a novel F, N-enriched covalent organic framework (designated as TAPT-COF) with high crystallinity was synthesized. TAPT-COF features numerous active sites, including F-F interaction and hydrogen bond interaction sites, along with a high specific surface area and good thermal stability. These characteristics enable TAPT-COF to serve as an advanced adsorbent for dispersed solid-phase extraction (D-SPE) of glucocorticoids such as fluocinonide acetate, budesonide, and dexamethasone, with adsorption capacities ranging from 146.77 to 228.90 mg·g⁻¹ . Notably, TAPT-COF exhibits exceptional protein exclusion efficiency, achieving exclusion rates exceeding 95 %. Due to these advantages, TAPT-COF based D-SPE demonstrates strong applicability in the analysis of complex practical samples, including water and plasma, with satisfactory recoveries ranging from 76.48 % to 112.76 %. Compared to a COF (TPB-COF) that lacks a triazine group, TAPT-COF exhibits superior adsorption performance for target glucocorticoids. This is attributed to its ability to provide enhanced electrostatic interactions, as well as the synergistic effects of hydrogen bonding and F-F interactions. Additionally, TAPT-COF displays a low hemolytic activity, indicating its potential for in vivo analysis.