# Optimization of the composition of temperature-responsive polymers for spin columns

## TL;DR

Researchers developed temperature-sensitive spin columns to efficiently separate specific drugs from serum samples by optimizing polymer compositions.

## Contribution

A novel method for drug separation using tailored temperature-responsive polymers in spin columns is introduced.

## Key findings

- Voriconazole separation was optimized using P(NIPAAm-co-DMAPAAm7.5%-co-BMA0%) at low temperatures.
- Lamotrigine showed high elution ratios with P(NIPAAm-co-DMAPAAm7.5%-co-BMA0%).
- Carbamazepine elution was maximized using P(NIPAAm-co-DMAPAAm7.5%-co-BMA5%).

## Abstract

A straightforward method for deproteinizing serum samples is essential for treatment monitoring. In this study, a temperature-responsive spin column composed of various poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) copolymer-modified bead-packed layers was developed. The optimal conditions for separating voriconazole, lamotrigine, and carbamazepine from the serum using the prepared columns were determined. Voriconazole was effectively separated using a bead-packed spin column modified with P(NIPAAm-co-N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAPAAm)7.5%-co-n-butyl methacrylate (BMA)0%) as the upper layer, which was attributed to the desorption of voriconazole at low temperatures. A high elution ratio was achieved for lamotrigine using a bead-packed spin column modified with P(NIPAAm-co-DMAPAAm7.5%-co-BMA0%). Conversely, a high carbamazepine elution ratio was obtained using P(NIPAAm-co-DMAPAAm7.5%–co-BMA5%). These findings indicate that the copolymer composition of temperature-responsive spin columns can be tailored for the separation of specific drugs.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-39613-1.