Development of molecularly imprinted column-on line-two dimensional liquid chromatography for rapidly and selectively monitoring estradiol in cosmetics

Nowadays, the illegal use of estradiol in cosmetics has caused a series of events which endangering public health seriously. Therefore, it is imperative to establish a simple, fast and specific method for monitoring the illegal use of estradiol in cosmetics. In current study, we developed a molecular imprinted monolithic column two dimensional liquid chromatography method (MIMC-2D-LC) for rapid and selective determination of estradiol in various cosmetic samples. The best polymerization, morphology, structure property, surface groups, and the adsorption performance of the prepared material were investigated. The MIMC-2D-LC was validated and successfully used for detecting estradiol in cosmetic samples with good selectivity, sensitivity, efficiency and reproducibility. The linear range of the MIMC-2D-LC for estradiol was 0.5–50 μg g⁻¹ with the limit of detection of 0.08 μg g⁻¹. Finally, six batches of cosmetic samples obtained from local markets were tested by the proposed method. The test results showed that the illegal use of estradiol still existed in the commercially available samples.