Microextraction Tech

Carbon nanoparticles and specifically carbon nanotubes can be considered as an inflection point in the development of microextraction techniques on account of their excellent sorbent properties. This fact permits the reduction of the dimensions of the extraction step while maintaining or even improving the preconcentration of the target compounds on the nanosorbent. Since then, different metallic and silica-based nanoparticles have been successfully evaluated in this context. In the last two-three years, a new nanosorbent has revolutionized again microextraction techniques. Graphene (G) and its oxide (GO) present a unique planar structure which makes them different from other nanoparticles and even from allotropic forms of carbon, which confers them with outstanding electrical, mechanical and structural properties. Carbon-based nanomaterials have been extensively used for the isolation and preconcentration of organic compounds usually of aromatic nature thanks to the possibility of re

The study of historical documents: morphine in Bulgakov´s famous manuscript Mikhail Bulgakov was a recognized writer born in Kiev in 1891. His famous novel, The master and Margarita, criticizes the soviet society and the literature establishment. He wrote the novel by the end of his life. In these days, Bulgakov was suffering nephrosis that caused his death in 1940. (read more) Magnetic solid phase extraction coupled to ambient ionization mass spectrometry Direct coupling of microextraction techniques and ambient ionization mass spectrometry opens a door to rapid, selective and sensitive analyses that are quite attractive in the bioanalytical field. The use of nanoparticles (NPs) in this combination may be problematic since they are not fully compatible with MS although they have a great potential as sorbent in microextraction techniques. (read more) Magnetomotive ionic liquids The potential of ionic liquids (ILs) in the microextraction context is beyond any doubt. ILs, e

Magnetic SPME in micro-fluidics, speciation of Hg in cells Mercury is a well known toxicant with different exposure sources. Although its use on medical products is banned in many countries, other sources like environmental pollution or contaminated food still exist. Professor Bin Hu and co-workers have been recently researched how Hg species are distributed and even modified in cell cultures [1]. In their own words, this type of research is of paramount importance in order to fully understand the toxicity but also the cell protection mechanisms.  (post) Polypyrrole coated nylon fibers for disk-based solid phase extraction The extraction of polar compounds from aqueous matrices is not a easy process due to the high solubility of these compounds into the sample that weakens the interactions with the extractant. Polymeric phases, comprising different monomer in their structure that may establish polar interactions and even ionic, have been widely used to solve this problem. Alth