Microextraction Tech

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. ...

Using pomelo peel for the synthesis of monolithic ordered mesoporous silica Monolithic ordered mesoporous silicas are highly attractive as sorbents in extraction techniques due to their physicochemical characteristics. To be really effective, there must be a balance between their macroporous and mesoporous structure. Macropores enhance the extraction kinetics allowing an easier diffusion of the target compounds from the bulk samples to the active surface of the material. Mesoporous defines the active surface of the material.... Link to the post Dynamic electromembrane extraction The potential of electromembrane extraction (EME) is beyond any doubt [1]. As you well know, it is based on the electromigration of the target charged analyte from the donor phase (the sample) to the aqueous acceptor phase through a polymeric membrane that physically separates both phases. The extraction is rapid and it provides high enrichment factors...... Link to the post Bubble-in- drop single ...

Working to Automate Micro-Extraction I am a regular reader of this blog, which I find relevant and interesting, so I am pleased to have this opportunity to introduce the Anatune blog to a wider audience and encourage more people to read it. Anatune is a company based in Cambridge, UK and we specialise in the automation of GC-MS sample preparation and injection. We provide upgrades to existing instruments, but best of all, we like to deliver complete, integrated systems where the sample preparation works seamlessly with GC-MS. ( Read more ) Stir bar sorptive dispersive microextraction mediated by magnetic nanoparticles We all are familiar with stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) and dispersive methodologies in this context. The advantages of both techniques are also well known and a deep research is being carried out to characterize new sorbent phases which improve the efficiency and open up the application field of these microextraction techniques. Research ...

Thermo-responsive molecularly imprinted monolith in extraction Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are widely employed sorbents due to their improved selectivity. They are synthesized in the presence of the analyte, which is called template, and therefore the polymeric network is constructed around the target leaving selective chemical cavities when it is washed away. After the bulk synthesis, the polymer is crashed and sieved to obtain a solid with a particle size as homogeneous as possible. In a recent article published in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, researchers from the Tianjin Medical University at China have proposed a smart MIP monolith for the extraction of ketoprofen from milk samples. Link to the post Simultaneous electromembrane extraction of acidic and basic drugs In most of the cases, microextraction techniques are applied to isolate and preconcentrate a target compound or a narrow group of them. The simultaneous extraction of a given sample into frac...

Continuous flow micro-electroextraction for enrichment of low abundant compounds   I It is well known by all the readers that achieving the highest enrichment is the key factor in any miniaturized extraction technique. In this sense, the use of highly efficient materials is a valuable alternative but not the only one. The use of auxiliary energies which force the analyte migration from the sample to the extractant phase is also a widespread alternative. Among them, electromigration-based microextraction is an elegant approach which allows the focusing and stacking of charged compounds within a short temporal window.  (Read more) Switchable hydrophilicity solvents in the microextraction context The concept of switchable solvents (SS) was firstly introduced by Canter in 2006, in the framework of industrial processes. The initial idea was to introduce solvents which can switch between a polar and non-polar chemical form, aiming to reduce the number of organic solvent...

Accelerated solvent extraction for the evaluation ofprenatal exposure to drugs of abuse Drug abuse is an important and worldwide problem with several health and legal connotations. The intake of these substances during pregnancy is especially critical since it affects both the mother and the growing infant. In this sense, potential effects caused by drug intake include decreased birth weight, body length and head circumference, intra-uterine growth retardation, impairment of normal fetal brain development, placental insufficiency, fetal distress, intra-uterine death, and a higher risk of premature birth. (Read more) Monitoring a single C18 particle by confocal Raman microscopy Solid phase extraction (SPE) is a consolidated sample treatment technique based on the retention of the target analytes in an appropriate sorbent thanks to different chemical interactions. SPE allows the enhancement of the selectivity and sensitivity of an analytical methodology through removing pote...

Simultaneous liquid phase microextraction with multiple solvents In a recent article published in Analytical Methods, researchers from the Shanxi Medical University at China have presented a novel microextraction approach for the determination of flavanoids and anthraquinones from traditional Chinese herbs. The authors use two different organic solvents placed in two filter membranes as extraction device. The main advantage of the so-called multiple-solvent simultaneous microextraction (MSSME) are the wide exchange surface and the selective extraction provided by the organic solvents used.  (Read more) Agro-industrial wastes as precursors for adsorbent synthesis Microextraction techniques can be considered within the Green Chemistry framework as they reduce the amount of materials and organic solvents required for the development of an analytical methodology. This green character is more marked when the microextraction technique is employed to the resolution of...