Fast Quantitation of Target Analytes in Small Volumes of Complex Samples by Matrix-Compatible Solid-Phase...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Analyzing small volumes of complex biological matrices presents significant challenges in analytical chemistry.
• Traditional micro-sampling techniques often lack the speed, sensitivity, or precision required for rapid analysis.
• Developing novel extraction devices is crucial for advancing high-throughput biological sample analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel solid-phase microextraction (SPME) devices for rapid extraction and enrichment of analytes.
• To enable efficient micro-sampling from complex biological matrices with volumes as low as 10 μL.
• To integrate these SPME devices with liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometry (MS) for direct analysis.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of etched metal tips coated with nano-structured polypyrrole (PPy) for SPME.
• Utilization of coated blade spray (CBS) devices for micro-sampling.
• Coupling of SPME devices to LC and direct interfacing with MS systems.
• Analysis of target analytes in biological matrices including blood, urine, and Allium cepa single-cells.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated fast extraction and enrichment of target analytes from small sample volumes (≤10 μL).
• Achieved high sensitivity and quantitation precision in the analytical procedure.
• Successfully applied the developed SPME devices to diverse biological matrices.
• The entire analytical procedure was completed within minutes.

Conclusions:

• The developed SPME devices offer a rapid and sensitive method for micro-sampling complex biological matrices.
• The nano-structured polypyrrole coated tips and CBS devices provide efficient analyte extraction.
• These advancements facilitate high-throughput analysis and direct coupling with LC-MS systems for biological research.