Metal-organic framework assisted matrix solid-phase dispersion microextraction of saponins using response surface...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Pharmacognosy

Background:

• Panax ginseng leaves contain valuable saponins, but their efficient extraction for quality control remains challenging.
• Traditional extraction methods can be time-consuming, inefficient, and require large volumes of organic solvents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize a simple, efficient metal-organic framework (MOF)-assisted matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) microextraction technique.
• To enable the rapid evaluation and quality control of five key saponins in Panax ginseng leaves.

Main Methods:

• Development of a MOF-assisted MSPD microextraction method using MOF-808 as the adsorbent.
• Optimization of experimental conditions (adsorbent amount, elution solvent, grinding time) using Box-Behnken design.
• Detection and quantification of saponins using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TOF/MS).

Main Results:

• Optimal conditions achieved with 20 mg adsorbent, 80% methanol-water elution, and 60 s grinding time using MOF-808.
• Excellent linearity (R² > 0.998) for five saponins over the 0.01-100 μg/mL range.
• High analytical recoveries (87.04–103.78%) and low relative standard deviations (RSD < 5%).
• Low limits of detection (0.087–0.114 μg/mL) and quantification (0.292–0.379 μg/mL).

Conclusions:

• The MOF-assisted MSPD method provides higher extraction efficiency and simpler operation compared to traditional methods.
• The developed technique yields cleaner extracts with reduced organic solvent consumption.
• This method is suitable for the rapid evaluation and quality control of active compounds in Panax ginseng.