Electromembrane extraction of peptides using deep eutectic solvents as liquid membrane.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Separation Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Electromembrane extraction (EME) is a valuable technique for sample preparation.
• Deep eutectic solvents (DES) offer unique properties for liquid membrane applications.
• Efficient peptide extraction remains a challenge in analytical chemistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of DES as a supported liquid membrane (SLM) for peptide EME.
• To optimize DES-SLM composition for enhanced peptide extraction efficiency.
• To compare the performance of DES-SLM EME with existing methods.

Main Methods:

• EME of 16 model peptides using DES-based SLM in a 96-well format.
• Varied DES composition (coumarin, camphor, DL-menthol, thymol) and addition of ionic carrier di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (DEHP).
• Applied voltage of 30 V for peptide extraction from a phosphate buffer to phosphoric acid.

Main Results:

• Pure DES showed low peptide extraction efficiency.
• Addition of DEHP to DES significantly enhanced extraction via ionic interactions.
• Optimal conditions (coumarin:thymol 1:2, 2.0% DEHP) yielded 55% average recovery in 15 min, increasing to 83% in 45 min.
• Recoveries for individual peptides ranged up to >80%.

Conclusions:

• DES can be effectively utilized as SLM for peptide EME when combined with an ionic carrier.
• The developed DES-SLM EME method offers improved extraction efficiencies compared to previous studies.
• This approach provides a promising alternative for peptide preconcentration and analysis.