Dynamic headspace solid-phase extraction at room temperature: a theoretical model, method, and application for...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Propofol (PF) analysis in complex matrices like human serum is challenging due to potential interferences and sample degradation at elevated temperatures.
• Existing extraction methods often require heating, increasing complexity and energy consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid, temperature-insensitive dynamic headspace solid-phase extraction (DHS-SPE) method for propofol (PF) extraction.
• To couple the developed DHS-SPE method with fluorescence spectroscopy for sensitive PF determination.
• To validate the method's efficacy in complex biological matrices, such as human serum.

Main Methods:

• A room-temperature DHS-SPE technique utilizing a mini diaphragm pump to circulate headspace gas.
• Employing electrochemically Nafion-doped polypyrrole (PPy-Naf) film on nickel foam as the solid-phase sorbent.
• Developing a theoretical model for DHS-SPE based on consecutive first-order processes and mass transfer dynamics.

Main Results:

• Achieved a linear dynamic range of 100-500 nM for propofol determination.
• Obtained a low detection limit of 15 nM for propofol.
• Successfully applied the method to determine propofol in human serum samples, demonstrating no interference from co-administered drugs like cisatracurium.

Conclusions:

• The developed room-temperature DHS-SPE method provides a simple, rapid, and efficient approach for propofol extraction and preconcentration.
• The method is compatible with fluorescence spectroscopy and offers high sensitivity and selectivity, even in complex biological matrices.
• This technique eliminates the need for heating and expensive equipment, presenting a novel sample pretreatment strategy for various analytical applications.