Separation and determination of phenolic compounds using novel deep eutectic solvent-in-water microemulsion...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Green Chemistry
• Chromatography

Background:

• Microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC) traditionally uses environmentally unfriendly organic solvents.
• Deep eutectic solvents (DES) offer a non-toxic, eco-friendly alternative for MEEKC applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize a novel MEEKC method utilizing DES as the oil phase.
• To establish an environmentally friendly analytical technique for separating phenolic compounds.

Main Methods:

• Development of a DES/W MEEKC method for analyzing phenolic compounds.
• Optimization of key parameters including oil phase type/content, surfactant concentration, buffer concentration, and pH using single-factor experiments and response surface methodology.
• Analysis of phenolic compounds in Senecio scandens samples.

Main Results:

• The optimized DES/W MEEKC method demonstrated high sensitivity (detection limits 0.22-1.04 μg/mL) and accuracy (correlation coefficients ≥0.9990).
• Excellent precision was achieved for migration time (intraday RSD 0.18-0.82%, interday RSD 1.25-2.50%).
• Successful application to Senecio scandens samples with good recoveries (87.72-106.99%).

Conclusions:

• The developed DES/W MEEKC method is highly efficient, green, and environmentally friendly.
• This method provides a novel analytical tool for simultaneous separation and determination of phenolic compounds in complex matrices.
• The DES/W MEEKC approach holds promise for analyzing other phytochemicals.