Enhancing the Concentration Capability of Nonsupported Electrically Driven Liquid-Phase Microextraction through...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Microfluidics
• Separation Science

Background:

• Nonsupported microelectromembrane extraction (μ-EME) requires improved preconcentration capabilities.
• Real-time monitoring of extracted analytes is crucial for process optimization.
• 3D printing offers a versatile platform for developing novel microfluidic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a 3D-printed millifluidic unit for enhanced μ-EME.
• To integrate optosensing for in situ monitoring of the acceptor phase.
• To improve the enrichment factor and efficiency of μ-EME.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D-printed inverted Y-shaped unit (3D-YSU).
• Implementation of continuous forward-flow and stop-and-go flow modes for the donor phase.
• Bifurcation of the organic phase channel to increase interfacial contact area.
• Utilizing optosensing detection for real-time monitoring.

Main Results:

• Achieved an enrichment factor (EF) of approximately 24 for methylene blue in 20 minutes.
• Demonstrated successful application in unsupervised μ-EME for textile dye and wastewater analysis.
• Obtained relative recoveries of ≥88% in real-world sample matrices.

Conclusions:

• The 3D-YSU is a highly effective platform for analyte preconcentration in μ-EME.
• Integrated optosensing provides real-time monitoring capabilities.
• This work represents a significant advancement in 3D-printed millifluidic platforms for μ-EME.