Cyclodextrin-assisted vortex dispersive solid-phase extraction coupled with sweeping-field amplified sample stacking...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Green Chemistry
• Chromatography

Background:

• Simultaneous analysis of trace-level weakly ionized analytes in complex matrices is challenging for capillary electrophoresis (CE).
• Existing methods often struggle with sensitivity and sample preparation for complex samples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel green analytical strategy for simultaneous multi-component analysis of trace-level weakly ionized analytes.
• To integrate sample preparation and online enrichment for enhanced sensitivity and efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Developed a green analytical strategy integrating cyclodextrin vortex-assisted dispersive solid-phase extraction (CD-VA-DSPE) with CD-assisted sweeping-field amplified sample stacking (CD-sweeping-FASS) in micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC).
• Utilized hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) as both an extraction solvent and a pseudostationary phase.
• Applied the method to analyze phytochemicals in a traditional Chinese medicine formula.

Main Results:

• Achieved baseline separation of four target phytochemicals (lobetyolin, echinacoside, acteoside, calycosin).
• Demonstrated excellent linearity (r ≥ 0.9992) and low limits of detection (0.02-0.05 µg mL⁻¹).
• Achieved 106- to 208-fold sensitivity enhancement compared to conventional CE injection.

Conclusions:

• The developed CD-sweeping-FASS in MEKC is the first demonstration for phytochemical analysis.
• The method provides a high-throughput, sustainable solution for simultaneous determination of trace weakly ionized compounds in complex matrices.
• Successfully applied to quantify components in herbal formulations and spiked rat serum.