Development of an air-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction method basedon using magnetic deep eutectic solvent for the extraction of PAHs from edible oil sample

Abstract

Introduction: With the mechanization of the modern era and the increase in human activities in various sectors, the food and beverages consumed by humans have become contaminated with various compounds that play a significant role in the development and growth of diseases. Controlling contaminants in food is essential.Objective: In this research, an Air-assisted Liquid-Liquid Microextraction (AALLME) method using Magnetic Deep Eutectic Solvents (MDES) was developed for the extraction of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) prior to their analysis using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).Methodology: In this study, 5 mL of hexane spiked with PAHs or an oil sample was transferred into a test tube. To this, 213 µL of 3.0% (w/v) sodium dodecyl sulfate solution was added, and the resulting mixture was vortexed. Subsequently, 83 µL of MDES was placed at the bottom of the test tube. The contents of the test tube were drawn into a syringe and returned (seven times). Then, the test tube was placed on a magnet, and after the liquid phase collected at the bottom of the test tube, the bottom phase was removed and injected into the instrument.Findings: "The results indicate the suitability of this method for the analysis of PAHs, with recovery percentages ranging from 75% to 88%. The oil sample matrix had no significant effect on the method's performance (relative recovery values of 90% to 97%). This method enabled the analysis of the studied compounds with a quantitative limit range of 0.13 to 0.43 ng/g."Conclusion: The results obtained from this method demonstrate the feasibility of using MDES as an extraction solvent, which leads to a shorter and simpler microextraction process by eliminating the need for centrifugation.