3D-printed device for improved membrane-based extraction procedure of xenobiotics in complex matrices

Abstract

To minimize the environmental and human health impacts of chemical processes, there is growing interest in eco-friendly methods aligned with the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC). A successful chemical analysis typically involves sample preparation, sampling, separation and analysis, quantification, and data interpretation. Among these, sample preparation plays a crucial role in isolating and preconcentrating target analytes from complex matrices.

In 2014, fabric phase sorptive extraction (FPSE) was introduced as a simplified and greener sample pretreatment method. Building on this advancement and a recent patent, the present study introduces an innovative 3D-printed device designed for use with a range of target analytes and complex sample matrices. Constructed from inert materials, the device features a rigid, modular structure with multiple windows that securely hold various membrane-based extraction materials. These include FPSE membranes, electrospun membranes, and materials derived from adsorbent systems recovered from production or usage waste, as well as permeable molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs).

The device offers several advantages, including enhanced enrichment factors, compatibility with diverse planar membrane types, and highly customizable selectivity based on membrane configuration and chemistry. Its design also incorporates a built-in slot for a magnetic stirrer, enabling precise control of rotation speed during extraction-even in field conditions using a portable, battery-powered stirrer.

Experimental results unequivocally demonstrate that the new device achieves superior enrichment factors compared to previously validated methods for the same analytes, confirming its effectiveness and potential for broader analytical applications.