Developed and rapid extraction of melamine in infant formulae by combined electromembrane with nanographene oxide reinforced hollow fiber

Abstract

Melamine is a high nitrogen compound used as an adulteration to high protein foods such as infant formulae. There are many different methods for extraction and analysis of melamine which are time-consuming, complex, and need large volumes of organic solvents.A validated method for extraction and cleanup of melamine (MEL) in infant formulae, water, and powdered coffee creamer was developed using a Nanographene oxide (NGO) assisted with electromembrane extraction (NGO/EME) followed by HPLC-UV detection. Supported liquid membrane (SLM) with NGO was used as the adsorbent interface in this study. Synthesized NGO was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Effective parameters such as voltage magnitude, SLM solvent, pH of acceptor and donor phases, extraction time, and stirring rate were optimized. The method provided the LOD and LOQ 0.03, and 0.1µg/kg in infant formula, respectively. The accuracy was in the satisfaction recovery rate between 106-109% with RSD 4.83-5.31 for infant formulae as well as the other tested matrices. The developed method based on NGO/EME extraction presents a reliable and rapid analysis for melamine in infant formula.