.jpg)
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MICROEXTRACTION OF COMPOUNDS IN SAMPLES
ES3030757A1
The determination of biomarkers in biological fluids using extraction techniques prior to measurement is a common practice in laboratories. Conventional extraction techniques typically require large quantities of solvent or sorbent, as well as a large sample volume. Microextraction techniques, of which there are numerous variations, are based on the same principles as conventional techniques. However, although the quantities of the extracting phase have been drastically reduced to a few microliters (solvent) or milligrams (sorbent), the same level of reduction has not been achieved with respect to the sample volume, which is still on the order of milliliters. Regarding process automation, there are no commercially available automated devices for dispersive microsolid-phase extraction (DMSPE), whose performance makes it a widely accepted technique in the scientific community.
The invention presents the following advantages: ¿ Automation of DMSPE (dispersive solid phase microextraction), reducing operator involvement and time. ¿ Application of DMSPE to micro-samples. ¿ Low solvent and sorbent consumption. ¿ Low waste generation and therefore less need for waste treatment, thus reducing the ecological footprint. ¿ Reduced risk of contamination between samples. ¿ Portability, as the elements are miniaturised and integrated in a small size support. ¿ Low production cost. The present invention may have applications in analytical laboratories, especially in clinical analysis laboratories where low sample volume and minimal sample intervention procedures is required. This invention would be useful in hospital laboratories, universities and research centres.