Several sample preparation techniques have been used for ultratrace analysis, such as solid-phase extraction, solid-phase microextraction, and stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE). Freeze concentration (FC) is another sample preparation technique based on the freezing point depression. In FC, local regions of solution with lower concentrations freeze first and the solution left behind is more concentrated. Although FC is excellent at concentrating solutions, it is not selective. The most complementary selective sample preparation technique to FC is SBSE. Since SBSE uses a stir bar coated with a non-polar sorbent material, typically polydimethylsiloxane (PDMA), to extract analytes, it is usually suitable to extract non-polar analytes with log K<sub>ow</sub> ≥ 3. By incorporating FC to SBSE, the analysis range of analytes can be extended to more polar substances with log K<sub>ow</sub> to 0 even lower. Meanwhile, the detection limit can be enhanced dramatically compared to SBSE. Our experimental results show that ICECLES can produce pg/mL limits of detection and up to 126-fold signal increase compared to SBSE. Our recently discovered technique, coined ICE Concentration Linked with Extractive Stir bar (ICECLES), is a significant step towards routine ultratrace analysis.

Novel sample preparation technique for ultratrace analysis: ICE concentration linked with extractive stir bar (ICECLES)

251st National Meeting (2016)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.