Ionic liquid-based microwave-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and derivatization of sulfonamides in river water, honey, milk, and animal plasma

The ionic liquid-based microwave-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (IL-based MADLLME) and derivatization was applied for the pretreatment of six sulfonamides (SAs) prior to the determination by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). By adding methanol (disperser), fluorescamine solution (derivatization reagent) and ionic liquid (extraction solvent) into sample, extraction, derivatization, and preconcentration were continuously performed. Several experimental parameters, such as the type and volume of extraction solvent, the type and volume of disperser, amount of derivatization reagent, microwave power, microwave irradiation time, pH of sample solution, and ionic strength were investigated and optimized. When the microwave power was 240 W, the analytes could be derivatized and extracted simultaneously within 90 s. The proposed method was applied to the analysis of river water, honey, milk, and pig plasma samples, and the recoveries of analytes obtained were in the range of 95.0–110.8, 95.4–106.3, 95.0–108.3, and 95.7–107.7, respectively. The relative standard deviations varied between 1.5% and 7.3% (n = 5). The results showed that the proposed method was a rapid, convenient and feasible method for the determination of SAs in liquid samples.

The extraction and derivatization efficiency of SAs is dependent on type and volume of extraction solvent, type and volume of disperser, microwave power and irradiation time, volume of derivatization reagent, pH of sample solution as well as ionic strength.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A new, rapid and sensitive method for determining sulfonamides (SAs) was proposed.
► Derivatization, extraction and preconcentration of SAs were performed in one step.
► IL-based MADLLME and derivatization were first applied for the determination of SAs.
► Trace SAs in river water, honey, milk, and pig plasma were determined.