Optimization of solvent bar microextraction combined with gas chromatography mass spectrometry for preconcentration and determination of tramadol in biological samples

A simple, rapid and sensitive analytical method for preconcentration and determination of tramadol in different biological samples have been developed using solvent bar microextraction (SBME) combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The target drugs were extracted from 12 ml of aqueous sample with pH 12.0 (source phase; SP) into an organic extracting solvent (n-nonanol) located inside the pores and lumen of a polypropylene hollow fiber (receiving phase; RP). In order to obtain high extraction efficiency, the effect of different variables on the extraction efficiency was studied using an experimental design. The variables of interest were the type of organic phase, pH of the source phases, ionic strength, volume of the source phase, stirring rate, extraction time and temperature. The experimental parameters of SBME were optimized using a Box–Behnken design (BBD) after a Plackett–Burman screening design. The detection limits were 0.02 μg L−1 with 4.5% RSD (n = 5, c = 10 μg L−1) for tramadol. Finally, the applicability of the proposed method was evaluated by extraction and determination of the drugs in different biological samples. The results indicated that SBME method has excellent clean-up and high-preconcentration factor and can be served as a simple and sensitive method for monitoring of tramadol in the biological samples.

► SBME–GC–MS was applied for preconcentration and determination of tramadol.
► The experimental parameters were optimized using chemometric design.
► Under optimum conditions, the high preconcentration factor was obtained.
► The SBME was successfully applied for analysis of tramadol in biological samples.