Green sample preparation is one of the most challenging aspects in green analytical chemistry. In this framework, miniaturized microextraction techniques have been developed and are widely performed due to their numerous positive features such as simplicity, limited need for organic solvents, instrumentation of low cost and short time of extraction. Also, ionic liquids (ILs) have unequivocally a “green” character, which they owe to their unique properties including the re-usage, the high reaction efficiency and selectivity in room temperature, the ability to dissolve both organic and inorganic compounds, and thermal stability. In the present review, the recent advances in the application of ionic liquids in miniaturized liquid and solid phase extraction techniques as extractants, intermediate solvents, mediators and desorption solvents are discussed, quoting the advantages and drawbacks of each individual technique. Some of the most important sample preparation techniques covered include solid-phase microextraction (SPME), dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME), single-drop microextraction (SDME), stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE), and stir cake sorptive extraction (SCSE).
C-Phycocyanin is the major phycobiliprotein in Arthrospira platensis, also known as Spirulina, which is a cyanobacterium used as a dietary supplement because of its powerful effects on body and brain. C-phycocyanin is a blue-colored accessory photosynthetic pigment with multiple applications in food industry as natural dye or additive, and in pharmaceuticals. This study presents a simple protocol for the extraction and purification of food-grade C-phycocyanin from Arthrospira platensis. The cell lysis of cyanobacterium was performed by sonication combined with repeated freezing and thawing cycles. The purification of the crude extract of C-phycocyanin was carried out by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by ion exchange chromatography resulting in 2.5 purity. The purity of phycocyanobilin chromophore has been tested by UV-visible spectrophotometry by monitoring the absorption after each stage of purification. A high-performance liquid chromatography method has been developed and validated for the determination of food-grade C-phycocyanin. Intra- and interday precision values less than 5.6% and recovery greater than 91.2% indicated high precision and accuracy of the method for analysis of C-phycocyanin. The method has been applied to commercial confectionery of blue color and to the purified protein obtained in the first stage of the study.
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