A green miniaturized QuEChERS based on an electrospun nanofibrous polymeric deep eutectic solvent coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for analysis of multiclass pesticide residues in cereal flour samples

Greener chemistry in analytical sciences: from green solvents to applications in complex matrices. Current challenges and future perspectives: a critical review

“…In a study, to develop an environment-friendly sample preparation method for the detection of pesticide residues in grain and cereal flour samples, a new polymeric [PHEMA]:[TD] DES was synthesized, mixed with PA6, and processed into very fine PA6/[PHEMA]:[TD] DES nanofibers clean-up sorbent by electrospinning. 160 The developed method showed excellent recoveries and LOQs (Table 4) and is reported as an acceptable environment-friendly method with a final AEC value of 72. 170 The promising future of the green alternative micro-QuEChERS is recognized by the determination of pesticide residues in tea samples based solely on deep eutectic solvents (DES).…”

“…152,164 On the other hand, alkaline conditions can lead to degradation by alkaline hydrolysis. 160 The extraction step was modified by buffering to avoid the ionization and degradation of pH-dependent compounds. 165 The addition of buffers, usually citrate or acetate, adjusts the pH to 5–5.5, which is optimal for the extraction of most acid-sensitive pesticides.…”

“…As mentioned earlier, DESs, as solvents with low toxicity, biodegradability, and recyclability, find their place in the green trends of analytical chemistry, as part of the extraction and/or purification step of the micro-QuEChERS procedure, followed by GC-MS analysis. 143,160 The developed methods were evaluated using the Complex GAPI 172 and Analytical EcoScale 173 protocols to evaluate chemical and energy consumption, potential risks, and waste production. In a study, to develop an environment-friendly sample preparation method for the detection of pesticide residues in grain and cereal flour samples, a new polymeric [PHEMA]:[TD] DES was synthesized, mixed with PA6, and processed into very fine PA6/[PHEMA]:[TD] DES nanofibers clean-up sorbent by electrospinning.…”

“…152 Quantification is performed using common analytical techniques GC-MS, HPLC, UHPLC-MS, or UHPLC-MS/MS and appropriate validation. 143,[153][154][155][156][157][158][159][160][161][162][163] Similar to other preparation methods, the original QuEChERS procedure was modified to improve the overall performance of the technique. The associated modifications involved the hydration of the samples and modification of the extraction and purification steps to improve the extraction efficiency and ability to eliminate interferences.…”

“…Samples with water content less than 80% (grains, dry foods, honey, and soil) should be hydrated to ensure adequate water content during the QuEChERS procedure to ensure proper phase separation by weakening the analyte-matrix interactions (Table 4). 143,155,158,[160][161][162][163] In the original version of the method, there is no buffering, and the pH depends on the properties of the sample. 155 Several properties of pesticides reduce their extractability in nonpolar organic solvents or cause complications in chromatographic analysis: (a) possibility of ionization in aqueous media, which makes them hydrophilic, (b) carboxyl groups with great potential to form covalent bonds with the matrix, and (c) formation of mesomeric structures that allow their existence in a hybrid state.…”