Multicommutation in Flow Systems: A Useful Tool for Pharmaceutical and Clinical Analysis

Abstract

Multicommutation is a methodology of increasing use for the development of chemical analysis systems. Specifically, it refers to continuous-flow configurations designed with computer-controlled commutators. The flow system, based on the implementation of solenoid valves in Flow Injection Analysis (FIA), is called Multicommutated Flow System (MCFIA). These flow systems can be easily re-configured by just changing the procedure with the software, resulting in increased versatility, potential for automation and minimization of both reagent consumption and waste generation. The use of solenoid pumps for propelling the solutions has been recently introduced and is known as Multipumping Flow Systems (MPFS). Finally, Multisyringe Flow Injection Analysis (MSFIA) has been developed implementing multicommutation principles in a modified Sequential Injection Analysis (SIA) system. This review covers a brief description about the fundamentals of the above mentioned methodologies as well as their application to pharmaceutical and clinical analysis. Several examples are given and some particular aspects are highlighted, such as the differences between measuring the analytical signal in solution or on a solid support (flow-through optosensor), a detailed classification of the reported methods in terms of the flow technique employed, or the novelty of each published method.

Use of Arduino in the Development of a New and Fast Automated Online Preconcentration System Based on Double-Knotted Reactor for the Mn Determination in Tea Samples by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (F AAS)

“…These flow systems can be easily re-configured by changing the routes of the solutions by the system using software, resulting in increased versatility, analytical speed and minimization of both reagent consumption and waste generation. [22][23][24][25] Multicommutation based on solenoid valves have been applied for the development of flow systems, for example, in photometric ammonium determination in rainwater, 26 spectrophotometric determination of reducing sugar in coconut, 27 salicylic acid determination in pharmaceuticals by chemiluminescent detection, 28 malic acid determination in wines by spectrophotometry, 29 among others. Total or partial automation of flow analytical methods through multicommutation systems using solenoid valves are notable devices for having several advantages such as: reducing reagent consumption, avoiding sample contamination, increasing sampling frequency, decreasing solution dispersion to the detector and decreasing of human errors.…”

Determination of Total Selenium in Infant Formulas: Comparison of the Performance of FIA and MCFA Flow Systems

“…On the other hand, multicommutated flow analysis (MCFA) is a technique based on flow networks built around electrically operated solenoid valves which are turned on or off under computer control [ 25 – 28 ]. It has been already used by Ródenas-Torralba et al for the determination of tellurium in milk by hydride generation but coupled to atomic fluorescence detection [ 21 ].…”

Integration of a sensitive carbon nanotube composite electrode in a ceramic microanalyzer for the amperometric determination of free chlorine

“…This way, we have combined the excellent physical and electrochemical properties of CNT composite materials (high mechanical resistance and electrochemical sensitivity, as well as high signal to noise ratio, fast response, simple fabrication and low cost) with the advantages provided by the miniaturization concept, to develop an autonomous microanalyzer for real environmental applications. As a proof of concept, the microanalyzer was characterized and automated, by means of multicommutation techniques [4,46,47], to determine free chlorine in water samples. To evaluate the benefits of using this approach, in terms of analytical performance, it was applied to the analysis of free chlorine in real samples obtained from a public swimming pool.…”