Simple Synthesis of Fe3O4@-Activated Carbon from Wastepaper for Dispersive Magnetic Solid-Phase Extraction of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Their UHPLC–PDA Determination in Human Plasma

Abstract

In the present society, the recycling and reuse of valuable substances are of utmost importance for economic and environmental purposes. At the same time, there is a pressing need to develop new methods to protect the ecosystem from many human activities, including those that have contributed to an ever-increasing presence of pharmaceutical pollutants. In this study, a straightforward approach that applies a magnetic carbon composite for the effective removal of NSAIDs from biological fluids is reported. The composite was produced by recycling wasted handkerchiefs, to provide cellulose to the reactive system and then transformed into carbon via calcination at high temperature. The morphological and structural features of the prepared “Fe3O4@-activated carbon” samples were investigated via thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Magnetic solid-state extraction was carried out to reveal the adsorption capabilities of the magnetic carbon composite and then combined with UHPLC–PDA for the determination and quantification of five NSAIDs (furprofen, indoprofen, ketoprofen, flurbiprofen, and indomethacin). The method developed herein proved to be fast and accurate. The adsorbent could be reused for up to 10 cycles, without any decrease in performance; thus, it contributes to an intelligent and sustainable economic strategy projected toward minimal waste generation.

Factors Affecting the Analytical Performance of Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymers

“…The development of methods in the synthesis of magnetite Fe 3 O 4 has been carried out. Recent research conducted by Ferrone et al [ 62 ] carried out the simple synthesis of Fe 3 O 4 @-activated carbon from wastepaper for dispersive magnetic solid-phase extraction of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in human plasma. The wastepaper showed an excellent capacity to absorb the iron oxide by forming a colloidal solution simply due to cellulose, which entrapped iron in its fibrous structure.…”

Thermal Fabrication of Magnetic Fe3O4 (Nanoparticle)@Carbon Sheets from Waste Resources for the Adsorption of Dyes: Kinetic, Equilibrium, and UV–Visible Spectroscopy Investigations

“…Anton et al applied microwave-assisted fabrication of magnetic biochar for methylene blue removal [ 35 ]. Ferrone et al applied a two-step method to fabricate Fe 3 O 4 –activated carbon from wastepaper, in which the Fe 3 O 4 was fabricated first and then combined with the activated carbon of the wastepaper [ 36 ]. These methods consume more time and effort during the preparation procedures.…”

Analysis of NSAIDs in Rat Plasma Using 3D-Printed Sorbents by LC-MS/MS: An Approach to Pre-Clinical Pharmacokinetic Studies

“…Prior to instrumental analysis, pretreatment is necessary, which involves selecting a suitable method for extracting specific NSAIDs from complex biological matrices. Classical sample preparation techniques such as liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) [ 24 , 25 ], solid phase extraction (SPE) [ 26 , 27 ], solid phase microextraction (SPME) [ 28 ], dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE) [ 29 , 30 ], and QuEChERS have been successfully used for the extraction of NSAIDs from biological matrices [ 31 ]. It is critical to appropriately prepare samples for analytical methods to ensure suitable selectivity and sensitivity.…”