Integrating Liquid Phase Microextraction with Electrochemical Sensing for Portable Analysis

The project aims to develop next-generation integrated analytical platforms and methods combining liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) with portable electrochemical analysis. The goal is development of cheap, portable lab-on-chip electrochemical sensor with integrated membrane microextraction based on various advanced concepts and principles that had not been yet combined in a single device. The envisaged design is based on LPME’s proven ability to selectively extract and pre-concentrate analytes from complex matrices like blood, urine, or environmental samples. By directly interfacing the aqueous LPME extract with an electrode surface, the platform can provide a synergistic effect: pairing LPME’s selectivity with voltammetry’s high sensitivity for enhanced performance. The microvolume acceptor solution is interfaced directly with an electrode surface, either using a hydrophilic/hydrophobic membrane combination or 3D-printed microfluidic channels fabricated directly on the electrode surface for immobilizing the acceptor phase. Such a microvolume acceptor solution interfaced with the electrode surface also enables the use of thin-layer electrochemistry with high-conversion rates, usable as the internal standard.