Characterization of a new sustainable supramolecular solvent and application to the determination of oxy-PAHs in meat, seafood and fish tissues

In this study we develop a green treatment method based on supramolecular solvents (SUPRASs) made up of reverse aggregates of short/medium chain length alcohols (C6-C10) in mixtures of water and a sustainable organic solvent (methyl-tetrahydrofuran). SUPRASs ingredients have low toxicity and can be obtained from renewable sources. The new SUPRASs were characterized and its suitability for determination of oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (oxy-PAHs) in food was tested. Analysis was made by liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. The method provided quantification limits in the range 0.4-4 ng g-1 with low consumption of reagents (200uL of SUPRAS per sample) and it was based on simple agitation and centrifugation without concentration/evaporation steps. All target compounds (except 11-H-benzo[b]fluoren-11-one) were found in 7 out of 19 samples, mainly in fish and seafood samples, with levels in the range n.d. - 8 ng g-1.

Automated summary

In this study, a green treatment method based on supramolecular solvents (SUPRASs) made from renewable sources was developed. The SUPRASs were tested for the determination of oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (oxy-PAHs) in food using liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. The method provided low quantification limits and required minimal reagent consumption, and it was based on simple agitation and centrifugation without concentration/evaporation steps. Most of the target compounds were found in fish and seafood samples.