Experimental design optimization of solid-phase microextraction conditions for the determination of heterocyclic aromatic amines by high-performance liquid chromatography

Solid-phase microextraction, using Carbowax-Templated Resin fiber, coupled with high performance liquid chromatography ultra violet/diode array detector (HPLC-UV/DAD) has been optimized for the determination of the heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAs). Three variables (absorption time, soaking time, and desorption time) were considered as factors in the optimization process. Interactions between analytical factors and their optimal levels were investigated using two level factorial and Doehlert matrix designs. Absorption time and soaking time were significant variables, and 15 min for each one of the variables was chosen for the best response. The optimized procedure allowed the determination of HAs with detection limits that ranged from 1.58 to 16.8 ng/L (except PhIP: 23.8 ng/L). The reproducibility of the method (n=5), expressed as relative standard deviation was between 2.21% and 28.3%. The method was applied to the analysis of a meat extract sample and the range of recoveries for the amines was 64.14%-112.72%.