Abstract
Existing autosamplers are frequently applied only for subjecting the samples to the instruments for injection. In our study, we have set up a TriPlusRSH autosampler mounted on a GC-FID-MS/MS system using the new Method Composer and Script Editor software to automatize all necessary sample preparation steps and subsequent injection of samples in the field of chemical disarmament. Those include but are not limited to: liquid-liquid extraction, drying steps, solvent exchange, and µ-SPE. Tedious and error prone off-line steps are eliminated. In particular, when investigating highly toxic substances like chemical warfare agents or anticancer drugs, automation can help to minimize health risks for lab personnel. The setup engaged features brand new prototype equipment, e.g., a centrifuge to assist in phase separation for liquid-liquid extraction. Efficiency and accuracy of the automated methods were carefully evaluated and proven to outperform the respective manual steps after optimization, e.g., the processing time is up to 60% faster and recovery rates are doubled. The developed workflows can easily be adapted to other sample preparation protocols, e.g., determination of octanol/water partition coefficients, and be used amongst different instruments and chromatography data handling systems.
Highlights
Preparing and processing of samples prior to analysis is one of the most crucial steps in analytical chemistry and at the same time is the most time consuming task [1]
Many people are of the opinion that automation means replacing people by machines [2]
Lots of methods have been developed for the general work-up of chemical warfare agent samples, their precursors, and degradation products, and are summarized in the book by Vanninen [4]
Summary
Preparing and processing of samples prior to analysis is one of the most crucial steps in analytical chemistry and at the same time is the most time consuming task [1]. Most often it is one of the most cost-effective parts if it has to be done manually. Depending on the analytes being processed automation is a desired feature to have, especially to not expose humans to the risks inhering contagious samples [3]. Deadly poisonous compounds such as chemical warfare agents. The latter ones are in our main focus. Lots of methods have been developed for the general work-up of chemical warfare agent samples, their precursors, and degradation products, and are summarized in the book by Vanninen [4]
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