Evaluation of the efficiency of extraction of ultraviolet-absorbing pollen allergens and organic pollutants from airborne dust samples by capillary electromigration methods

Abstract

Capillary electromigration methods, zone electrophoresis (CZE) and micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC), have been used for evaluation of the efficiency of different extraction agents applied to the extraction of pollen allergens and organic pollutants from dust samples collected during different periods (before, during and after pollen seasons) and in different locations in air-filtration devices (car-traffic tunnel in Prague and a metro station in Paris). Water and acetic acid extracts were analyzed by CZE using acetic acid as background electrolyte (BGE). Water and alkaline water–SDS–buffer extracts were analyzed by MEKC in Tris–phosphate BGE with anionic detergent sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) micellar pseudophase. More material was extracted and more components were found in the water–buffer extracts than in the water extracts, and better resolution of the components was achieved by MEKC than by CZE. Significant differences have been found in the analyses of dust extracts of different origin. More material and more components have been found in the extracts of the dust collected in the pollen-rich period (March, April) than in the pollen-free period (December, January).