Ionic-Liquid-Based Infrared-Assisted Extraction (IL-IRAE) Coupled with HPLC–MS: a Green and Convenient Tool for Determination of TCMs

Abstract

Infrared radiation, one form of electromagnetic wave, has potential value due to its heating effect, but has become a matter of grave concern in recent years. We describe herein ionic-liquid-based infrared-assisted extraction (IL-IRAE) coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)–mass spectrometry (MS) as a green and convenient method for simultaneous determination of three alkaloids in Lycoris radiata, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Extraction parameters including the type and concentration of IL, extraction solvent, liquid/solid ratio, extraction time, and irradiation power were optimized via orthogonal design and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Chromatography–mass spectrometry was performed in positive ion mode on a TSK gel C18 column (150 mm × 4.6 mm id, 5-µm particle size) with less than 5-min separation. Evaluation of the method showed good results with analytical recovery ranging from 100.66 to 103.90 %. The extraction efficiency of IL-IRAE was proved to be increased by 25 % compared with conventional heat reflux extraction (HRE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) methods under the operational parameters investigated in the study, indicating that the developed IL-IRAE method is environmentally friendly, simple, low cost, and efficient, offering great promise for quick determination of active compounds in TCMs and natural plants.