Efficient discrimination and removal of phospholipids during electromembrane extraction from human plasma samples

Abstract

Aim: For the first time, extracts obtained from human plasma samples by electromembrane extraction (EME) were investigated comprehensively with particular respect to phospholipids using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS). Thhe purpose was to investigate the potential of EME for phospholipid cleanup in different EME systems. Results & discussion: No traces of phospholipids were detected in any of the acceptor solutions, whereas the model analytes were extracted with recoveries up to 50%. Thus, the EME systems tested in this work were found to be highly efficient for providing phospholipid-free extracts. Conclusion: Ultra-HPLC–MS/MS analysis of the donor solutions revealed that the phospholipids principally remained in the plasma samples. This proved that the phospholipids did not migrate in the electrical field and they were prevented from penetrating the supported liquid membrane.