Monday, 08 September 2025

Time:
t.b.a.
Place:
t.b.a.
Presenter:
Stig Pedersen-Bjergaard and Frederik André Hansen, University of Oslo, Norway

Course Description

This short course provides an introduction to electromembrane extraction (EME). EME was recently commercialized and is a new tool in the analytical chemistry toolbox. EME is a microextraction technique for acids, bases, and permanently ionic compounds. Target analytes are extracted from the aqueous sample through a liquid membrane and into an acceptor solution under the influence of an external electrical field. The liquid membrane is a few microliters of organic solvent immobilized in the pores of a filter membrane, and the acceptor is a microliter volume of pure aqueous buffer. EME is unique in selectivity, controlled by the electrical field's direction and magnitude, the liquid membrane's chemical composition, and pH. EME is a green approach to sample preparation, and the consumption of solvents and chemicals is minimal. EME provides highly efficient cleanup from complex samples such as blood, and the aqueous acceptor solutions are injected directly in LC/LC-MS without further effort. This course will introduce EME, focusing on the basic principles, method development, applications, pros and cons, and the potential of a new sample preparation technique.

Target Audience

It is ideal for those interested in green sample preparation and innovative research related to new concepts and technologies. Green sample preparation will be essential in the future, and since commercial equipment is now available, EME is a green alternative that scientists can choose. Innovative research related to EME is expected to increase in the future due to the unique flexibility of the concept. Understanding the basics of EME, as given in this short course, is a significant advantage in the green and innovative direction.