Synthesis-free and high-efficient molecular complexation based magnetic dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for the efficient enrichment and determination of phenoxycarboxylic acid herbicide in various samples

This study developed a molecular complexation-based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction combined with magnetic particle-assisted extractant retrieval technology (MC-DLLME-MPAR) for the efficient detection of phenoxycarboxylic acid herbicide (PCA) residues in fruits, vegetables, and herbal plants. The proposed method utilized tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) as the extractant for molecular complexation, which could selectively enrich the target polar compounds through hydrogen bonding, and employed magnetic particles for the rapid retrieval, with a sample preparation time of only 5 min. Coupled with HPLC-UV analysis, the method showed good linearity, limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs), respectively. Methodological validation demonstrated both high sensitivity and stability. Green assessment tools were used for evaluation of the green degree and the results indicated that this method significantly reduced environmental impact. Compared to existing technologies, the developed method is synthesis-free, cost-effective, and straightforward, providing a reliable solution for high-throughput monitoring of PCA residues in complex matrices. • Rapid sample preparation within only 5 min. • Green analytical chemistry principles validated by six assessment tools, minimizing environmental impact. • Applicability to complex matrices without the need for synthetic modifications or costly materials. • Six metrics of GAPI, ComplexGAPI, AGREE, AGREEprep, SPMS, and BAGI illustrates method's excellent greenness.