Updates of development and integration of miniaturized capillary electrophoresis equipment into unmanned aerial vehicle for analysis of complex mixtures (DRONOMOUS)

Abstract

Capillary electrophoresis is powerful technique for separating chemical compounds in aqueous solutions. The aim of this study is develop fully automated miniaturized capillary electrophoresis equipment for chemical analysis of air samples. Integration into unmanned aerial vehicle allows to conduct air chemical analysis on spot, without need to manually collect samples. Successful integration of capillary electrophoresis into unmanned aerial vehicle will widen possibilities of environment research. Analysis system consist of two major parts. First part is automated air sample collection and extraction system, based upon gas – liquid extraction method, using 10 mM acetic acid buffer as extraction solvent. Second part is fully automated capillary electrophoresis system. Air sample extraction conditions: 50 μl of 10 mM acetic acid buffer was used as extraction solvent, extraction was conducted for 30 minutes. After extraction process, extracts are analyzed using capillary electrophoresis method. Analysis conditions are: 0.5 M acetic acids is used as background electrolyte, 50 μm inner diameter fussed silica capillary (total length - 30 cm, length to the detector – 22 cm), sample injection – hydrodynamic 50 kPa *30 s, analysis voltage 4 kV, analysis time - 9 minutes, detector type – contactless conductivity detector. Analysis results shows that miniaturized and fully automated capillary electrophoresis equipment coupled with gas – liquid extraction system is capable of conducting high effectiveness air chemical analysis.