Headspace Extraction onto a 3D-Printed Device for GC-MS Quantification of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Newborn Urine

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants that pose significant health risks, especially for neonates. Traditional urine analysis methods for PCBs are often complex and prone to contamination. This study introduces a novel, efficient, and contamination-free method for PCB analysis in neonatal urine using 3D-printed extraction devices. A headspace extraction method was developed, utilizing a 3D-printed device containing C18-modified silica particles. Urine samples were heated to 90 °C, and volatile PCBs were sorbed onto the particles. The method was optimized for maximum extraction efficiency and selectivity, demonstrating excellent linearity, precision, and accuracy. The optimized method was successfully applied to analyze neonatal urine samples, revealing detectable levels of PCBs. This innovative approach, leveraging 3D-printed devices, offers a promising solution for sample preparation, minimizing contamination risks and enabling the analysis of volatile compounds. The customizable nature of 3D-printed devices opens up possibilities for future advancements in environmental analysis.