Selective micro preconcentration of propofol for anesthetic depth monitoring by using seedless electroplated gold as adsorbent

This communication presents selective preconcentration of the anesthetic agent (Propofol) and the elimination of unwanted species from a representative sample of human breath. In this approach, a micro preconcentrator (muPC) consisting of embedded high-aspect-ratio pillars (30 mumtimes120 mumtimes240 mum), an outer dimensions of 7 mmtimes7 mm (encompass more than 3500 micro pillars), total inner surface area of ~10 m², and a total inner volume of ~6.5 muL was used to selectively preconcentrate Propofol. The muPC has on-chip thermal desorption capability and was coated by electrodeposited gold as an adsorbent material. Experimental evaluations showed successful preconcentration of trace level of Propofol from a mixture containing several volatile organic compounds diluted in water-like solvent (1-propanol) and the efficient removal of non-polar compounds present in the mixture.