Optimized Deep Eutectic Solvent System for Liquid Phase Microextraction of Brillant Blue FCF in Diverse Analytical Food Matrices

This study introduces a novel microextraction technique for the analysis of Brilliant Blue FCF, a widely used food dye, employing a deep eutectic solvent (DES). The method aligns with green chemistry principles by favoring environmentally benign solvents, ensuring rapid and efficient extraction. Specifically, a DES composed of tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) and phenol (Ph) was prepared in a cost-effective and expedient manner. To enhance extraction efficiency within the deep eutectic solvent-based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DB-DLLME), critical parameters such as the volume of DES, quantity of dispersive agent, extraction time, and sample volume were systematically optimized. The accuracy of the method was conducted at pH 3 by spiking various food samples with known concentrations of the analyte. Analytical performance metrics, including recovery efficiency, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), and relative standard deviation (RSD), were determined and reported as 0.86 µg/L, 2.88 µg/L, and 0.4-1.3% respectively. Furthermore, the method has been successfully utilized for analyzing samples of confectionery, beverages, water, and chewing gum.