Methods of preparation and manufacture of biocompatible solid-phase microextraction coatings and coated devices

Abstract

Fibres with an extraction phase coated thereon in combination with a positioning device are described to perform adsorption of components of interest from an animal or animal tissue for the investigation of living systems. A number of interfaces to analytical instrumentation are disclosed including mass spectrometry, LC/MS, MALDI and CE as well as direct spectroscopic on-fibre measurement.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A device for collecting a component from an animal or animal tissue, said device comprising:
 at least one fibre having an end which is at least partially coated with an extraction phase for extracting said component;   wherein said fibre is at least partially coated with a biocompatible protection layer.   
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein said biocompatible protection layer comprises polydimethylsiloxane, poly(divinylbenzene), polypyrrole, or derivatised cellulose. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein said extraction phase comprises a polymeric composition selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted poly (dimethylsiloxane) particles, polyacrylate particles, poly(ethylene glycol), carboxen particles, poly(divinylbenzene) particles, polypyrrole, and molecular imprinted polymers. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein said extraction phase is a matrix for a MALDI-TOFMS analysis. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 21 , further comprising an openable housing for said fibre. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 21 , further comprising a positioning device for guiding said end into position within the animal or animal tissue. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein said positioning device includes a catheter. 
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 21 , comprising a plurality of said fibres capable of being simultaneously positioned in separate locations in said animal or animal tissue. 
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 21 , in a form suitable for positioning said fibre within an analytical instrument.