System and method for extracting a target moiety from a sample using acoustic droplet ejection

Abstract

A method and system are provided for extracting a target analyte from a sample using acoustic ejection technology. The method involves applying focused acoustic energy to a fluid reservoir housing a fluid composition that contains a target analyte and comprises an upper region and a lower region, where the concentration of the target analyte in the upper region differs from that in the lower region. The focused acoustic energy is applied in a manner that is effective to result in the ejection of a fluid droplet from from the fluid composition into a droplet receiver, wherein the concentration of the analyte in the droplet corresponds to either the concentration of the analyte in the upper region or the concentration of the analyte in the lower region, and wherein the concentration of the analyte is substantially uniform throughout the droplet. The fluid composition may comprise an ionic liquid, used in the extraction of ionic target analytes. Related methods and an acoustic extraction system are also provided.

1 . A method for extracting a target analyte from a fluid sample, comprising:
 (a) adding the fluid sample to an ionic liquid selected so that the target analyte preferentially partitions from the fluid sample into the ionic liquid and dissolves therein, thereby providing a first mixture with a first layer comprising a solution of the target analyte in the ionic liquid and a second layer deriving from the fluid sample;   (b) removing the second layer from the first mixture;   (c) combining the solution of the target analyte in the ionic liquid with an extraction solvent effective to facilitate preferential partitioning of the target analyte from the ionic liquid into the extraction fluid, thereby providing a second mixture with a third layer comprising the ionic liquid and a fourth layer comprising a solution of the target analyte in the extraction fluid; and   (d) directing a first focused acoustic energy toward the second mixture so as to eject one or more droplets from the third layer or one or more droplets from the fourth layer.