Sample preparation for TLC - Genetic algorithm-based optimization of microwave-assisted extraction

Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) as a method of sample preparation in thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) analysis of a herbicide mixture is described. The extraction was optimized with regard to amount of solvent, duration of microwave extraction, and temperature. In the proposed method the experimental-design technique was used to design initial experiments and a genetic algorithm (GA) was used in the optimization procedure. The general objective was to test a mathematical tool which could facilitate optimization. The optimization procedure was tested in the TLC determination of a mixture of the herbicides atrazine and simazine; determination of recovery revealed results were satisfactory. The GA proved to be an optimization procedure which can be successfully applied to optimization of MAE experiments.