Supercritical fluid extraction of microcystins from cyanobacteria

A new method for the fast extraction of microcystins RR and LR in cyanobact erium was developed using super-critical CO2. The microcystins were success fully extracted with aqueous methanol modified supercritical fluid (90% CO2 , 9.0% methanol, 1.0% water). The method developed here has several advanta ges over solid-phase extraction sample preparation for the analysis of micr ocystins. Sample handling steps are minimized, thus reducing possible losse s of analytes and saving analysis time. No organic solvent extractions are involved in this method, and no cleanup steps are employed.