Multifunctional boronic acid-functionalized magnetic nanohybrid: An efficient and selective adsorbent of cis-diol-flavonoids

A novel magnetically and efficiently multifunctional boronic acid (BA) -functionalized core-shell nanohybrid (Fe3O4@SiO2@BA) was prepared for capture and separation of cis-diol-flavonoids. The morphology and physicochemical properties of resultant nanoparticles were systematically characterized via several techniques, and the results confirmed that the target nanohybrids were successfully functionalized and modified. Meanwhile, two flavonoids (quercetin and luteolin) were selected to investigate the selective capture of the Fe3O4@SiO2@BA in procedure of magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE). The main parameters influencing the adsorption and elution conditions were systematically investigated and optimized. Furthermore, the adsorption kinetic models were adopted to elucidate the adsorption process, indicating that the pseudo-second-order model was suitable to explain the adsorption kinetics. Under the optimum conditions, the MSPE-HPLC-MS/MS approach was established with a wide linear dynamic range and good linearity (R2 ​> ​0.999), low limits of detection (0.0096–0.033 ​μg ​L−1) and satisfactory recoveries (91–107.6%). The proposed analytical method was successfully applicated by determining the content of target flavonoids in food samples (apple and onion). Accordingly, the prepared nanohybrid could serve as an efficient, rapid and economical potential adsorbent for extracting cis-diol-flavonoids in complex food samples.