Abstract

A new microextraction sorbent was developed by combining poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (poly(MAA-co-EGDMA)) with gelatin sponges for the extraction of pesticide residues from Centella asiatica and environmental samples, followed by analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The gelation sponge incorporating poly(MAA-co-EGDMA) was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed small porosity and large surface area. Under optimal conditions, the method demonstrated excellent analytical performance, achieving limits of detection (LODs) between 0.49 ng mL⁻¹ to 21 ng mL⁻¹ and limits of quantification (LOQs) from 1.6 ng mL⁻¹ to 70 ng mL⁻¹. Good precision (%RSDs = 1.3–6.2, n = 5) and reproducibility (%RSDs = 0.40–4.2 %, n = 6) were obtained. The method also exhibited significant reusability and sustained efficient extraction for up to 8 cycles. The developed method was successfully applied for the extraction of pesticides including 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), diuron, atrazine, profenofos, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and pyridaben from Centella asiatica, soil, and water from plantation areas, with good recoveries ranging from 80.1 % to 107.4 %. The developed poly(MAA-co-EGDMA) gelatin sponge provided a superior extraction efficiency, thereby addressing the critical need for sustainable and cost-effective sample preparation techniques for pesticide residue analysis.