In Vivo Solid-Phase Microextraction and Applications in Environmental Sciences

Abstract

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a wellestablished sample-preparation technique for environmental studies. The application of SPME has extended from the headspace extraction of volatile compounds to the capture of active components in living organisms via the direct immersion of SPME probes into the tissue (in vivo SPME). The development of biocompatible coatings and the availability of different calibration approaches enable the in vivo sampling of exogenous and endogenous compounds from the living plants and animals without the need for tissue collection. In addition, new geometries such as thin-film coatings, needle-trap devices, recession needles, coated tips, and blades have increased the sensitivity and robustness of in vivo sampling. In this paper, we detail the fundamentals of in vivo SPME, including the various extraction modes, coating geometries, calibration methods, and data analysis methods that are commonly employed. We also discuss recent applications of in vivo SPME in environmental studies and in the analysis of pollutants in plant and animal tissues, as well as in human saliva, breath, and skin analysis. As we show, in vivo SPME has tremendous potential for the targeted and untargeted screening of small molecules in living organisms for environmental monitoring applications.

Emerging contaminants: A One Health perspective

“… 131 In vivo sampling, employing a small-needle format, allows for the direct assessment of exposome effects in response to environmental pollution at the sampling site. 132 These designed probes conduct non-exhaustive sampling over longer periods, accumulating sufficient analytes for sensitive detection via chromatography or MS. Additionally, a filter-incorporated needle-trap device facilitates the simultaneous determination of free and particle-bound pollutants in a single step when combined with SPME and measured directly with GC-MS. Portable GC-MS instruments enable gas sampling for on-site analysis. 133 These advancements promise to enhance environmental protection efforts by generating large volumes of scientific data using simple, cost-effective, and sustainable analytical instrumentation.…”

Monitoring of age- and gender-related alterations of endocannabinoid levels in selected brain regions with the use of SPME probes

“…SPME has shown great potential in the metabolomics studies as it facilitates the isolation of broad range of hydrophilic and hydrophobic low molecular weight molecules (100—1200 Da) from biological fluids as well as from intact (non-homogenized) semi-solid and solid tissues (Bojko et al, 2014 ; Reyes-Garcés et al, 2018 ). In addition, SPME sampling do not disturb the biochemical equilibrium in the system under study, which have been proven in various metabolomics and drug monitoring studies performed directly in the living system (in vivo SPME) (Bojko et al, 2021 ; Yu et al, 2022 ).…”

Quantitative Determination of Poly(methyl Methacrylate) Micro/Nanoplastics by Cooling-Assisted Solid-Phase Microextraction Coupled to Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry: Theoretical and Experimental Insights

“…Since its introduction in 1990, solid-phase microextraction (SPME) has presented unique advantages in environmental analysis owing to its sensitivity, simple operation, and solvent-free approach. − Under headspace (HS) SPME mode, extraction of analytes occurs by placing the SPME phase above the sample, thus enabling contactless extraction of volatile and semivolatile analytes from a given sample matrix. , Generally, samples should be heated at a high enough temperature to promote the release of analytes, particularly in analyses of complex matrices. However, the partition coefficient of analytes between the coating and headspace also decreases with increasing temperature, leading to a serious reduction in extraction efficiency .…”