Modern automated microextraction procedures for bioanalytical, environmental, and food analyses

Abstract

Sample preparation frequently is considered the most critical stage of the analytical workflow. It affects the analytical throughput and costs; moreover, it is the primary source of error and possible sample contamination. To increase efficiency, productivity, and reliability, while minimizing costs and environmental impacts, miniaturization and automation of sample preparation are necessary. Nowadays, several types of liquid‐phase and solid‐phase microextractions are available, as well as different automatization strategies. Thus, this review summarizes recent developments in automated microextractions coupled with liquid chromatography, from 2016 to 2022. Therefore, outstanding technologies and their main outcomes, as well as miniaturization and automation of sample preparation, are critically analyzed. Focus is given to main microextraction automation strategies, such as flow techniques, robotic systems, and column‐switching approaches, reviewing their applications to the determination of small organic molecules in biological, environmental, and food/beverage samples.

The utilization of open‐source microcontroller boards and single‐board computers in liquid chromatography

“…Sample preparation is often a critical first step in the analysis of complex samples in a variety of matrices. Recently, efforts have been made to automate sample preparation techniques to improve method throughput and reproducibility [20–22]. Frequently, microcontrollers are used to control the movement systems associated with these automated sample preparation techniques [23], especially in connection with open‐source stepper motor driver boards (e.g., the RepRap Arduino Mega Pololu Shield, or RAMPS, board).…”

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Freshwater Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Sources, Distribution, and Impacts

“…While generally less sensitive and selective than GC-MS, HPLC-UV is invaluable for its broad applicability to a wider array of substances, including those that are non-volatile or thermally labile. The analytical repertoire for PAH detection is further enhanced by HPLC-DAD-FLD and HPLC-FLD-UV technologies, which are particularly adept at identifying specific PAHs with high sensitivity owing to their unique fluorescence properties [253,254]. The diode-array detector (DAD) in HPLC-DAD allows for the simultaneous detection of multiple wavelengths, providing a comprehensive spectral fingerprint of the analytes.…”

“…Similarly, fluorescence detection employed in HPLC-FLD and HPLC-FLD-UV techniques capitalizes on the native fluorescence of some PAHs or employs derivatization techniques to enhance detectability. These methods are especially beneficial in complex matrices, where increased specificity and sensitivity are crucial for accurate analysis [253,255]. Ultimately, the choice of an analytical method for PAH determination is influenced by several factors, including the nature of the sample, the complexity of the matrix, the specific PAHs of interest, and the available resources within the laboratory setting.…”