Automated sample preparation using in-tube solid-phase microextraction and its application – a review

Abstract

Sample preparation, such as extraction, concentration, and isolation of analytes, greatly influences their reliable and accurate analysis. In-tube solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a new effective sample preparation technique using an open tubular fused-silica capillary column as an extraction device. Organic compounds in aqueous samples are directly extracted and concentrated into the stationary phase of capillary columns by repeated draw/eject cycles of sample solution, and they can be directly transferred to the liquid chromatographic column. In-tube SPME is an ideal sample preparation technique because it is fast to operate, easy to automate, solvent-free, and inexpensive. On-line in-tube SPME-performed continuous extraction, concentration, desorption, and injection using an autosampler, is usually used in combination with high performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. This technique has successfully been applied to the determination of various compounds such as pesticides, drugs, environmental pollutants, and food contaminants. In this review, an overview of the development of in-tube SPME technique and its applications to environmental, clinical, forensic, and food analyses are described.

Analytical Methods for Polar Pollutants

“…Moreover, SPME can easily be automated for GC analysis. In the case of LC, automation can be achieved by so-called in-tube SPME, where the sample analytes are preconcentrated into a coated capillary that is connected on-line to the LC [82]. However, SPME hyphenation to LC is hampered by the slow desorption process, leading to band-broadening problems [45].…”

Simple and Rapid Determination of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates by In-Tube Solid-Phase Microextraction Coupled with Liquid Chromatography

“…The capillary was replaced with a sample loop of the valve and connected with a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) tubing (0.33 i.d. × 20 mm; GL Science, Tokyo, Japan), 27) a stainless nut and a stainless ferrule. The sample volume was 2.5 ml; it was preconcentrated by in-tube SPME.…”

“…23) The main advantage of in-tube SPME is good analytical performance combined with simplicity, low cost and does not need a special interface. [24][25][26][27][28] In the present study, to develop a simple, rapid and eco-friendly in-tube SPME HPLC procedure that allows the detection of LAS in aqueous samples without tedious pretreatment steps, both chromatographic and instrumental parameters were optimized.…”

Simple and Rapid Determination of Golf Course Pesticides by In-Tube Solid-Phase Microextraction Coupled with Liquid Chromatography

“…1) And it has been routinely used in combination with gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). [2][3][4][5][6] But analyzing weakly volatile or thermally labile compounds are not amenable to GC or GC/MS.…”