Solid-Phase Extraction Techniques in Analytical Chemistry

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) encompasses a suite of methods for isolating and concentrating analytes from complex matrices by partitioning target compounds onto a solid sorbent followed by solvent elution. Classical cartridge-based SPE relies on tailored sorbent chemistries—reversed-phase, normal-phase, ion-exchange and mixed-mode—to achieve selective retention and clean-up. Advances in miniaturised and green sample preparation have spurred the development of dispersive SPE (dSPE), in which sorbent particles are dispersed directly into the sample, and sorptive microextraction formats such as solid-phase microextraction (SPME), in-tube SPME and magnetic SPE (MSPE). Recent innovations extend to fabric phase sorptive extraction (FPSE), molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and nanomaterial-based sorbents including metal–organic frameworks and magnetic nanoparticles. Integration with chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods has enabled high-throughput workflows, reduced solvent consumption and enhanced sensitivity. These techniques find broad application in environmental monitoring, food safety, pharmaceutical analysis and clinical diagnostics, underscoring their global significance in ensuring data quality, regulatory compliance and sustainability in analytical practice.

Research from Nature Portfolio

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Research from all publishers

Contemporary reviews have delineated the theoretical foundations and practical implementations of modern SPE, emphasising environmentally benign sorbents and automated platforms. One comprehensive analysis details advancements in sorbent technologies—including restricted access materials and reusable molecularly imprinted cartridges—and the seamless coupling of SPE variants with liquid and gas chromatography for the determination of pharmaceuticals, natural products, pesticides and environmental pollutants.

Investigations into dispersive solid-phase extraction have highlighted the emergence of novel nanomaterials as dSPE sorbents. Recent studies evaluate carbon-based nanostructures, magnetic composites and functionalised polymers, demonstrating rapid extraction kinetics, high selectivity and minimal solvent usage across food, environmental and biological matrices.

The introduction of fabric phase sorptive extraction represents a paradigm shift in sample preparation. By combining sol–gel derived hybrid coatings with flexible fabric substrates, FPSE devices offer exhaustive extraction, solvent-free back-extraction and broad sorbent chemistry, enabling direct immersion of complex samples and high preconcentration factors in trace analysis workflows.

Solid-Phase Extraction Techniques in Analytical Chemistry publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in solid-phase extraction techniques in analytical chemistry across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Solid-phase extraction (SPE): A method in which analytes are retained on a solid sorbent and later eluted for analysis, providing sample clean-up and enrichment.

Dispersive SPE (dSPE): A miniaturised variant where sorbent particles are dispersed in the sample to enhance contact, followed by separation and elution.

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME): A solvent-free technique employing a coated fibre or rod to extract analytes by direct immersion or headspace sampling.

Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP): A sorbent synthesised with template-guided cavities, offering high selectivity for specific target molecules.

Fabric phase sorptive extraction (FPSE): A hybrid microextraction approach using fabric substrates coated with sol–gel sorbents to combine exhaustive and equilibrium-driven extraction mechanisms.

References

1. The ten principles of green sample preparation. TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry (2022).
2. Recent Trends in Microextraction Techniques Employed in Analytical and Bioanalytical Sample Preparation. Separations (2017).
3. A review of the modern principles and applications of solid-phase extraction techniques in chromatographic analysis. Analytical Sciences (2022).
4. Recent Materials Developed for Dispersive Solid Phase Extraction. Molecules (2020).
5. Metal–Organic Frameworks as Key Materials for Solid-Phase Microextraction Devices—A Review. Separations (2019).
6. Fabric Phase Sorptive Extraction: A Paradigm Shift Approach in Analytical and Bioanalytical Sample Preparation. Molecules (2021).
7. Fabric Sol–gel Phase Sorptive Extraction Technique: A Review. Separations (2017).