Supramolecular Solvent-Based Microextraction Techniques

Supramolecular solvent-based microextraction represents a class of green sample-preparation methods that harness self-assembled amphiphilic structures to isolate and preconcentrate analytes from complex matrices. Core to these techniques is the formation of a nanoscale supramolecular solvent (SUPRAS) phase, which combines hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains to provide multiple binding sites for target compounds. The versatility of SUPRAS arises from adjustable composition—varying alcohols, surfactants or co-solvents—and tunable physicochemical properties such as polarity, pH responsiveness and viscosity. This adaptability enables selective extraction of a broad spectrum of organic and inorganic species, including pollutants in food, water and biological fluids. Compared with traditional liquid–liquid extraction or solid-phase approaches, supramolecular solvent-based microextraction markedly reduces organic solvent consumption, shortens extraction times and minimises waste. Techniques such as dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, coacervative extraction and vortex-assisted protocols illustrate the flexibility of SUPRAS to operate under ambient conditions or mild agitation. By achieving high enrichment factors and matrix independence, these methods have gained prominence in environmental monitoring, food safety assessment and clinical diagnostics, offering rapid, cost-effective and ecofriendly analytical workflows.

Research from Nature Portfolio

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Research from all publishers

Recent advances have demonstrated the power of SUPRAS-based microextraction for multi-residue screening in complex matrices. A methodology coupling SUPRAS formation with ambient mass spectrometry has been applied to screen bisphenols and organophosphate flame retardants in food-contact materials. Use of medium-chain alcohol-based SUPRAS afforded simultaneous extraction and rapid clean-up, while direct analysis by atmospheric solids analysis probe and high-resolution mass spectrometry allowed broad-spectrum contaminant identification. In parallel, the concept of matrix-independent sample preparation has been explored, showcasing a tailored SUPRAS approach for simultaneous extraction of diverse analytes across aqueous, lipid-rich and particulate matrices. This work underlines the potential for fit-for-purpose SUPRAS design, enabling high selectivity and reproducibility in multiclass analyses without extensive method revalidation. Most recently, a study of indoor dust has extended supramolecular solvent extraction to ultra-complex solid matrices. By optimising a water–tetrahydrofuran–hexanol SUPRAS, researchers achieved efficient recovery of a dozen classes of organic contaminants—from plasticisers and pesticides to combustion by-products—demonstrating reproducible performance across independent laboratories. These developments collectively illustrate the expanding scope of SUPRAS-based microextraction, from targeted contaminant screening in food safety to universal sample treatments for environmental and human-exposure studies.

Supramolecular Solvent-Based Microextraction Techniques publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in supramolecular solvent-based microextraction techniques across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Supramolecular solvent (SUPRAS): a self-assembled nanostructured medium formed by amphiphiles that provides multiple binding sites and tunable polarity for target extraction.

Microextraction: a sample preparation method that concentrates analytes from small volumes using minimal solvent volumes.

Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME): a technique where a supramolecular solvent is dispersed into the sample matrix to enhance surface area and extraction efficiency.

Coacervative extraction: an approach relying on the spontaneous separation of a dense supramolecular phase upon mixing to concentrate target analytes.

Enrichment factor: the ratio of an analyte’s concentration in the extract to its concentration in the original sample, indicating extraction efficiency.

References

1. Supramolecular solvent extraction and ambient mass spectrometry for the determination of organic contaminants in food packaging material. Chemosphere (2023).
2. Supramolecular solvents for multi-target and matrix-independent sample preparation. Advances in Sample Preparation (2023).
3. Development of a supramolecular solvent–based extraction method for application to quantitative analyses of a wide range of organic contaminants in indoor dust. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry (2024).