solid-phase microextraction

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a simple and efficient sample preparation technique used for the extraction and preconcentration of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds from a variety of matrices. The technique involves the use of a fused silica fiber coated with a thin layer of a selective sorbent material, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which is inserted into the sample matrix to extract the target analytes.

SPME is a solvent-free and non-destructive method, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional extraction techniques. It can be used for the analysis of various sample types, including air, water, soil, food, and biological fluids.

The process of SPME involves three steps: extraction, desorption, and analysis. In the extraction step, the SPME fiber is exposed to the sample matrix, and the analytes partition between the sample matrix and the sorbent coating on the fiber. The fiber is then removed from the sample and placed in the desorption chamber, where the analytes are thermally desorbed and transferred to the analytical instrument for analysis.

SPME has become a popular technique in analytical chemistry due to its simplicity, rapidity, and versatility. It has been used in a wide range of applications, including environmental analysis, food analysis, forensic analysis, and clinical analysis.