Smart Sample-Preparation Strategies 1 Innovative sample preparation techniques

Analysis of different chemical compounds present in various types of samples, such as food, beverages, biological tissues and fluids, environmental matrices, natural waters, wastewater, medicinal plants, etc. is highly challenging. Usually, target compounds in these samples including proteins, lipids, vitamins, fatty acids, carbohydrates, polyphenols, amino acids, aroma compounds, biogenic amines, organic acids, various metabolites, elements, pesticides, etc. are present in low concentrations (μg/L) or in trace amounts (ng/L), and therefore highly selective methods for sample preparation are required for their identification as well as quantification. The mostly applied sample preparation techniques include liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), solid-phase extraction (SPE), solid-phase micro extraction (SPME), QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe), ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), etc. Recent advances in analytical chemistry highlight a clear trend toward miniaturized and simplified sample preparation, aimed at reducing sample volumes and solvent waste. The smart and innovative sample preparation strategies are expected to be fast, sensitive and cheap, and to present an excellent accuracy and precision. Moreover, replacing the traditional and hazardous organic solvents with other friendly and green solvents, these techniques protect the environment as well as the laboratory personnel involved in the experiments.