Headspace solid-phase microextraction procedures for gas chromatographic analysis of biological fluids and materials

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is an emerging solventless technique for sample preparation.
• Headspace SPME coupled with gas chromatography (GC) is increasingly utilized for analyzing volatile and semivolatile compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of headspace SPME applications in biological fluid and material analysis.
• To cover apparatus, fiber types, extraction conditions, and derivatization procedures.
• To discuss the analysis of various analytes including drugs, metabolites, solvents, pesticides, and endogenous compounds.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on headspace SPME techniques.
• Focus on GC separation for volatile and semivolatile analyte extraction.
• Examination of diverse biological matrices: urine, blood, feces, breast milk, hair, breath, and saliva.

Main Results:

• Detailed overview of SPME methods for specific analytes within each biological matrix.
• Outlined experimental conditions and provided specific examples for various analyses.
• Highlighted the versatility of SPME across a wide range of biological samples and compound classes.

Conclusions:

• Headspace SPME is a valuable and widely adopted technique for biological sample analysis.
• Future potential includes new device development, advanced fiber chemistries, and coupling with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
• SPME offers a greener and more efficient alternative to traditional sample preparation methods.