Development and applications of single-drop microextraction for pesticide residue analysis: A review

Single-drop microextraction (SDME) has become more popular than other microextraction techniques because it is simple, cost-effective, easy to operate and nearly solvent-free. The technique has been employed successfully for trace analysis in environmental, biomedical and food applications. In view of the increasingly stringent regulatory limits for many pesticides, which are below the LOD of the existing instruments, SDME may provide a cost-effective solution for reducing the LOD of pesticides. The present review focuses on recent development in SDME technique, and its application coupled with various analytical techniques, such as GC-MS, GC and HPLC for pesticide residue analysis in different matrices. The advantages, limitations and outlook on the future of SDME technique for its wider applications are also discussed.