Surfactant roles in modern sample preparation techniques: a review

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Chemistry

Background:

• Increasing pressure to reduce organic solvent usage in laboratories necessitates innovative sample preparation techniques.
• Miniaturization and improved sample handling are key challenges in modern analytical measurements.
• Surfactant-based methods have emerged as a promising alternative for greener laboratory practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on surfactant-based sample preparation techniques.
• To highlight the application of these methods for separation and preconcentration of analytes.
• To emphasize the role of surfactants in minimizing issues in preliminary analytical operations.

Main Methods:

• Cloud point extraction
• Surfactant-based solid-phase extraction
• Surfactant-based liquid-phase extraction
• Ion pair-based extraction
• Hemimicelle/admicelle extraction
• Surfactant-coated magnetic nanoparticle extraction
• Solid-phase microextraction with micellar desorption

Main Results:

• Surfactants offer unique properties for flexible application in various miniaturized sample preparation techniques.
• These methods contribute to minimizing problems associated with preliminary analytical operations.
• Literature demonstrates successful application for separation and preconcentration of diverse organic and inorganic species.

Conclusions:

• Surfactant-based sample preparation is a vital contribution to greener analytical chemistry.
• These techniques effectively address the need for reduced organic solvent consumption.
• The versatility of surfactants enables efficient sample handling and preconcentration.