A tutorial on developing metric tools for sample preparation: from green towards sustainable

The use of current metric tools for sample preparation has proven highly valuable in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of various analytical approaches. However, as Analytical Sciences increasingly move towards sustainability, it becomes evident that existing metrics may not fully cover all the dimensions required for a comprehensive assessment.

An overview to encourage the evolution towards more advanced metric tools for sample preparation by reflecting on which parameters should be evaluated and on the principles that ought to guide their design. The tutorial highlights the need for new or improved metrics capable and identify the most relevant criteria and how they can be integrated. The discussion is particularly focused in the context of miniaturization and the development of new extractive materials. Through case studies, solvents and sorbents are examined using analytical performance, green, and market-related criteria, emphasizing the importance of integrating these perspectives into future tools. Solid-phase (SPME) and liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) are evaluated using the metric tools currently available, pointing out the challenges associated with the application. The results reveal the need to advance towards more advanced metric tools contextualizing the outcomes within the complexity of the analytical problem.

This manuscript highlight the need to advance metric tools towards models capable of integrating environmental, analytical, and practical dimensions within a coherent sustainability-oriented framework. The tutorial offers guidance for researchers and developers aiming to create more effective tools for the design and evaluation of sample preparation methods, tools that not only address greenness but also deliver greater robustness, relevance, and applicability in real analytical scenarios.