Nonexhaustive microextraction as a step toward more sustainable chemical analysis in the field and the clinic

Advances in green analytical chemistry have resulted in the emergence of miniaturized, integrated and sustainable analytical workflows that deliver high performance with minimal environmental impact. However, conventional sample preparation remains a critical bottleneck, as it typically relies on exhaustive extraction approaches, where targeted analytes are removed from the sample material through laborious, solvent-intensive and time-consuming procedures. By contrast, many familiar analytical measurements are quantitative despite being inherently nonexhaustive: for example, pH detectors or glucose indicator strips, which interrogate a system without depleting the analyte. Sharing the same principle, nonexhaustive partitioning enrichment-exemplified by the solid-phase microextraction approach-provides an effective alternative to multicomponent determinations by integrating sampling, extraction, cleanup and enrichment within a single step. A wide variety of sorbent materials can be used to coat different objects-this combination can be optimized for the targeted analytes, sample matrix or chosen downstream detection method. Solid-phase microextraction can be coupled with techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for comprehensive chemical characterization or directly interfaced with advanced detection systems such as mass spectrometry and sensors. High analytical efficiency with minimal solvent consumption is further facilitated by their capacity to be integrated into automated workflows. Together, these developments provide a conceptual framework for the next generation of sustainable sample preparation methodologies, underscoring the transition of analytical chemistry toward unified, adaptive and environmentally responsible workflows.