Solid Phase Microextraction

Abstract

A review. Solid-phase microextn. (SPME) is a relatively new sample extn. technique that brings some unique capabilities to the chromatog. anal. of dil. solns. in difficult matrixes, both liq. and gaseous. Essentially, SPME has two discrete steps: solute absorption from the sample matrix into a thick - relative to conventional capillary GC columns - layer of silicone or related adsorptive material and transfer of the analytes into a chromatog. inlet system by gaseous or liq. means. SPME has significant potential to reduce greatly or eliminate solvent consumption and the concomitant issues of used solvent disposal as part of sample prepn. SPME has been used with both GC and liq. chromatog. (LC) sepns. This "GC Connections" column discusses absorptive SPME primarily, although the principles also apply to adsorptive SPME onto active solid layers.