Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Micro Extraction: An Analytical Technique Undergoing Continuous Evolution and Development—A Review of the Last 5 Years

Abstract

Over the years, monitoring the quality of the environment, food, and human health has emerged as a fundamental objective of scientific investigation. Various analytical techniques have been devised and continually refined to ensure a high standard of living. Among these methods, dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) stands out as a widely used approach to conduct analytical evaluations and pre-concentrations of chemical compounds. This review provides an account of the evolution of DLLME over the past five years (2018–2023). The Scopus search engine was used to search for scientific articles. The selection of relevant articles was carried out according to the criteria described below. Emphasis was placed on the evolution that DLLME has undergone over the years by integrating it with other pre-concentration methods in order to amplify the concentration factor and improve analytical precision. Factors such as solvent dispersion and extraction, dispersion formation, and the recovery of the solvent containing the extracted analytes were examined. Additionally, derivatization systems were evaluated to refine both qualitative and quantitative analysis. These efforts aim to introduce methods that are safe for operators, environmentally friendly, and economical. This review evaluates the advantages and disadvantages displayed by the evolution of this technique in the phases before, during, and after its application.