Recent Advances and Future Trends in Sample Preparation

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is dedicated to highlighting the most recent advancements and trends within the framework of sample preparation, which is considered the most delicate stage of an analytical method, being easily prone to errors and taking up to more than 50% of the analysis time. Sample preparation is a fundamental step to remove interfering compounds and to enrich the final extract, i.e., to maximize selectivity and sensitivity of a method. It is well known that there are two main families of extraction techniques: (i) direct solvent extraction, which, depending on the sample nature, can be classified as liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) or solid–liquid extraction (SLE), and (ii) solid-phase extraction (SPE), which is mediated by microparticle sorbents packed into a cartridge, embedded on disks, or dispersed in the extraction media. In all cases, the main trends on which the scientific community has frantically been working are simplification, speediness, waste and cost reduction, miniaturization, automation, low environmental impact, operator safety, and recycling. In the last decades, the necessity of meeting the requirements of green chemistry has led to the development of a plethora of microextraction techniques, which are the miniaturized versions of LLE and SPE, and to the design of eco-friendly solvents such as deep eutectic solvents (DES) and low-transition-temperature mixtures (LTTM). Important advances have been made for SPE in studying novel formats, conceiving more efficient work modes, and developing ground-breaking sorbents. Breakthroughs are also expected in sorbent chemistry, where special attention is paid to the use of low-cost natural materials from renewables.

The aim of the current Special Issue is to cover emerging and promising research trends within all sectors of sample preparation. Reviews of recent literature and original research papers are welcome. Areas to be covered may include the following:

• Development and application of neoteric solvents (subcritical water, supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, and low-transition-temperature mixtures) as extractants;
• Improvement and application of liquid-phase microextraction techniques (dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction, mixed-micelle cloud point extraction, etc.);
• Development of novel sorbents (micro- and nanoparticle-based materials, nanosponges, dendrimers, membranes, nanomaterials, magnetic particles or devices, etc.) for SPE applications;
• Development of SPE devices that are innovative in terms of format, operational mode, miniaturization, and green features;
• Applications of original extraction procedures in environmental chemistry, food chemistry, and clinical chemistry.

We warmly welcome our colleagues to submit their original contributions to this Special Issue in order to provide significant updates that are appealing to readers.

Prof. Dr. Alessandra Gentili
Dr. Chiara Dal Bosco
Guest Editors

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