Liquid-phase microextraction

The development of faster, simpler, inexpensive and more environmentally-friendly sample-preparation techniques is an important issue in chemical analysis. Recent research trends involve miniaturization of the traditional liquid-liquid-extraction principle by greatly reducing the acceptor-to-donor ratio. The current trend is towards simplification and miniaturization of sample preparation and decreasing the quantities of organic solvents used. We discuss liquid-phase microextraction with the focus on extraction principles, historical development and performance. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.