An overview of sample preparation approaches prior to liquid chromatography methods for the determination of parabens in biological matrices

Sample preparation and extraction of the analytes are the cornerstones of any bioanalytical method, exerting profound influence on the entire procedure. Herein is presented an overview of sample pretreatment and extraction approaches of the esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid also known as parabens, from human biological matrices prior to liquid chromatography analysis. Parabens are homologues chemicals compounds that are omnipresent as preservatives in products of daily use due to their efficient antimicrobial activity. However, parabens demonstrate estrogenic activity and thus are endocrine disrupting chemicals, involved in the deregulation of the hormone system and connected with the incidence of human breast cancer and other health malfunctions and disease processes. Consequently, the determination of parabens in human biological samples, which is a challenging task due to the matrix complexity, is a matter of great interest for epidemiological and toxicological purposes. Matrix complexity and interferences may be avoided by adopting an appropriate extraction protocol. Thus, this review focused on efficient previous reported sample pretreatment and extraction protocols coupled with liquid chromatography, which is the most prevalent analytical technique.

Automated summary

Sample preparation and extraction play a crucial role in bioanalytical methods, particularly for the analysis of parabens in human biological samples. Parabens, commonly used as preservatives, are known for their antimicrobial activity but also their potential endocrine disrupting effects, making their determination in complex biological matrices a challenging task. Efforts in developing efficient extraction protocols coupled with liquid chromatography are essential for accurate analysis and further epidemiological and toxicological studies.