Untargeted and Targeted Analysis by Using Innovative and Automated SPME Methods Combined with Various Chromatographic Techniques

Abstract

This book chapter focuses on the use and the coupling of solid phase microextraction (SPME) to chromatography techniques such as gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (HPLC). SPME has a prominent position among sample preparation methods, because it is a simple, sensitive, rapid, and solvent-free technique, suitable for the extraction of polar and non-polar compounds from gaseous, liquid, and solid samples. The possibility of using different stationary phases suitable for volatile and non-volatile molecules makes this technique ideal for GC and HPLC applications. Within this chapter, the development of new fiber coatings with higher extraction efficiency, selectivity, and stability is presented, as well as the on-line coupling of SPME to chromatographic instruments which has made this technique suitable for the extraction of targeted and untargeted compounds. Great attention is also paid to the coupling of SPME with most common mass spectrometry (MS) instruments, as well as with universal and selective detectors useful for revealing targeted and untargeted chemical species. Furthermore, the use of the SPME technique hyphenated with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) separation is discussed as an alternative approach to conventional GC for analysing compounds of interest in targeted and untargeted modes.