The latest trends in the miniaturized treatment of solid samples

Miniaturization is a recognized trend in many analytical application areas, including the analysis of trace organic compounds in food and environmental samples. The many impressive advances achieved in recent decades in the analytical instrumentation used in this study area allowed a progressive reduction in the initial amount of sample used for analytical determinations without affecting the accuracy of the final result. This evidence promoted the development of a plethora of novel, miniaturized, analytical techniques for the treatment of liquid matrices. However, progress in the treatment of (semi-)solid matrices was much more limited, probably due to the greater complexity of the matrices and the persistent lack of appropriate small-scale instrumentation. Despite these shortcomings, research in this field remains active. This review covers recent advances and the latest trends in this research area.