New materials and trends in sorbents for solid-phase extraction

In this article, we outline and discuss some of the most recent tendencies on the research related to novel sorbent materials for solid-phase extraction (SPE). Hemimicelles and admicelles are structures formed from solutions of ionic surfactants, which can be sorbed on the surfaces of active solids, resulting in sorbents capable of simultaneously extracting a wide range of analytes with extremely varied polarity. The performance of another important class of new SPE materials is based on molecular recognition, which mimics the selective or specific affinity of several biomolecules towards their target compounds: these sorbents include molecularly-imprinted materials, immunosorbents and aptamer-modified surfaces. Finally, there is also a growing interest on sorbents based on nanostructured materials (e.g., electrospun nanofibers and carbon nanotubes).

► We discuss recent trends in novel sorbents for solid-phase extraction (SPE). ► Hemimicelles and admicelles on active solids can extract a wide range of species. ► We review molecularly-imprinted polymers (MIPs), immunosorbents and aptamers. ► We review nanostructured sorbents (e.g., electrospun nanofibers and carbon nanotubes).