The Use of Hollow Fibers in Liquid-Phase Microextraction

As sample sizes get smaller and analyte concentrations lower, techniques that provide efficient extractions are needed. Liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) has become an area of increasing interest. Coupled with the use of hollow fibers that serve as a support for immobilized liquids and as a barrier between the donor and acceptor phases allows complex extractions, especially of aqueous samples, to be performed with high enrichment factors. In this installment, the subject of LPME is reviewed with emphasis on the use of hollow fibers. Applications examples will be provided.