20 - Solid-phase analytical derivatizations

Abstract

Sample preparation step is critical in analytical method development and especially so when analyzing analytes in biological or environmental samples where matrices are complicated in nature. In order to isolate the analytes of interest in such matrices for instrument detection at high sensitivity, precision, and specificity is a challenge. Analytical derivatization is an extra step in sample preparation, where the structure of the analyte of interest is altered to a product more suitable for analysis. Solid-phase analytical derivatization (SPAD) is a sample preparation method where both solid-phase extraction and analytical derivatization are combined to a one-pot reaction wherein extraction and derivatization occur on the solid phase with no intermediate isolation of the analyte. SPAD methods provide increase in sensitivity, specificity of detection for selected functional groups, low organic solvent consumption, ease of automation, high throughput, and better separation in chromatography. Since the first SPAD-based method reported in literature in 1980s, many such methods have been reported in literature using various combinations of techniques, reagents, and detectors.