Chapter 7 - Applying green sample preparation techniques to in vivo analysis and metabolomics

Abstract

Determination of analytes with a wide range of physicochemical properties in complex matrices, and if possible in vivo, is a demanding task. Accordingly, there is a significant effort to develop novel analytical approaches capable of addressing the challenges mentioned above. Moreover, the green aspect of analytical methods has become indispensable as new methods should agree with the principles of green chemistry. Therefore, the development of modern strategies that are capable of satisfying these requirements is imperative. The miniaturization of sampling devices is one of the most encouraging progress in the context of green sample preparation. Most importantly, miniaturization leads to a decrease in the amount of sample and solvent used; therefore, less waste is associated with the analytical workflow. Furthermore, miniaturization provides an opportunity for in vivo sampling as such devices are less invasive to investigated systems, bringing related techniques to the forefront in contemporary analytical chemistry. In this chapter, green sample preparation techniques applied in in vivo analysis and metabolomics are summarized. In the first section, two sampling techniques which are in the spotlights for in vivo analysis, namely, solid-phase microextraction and microdialysis, are discussed. In this section, a brief introduction to fundamental principles of the techniques, the cutting-edge in vivo applications, and a comparative eco-scale assessment are provided. In the second section, green sample preparation strategies applied in MS-based metabolomics were discussed with a primary focus on state-of-the-art developments and contemporary applications in plant, food, and samples of clinical interest.