Polymeric Nanofibers and Microfibers: New Formats of Materials Used in Chromatography for Sample Preparation Using Solid Phase Extraction

Abstract

For traditional sample preparation by solid phase extraction prior to HPLC separation, plastic or metal pre-columns filled with sorbent particles or, more recently, monolithic columns are commonly used. To a much lesser extent, fibrous sorbents are used for this purpose. This article aims at introducing the reader to the possibilities offered by fibrous sorbents in the field of analytical chemistry. Methods for the production of nanofibers and microfibers using electrospinning, meltblown, and their combination are described. These are also presented with a brief look at the history of their development. Examples of the polymers which the fibers are prepared from and their characteristics, which must be considered when selecting the polymer for extraction of the desired analytes, are also listed. Finally, some examples of extraction of substances presented in our publications are described, with a particular focus on samples that are complex in nature, such as the environmental and biological samples.