Magnetic sorbents: Synthetic pathways and application in dispersive (micro)extraction techniques for bioanalysis

Abstract

Over years, magnetic materials have gained special attention since they offer a versatile and powerful tool in sorbent-based dispersive (micro)extraction techniques, allowing a more efficient and effective sample preparation. Apart from the fast handling and collection of the sorbent during this stage, the use of magnetic sorbents has led to the development of miniaturized microextraction techniques, which gains special relevance in bioanalysis since the sample volumes are sometimes scarce. Additionally, the wide variety of sorbents currently available allows to enhance the selectivity of the extraction since they can be conveniently functionalized, improving the interaction with the analytes. In this context, this paper provides an overview of magnetic sorbents used in dispersive (micro)extraction techniques for the enrichment of target compounds in biological samples, describing their main extraction features and the synthetic pathways for their magnetization, without obviating their main limitations.