Nanomaterials As Sorbents in Solid-Phase Extraction for Bioactive Compounds

Nanomaterials have emerged as excellent candidates as sorbents for solid phase extraction (SPE) techniques owing to their outstanding properties including large surface area, high chemical/mechanical stability and specific affinity toward target analytes. Bioactive compounds occur in small quantities in food and biological matrices, and are extensively investigated having beneficial effects for human health, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor activities, to mention but a few. Nanomaterials including metallic nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, metal oxides, polymer-based nanocomposites, and carbon-based nanomaterials have been integrated in different sample preparation techniques for the efficient extraction and preconcentration of biocompounds. This review focuses on the analysis of bioactive compounds in different matrices using nanomaterials as sorbents in SPE techniques. A general vision of the sorbents currently being developed in this field is provided, and the most representative examples are described. Their extraction efficiency and sensitivity are comparatively discussed. Further, challenges and future prospects are highlighted.