Abstract
Sample Preparation (SP) is still one of the more time-consuming, error-prone aspects of analytical chemistry. Many SP techniques that are in current use have been around for decades with little or no improvement over the years.
Despite the presence of a number driving forces, new SP technologies have been slow to be adopted even with their proven advantages over older technologies. However, new techniques remain on the horizon and continue to be introduced.
An international cross section of noted SP technologists from the United States and Europe including equipment manufacturers, academics, government workers and representatives from the pharmaceutical, chemical, agro-chemical, food and environmental industries were asked their opinions on some of the above issues and made predictions of what might happen in the next several years.
A questionnaire with a series of open-ended questions was sent to each person. The experts gave a historical perspective of the last 10 years' developments in SP, discussed solid phase extraction and predicted future trends. These future directions of SP include:
Greater integration of SP and analysis with information feedback, automated record keeping, with greater use of hyphenated techniques (e.g., SPE-GC-MS)
A trend toward smaller samples and miniaturization
More standardization, automation and modularization
Techniques using less organic solvent
On-line measurement and at-location measurement
Less sample preparation due to improvements in selective spectroscopic measurements
In general, the experts feel that the future for further developments in SP, especially in automation and integration with the rest of the analytical laboratory, look very bright.