Natural product and food analyses must cover a wide range of topics, from metabolomics studies to quality and safety controls. In all cases, sample preparation plays a fundamental role, as downstream analyses detect only metabolites previously extracted. Therefore, the choice of the correct extraction phase and technique is of utmost importance and the most critical parameter to be considered, also taking into account the complexity of plant and food samples. Most studies and official methods for these matrices still use traditional extraction techniques, which have a significant environmental impact. However, the development of new and more environmentally friendly alternatives that are more in line with the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry has been steadily increasing in recent years. Strategies include the use of miniaturized techniques and new classes of greener extraction phases. However, it is also important to bear in mind that accurate and reliable measurements are required, especially for industrial quality control laboratories that have to deal with a variety of norms and quality standards to ensure safe products for the public, and that practical considerations such as productivity, cost and simplicity of methods should not be neglected. This contribution examines the possibility of improving the environmental footprint of sample preparation while maintaining adequate analytical performance and laboratory productivity through a series of case studies in the field of natural products. With regard to extraction, a particular focus is placed on the use of new and renewable materials. In addition, the proposed methods will be evaluated in terms of their overall performance using appropriate metric tools. The aim is to move towards “sustainable" analytical methods, where the improvement in terms of environmental impact is evaluated together with productivity (which influences the economic aspect) and analytical performance, which should ensure high-quality health products for all.
From “green” to “sustainable” sample preparation in the analysis of natural products: opportunities from new materials combined with microextraction techniques
Gaia BechisFirst
;Giulia Mastellone;Arianna Marengo;Barbara Sgorbini;Patrizia Rubiolo;Cecilia Cagliero
Last
2024-01-01
Abstract
Natural product and food analyses must cover a wide range of topics, from metabolomics studies to quality and safety controls. In all cases, sample preparation plays a fundamental role, as downstream analyses detect only metabolites previously extracted. Therefore, the choice of the correct extraction phase and technique is of utmost importance and the most critical parameter to be considered, also taking into account the complexity of plant and food samples. Most studies and official methods for these matrices still use traditional extraction techniques, which have a significant environmental impact. However, the development of new and more environmentally friendly alternatives that are more in line with the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry has been steadily increasing in recent years. Strategies include the use of miniaturized techniques and new classes of greener extraction phases. However, it is also important to bear in mind that accurate and reliable measurements are required, especially for industrial quality control laboratories that have to deal with a variety of norms and quality standards to ensure safe products for the public, and that practical considerations such as productivity, cost and simplicity of methods should not be neglected. This contribution examines the possibility of improving the environmental footprint of sample preparation while maintaining adequate analytical performance and laboratory productivity through a series of case studies in the field of natural products. With regard to extraction, a particular focus is placed on the use of new and renewable materials. In addition, the proposed methods will be evaluated in terms of their overall performance using appropriate metric tools. The aim is to move towards “sustainable" analytical methods, where the improvement in terms of environmental impact is evaluated together with productivity (which influences the economic aspect) and analytical performance, which should ensure high-quality health products for all.
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