RESUMO
In the last decades, the determination of trace elements in biological materials has emerged as an important area of study because of its relevance to human health and the environment. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has proven to be a powerful tool for trace element analysis, owing to its high sensitivity and ability to determine several elements in a single measurement. However, given the complex nature of biological matrices and the presence of elements, most of them at ultratrace levels, it becomes crucial to complement ICP-MS with preconcentration techniques to increase the sensitivity and selectivity of analytical methods. This article presents an exhaustive overview of liquid- and solid-phase preconcentration techniques used in combination with ICP-MS for trace element determination in different biological samples from 2000 to the present. An in-depth discussion of the advances on the application of state-of-the-art solvents and materials in trace element extraction and preconcentration is presented. Special attention is given to different strategies for elemental speciation analysis, employing both chromatographic and non-chromatographic techniques. The role of automation in these methodologies is also described. Finally, future trends and challenges related to this topic are discussed.
Assuntos
Oligoelementos , Humanos , Oligoelementos/análise , Espectrometria de Massas/métodos , Análise Espectral , SolventesRESUMO
Metals and metalloids have different effects on human health even at trace levels. Some of them are essential for living organisms while others can be toxic. Therefore, the determination of trace elements in food and beverage is highly important to understand their impact in human health. A new generation of solvents named deep eutectic solvents (DES) has emerged as a green alternative for trace element analysis, owing to their low toxicity, biodegradability, and high extraction capacity. In recent years, the application of DES in extraction techniques for trace element analysis in food and beverage samples has increased significantly. This review summarizes recent advances and challenges on the application of DES to develop microextraction techniques useful for the analysis of samples with complex matrices. The importance of the use of biodegradable substances instead of classic organic solvents, which are toxic, volatile, and flammable in methods for elemental analysis with a positive environmental impact is also highlighted. Finally, conclusions and future challenges arising from the use of DES in microextraction techniques are discussed.