Recent advances in sample preparation techniques for effective bioanalytical methods

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>This paper reviews the recent developments in bioanalysis sample preparation techniques and gives an update on basic principles, theory, applications and possibilities for automation, and a comparative discussion on the advantages and limitation of each technique. Conventional liquid–liquid extraction (LLE), protein precipitation (PP) and solid‐phase extraction (SPE) techniques are now been considered as methods of the past. The last decade has witnessed a rapid development of novel sample preparation techniques in bioanalysis. Developments in SPE techniques such as selective sorbents and in the overall approach to SPE, such as hybrid SPE and molecularly imprinted polymer SPE, have been addressed. Considerable literature has been published in the area of solid‐phase micro‐extraction and its different versions, e.g. stir bar sorptive extraction, and their application in the development of selective and sensitive bioanalytical methods. Techniques such as dispersive solid‐phase extraction, disposable pipette extraction and micro‐extraction by packed sorbent offer a variety of extraction phases and provide unique advantages to bioanalytical methods. On‐line SPE utilizing column‐switching techniques is rapidly gaining acceptance in bioanalytical applications. PP sample preparation techniques such as PP filter plates/tubes offer many advantages like removal of phospholipids and proteins in plasma/serum. Newer approaches to conventional LLE techniques (salting‐out LLE) are also covered in this review article. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.</jats:p>