Metal–organic frameworks for analytical chemistry: Solid-phase microextraction and dispersive (micro)-solid phase extraction

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), owing to their high surface areas, tunable pore sizes, and selective interaction capabilities, have emerged as promising sorbents in analytical chemistry for the separation and enrichment of various chemicals from complicated matrices, such as human body fluids and environmental water samples. Recent studies have demonstrated their effectiveness in selectively extracting various analytes, including pesticides, heavy metals, drug residues, antibiotics, mycotoxins, and persistent organic pollutants from complex biological, environmental, and food matrices. Magnetic MOFs and molecularly imprinted MOF hybrids offer significant advantages, such as compliance with green chemistry principles, reusability, and enhanced selectivity, thereby broadening their application scope. Moreover, ultrasound-assisted and automation-compatible extraction systems reduce processing times, enable multi-analyte detection, and hold potential for field-deployable applications. Herein, we systematically review the literature on MOFs for solid-phase microextraction (SPME), dispersive solid-phase extraction (D-SPE), and dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (D-μ-SPE) for biomedical applications, extraction of organic molecules, agricultural pest control, and metal adsorption. The investigation of MOFs as adsorbents has not only broadened their application scope but may also address critical issues associated with adsorption methods, such as selectivity, stability, cost-effectiveness, and time efficiency, which are paramount in adsorption technology. The structure, pore dimensions, and functional groups of MOFs are all modifiable, enabling distinctive interactions with guest molecules to attain certain physical-chemical adsorption properties. Moreover, the stability and simplicity of MOF production demonstrate that they are optimal adsorbents for analytical chemistry.