In recent decades, sample preparation techniques based on microextraction have become—due their valuable features—one of the most thoroughly investigated topics in analytical chemistry. The first “member” of this category was introduced almost three decades ago by J. Pawliszyn in the form of solid-phase microextraction (SPME). To date, numerous novel microextraction techniques and alternatives have been proposed using either solid- or liquid-phase extraction phases.

The use of microextraction has been considered to be beneficial compared to classical approaches offering versatility, reliability, selectivity, sensitivity, automation, fast extractions, sampling convenience (on-site sampling), and environmental sustainability. From the point of view of the concept of Green Analytical Chemistry, environmental sustainability is the most important advantage, since the number of pretreatment steps and also toxic solvents is reduced or even totally eliminated.     

Prof. Janusz Pawliszyn is one of the pioneers in the development of microextraction techniques with research experience of over 30 years in this topic. He is internationally recognized for his fundamental contributions to solvent-free techniques, including supercritical fluid, solid phase, and membrane extraction. The breakthrough came in 1989, with the publication of an article describing the application of fused silica fibers for the extraction of organic chemicals from water and their rapid transfer to capillary gas chromatographic columns. The paper heralded the invention of solid-phase microextraction, or—as it is generally known around the world—SPME. The term “SPME” was used for the first time in an article published in ACS Analytical Chemistry in 1990, describing the first practical version of microextraction technology. It took just three years for the technology to be commercialized by Supelco, Inc., and SPME has been one of the most important sample preparation techniques in gas chromatography ever since. Prof. Pawliszyn also developed needle trap technology and membrane extraction with a sorbent interface, sample preparation techniques for monitoring of organic compounds in on-site environments. In the area of analytical separation, he introduced the concept of whole column detection by combining capillary separation with CCD imaging technology. This technology developed by his group formed the foundation of Convergent Bioscience (now “Protein Simple”), a Toronto-based company whose technology is now considered the platinum standard for characterizing proteins and peptides and is widely accepted in the biotech industry.

Janusz Pawliszyn was named the 9th most influential person in analytical science across the globe by Analytical Scientist’s 2019 Power List (https://theanalyticalscientist.com/powerlist/2019). He was also recently awarded the 2019 Talanta Medal for his numerous contributions to analytical chemistry and for his pioneering work in solid-phase microextraction (SPME). He is Editor of Analytica Chimica Acta, Trends in Analytical Chemistry and member of the Editorial Boards of the Journal of Separation Science and Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis. He has published over 650 articles to date and has an H-index of 98.

Molecules is pleased to host a Themed Special Issue honoring Prof. Janusz Pawliszyn for his outstanding contribution and achievements in Analytical Chemistry and especially in microextraction techniques.

Researchers working on microextraction techniques (solid- or liquid-phase microextraction) and their applications in food, environmental, and biomedical sciences are cordially invited to contribute a research or review article in this Honorary Special Issue and also join us in collectively acknowledging him for his outstanding achievements.

Please note that in the cases of review articles, an additional brief (1–2 pages) description of the topic including a draft index is required. This preliminary step is essential to avoid overlapping of topics.

This Special Issue is supported by the Sample Preparation Task Force and Network, of the European Chemical Society-Division of Analytical Chemistry (https://www.sampleprep.tuc.gr/en/home/).

Prof. Dr. Victoria Samanidou
Dr. Constantinos K. Zacharis
Guest Editors

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• Solid-phase microextraction (direct immersion, headspace sampling, coatings, in-tube extraction, arrow, etc.)
• Microsolid-phase extraction (μ-SPE)
• Dispersive microsolid-phase extraction
• Liquid-phase microextraction (DLLME, single-drop ME, hollow fiber liquid ME, electromembrane-based ME, etc.)
• Preconcentration
• Automation
• Miniaturized designs (chip-based extraction microfluidic devices)
• Needle trap device
• Microencapsulation techniques
• Stir bar sorptive extraction