Solid phase microextraction (SPME) method development in analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as potential biomarkers of cancer

摘要

The analysis of volatile organic compounds [VOCs] is an attractive approach to the discovery of potential cancer biomarkers due to its non-invasive nature and potential low costs of sampling and analysis. Solid phase microextraction [SPME] is one of the main extraction techniques used to date for the collection of VOCs from both in vivo and in vitro samples in studies of potential biomarkers of various types of cancer. It offers simplicity of use, compatibility with both gas-chromatography [GC] and liquid-chromatography [LC] separation techniques and relatively lower costs. Development of the SPME method includes several important considerations: selection of the sampling mode, type of fiber and holder, optimisation of incubation, extraction and desorption conditions, and finally the use of an appropriate calibration procedure. This review summarizes and discusses the particular parameters of the SPME method development used by researchers to date for VOCs collection, from various biological matrices, in search of potential biomarkers of cancer.