Immuno-affinity solid-phase extraction

The measurement of trace organics such as drugs and pesticides at low concentration in biological and environmental samples is a challenging analytical task. Despite recent advances in instrumentation most analysts regard sample preparation as the rate-limiting step in the overall analytical method. In recent years there has been a lot of interest in immobilising antibodies onto solid supports such as silica to provide highly selective solid-phase extraction. This paper reviews the use of immuno-affinity for solid-phase extraction. It uses as examples extraction of chlortoluron and isoproturon from water and morphine and clenbuterol in urine and plasma respectively. An extensive list of other examples is given. Optimisation procedures are discussed in detail.