Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE)

Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE) is a solvent-free, miniaturised sample preparation technique used to extract and concentrate organic compounds from liquid samples before chromatographic analysis. In SBSE, a stir bar coated with a sorptive phase, typically polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), is placed directly into the sample and stirred, allowing target analytes to partition into the coating. After extraction, the stir bar is removed and the analytes are typically desorbed by thermal desorption prior to GC or GC-MS analysis. 

Compared with other sorptive extraction techniques, Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction offers a larger sorptive phase volume, helping to increase extraction capacity and improve sensitivity, particularly for trace-level analysis. This makes SBSE a valuable option for laboratories seeking efficient, low-solvent sample preparation with strong analytical performance. Typical applications include environmental monitoring and trace analysis of pollutants, as well as food and beverage testing for flavour, aroma, and contaminant analysis.