Stimuli-responsive polymer-based aqueous two-phase extraction of analytes in complex matrices

The use of aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) during extraction of analytes from complex matrices is increasingly gaining popularity. This can be attributed to the fact that these systems are generally simple, fast and environmentally friendly. The success of aqueous two-phase extraction largely depends on the good choice of materials to be used. The availability of smart materials such as stimuli-responsive polymers has facilitated the development of effective ATPSs for the extraction of analytes from complex matrices. This paper explores the utilisation of stimuli-responsive polymers during these biphasic systems. The stimuli-responsive polymers that are in common use in ATPSs include thermo-responsive and pH-responsive polymers. Other researchers used dual-stimuli-responsive ATPSs, which involve a combination of a thermo-responsive polymer and a pH-responsive polymer, during extraction of analytes from complex matrices. These biphasic systems composed of thermo-responsive and pH-responsive polymers are discussed in detail in this paper. In addition, this review explores the challenges associated with the use of stimuli-responsive polymers in ATPSs as well as the future prospects. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.