Vacuum-assisted headspace solid-phase microextraction in food analysis: basics and applications
Syrgabek Y. Alimzhanova M. Haque S.M. Psillakis E. Fuente-Ballesteros A.
8 February 2026Elsevier B.V.
Analytica Chimica Acta
2026#1386
Background: Vacuum-assisted headspace solid-phase microextraction (Vac-HSSPME) is increasingly recognized as a powerful and environmentally friendly technique for extracting volatile and semi-volatile compounds from complex food matrices. While conventional HSSPME has been widely applied, its limitations in extracting low-volatility and matrix-bound compounds have spurred interest in vacuum-assisted approaches. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of Vac-HSSPME basics, applications, and limitations in food analysis. Results: This review evaluates recent advances and applications of Vac-HSSPME across seven main food categories: (i) dairy products; (ii) edible oils and fats; (iii) honey; (iv) meat, fish, and high-protein samples; (v) fruits and vegetables; (vi) beverages and drinking water; and (vii) grains and plant-based products. Compared to conventional HSSPME, vacuum conditions consistently improve detection limits, extraction efficiency, and analyte coverage. Key operational parameters, including extraction time, temperature, sample volume, agitation, and vacuum level, are discussed in relation to their influence on performance and matrix effects. The review also highlights persistent challenges such as analyte losses during vacuum application, pronounced matrix effects in viscous samples, and the need for careful optimization. Recent developments in SPME fiber materials, automation, and coupling with high-resolution mass spectrometry are expanding the techniques applicability and analytical throughput. Moreover, the integration of machine learning offers promising avenues for optimizing conditions and predicting analyte behavior based on sample characteristics. Significance: Vac-HSSPME is expected to gain wider adoption in food, environmental, and pharmaceutical analysis, supporting high-throughput, sensitive, and green analytical workflows. This review provides an up-to-date perspective of Vac-HSSPMEs advantages, limitations, and emerging perspectives in the context of food analysis.
Food analysis , Green analytical chemistry , Headspace solid-phase microextraction , Sustainable sample preparation , Vac-HSSPME , Vacuum-assisted headspace solid-phase microextraction
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Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Center of Physical Chemical Methods of Research and Analysis, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Faculty of Medicine and Healthcare, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Industrial Chemistry Division, Department of Chemical Engineering, Jubail Industrial College, Jubail Industrial City, 31961, Saudi Arabia
Laboratory of Aquatic Chemistry, School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Polytechnioupolis, Technical University of Crete, Crete, Chania, GR-73100, Greece
Analytical Chemistry (TESEA), I. U. CINQUIMA, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, 47011, Spain
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Industrial Chemistry Division
Laboratory of Aquatic Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry (TESEA)
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Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026