Headspace–based approaches for volatile analysis: A review

Abstract

This review examines the analytical techniques based on static and dynamic headspace for extracting volatile compounds. The discussed techniques include headspace stir bar sorptive extraction (HSSE), solid–phase microextraction (SPME), solid–phase microextraction arrow (SPME–Arrow), and dynamic headspace sampling (DHS). HSSE, SPME, and SPME–Arrow are categorized as static headspaces (SHS) compared to DHS, which relies on continuous airflow. For each technique, the used equipment for the extraction of the analytes and the major parameters for optimizing the analytical technique are described. Furthermore, we review recent studies (2015– 2025) on the diverse applications of each technique in food science, environment, medicine, and pharmaceutical. The review is expected to offer a valuable reference for the selection of appropriate analytical techniques that enable the rapid, sensitive, and accurate analysis of volatile compounds in unknown samples.