Direct analyte-probed nanoextraction for document ink analysis
The analysis of ancient documents, pictures, archeological pieces and related added-value samples is a challenging issue for any analytical chemist. The unique character of the samples and the priceless values of most of them require the sampling of a very small quantity to obtain as much information as possible. Undoubtedly, the direct analysis or the use of non destructive analytical techniques must be the first option for the researchers. But not the only one!! Our loved microextraction techniques could play a relevant role in this scientific field as they are able to maximize the amount of information obtained from a very low sample amount. Recently, The Analyst journal has published a research carried out by our colleagues from the University of North Texas dealing with the potential of direct analyte-probed nanoextraction (DAPNe) coupled to different instrumental techniques for the determination of the authenticity of documents (1). The ink used for writing the manuscript is...