PAL System Micro-SPE Cartridges

PAL System uSPE Cartridges

PAL uSPE Cartridges stand for a miniaturized and robust SPE technology that allows reliable automation and reduction of used sample and solvent without compromising performance. The uSPE has therefore emerged as a new standard for extraction, purification, concentration or filtration for automated environmentally friendly analysis processes.

The new PAL System micro-SPE Cartridge consists of two parts. The polymer material used is chemically inert and free from leachables. The outer part (1) provides a higher capacity and flexible volume for filter disks (3) and the sorbent material (4). The bottom outlet is designed to penetrate pre-slit septa and to deliver directly to LC injection ports. The inner plunger (2) provides critical functionality with the compression of the sorbent/filter layers, and a precise needle guide for safe and upright transport. An essential feature is the ability to withstand high pressure and prevent leakage around the syringe needle, which allows for faster loading of larger sample volumes. Applications range from food pesticides, water, and drug analysis to forensic and pharmacological applications.

PAL uSPE Cartridges

Key functionality:

Septumless cartridge designs with patented sealing
High pressure rating (up to 10 bar)
Multiple elutions supported
Sorbent capacity: up to 100 mg packing possible
Chemically inert materials used
Free of extractables & leachables
Designed to penetrate pre-slit septa of vials
Designed to elute directly into PAL System liquid injection ports

Comparison of micro-SPE to classical SPE

PAL uSPE Cartridge Selection Guide with Publications

Cartridges	Pesticides Residue Analysis	Application Information	Publications
uSPE-GCQuE1-45-V PAL System uSPE Cartridge GC QuEChERS sorbent mix 1, 45 mg [C18, PSA, MgSO4, GCB] 108 pcs type 01-05B		uSPE Cartridge for GC amenable pesticides. Follows AOAC 2007.01 and EN 15662 methodology.	Steven Lehotay et al, 2022 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2022.463596 Amadeo Fernandez-Alba et al. 2023, open Access https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2023.463906 Mette Poulson et al., 2021, open Access https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2021.462384 Fully Automated QuEChERS Extraction and Clean-up of Organophosphate Pesticides in Orange Juice, Hübschmann et al, 2023 Performance Qualification Test for PAL System µSPE GC QuEChERS-45-V Cartridges
uSPE-GCQuE2-44-V PAL System uSPE Cartridge GC QuEChERS sorbent mix 2, 44 mg [C18, PSA, MgSO4] 108 pcs type 01-19A		uSPE Cartridge without Carbon for GC amenable pesticides. Follows AOAC 2007.01 and EN 15662 methodology.	Steven Lehotay et al, 2022 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2022.463596 Amadeo Fernandez-Alba et al. 2023, open Access https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2023.463906 Mette Poulson et al., 2021, open Access https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2021.462384 Fully Automated QuEChERS Extraction and Clean-up of Organophosphate Pesticides in Orange Juice, Hübschmann et al, 2023 Performance Qualification Test for PAL System µSPE GC QuEChERS-45-V Cartridges
uSPE-GCQuE3-45-V PAL System uSPE Cartridge GC QuEChERS sorbent mix 3, 45 mg [PSA, MgSO4] 108 pcs type 01-14A		uSPE Cartridge for GC amenable pesticides in low fat matrices. Follows AOAC 2007.01 and EN 15662 methodology.
uSPE-LC-QuE1-30-T PAL System μSPE Cartridge LC & GC QuEChERS sorbent mix, 30 mg [C18, Z-Sep, GCB] 96 pcs in blister type 01-03A		μSPE Cartridge for pesticides in complex spice matrixes	Goon et al: Journal of AOAC International Vol. 103, No.1, 202 https://doi.org/10.5740/jaoacint.19-0202 Performance Qualification Test for PAL System µSPE LC QuEChERS-30-T Cartridges
uSPE-SAX-50-V PAL System uSPE Cartridge Strong Anion Exchange (SAX), 50 mg for polar, anionic pesticides or other anionic compounds 108 pcs type 01-20A		uSPE Cartridge for LC amenable pesticides. ollows AOAC 2007.01 and EN 15662 methodology.	Analysis of Highly Polar Pesticides - Automated Micro-SPE Clean-up of Complex Food Matrices for LC-MS/MS Florencia Jesús , Amadeo Rodríguez Fernández-Alba, Hans-Joachim Hübschmann

Additional Application Support

Related Content

ASMS 2025 - Streamlined Analysis of Polar and Non-Polar Metabolites in Plasma Using Automated Micro-SPE LC/MS

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ASMS 2025 - Streamlined Analysis of Polar and Non-Polar Metabolites in Plasma Using Automated Micro-SPE LC/MS

This poster presents two use cases for streamlined lipid profiling in plasma using automated Micro Solid Phase Extraction (μSPE). Where the workflows on NIST (SRM 1950) plasma samples was tested, with spiked internal standard (Ultimate SPLASH ONE) and optimized the extraction and elution parameters. Briefly, it focused on two cartridge sorbent types Mixed-Mode Cation Exchange (MCX) and C18 (CEC) and showcased their usage.

ASMS 2025 - Fully automated implementation of EPA Method 1633 for LC-MS/MS analysis of PFAS in environmental samples using a customized robotic autosampler

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ASMS 2025 - Fully automated implementation of EPA Method 1633 for LC-MS/MS analysis of PFAS in environmental samples using a customized robotic autosampler

Widespread use and persistence of PFAS has led to ubiquitous detection in water, soil, air, and living organisms.
US EPA Method 1633 is intended for analysis of PFAS in aqueous, solid and tissue samples using LCMS/ MS at part-per-trillion concentrations.
This method involves significant sample preparation and purification steps prior to instrumental analysis, leading to bottlenecks in sample processing.
We have developed a fully automated, online μSPE-LC-MS/MS workflow based on a customized LC TriPlus RSH SMART Advanced system for high-throughput analysis of PFAS in environmental samples following EPA Method 1633 guidelines

eBooks

Sample Preparation Compendium

Automated, Green, and Efficient
A Compendium on Micromethods in Analytical Sample Preparation

Discover robust, precise, and reliable analytical methods while following the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry in various fields such as Food & Food Safety, Environmental, Clinical, Life Science, and Chemical.

The Power of Micro Solid Phase Extraction

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The Power of Micro Solid Phase Extraction

This eBook explores the potential of uSPE to transform analytical workflows. It highlights the key benefits of uSPE, compares it with traditional techniques and examines its application across various industries. This resource provides a comprehensive guide for scientists and lab managers looking to optimize their sample preparation processes, achieve higher precision and embrace sustainable practices in analytical chemistry.

Webinars

Advancing PFAS Analysis - Robotic Automation and Streamlined LC/MS Workflows

To support the scientific community and advance PFAS analysis we are proud to offer a webinar on this topic.

Key topics:

PFAS Fundamentals: Learn about the chemistry and significance of PFAS compounds.
Sample Preparation Challenges: Understand current hurdles, regulations and best practices in PFAS extraction and purification.
Automated LC/MS Workflows: Get an overview on automated workflows and see how PAL System integrates with LC/MS to optimize sample preparation and injection.
Deep Dive: Explore online SPE for PFAS analysis.

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Advantages of automated and miniaturized uSPE clean-up in pesticides residues analysis

Recent developments in pesticides analysis extend the well-established methods to higher productivity and reliability while minimizing consumption and exposition to harmful chemicals. A workflow was developed that allows automatic preparation of calibration standards, automatic sample dilution, and automatic clean-up of sample extracts on one instrument, showing that miniaturized automated solutions are reducing errors, improving analytical consistency and protecting the environment in one convenient approach.

Presented by:

Thomi Preiswerk, Senior Account Manager, CTC Analytics AG

Gwen Lim , Specialist for automated sample preparation, CTC Analytics

Ederina Ninga, Postdoc, Research Group for Analytical Food Chemistry, Danish Technical University

High-Sensitivity PFAS Determination in Seafood

Application Notes

High-Sensitivity PFAS Determination in Seafood

This application note showcases a fully automated workflow for the precise quantification of 73 PFAS in seafood. Utilizing a PAL RTC autosampler and Agilent triple quadrupole LC/MS system (LC/TQ), the method automates calibration, QuEChERS extraction, and μSPE clean-up.

Application Notes

Analysis of Highly Polar Pesticides

Micro-SPE (uSPE) emerged as an automated green micromethod for sample preparation and clean-up in food safety, proteomics, forensic, environmental and analysis since more than ten years. Applications are wideranging and cover drugs, environmental contaminants, and, in particular, the extract clean-up in multiresidue pesticide analysis. The automation of the uSPE sample preparation steps led to the desired standardization of the applied sorbent materials for extract clean-up for the large variety of food commodities, an increase in sample throughput, and the welcome potential for offline and online hyphenation with GC/MS, LC/MS or even IC analysis.

Walk away QuEChERS extracts clean-up

See this detailed video of the uSPE workflow for the clean-up of raw pesticides extract. The PAL uSPE Cartridge is operated in scavenger mode eluting the pesticides in a clean extract. The matrix is kept on the sorbent material. The cleaned extract can be injected without waiting time online for LC/MS or GC/MS analysis. All samples are treated on the same time axis for highest reliability.