Micro-SPE - A Green Extraction technique in modern laboratories

Micro-SPE: A Green Solution

Green Analytical Chemistry promotes the reduction of reagent usage, waste generation, and energy consumption throughout analytical workflows. Micro-SPE aligns with these GAC objectives by utilizing significantly reduced sorbent mass, leading to a proportional decrease in solvent volumes
required for extraction. This miniaturization also offers
benefits such as reduced extraction times and enhanced compatibility with automated sample preparation systems.

The use of micro-SPE (µSPE) in automated sample preparation workflows replaces the manual SPE procedure with large solvent volumes - an important step ahead for green analytical chemistry and cost savings in the laboratory. The µSPE Cartridge works as a small LC column. Only micro volumes of sample or elution solvents are used. A syringe works as the solvent 'pump' with constant flow and pressure delivering high repeatability in the automated procedures.

Compare Classical SPE and micro-SPE

Dispersive SPE	Micro-SPE
Limited selectivity, limited clean-up High sample and solvent volumes Requires evaporation with N₂ End volume > 0.5 ml in vial	High selectivity Sharp eluation peak profile, no concentration Final volume < 100-200 µl (or online), no sample concentration by evaporation Good clean-up compares to LC separation
Manual Operation Time consuming Low sample throughput Batch processing	Walk away automation Fast with < 10 min High productivity Prep on chromatographic timescale
Not traceable Manual operation No activity log	Traceable Processing well documented 21CFR11 compatible

Related Content

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

eBooks

The Power of Micro Solid Phase Extraction

This eBook explores the potential of μSPE to transform analytical workflows. It highlights the key benefits of μSPE, 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.

Webinars

Advantages of automated and miniaturized µSPE 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 (μSPE) 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 μSPE 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.

How to use PAL Method Composer

Walk away QuEChERS extracts clean-up

See this detailed video of the µSPE workflow for the clean-up of raw pesticides extract. The PAL µSPE 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.

Brochures

PAL QuEChERS

Automated μSPE cleanup for GC/MS or LC/MS analysis of pesticides and environmental contaminants in QuEChERS extracts of foods

Brochures

PAL Method Composer

Methods in minutes

Fully Automated QuEChERS Extraction and µSPE Clean-up of Organophosphate Pesticides in Orange Juice

Publications

Fully Automated QuEChERS Extraction and µSPE Clean-up of Organophosphate Pesticides in Orange Juice

Chiew Mei Chong1, Hans-Joachim Hübschmann2

1 CTC Analytics Pte. Ltd., Singapore.
2 HANS Analytical Solutions, Osaka, Japan.

Characterization of the New PAL micro-SPE Cartridge for Pesticides Extract Clean-up

Posters

Characterization of the New PAL micro-SPE Cartridge for Pesticides Extract Clean-up

Since more than ten years micro-SPE (µSPE) emerged as a micromethod for sample preparation and clean-up in food safety, proteomics, forensic, environmental and analysis. Applications are wide-ranging and cover drugs, environmental contaminants, and, in particular, the QuEChERS extract cleanup in multiresidue pesticide analysis. The automation of the µSPE sample preparation steps led to the desired increase in sample throughput, unification of the used sorbent materials for food commodities, and the potential for the online hyphenation with GC/MS and LC/MS instrumentation.

Fully Automated QuEChERS for Organochlorine and Organophosphate Pesticides in Tomato Juice and Red Wine

Posters

Fully Automated QuEChERS for Organochlorine and Organophosphate Pesticides in Tomato Juice and Red Wine

Using PAL Robotic Tool Change (RTC) system, a fully automated QuEChERS was developed for the extraction and clean-up of organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides from homogeneous samples. The automated QuEChERS workflow includes extraction with acetonitrile, salting out with
saturated sodium chloride solution and the clean-up with PAL μSPE prior to injection into the GC-MS/MS for analysis.