Automated system handling PAL uSPE Cartridges in a rack beneath the liquid tool during sample preparation

Micro-SPE: A Green Solution

Micro-SPE: A Green Solution

Micro-SPE: The new standard for extraction

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.

Micro-SPE cartridge and tool

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 micro-SPE 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. 

Watch Micro SPE instructive video

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

 

 

 

Automated laboratory system handling sample vials, illustrating precision extraction using micro SPE technology.

Download Publication

The recent publication by Nicolas Michlig and Steven J. Lehotay  (US Department of Agriculture, Wyndmore PA, USA) evaluated the novel septumless µSPE cartridge with high extract load flow rates in the range of up to 10 µL/s, using extract volumes of up 600 µL. More than 250 pesticides were tested using the QuEChERSER methodology with LPGC-MS/MS analysis, which achieved recoveries of 80 to 120% for more than 260 pesticides. Optimization experiments led to a routine extract load volume of 500 µL at 5 µL/s flow rate.

Authors: Nicolás Michlig, Steven J. Lehotay

Download Poster

Characterization of the New PAL Micro-SPE Cartridge for Pesticides Extract Clean-up - presented at LAPRW 2023 in Panama

Authors: Hans-Joachim Huebschmann and Lucas Luethy, CTC Analytics AG, Switzerland

Download Poster Download Publication

Related Content

Contact LinkedIn
Contact LinkedIn