WATERS SAMPLE PREPARATION SOLUTIONS

Importance of Topic

Effective sample preparation is fundamental to reliable LC-MS analysis as it ensures high sensitivity, removes matrix interferences, concentrates target analytes, and streamlines laboratory workflows.

Objectives and Overview of the Article

This article presents a comprehensive overview of Waters’ sample preparation solutions, covering solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbents, formats, workflows, and consumables designed for diverse matrices and analytical requirements.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

Waters provides a suite of sample preparation technologies compatible with LC-MS, HPLC, UPLC, and on-line SPE platforms.

• Oasis SPE family: HLB, MCX, MAX, WCX, WAX chemistries in µElution plates, 96-well plates, syringe cartridges, on-line columns and cartridges.
• Sep-Pak silica and bonded phases for normal-phase, reversed-phase, and ion-exchange applications.
• Ostro Pass-Through Plates for rapid protein and phospholipid removal in biological samples.
• DisQuE QuEChERS kits for multi-residue screening in food and agriculture.
• PoraPak Rxn sorbents for synthetic reaction cleanup.
• Certified vials and containers formulated to minimize background contamination in LC-MS workflows.

Main Results and Discussion

These technologies demonstrate high analyte recovery (>90%), efficient matrix cleanup (removing salts, proteins, phospholipids), low solvent consumption with µElution plates, and compatibility with high-throughput and automated workflows. The diverse sorbent chemistries accommodate a wide pKa range of analytes to optimize selectivity.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced analytical performance and signal-to-noise ratio.
• Reduced sample preparation time and solvent usage.
• Simplified protocols suitable for routine bioanalysis, environmental monitoring, food safety, and pharmaceutical research.
• Scalable formats from manual cartridges to automated 96-well and on-line systems.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Advances may include novel sorbent materials for emerging contaminants, integration of AI-driven method development, further miniaturization such as micro-elution, online coupling with UPLC-MS, and sustainable materials to reduce environmental impact.

Conclusion

Waters’ comprehensive sample preparation portfolio provides robust, flexible, and efficient solutions that address the evolving demands of modern analytical laboratories, ensuring accurate and reliable results across a broad range of applications.

Used Instrumentation

• LC-MS, HPLC, UPLC systems.
• On-line SPE managers and direct-connect cartridges.
• Automation platforms for high-throughput SPE.

References

• Waters Oasis Reference Cards, Literature Code: 720005685EN
• Oasis Sample-Extraction Products Brochure, 720001692EN
• Beginner’s Guide to SPE, 715003405
• Waters Sorbent Selection Guide, 720002007EN