Thermo Scientific SOLA SPE cartridges and plates - Technical Guide

Importance of Topic

Solid phase extraction is a critical step in analytical workflows for removing matrix interferences, improving reproducibility and sensitivity. The SOLA series introduces a fritless sorbent bed that enhances sample cleanup, reduces solvent use and supports high-throughput laboratories.

Objectives and Study Overview

This guide evaluates SOLA SPE cartridges and plates against conventional loose-packed SPE, phospholipid removal and protein precipitation techniques. It presents recovery and reproducibility data for diverse analytes in plasma and urine, and assesses extract cleanliness and solvent efficiency.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

A proprietary manufacturing process fuses sorbent media and polyethylene frit into a uniform bed, eliminating voids and channeling. Generic protocols for reverse phase (SOLA), mixed mode cation exchange (SOLA CX) and anion exchange (SOLA AX) are outlined. Analytical methods combine Thermo Scientific HPLC systems, Accucore and Hypersil GOLD columns, and TSQ Vantage mass spectrometry with heated electrospray ionization.

Main Results and Discussion

• SOLA products achieved reproducibility below 4% RSD versus up to 22% for loose-packed SPE.
• Consistent flow rates and uniform recoveries across 30 samples enabled reliable high-throughput analysis.
• Rosuvastatin extraction from plasma showed RSDs of 2.7% for response ratios across 96 replicates.
• High recovery (>80%) was maintained at low elution volumes, boosting sample concentration and MS sensitivity.
• Extract cleanliness was superior to competitor SPE and other preparation techniques, minimizing carryover and phospholipid contamination.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced reproducibility and recovery support robust quantitative assays.
• Reduced solvent consumption lowers operational costs and environmental impact.
• Cleaner extracts decrease instrument maintenance and improve detection limits.
• Simple, generic protocols expedite method development across diverse matrices.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Solid phase extraction will integrate further with automation and online sample preparation. Continued innovation in sorbent chemistry and miniaturization could enable single-cell analysis and real-time monitoring. Machine learning could optimize method conditions and predict performance for novel compounds.

Conclusion

SOLA SPE cartridges and plates deliver significant improvements in reproducibility, extract cleanliness and solvent efficiency compared to traditional SPE. Their straightforward protocols and high performance make them valuable tools in pharmaceutical, environmental and clinical analytics.

References

No formal literature references were specified in the original document.