SOLA Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) cartridges and plates

Significance of the topic

Solid phase extraction is pivotal for sample cleanup in analytical chemistry, addressing matrix interferences and improving reproducibility and sensitivity in workflows such as bioanalysis, environmental testing and drug monitoring. Next-generation fritless SPE supports reliable high-throughput processing with minimal solvent consumption and enhanced extract purity.

Objectives and study overview

This document evaluates the performance of Thermo Scientific SOLA SPE cartridges and 96-well plates versus conventional loose-packed SPE and other sample preparation techniques. Key aims include assessing reproducibility, recovery, extract cleanliness, solvent consumption and analytical sensitivity across various analytes and matrices.

Methodology

Comparative experiments tested analytes such as caffeine, hydrocortisone, carbamazepine, rosuvastatin, beta blockers, enalapril and capecitabine in matrices including water, human plasma and urine. Extraction protocols employed SOLA HRP, SCX, SAX, WAX and WCX sorbents with generic conditioning, loading, washing and elution steps. Performance metrics included percent recovery, relative standard deviation, flow consistency, chromatographic cleanliness and mass spectrometric carryover. Elution volumes ranged from 100 to 500 microliters to evaluate solvent reduction effects.

Used instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific SOLA SPE cartridges and 96-well plates
• HPLC systems with Accucore and Hypersil columns
• TSQ Vantage and other triple quadrupole mass spectrometers with HESI sources
• UV detectors operating at wavelengths between 220 and 254 nanometers

Main results and discussion

SOLA products provided greatly improved packing uniformity and eliminated voiding or channeling seen in loose-packed SPE. Recovery and reproducibility were enhanced across small-molecule probes with RSD below 5% versus over 20% for competitor products using generic methods. Flow-through rates remained consistent from sample to sample. Low-volume elution concentrated analytes and increased mass spectrometric signals. Extracts showed lower background in LC-MS contour plots and minimal phospholipid carryover, reducing ion suppression and instrument maintenance. Complex biological matrices achieved RSD below 7% for rosuvastatin in plasma and high recoveries for beta blockers, antihypertensive and anticancer drugs.

Benefits and practical applications

• Reliable results for quality control and pharmacokinetic studies
• Reduced solvent use and faster processing times
• Cleaner extracts minimize ion suppression in LC-MS workflows
• Compatibility with high-throughput formats and diverse chemistries

Future trends and applications

Further integration with automated platforms and miniaturized consumables will support ultra-high-throughput screening. Expansion of mixed-mode sorbents and tailored surface chemistries may address emerging analytes in clinical metabolomics and environmental monitoring. Coupling with high-resolution mass spectrometry and ambient ionization techniques will enhance quantitative and qualitative capabilities.

Conclusion

Thermo Scientific SOLA fritless SPE products represent a significant advancement in sample preparation. By combining consistent sorbent beds with proprietary manufacturing, they deliver superior reproducibility, cleanliness and sensitivity while reducing solvent consumption. Adoption of these technologies can streamline workflows, lower costs and improve confidence in analytical results across diverse applications.

References

No literature references were provided in the source document. The summary is based on proprietary application data and product protocols.