SOLA solid-phase extraction (SPE) method development guide

Significance of the Topic

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) remains a cornerstone in bioanalytical workflows, enabling efficient isolation of target analytes from complex biological matrices. By reducing matrix effects, improving sensitivity and reproducibility, SPE platforms like Thermo Scientific SOLA and SOLAµ address key challenges in mass spectrometry–based bioanalysis, facilitating high-throughput and cost-effective assays.

Goals and Study Overview

This guide aims to present a structured approach for developing and optimizing SPE methods using SOLA and SOLAµ products. It covers selectivity options, bed sizes and formats, and provides decision trees for method scaling, troubleshooting and elution profiling to ensure maximum recovery and extract cleanliness.

Used Instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific SOLA and SOLAµ SPE cartridges and 96-well plates
• Thermo Scientific HyperSep vacuum manifolds (glass block and standard formats)
• Standard positive/negative pressure manifolds and centrifugation devices

Methodology

Key elements of method development include:

• Selection of sorbent chemistry (HRP, SCX, SAX, WCX, WAX) based on analyte properties
• Scaling of sample load and elution volumes to match concentration needs (microelution vs. large-volume loading)
• Elution profiling by incremental organic washes to optimize wash and elution strengths
• Mixed-mode and ion-exchange optimizations through pH adjustment, counter-ion strength and multi-step washes
• Sample pre-treatment recommendations for plasma, urine, tissue and high-organic samples

Main Results and Discussion

SOLA products demonstrated:

• Superior packing consistency with embedded particle technology, eliminating voiding and channeling
• Cleaner extracts and reduced solvent consumption compared to loose-packed SPE
• Equivalent or improved analyte recovery and precision when scaling from 10 mg to 2 mg microelution formats
• Up to 20-fold sample concentration improvements and enhanced signal responses for low-level analytes

Benefits and Practical Applications

The enhanced performance of SOLA SPE simplifies method transfer, reduces failure rates and accelerates laboratory workflows. Applications span pharmacokinetics, clinical diagnostics, therapeutic drug monitoring and QA/QC in pharmaceutical and environmental analyses.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Continued advancements in polymeric sorbent design, integration with automated liquid handlers and hybrid SPE-LC/MS workflows will drive even greater sensitivity and throughput. Emerging needs in metabolomics and biomarker screening will benefit from tailored mixed-mode phases and miniaturized formats.

Conclusion

Thermo Scientific SOLA and SOLAµ SPE systems offer robust, reproducible and scalable solutions for bioanalytical method development. Their innovative embedded particle technology and broad selectivity options deliver cleaner extracts, lower solvent use and reliable results across diverse matrices.

Reference

No formal literature references provided in the source document.