Agilent Carbon S sample preparation products

Importance of Pigment Removal in Sample Preparation

Effective pigment removal is crucial for reliable chromatographic separation and mass spectrometric detection of trace contaminants in colored food and environmental matrices. Inadequate cleanup leads to coelution, ion suppression, reduced sensitivity, and shortened column life.

Study Objectives and Overview

This application study evaluates the performance of Agilent Carbon S sorbent products in comparison to traditional graphitized carbon black (GCB) for pigment removal during multiclass, multiresidue pesticide analysis. Key goals include measuring recoveries and reproducibility for planar pesticides and simplifying the sample preparation workflow by eliminating toxic solvents.

Methodology

Sample matrices such as tomato, spinach, berries, and pepper were fortified with trace levels of various planar and nonplanar pesticides and processed using QuEChERS dispersive solid-phase extraction (dSPE) or SPE cartridges. Carbon S sorbent features an optimized carbon content and pore structure designed to selectively retain pigments while preserving analytes. Filtration was conducted using Agilent Captiva syringe filters to minimize particulates prior to analysis.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent Carbon S QuEChERS dSPE kits
• Agilent Carbon S–based Bond Elut SPE tubes
• Agilent Enhanced Matrix Removal (EMR) cartridges
• Agilent Captiva syringe filters and disposable syringes
• LC and GC systems for quantitation of recovered pesticides

Main Results and Discussion

Compared to GCB, Carbon S demonstrated higher overall passing rates for multiclass pesticide assays, with improved recoveries and lower relative standard deviations, especially for planar pesticide compounds. Visual before-and-after comparisons showed near-complete pigment removal in heavily colored samples (spinach, blackberries, bell pepper) without analyte loss. The single-step cleanup eliminated the need for toluene, reducing preparation time and exposure to toxic solvents.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced recoveries and reproducibility for sensitive analytes
• Simplified workflow with single-step LC and GC sample preparation
• Reduced use of hazardous solvents and fewer manual steps
• Compatibility with a broad range of pigmented food and environmental samples
• Extended column life through effective particulate removal

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances in sorbent design are expected to further improve selectivity and throughput in high-volume testing laboratories. Integration with automated and online cleanup platforms, the development of matrix-specific kits, and sustainable solvent systems will support stricter regulatory demands and greener workflows. Expansion into pharmaceutical, clinical, and environmental monitoring can leverage Carbon S technology for challenging matrices.

Conclusion

Agilent Carbon S sample preparation products offer a robust alternative to traditional GCB sorbents, delivering superior pigment removal, enhanced recovery of planar pesticides, and streamlined workflows without the need for toluene. Their adoption can improve analytical performance, safety, and efficiency in routine multiclass pesticide testing.

References

None provided.