Sample preparation solutions (Chromatography consumables catalog)

Importance of the topic

High-performance chromatography relies on reproducible sample preparation, efficient separations and sensitive detection. Modern analytical demands across pharmaceutical, environmental, food and clinical applications call for robust solutions that minimize sample loss, reduce variability and enable high throughput. Integrated consumables—from extraction kits to columns and vials—are critical to ensuring consistent results and regulatory compliance.

Study objectives and overview

This catalog describes a comprehensive portfolio of Thermo Scientific chromatography consumables designed to streamline workflows. It covers solutions for sample preparation (SPE, SLE, QuEChERS, enzymatic digestion), sample handling (vials, closures), low-flow and BioLC, conventional HPLC/UHPLC, GC columns, as well as advanced online and automated options. The aim is to enhance sensitivity, selectivity and reproducibility across diverse matrices.

Methodology and instrumentation

The portfolio includes:

• SMART Digest kits for rapid, heat-stable enzyme digestion and immunoaffinity capture
• SOLA and SOLAµ fritless SPE products offering high recoveries and low variability
• HyperSep SPE, SLE and protein precipitation plates for effective cleanup of biological samples
• Polymeric Retain and Hypercarb cartridges for polar to non-polar analyte retention
• TurboFlow online sample prep columns for direct injection of complex matrices
• QuEChERS extraction and cleanup kits for multiresidue pesticide analysis
• Automated μSPE cartridges for high-throughput cleanup in LC-MS and GC-MS protocols
• A full range of LC and GC columns and accessories, including nano, capillary, BioLC and preparative phases
• Syringe and centrifugal filters with low-extractable, solvent-resistant membranes

Main results and discussion

Key performance highlights include:

• Digestion times under 60 minutes with SMART Digest, achieving >95 % sequence coverage and retention time RSD < 0.03 %
• SOLAμ SPE achieving up to 20× concentration factors with high precision (peak area RSD < 1.4 %)
• Batch-to-batch reproducibility demonstrated for SPE cartridges vs conventional formats
• Automated μSPE enabling reliable cleanup of QuEChERS extracts without manual dSPE steps
• Online TurboFlow columns removing proteins in direct sample injections to LC-MS
• Wide selection of column chemistries for ultrahigh resolution BioLC, U/HPLC and GC analyses

Benefits and practical applications

These consumables deliver:

• Reduced sample preparation time and error risk
• Enhanced sensitivity for low-abundance targets in bioanalysis and food safety
• Robust workflows for proteomics, intact protein and peptide mapping
• High throughput compatibility via automation platforms (KingFisher, TriPlus, Aria)
• Regulatory compliance through low extractable levels and certified materials

Future trends and potential uses

Emerging directions include further miniaturization of SPE formats, expanded integration with UHPLC-MS/MS and Orbitrap platforms, cloud-based method repositories for real-time method transfer, and enhanced support for multi-omic analyses. Continued advances in fritless media and immunoaffinity-linked digestion will drive speed and reproducibility gains.

Conclusion

Thermo Scientific’s connected chromatography solutions provide an end-to-end ecosystem of consumables that optimize sample preparation, chromatographic separation and detection. By leveraging innovative media designs and automation compatibility, laboratories can achieve greater confidence, throughput and sensitivity across diverse analytical challenges.

Used instrumentation

• SMART Digest and SMART Digest IA kits
• SOLA and SOLAµ SPE cartridges and plates
• HyperSep SPE, SLE and vacuum/positive-pressure manifolds
• KingFisher, TriPlus, Aria, Transcend TLX and Prelude automation platforms
• Accucore, Hypersil, MAbPac, TracePLOT, TraceGOLD LC and GC columns
• Orbitrap Exploris 240/480 Mass Spectrometers with BioPharma Finder Software
• Titan3, Titan2 and Choice syringe filters and μSPE cartridges

Reference

• Anastassiades J. et al., 2003. Development of QuEChERS sample preparation. J. AOAC Int.
• AOAC Official Method 2007.01, Pesticide Residues via QuEChERS.
• EN 15662, European Standard for multiresidue pesticide analysis.
• Clarke N. et al., 2012. SMART Digest reproducibility in peptide mapping. J. Investigative Medicine.