FAST, EASY EFFICIENT SAMPLE PREPARATION

Significance of the Topic

Solid phase extraction (SPE) is a foundational sample preparation technique representing up to 60% of analytical workflows in environmental, forensic and pharmaceutical laboratories. Proper SPE minimizes errors, reduces solvent use, concentrates analytes and enhances data quality ahead of HPLC, LC–MS, GC and GC–MS analyses.

Objectives and Document Overview

This reference notebook from PerkinElmer introduces Supra-Clean and Supra-Poly SPE product lines, offering guidance for rapid method development across diverse analyte classes and matrices. It maps sample type to optimal sorbent, outlines step-by-step SPE protocols and supplies ready-to-use column selection kits and application packs for common assays.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Methodology

• Supra-Clean: High-purity spherical silica sorbents packed by Precise Bed Technology for ±1% bed volume precision.
• Supra-Poly: Macro-porous polymer sorbents (HLB, XC, ATH, ATL, AEV, XWP) for high throughput and capacity.
• SPE workflow: sample pretreatment (pH adjustment, filtration), column conditioning, sample loading under controlled flow, washing to remove interferences, optional drying, and elution with minimal solvent volume.

Instrumentation

• Sample concentration and purification using vacuum manifolds (12- or 24-position) and compatible vacuum pumps.
• Analytical detection by HPLC, LC–MS, GC and GC–MS.

Main Results and Discussion

PerkinElmer’s SPE portfolio delivers consistent performance lot-to-lot and column-to-column. Spherical particle uniformity avoids channelling, enables smaller sample sizes and higher recoveries. A decision flowchart directs users to reversed-phase, normal-phase or ion-exchange formats. Extensive environmental, forensic and pharmaceutical applications illustrate optimized conditions for pesticides, phenolics, drugs, hormones and toxicants.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Rapid method development aided by curated SPE selection kits and application packs.
• Scalable analyses via varied sorbent formats (cartridges, 96-well plates, large reservoir columns).
• Reduced solvent consumption and processing time with reliable recoveries.
• Broad pH compatibility (pH 2–8 for silica, pH 0–14 for polymer media).

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements may include online SPE integration with mass spectrometry, microflow SPE for limited sample volumes and novel mixed-mode sorbents combining multiple interaction mechanisms. Automated SPE platforms and green solvent strategies will further enhance productivity and sustainability.

Conclusion

PerkinElmer’s Supra-Clean and Supra-Poly SPE solutions streamline critical sample preparation steps, improving reproducibility and throughput across environmental, forensic and pharmaceutical analyses. Comprehensive sorbent formats and application support enable laboratories to develop robust, cost-effective methods with confidence.

Reference

PerkinElmer Supra-Clean and Supra-Poly Solid Phase Extraction—A Reference Notebook of SPE Applications