Agilent Captiva sample preparation filtration portfolio

Importance of Topic

Effective sample filtration is a critical first step in chromatographic workflows. Removing particulate matter and biological matrix components preserves column integrity, reduces downtime, and enhances analytical accuracy. By streamlining filtration, laboratories can extend column lifetimes, minimize instrument maintenance, and ensure consistent, high-quality results across diverse applications.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note presents the Agilent Captiva filtration portfolio. Goals include demonstrating how syringe filters, filter vials, nondrip filter plates, and specialized sorbents for lipid removal accelerate sample preparation and improve chromatographic performance. Comparative tests evaluate column backpressure, filtration efficiency, flow-rate reproducibility, protein and lipid removal, and overall workflow time.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

Key filtration formats and evaluation methods:

• Syringe filters (PES, nylon, RC, PTFE, PVDF) and filter vials for mechanical particulate removal
• Captiva Non-Drip (ND) filter plates for combined protein precipitation and particulate cleanup
• Captiva EMR–Lipid sorbent cartridges and plates for selective removal of phospholipids
• Performance testing via HPLC: backpressure monitoring during repeated injections of 0.3 µm latex beads, determination of filtration efficiency using Triton X-100 bead suspensions, flow-rate uniformity across 96-well plates, and post-precipitation protein quantification by Bradford assay

Main Results and Discussion

• Column Lifetime Extension: Filtering a 0.3 µm bead suspension increased column injections from under 200 (unfiltered) to over 800 with Captiva filters, maintaining low backpressure.
• Filtration Efficiency: Captiva syringe filters achieved >98 % removal of 0.3 µm beads at 0.2 µm pore size, outperforming competitive products.
• Flow-Rate Consistency: Captiva ND plates delivered rapid and reproducible filtrate flow across all 96 wells, reducing variability in sample treatment.
• Protein Removal: ND plates efficiently captured precipitation debris in-well, achieving near-complete protein clearance and uniform recovery.
• Lipid Removal: Captiva EMR–Lipid selectively removed phospholipids without analyte loss. Resulting mass spectrometry signals showed reduced ion suppression, improved precision, and lower relative standard deviations compared to protein precipitation alone.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Captiva filtration portfolio offers:

• Time Savings: Eliminates multiple transfer and centrifugation steps, reducing total preparation time by up to 40 %.
• Cost-Effectiveness: High loading capacity and low extractables extend consumable life and protect analytical columns.
• Reduced Contamination: Integrated filter-vial and nondrip designs minimize sample handling and risk of cross-contamination.
• Versatility: Compatible with biological, environmental, and food matrices, supporting LC, LC-MS, and high-throughput workflows.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging directions in sample preparation include further integration with automated and online systems, development of novel mixed-mode sorbents for simultaneous multi-matrix cleanup, miniaturized formats for microflow LC-MS, and data-driven optimization of filtration parameters. Advances in material science may yield even faster flow rates and enhanced selectivity for trace-level analytes.

Conclusion

Agilent Captiva filtration products deliver robust, efficient sample preparation that enhances chromatographic performance and laboratory productivity. By combining high removal efficiency with simplified workflows, Captiva filters and plates support reliable, reproducible analyses and extend the lifetime of critical instrumentation.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent Captiva syringe filters and Econofilter packs
• Agilent Captiva filter vials
• Captiva Non-Drip 96-well filter plates
• Captiva EMR–Lipid cartridges and plates