<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?category=136&amp;manufacturerItems=50&amp;page=2">Solid phase extraction</a> is routinely selected as a sample preparation technique prior to HPLC and GC analysis. It provides:<ul><li>Clean-up;</li><li>Analyte pre-concentration;</li><li>Solvent switching.</li></ul>This works well for any homogeneous liquid samples, but clearly a solid sample cannot be applied directly to an SPE device. Here we will consider how best to approach the handling of solid samples prior to SPE.The first stage of sample pre-treatment involves homogenising the solid sample with a suitable solvent. The solvent selected for this purpose will:<ul><li>Be effective at solubilising the analyte.</li><li>Be effective at solubilising the sample matrix, although this is not necessary providing the sample is blended well with the solvent.</li><li>Ideally it will be a weak solvent when it comes to the SPE stage. This may not be possible, and it may be necessary to dry down and reconstitute the sample prior to loading on to the SPE cartridge.</li></ul>Having formed a suspension of the sample in a suitable solvent the sample should be vortexed to promote thorough mixing, and then centrifuged to pellet the insoluble components of the matrix. The solvent should then be removed for further treatment.At this point the SPE mechanism needs to be selected:&nbsp;<h3>Reversed Phase SPE Method</h3>Mechanism / Weak Solvent / Strong Solvent<ul><li>Reversed phase – Water/buffer – Acetonitrile/Methanol (hexane strongest)</li><li>Normal phase – Hexane/Heptane – Mid polar organic such as DCM, MTBE, IPA (strongest is water)</li><li>Ion exchange – Aqueous buffer at a pH which promotes ion exchange interactions between analyte and SPE sorbent – Organic solvent, typically methanol with pH adjustment to disrupt the ion exchange interactions.</li></ul>Analyte properties and sample diluent both need to be considered at this point. Reversed phase extractions are effective for moderately polar to moderately hydrophobic analytes, but only if they are dissolved in a weak solvent such as water. If the sample is dissolved in a mid-polar solvent the sample will either need to be diluted, or alternatively dried down and reconstituted. The same is true for normal phase, where samples need to be dissolved in hexane/heptane for analytes to be successfully retained during sample loading onto the SPE device.These examples will hopefully illustrate this concept.<h4>The extraction of PCBs from soil.</h4>PCBs are hydrophobic and will dissolve readily in a non-polar solvent. Soil can be dried, weighed and then extracted using hexane (or heptane). Once thoroughly mixed and centrifuged the resulting solution can be applied directed to a conditioned silica SPE tube allowing for a normal phase extraction to be conducted.<h4>Tylosin from meat.</h4>Tylosin is an antibiotic, with a log P of 1.0. Extracting from meat with a mixture of acetonitrile and water (80:20) will break any hydrophobic interactions releasing the tylosin. After centrifugation the resulting liquid sample will require further dilution with water to reduce the loading solvent strength prior to a reversed phase extraction.<h4>Enilconazole from oranges.</h4>Enilconazole is a fungicide widely used in agriculture and is often used with citrus fruits. It can readily be extracted from oranges using acetonitrile. As enilconazole is basic, the addition of HCl to the acetonitrile extract will promote protonation of the analyte, allowing for it to be directly retained on a strong cation exchange SPE material. This greatly simplifies the extraction process as no dilution of the sample is required (in contrast to reversed phase, or normal phase extraction where 100% acetonitrile would cause the analyte to be unretained during loading).

Considerations when working with solid samples and SPE

ALS recognizes that Climate Change is one of the defining issues of our time and we strive to make Impact through Action in the areas of Sustainability, linked to the ALS core value of Caring.ALS intends to make the world a better place through innovation, science, and commitment to best practice. This year the ALS Board has signed off on a company commitment to Net Zero by 2050 as summarized on our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.alsglobal.com/en/sustainability?utm_source=email-sig-link-ca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sustainability-report-23">annual sustainability report</a>. ALS is pleased to share our milestones and targets with clients.<h3>Background</h3>In 2021, ALS developed a climate change strategy, setting a target of 40% reduction in scope 1 &amp; 2 emissions by 2030. By end of FY23 (March 2023), ALS had achieved a 58% reduction, and achieved carbon neutrality for scope 1 &amp; 2 emissions – well ahead of plan. In the same month, ALS recorded a key milestone with the ALS Board approving our roadmap to reach Net Zero by 2050 (shared at right), with milestones noted and completed actions shaded green.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ALS_Czech_Republic_Enviro_Mail_12_Europe_ALS_Net_Zero_Commitments_and_Roadmap_in_Support_of_our_Staff_Clients_Communities_and_Shareholders_b157904cab.jpg" alt="ALS Czech Republic: EnviroMail™12/Europe: ALS Net Zero Commitments &amp; Roadmap in Support of our Staff, Clients, Communities &amp; Shareholders." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ALS_Czech_Republic_Enviro_Mail_12_Europe_ALS_Net_Zero_Commitments_and_Roadmap_in_Support_of_our_Staff_Clients_Communities_and_Shareholders_b157904cab.jpg 112w," sizes="100vw" width="805" height="1120"><h3>Further detail</h3>Key projects to date have included purchasing Renewable Electricity (RE) from the grid (we utilize greater than 90% RE across all operations), installing &gt;1.8MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across 16 site locations, and continued implementation of our ALS Green Building Standards, which focus on HVAC systems, building insulation, LED lights, energy efficient plant and equipment, moving to electric vehicles (EVs), and staff engagement on adopting climate friendly practices to reduce actual energy demand.This ALS Net Zero commitment will involve reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 95% and scope 3 emissions by 90% by 2050, against a 2020 baseline year. This is a challenging task for laboratory operations given requirements for chemical, plastic, and glassware usage, and significant air heating and cooling requirements due to fume hoods which cause frequent cycling of laboratory air.The ALS Roadmap includes a near-term target to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 78% by 2030 against a 2020 baseline year.Over the next 2 years ALS will measure our scope 3 greenhouse gas inventory to confirm the calculated scope 3 estimate completed in FY2023 and will develop action plans for freight, purchased goods/services, wastes, and employee commutes. A near-term target for 2030 for scope 3 will then be set.Priority actions over the next 5 years will include:<ul><li>purchasing renewable electricity for &gt;95% of our operations</li><li>installing further solar energy PV systems (7 more installed YTD for FY24 with a further 9 systems to be completed in early FY25)</li><li>converting gas ovens and furnaces to electric where possible</li><li>selection of more energy-efficient vehicles; 30% of fleet to be hybrids and EVs by 2030</li><li>upgrading to ALS green building guidelines for new laboratory developments and refurbishments (better insulation, more efficient HVAC, solar PV systems, and upgraded building management systems)</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ALS_Czech_Republic_Enviro_Mail_12_Europe_ALS_Net_Zero_Commitments_and_Roadmap_in_Support_of_our_Staff_Clients_Communities_and_Shareholders_2_91b5e7ebf8.jpg" alt="ALS Czech Republic: EnviroMail™12/Europe: ALS Net Zero Commitments &amp; Roadmap in Support of our Staff, Clients, Communities &amp; Shareholders." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ALS_Czech_Republic_Enviro_Mail_12_Europe_ALS_Net_Zero_Commitments_and_Roadmap_in_Support_of_our_Staff_Clients_Communities_and_Shareholders_2_91b5e7ebf8.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="1089" height="1089"><blockquote>We are pleased to share our commitments with our stakeholders. Please feel free to contact your local ALS representative for further information.</blockquote>

EnviroMail™12/Europe: ALS Net Zero Commitments & Roadmap in Support of our Staff, Clients, Communities & Shareholders

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) is one of the key techniques in modern analytical chemistry for pre-concentrating analytes prior to chromatographic analysis. However, traditional manual SPE procedures are often time-consuming, error-prone, and difficult to reproduce. In response to laboratories’ increasing demand for automation and efficiency, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Watrex Praha</a> introduces the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/obchod/laboratory-automation/streamline-ole-200/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Streamline OLE 200</a> – an advanced system for online SPE.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Ole_uvod_oprava_bd77e4d8c2.jpg" alt="Watrex: Streamline™ OLE 200" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Ole_uvod_oprava_bd77e4d8c2.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1599" height="900"><h4>Comprehensive Automation of SPE&nbsp;</h4>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/obchod/laboratory-automation/streamline-ole-200/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Streamline OLE 200</a> is a fully automated solid-phase extraction unit designed for direct integration into HPLC systems. It enables efficient pre-concentration of up to eight different samples, minimizes the need for manual handling, and significantly boosts laboratory productivity.<h4>Advantages of SPE Automation with OLE 200&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Increased laboratory throughput: Automatic processing of up to 8 samples without the need for operator intervention.&nbsp;</li><li>Reduced manual errors and improved result reproducibility.&nbsp;</li><li>Flexible integration: Compatible with any HPLC system, allowing implementation across various laboratory settings.&nbsp;</li><li>Time savings: Eliminates the need to manually transfer samples between the SPE and HPLC steps.&nbsp;</li><li>Multimodal selection of SPE cartridges based on analytes and matrix complexity.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Technical Specifications and System Design&nbsp;</h4>At the heart of the system is a high-pressure pump, ensuring precise dosing of both samples and solvents. The system’s design features three key valves:&nbsp;<ul><li>A 10-port selection valve for sample and wash solvent selection.&nbsp;</li><li>A high-pressure SPE cartridge selector, allowing switching between up to five different SPE cartridges.&nbsp;</li><li>A standard injection valve, connecting the device to any HPLC system.</li></ul>This setup ensures that each sample is precisely processed: drawn into an SPE cartridge, washed with one or two eluents, and then eluted directly into the chromatograph.&nbsp;<h4>Functional Diagram&nbsp;</h4><ol><li>The sample is drawn by the pump through the 10-port valve to the selected SPE cartridge.&nbsp;</li><li>The cartridge is washed with one or two eluents to remove interferences.&nbsp;</li><li>Analytes are then eluted with a selected solvent and delivered directly into the HPLC system via the injection valve.&nbsp;</li></ol><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_OLE_clanek_obr_2_36588f90b9.jpg" alt="Watrex: Fig. 2 - Streamline™ OLE 200 Schematic" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_OLE_clanek_obr_2_36588f90b9.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1700" height="957"><h4>Efficiency, Reproducibility, and Flexibility&nbsp;</h4>Automation of the entire SPE process leads to greater reproducibility and reduces the risk of contamination or human error. The system allows sequential processing of multiple samples, each of which can be analyzed following a specific protocol. Thanks to its open design, the OLE 200 is compatible with any HPLC system, making it easy to integrate into existing lab workflows without major modifications.&nbsp;<h4>Application Potential&nbsp;</h4>The OLE 200 system is particularly suitable for:&nbsp;<ul><li>Pesticide and pharmaceutical residue analysis in water&nbsp;</li><li>Clinical and pharmaceutical analysis of biological fluids&nbsp;</li><li>Food safety and environmental monitoring&nbsp;</li><li>Forensic and toxicological analyses&nbsp;</li></ul>Thanks to its modular design and the ability to select various SPE cartridges based on polarity and interactions, the device can be easily adapted to specific applications.&nbsp;<h4>Operation and Software&nbsp;</h4>The system's user-friendly interface enables easy setup of each SPE step, including cartridge selection, volumes, elution solvents, and wash sequences. The entire process can be fully programmed, minimizing the need for operator involvement during analysis.&nbsp;<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/obchod/laboratory-automation/streamline-ole-200/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Streamline OLE 200</a> from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Watrex Praha</a> prepresents a modern and powerful tool for automated sample pre-concentration that significantly enhances efficiency, reliability, and accuracy in analytical laboratories. Its flexibility, robust design, and easy integration with existing systems make it an ideal solution for demanding applications in environmental analysis, pharmaceutical research, and routine quality control.&nbsp;<blockquote>Want to learn more? Visit our website at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=linkedin&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=linkedin_clanky">www.watrex.com</a> or email us at watrex@watrex.com.</blockquote>

Flawless and Effortless: How the Streamline™ OLE 200 Transforms Sample Preparation for HPLC? 

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Flawless and Effortless: How the Streamline™ OLE 200 Transforms Sample Preparation for HPLC?

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Considerations when working with solid samples and SPE