What is Automated
Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)?
What is Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)?
Solid phase extraction (SPE) is a sample preparation technique used to purify and concentrate analytes from a complex mixture before analysis. A sample is passed through a solid phase material that selectively retains the target analytes while unwanted compounds are washed away.Â
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What are the Application Areas of SPE?
SPE is crucial for removing interferences, reducing matrix effects, and improving sensitivity and accuracy in analytical measurements by isolating analytes of interest from complex matrices such as biological fluids, environmental samples, or food extracts, and as such, is utilized in various fields including environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical analysis, and forensic sciences to remove interfering substances, improve detection limits, and enhance the reliability and accuracy of analytical results. A complete list of SPE application areas is included below.
Food/Feed
- Pesticides, vitamins, mycotoxins, other contaminants
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Flavor
- Isolation of flavor components from natural matrices
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Cosmetics
- Product dissolution and treatment to obtain liquid phase for analysis.
- Isolation of the n-nitrosamine NDELA from cosmetics.
Pharmaceutical/Pre-clinical
- Bioanalytical and Bioequivalence work.
- DMPK sample analyses
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Forensics & Toxicology
- Drugs of abuse from every bodily fluid/matrix known.
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Environment
Why Automate Your SPE Workflow?
Automating SPE methods offers several significant advantages for analytical laboratories. Automation improves reproducibility and precision by minimizing human error associated with manual handling, ensuring consistent sample preparation. It also enhances efficiency by allowing the processing of multiple samples, thereby increasing throughput and reducing analysis time. Automated SPE systems often include features for method development, which enables optimization of extraction protocols to achieve better analyte recovery and detection limits. Moreover, automation reduces labor costs and improves safety by minimizing operator exposure to hazardous chemicals commonly used in sample preparation processes. Overall, automating SPE methods streamlines workflows, enhances analytical performance, and supports high-throughput sample processing in modern analytical laboratories.
Example of an automated SPE workflow for PFAS determination
6 Benefits of Automated SPE:
Method flexibility
Accurate results (reduces human error)
Time savings
Unlimited SPE Capability (no restrictions on column type, sample volume)
Uninterrupted Operation (24/7, can run overnight)
Modular Design- easy to add other capabilities
How Do You Automate SPE?
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The LCTech FREESTYLE SPE sampler revolutionizes solid-phase extraction (SPE) methods by integrating advanced automation capabilities. Designed to streamline the extraction process, it employs robotic precision to handle sample loading, elution, and solvent evaporation steps. The system accommodates diverse sample types and matrices, ensuring flexibility in analytical workflows. With its user-friendly interface, operators can easily program and customize extraction protocols, optimizing efficiency and reproducibility. The FREESTYLE SPE sampler enhances analytical throughput by automating tedious manual tasks, thereby reducing human error and enhancing overall method reliability. Its integration into laboratories significantly accelerates sample preparation times, making it an indispensable tool for high-throughput analyses in various industries including pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, and food safety.
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LCTech systems for automated SPE include:
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