Using SPE Cartridges in Your Lab

Using SPE cartridges and solid phase extraction (SPE) is a sample preparation technique used in chromatography to isolate and concentrate specific analytes from complex matrices. SPE is based on the principle of selective adsorption of the analytes of interest to a solid stationary phase, which is then washed with a solvent to elute the analytes.

SPE cartridges are a type of SPE device that is used to perform SPE. SPE cartridges are typically made of plastic or glass and contain a solid stationary phase that is bonded to the cartridge material. The stationary phase is the key to the SPE process, as it determines the selectivity of the SPE process.

There are many different types of stationary phases available for SPE, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some common stationary phases include silica gel, alumina, and cellulose. The choice of stationary phase is dependent on the type of analytes that are being isolated and the matrix that they are in.

SPE cartridges are typically used in conjunction with a liquid chromatograph. The SPE cartridge is placed in the mobile phase inlet of the liquid chromatograph, and the mobile phase is then pumped through the SPE cartridge. The analytes of interest are retained by the stationary phase, while the impurities are washed away by the mobile phase.

SPE cartridges can be used to isolate and concentrate a wide variety of analytes, including organic compounds, inorganic compounds, and biological compounds. SPE is a versatile and powerful technique that can be used to improve the quality and efficiency of many different types of analytical procedures.

Here are some of the advantages of using SPE cartridges:

• SPE is a versatile technique that can be used to isolate and concentrate a wide variety of analytes.
• SPE is a relatively simple technique to use, and it can be automated for high-throughput applications.
• SPE can be used to improve the quality of the analytical results by removing impurities and artifacts from the sample.
• SPE can be used to increase the efficiency of the analytical process by reducing the amount of time and solvent required to isolate and concentrate the analytes.

Here are some of the disadvantages of using SPE cartridges:

• SPE can be expensive, especially for high-end cartridges.
• SPE can be time-consuming, especially for low-flow liquid chromatographs.
• SPE can be difficult to scale up for large-volume samples.
• SPE can be difficult to use for analytes that are strongly bound to the stationary phase.

Overall, using SPE cartridges is a versatile and powerful technique that can be used to improve the quality and efficiency of many different types of analytical procedures. However, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of SPE before deciding whether or not to use it in a particular application.

Randy Cooper has been in marketing technology more than 35 years. He has a Bachelors of Science in Information Technology, with a focus on web development, from the University of Phoenix. He has a Masters in Business Administration, with a focus on digital marketing, from Liberty University. He holds a Professional Certified Marketer certificate from the American Marketing Association.  In 2009, Randy founded Buzz My Biz, a digital marketing agency focused on giving enterprise-level marketing results to small and medium-sized businesses. In 2023 he launched RandyCooper.shop, a print-on-demand store featuring all-over-print products, and BoomerLife.social, a virtual community for boomers. When he isn’t pounding away on a keyboard, he enjoys watching the AtlantaBraves, hiking, and working in the yard.