Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)
Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) is a broad term to describe the digital (step wise) separation technique where liquids contact sorbents, and organic compounds or ions in the liquid adsorb to the functional group(s) of the sorbent.
-
Sorbents are chosen to either retain the components of interest, or selectively release them into a
strong liquid phase
-
SPE manufacturers commonly pack these sorbents into cartridges, well plates, dispersive tubes or
other convenient devices
-
SPE is “digital” (step-wise) – Mobile phases are chosen so analytes are 100% adsorbed on the
stationary phase, or 100% in the mobile phase
-
SPE is used for extraction, concentration and purification
-
Sorbents are available in many forms: Silica based, Polymeric, Alumina, and Carbon(s)
-
For all fields of application, silica based sorbents are the most common sorbents used
-
Silica based sorbents give the greatest number of stationary phase choices for extraction
-
Silica based sorbents are very rugged (Stable over a wide pH and solvent range)
- Silica based sorbents are the most cost effective
Common SPE Applications:
(Environmental, Pharmaceutical and Forensic)
-
Pharmaceutical compounds and metabolites in biological fluids
-
Drugs of abuse in biological fluids
-
Environmental pollutants in drinking and waste water
-
Pesticides and antibiotics in food/agricultural matrices
-
Desalting of proteins and peptides
-
Fractionation of lipids
- Water and fat soluble vitamins
Related Topic: QuEChERS Sample Preparation - It's Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe
