Outstanding Analytical Performance Begins with the Best Sample Preparation

Significance of Topic

Sample preparation is a critical determinant of analytical quality. Inadequate removal of particulates, proteins, lipids, and matrix interferences can generate high backpressure, retention variability, ion suppression, and instrument downtime. By establishing a robust front end, laboratories can enhance sensitivity, reproducibility, and column and source lifetime, while minimizing reruns and maintenance.

Objectives and Overview

This article reviews Agilent’s comprehensive sample preparation portfolio, spanning mechanical filtration, protein precipitation, supported liquid extraction, QuEChERS, solid phase extraction, and SPME. The aim is to demonstrate how optimized consumables and methods improve throughput, reproducibility, and data quality for applications in bioanalysis, food testing, pesticide residue analysis, and industrial QC.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The study evaluates multiple workflows and formats:

• Particulate removal: Captiva Premium PES and RC syringe filters tested with 0.3 µm latex-bead suspensions for flow rate, loading capacity, protein binding, extractables, column lifetime (HPLC backpressure tracking over 1 000 injections).
• Protein precipitation: Comparison of centrifugation-based PPT and Captiva EMR–Lipid 96-well plates/cartridges, timing and matrix removal profiles, LC/MS analysis of vitamin D metabolites.
• Supported liquid extraction: Chem Elut cartridges/plates using inert diatomaceous earth for rapid phase partitioning and automation suitability.
• QuEChERS: Bond Elut kits with preweighed salts (AOAC, EN, original) and dSPE sorbents (PSA, C18, GCB) evaluated for various matrices; EMR–Lipid dSPE assessed by GC/MS full-scan of avocado extracts to quantify lipid removal.
• Solid phase extraction: Overview of over 40 sorbents (ion exchange, reversed phase, mixed mode, carbon, alumina) in cartridge and 96-well formats, processed under positive pressure manifolds (48/96) for uniform flow.
• SPME: Fiber chemistries and kits for headspace extraction with reusable coated fibers.

Instrumentation platforms include HPLC, GC/MS (7000C, 7200 Q-TOF), LC/MS (6400, 6500 Q-TOF), InfinityLab Poroshell and Ultra Inert columns, positive pressure manifolds, and data systems (MassHunter, OpenLab).

Main Results and Discussion

• Captiva Premium filters delivered the fastest flow rates and highest loading capacities among competitors, with < 0.1% extractables and low protein binding, extending column lifetime by over tenfold in bead-challenge tests.
• Captiva EMR–Lipid PPT reduced total preparation time by 30–40%, removed phospholipids efficiently (demonstrated by stable peak areas and lower RSD), and maintained analyte recovery in complex biological matrices.
• Chem Elut SLE eliminated emulsions, improved recoveries and precision compared to manual LLE, and supported automation.
• Bond Elut QuEChERS kits ensured precise salt dosing and reproducible cleanup; EMR–Lipid dSPE achieved > 90% lipid removal in avocado extract, lowering GC source fouling and extending maintenance intervals beyond 2 500 injections.
• Positive pressure SPE provided consistent well-to-well flow, accommodating viscous samples and enabling high-throughput workflows.

Benefits and Practical Applications

By integrating these sample preparation solutions, laboratories realize enhanced productivity, reduced instrument downtime, and robust quantitative results across a breadth of sample types, including plasma, food, environmental extracts, and industrial materials. Streamlined 96-well formats and automation compatibility support high-volume testing in QA/QC and research environments.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging directions include development of tailored sorbents for ultra-trace and polar analytes, microfluidic and on-line sample prep integration, AI-driven method optimization, and further miniaturization for point-of-care and field testing. Combining advanced materials with automated workflows will drive faster, greener, and more cost-effective analyses.

Conclusion

A strong sample preparation foundation is indispensable for outstanding analytical performance. Agilent’s diverse portfolio—from filtration to SPE and SPME—provides versatile, high-quality consumables and workflows that enhance sensitivity, reproducibility, and throughput, supporting demanding applications across life sciences, food safety, and industrial analytics.