WATERS SAMPLE PREPARATION SOLUTIONS

Význam tématu

In modern analytical chemistry, effective sample preparation underpins reliable and sensitive LC-MS and GC-MS analyses. Removing matrix interferences, concentrating analytes, and streamlining workflows are essential for accurate quantification of compounds in complex biological and environmental samples. Advances in sorbent materials and formats directly impact throughput, reproducibility, and data quality.

Cíle a přehled studie / článku

This whitepaper reviews a comprehensive suite of sample preparation tools developed by Waters. It presents the evolution of solid-phase extraction (SPE) technologies from traditional reversed-phase sorbents to mixed-mode chemistries and specialized formats such as µElution plates, on-line cartridges, protein removal plates, QuEChERS kits, and reaction cleanup cartridges. The goal is to highlight how each product family addresses specific analytical challenges and improves LC-MS performance.

Použitá metodika a instrumentace

Methodologies covered include:

• Reversed-phase SPE with hydrophilic-lipophilic balance sorbents (Oasis HLB, PRiME HLB)
• Mixed-mode ion-exchange SPE (Oasis MCX, MAX, WCX, WAX)
• On-line SPE using glass and PEEK cartridges integrated with HPLC/UPLC systems
• Protein precipitation and phospholipid removal with pass-through plates (Ostro)
• Dispersive SPE and QuEChERS for multi-residue screening in food matrices (DisQuE)
• Polymeric reaction cleanup cartridges for synthetic chemistry (PoraPak Rxn)

The primary instrumentation targets include LC-MS/MS, UPLC-MS, GC-MS, and standard HPLC systems equipped with on-line extraction modules.

Hlavní výsledky a diskuse

Key findings and innovations:

• Introduction of water-wettable Oasis HLB in 1996 revolutionized SPE by enabling broad-spectrum retention without extensive conditioning.
• µElution plates deliver up to 15× sample concentration with minimal solvent use and no evaporation step.
• PRiME HLB simplifies protocols by eliminating conditioning and equilibration, reducing processing time by 30–50% and effectively removing phospholipids, salts, and proteins.
• Expanded sorbent portfolio (MCX, MAX, WCX, WAX) and on-line cartridge formats support selective cleanup of acids, bases, and neutrals with optimized 2×4 development workflows.
• Ostro plates provide rapid protein precipitation and phospholipid removal in a single pass, improving sensitivity for bioanalysis.
• DisQuE dispersive kits streamline QuEChERS workflows for high-throughput pesticide, veterinary drug, and mycotoxin screening.
• PoraPak Rxn cartridges enable efficient cleanup of synthetic reaction mixtures across a wide pH and solvent range without silica breakdown.

Přínosy a praktické využití metody

Adoption of these sample preparation solutions delivers:

• Enhanced analyte recovery and signal-to-noise ratios
• Reduced matrix effects and ghost peaks
• Higher throughput through automated and plate-based formats
• Lower solvent consumption and waste generation
• Greater reproducibility and reduced instrument downtime

Budoucí trendy a možnosti využití

Emerging directions include integration of AI-driven method development tools, greener sorbent chemistries to minimize environmental impact, miniaturization of formats for single-cell and microsampling applications, and seamless coupling with high-resolution mass spectrometers for comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analyses in omics and environmental monitoring.

Závěr

Waters sample preparation products span a broad range of chemistries and formats that address the evolving needs of LC-MS and GC-MS laboratories. By simplifying workflows, enhancing cleanliness, and improving throughput, these solutions enable robust, high-sensitivity analyses across diverse applications.

Reference

Key product literature:

• Oasis Reference Cards – 720005685EN
• Oasis Sample-Extraction Products Brochure – 720001692EN
• Waters Sorbent Selection Guide – 720002007EN
• Beginner’s Guide to SPE – 715003405