Sample Preparation and Laboratory Automation

Importance of the Topic

Effective sample preparation underpins reliable analytical outcomes across techniques such as HPLC, UPLC, LC–MS, UV, and GC. By removing interferences, concentrating analytes, and presenting the target compound in a suitable matrix, robust methods are developed that enhance sensitivity, reproducibility, and instrument lifetime. Recent advances in sorbent chemistry and automation have further streamlined workflows, enabling higher throughput and greener protocols.

Objectives and Overview

This review summarizes current advances in solid-phase extraction (SPE) technologies, sample-cleanup products, and laboratory automation tools designed to deliver cleaner, more concentrated samples for a broad range of applications, from pharmaceutical bioanalysis to environmental testing. It highlights decision criteria for selecting sorbents and formats, generic SPE protocols, key product families, and integrated automation solutions that reduce manual labor and enhance method consistency.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Key sample-preparation strategies include retention-cleanup-elution and pass-through cleanup. Generic SPE protocols exploit reversed-phase, normal-phase, or mixed-mode chemistries using polymeric or silica packings. The Waters Oasis™ family (HLB, PRiME HLB, MCX, MAX, WCX, WAX) offers water-wettable polymeric sorbents stable from pH 0–14, enabling simplified three-step methods without conditioning and equilibration. Silica-based options (Sep-Pak C18, tC18, CN, diol, alumina, florisil, AccellPlus ion-exchange) provide tailored selectivity for diverse analytes. Complementary formats include µElution and 96-well plates for low-volume analyses, on-line SPE columns for UPLC integration, and glass cartridges for trace-level detection. Advanced automation solutions — the Otto™ SPEcialist positive-pressure manifold and Andrew+ robotic pipetting platform with OneLab™ software — further automate SPE and liquid-handling workflows, ensuring reproducibility and traceability.

Main Results and Discussion

Comparative data demonstrate that polymeric sorbents, especially Oasis PRiME HLB and PRiME MCX, remove over 95% of key matrix interferences (phospholipids, proteins, salts) in three-step workflows, outperforming traditional silica sorbents and protein precipitation. Mixed-mode sorbents enable class-selective cleanup and enrichment of acids or bases through orthogonal retention mechanisms. On-line SPE with Ethylene Bridge Hybrid (BEH) sorbents delivers seamless integration with UPLC for rapid environmental screening. New SPE consumables certified under stringent manufacturing controls exhibit low extractables, facilitating trace analysis without extensive pre-washing.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Cleaner extracts reduce ion-suppression in MS applications and extend column lifetime.
• Concentration/enrichment of trace analytes lowers limits of detection.
• Removal of 95%+ of phospholipids improves method robustness for biological matrices.
• µElution plates eliminate evaporation/reconstitution steps, reducing solvent use by up to 70%.
• Automation platforms cut hands-on time, minimize human error, and support walk-away operation.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Continued integration of water-wettable polymeric sorbents and automation will drive simpler, greener sample-preparation workflows. Emerging materials with tailored surface chemistries will address even more challenging matrices. On-line SPE–LC–MS coupling will expand into routine QC and environmental monitoring. Advances in modular robotics and software interoperability promise end-to-end traceable workflows from sample receipt to data reporting.

Conclusion

Modern SPE chemistries and formats, combined with streamlined protocols and automation, deliver unprecedented improvements in sample cleanup, throughput, and method robustness. Adoption of water-wettable polymeric sorbents, certified low-extractable consumables, and integrated liquid-handling systems addresses key challenges in analytical laboratories, enabling reliable, high-sensitivity analyses across diverse applications.