Supra-Clean® and Supra-Poly® Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) Solutions

Importance of the Topic

Solid phase extraction (SPE) is a cornerstone of modern analytical chemistry, significantly improving sample cleanup, concentration and reproducibility in trace analysis. Optimizing SPE workflows reduces solvent use, minimizes matrix interferences and accelerates downstream techniques such as HPLC, GC/MS and LC–MS.

Study Objectives and Overview

This whitepaper presents PerkinElmer’s Supra-Clean (silica-based) and Supra-Poly (polymer-based) SPE solutions. The goals are to demonstrate how precision-manufactured spherical media and advanced bed-packing deliver consistent lot-to-lot performance and to guide users in selecting the optimal SPE chemistry for their target analytes and sample matrices.

Methodology and Instrumentation

PerkinElmer employs Precise-Bed Technology™ to control particle size distribution within ±1%, generating a homogeneous, mono-dispersed stationary phase. Key features include:

• Spherical silica or polymer particles with defined pore sizes (60–1 500 Å) and surface areas (up to 1 500 m²/g).
• Twenty chemistries spanning reversed phase, normal phase, ion exchange and mixed-mode sorbents.
• Formats including cartridges, glass and polypropylene columns, 96-well plates and large reservoir capacity designs.

Použitá instrumentace

• Clarus® 680/580/480 GC
• Clarus SQ 8 GC/MS
• Flexar™ SQ 300 MS
• Flexar LC and UHPLC systems

Main Results and Discussion

Comparative data show that spherical media yield sharper peaks, lower backpressure and improved flow uniformity versus irregular silica. Key observations:

• Enhanced reproducibility: lot-to-lot variability below ±1% in recovery tests.
• Reduced elution volumes: smaller solvent requirements for equivalent analyte recovery.
• Minimized channeling and clogging: absence of fines prolongs column life and increases throughput.

Benefits and Practical Applications

PerkinElmer SPE solutions enable robust, high-throughput sample preparation for a broad spectrum of analytes and matrices, including:

• Environmental screening (pesticides, PAHs, PCBs) in water and soil.
• Bioanalysis of drugs, metabolites and biomolecules in plasma, urine and tissue extracts.
• Food safety testing for toxins, vitamins and residues.
• Industrial QC for oils, lipids and mid-polar organics.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Ongoing developments in SPE will focus on:

• Integration with automated liquid handlers and online SPE–LC–MS workflows.
• Novel sorbent chemistries (e.g., molecularly imprinted polymers, nanostructured phases) for ultra-selective extraction.
• Greener protocols reducing solvent consumption and employing aqueous-based elution.
• Miniaturized formats for single-cell and microvolume applications.

Conclusion

PerkinElmer’s Supra-Clean and Supra-Poly SPE platforms deliver unmatched reproducibility, reduction of solvent usage and flexibility across diverse analytical challenges. Their precise manufacturing and broad chemistry portfolio simplify method development, accelerate workflows and ensure reliable, repeatable data for research, QC and regulated testing.