Strata Silica-Based Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) Sorbents

Importance of the Topic

Solid phase extraction (SPE) with silica-based sorbents is a cornerstone in analytical chemistry for isolating and concentrating target analytes from complex matrices. High-quality silica sorbents deliver cleaner extracts, greater method robustness and reproducibility, and broad applicability across environmental, food, beverage, and biological samples.

Objectives and Study Overview

This work reviews the development and performance of Phenomenex Strata silica-based SPE sorbents. It compares their cleanup efficiency and batch-to-batch consistency to competing products, introduces selection tools and a structured method development workflow, and presents representative applications demonstrating versatility and practical benefits.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The evaluation comprised head-to-head reversed-phase SPE comparisons of Strata C18-E against Waters® Sep-Pak® C18, Biotage® Isolute® C-18(EC), and Varian® Bond Elut® C18. Reproducibility studies tracked recovery of beta-blockers (nadolol, metoprolol, propranolol) over five production lots. A three-step SPE method development strategy was defined: selecting sorbent mass per sample matrix and volume, choosing format (tubes, 96-well plates, on-line cartridges), and calculating wash/elution volumes based on bed volume. Generic protocols for reversed-phase, normal-phase, and ion-exchange extractions were provided. Application instrumentation included GC-MS with Zebron™ ZB-5ms columns, HPLC-MS using Kinetex® C8 and Luna® HILIC columns, and GC-FID for hydrocarbon fractionation.

Main Results and Discussion

• Strata C18-E yielded significantly cleaner extracts than competitor C18 sorbents in hydrophobic analyte cleanup tests.
• Recoveries for nadolol, metoprolol, and propranolol consistently exceeded 90% with minimal lot-to-lot variation.
• A selection tree and cross-reference chart enabled straightforward matching among 25 sorbent chemistries and alternative supplier products.
• Strata EPH sorbent achieved effective aliphatic/aromatic hydrocarbon fractionation with reduced BHT contamination compared to conventional silica gel.
• Strata PAH cartridges met EPA Method 550.1 criteria for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon cleanup and removed humic acid interferences.
• Specialty sorbents enabled over 90% recovery of melamine and cyanuric acid from baby formula in a single SPE step, and efficient aflatoxin cleanup from peanut butter.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Strata SPE sorbents provide enhanced extract purity, compatibility with high-throughput workflows, reproducible performance, and versatility for environmental monitoring, food safety testing, pharmaceutical analysis, and QA/QC laboratories.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging developments include integration with automated SPE-LC/MS systems, miniaturized microsampling formats, novel mixed-mode sorbent chemistries, on-line SPE advances, and adoption of greener solvents to reduce environmental impact.

Conclusion

Phenomenex Strata silica-based SPE sorbents deliver reliable, high-performance cleanup across diverse analytical challenges. Their consistent manufacturing, comprehensive chemistry offerings, and user-friendly method development tools support robust and reproducible analytical workflows.

References

• EPA Method 550.1: Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by GC-MS.
• Phenomenex Strata SPE product literature and application notes.