Automated Sorbent Extraction
We will design automated SPE custom system of your choice.
Contact us at fialab@flowinjection.com
Voice 425-376-0450 or 1-800-963-1101, Fax 425-376-0451
Solid Phase Extraction automated by FIA is a technique designed for rapid, selective sample preparation and purification of samples prior to their assay in order to remove matrix and preconcetrate target analytes. The purified samples can be either collected in a sample collector or directly introduced to detectors such as ICP-MS, Atomic Absorption, UV-VIS Spectrophotometry or Fluorescence spectrometry.
Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) protocols are available for Oceanographic, Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverage Environmental, Petrochemical and Agricultural assays. The manual sample preparation comprises several steps, which, when processing
a large number of samples, translate to a labor intensive task,
prone to handling errors.
The manual SPE protocol comprises:
1) column conditioning with a suitable solvent,
2) sample injection and target analyte accumulation on the sorbent while the solvent, salts, and other impurities pass through the column.
3) washing of the column with buffer, or by solvent to remove further impurities,
4) elution of the analyte with a suitable solvent, or by a buffer.
While chemistry of molecular separations on SPE columns has reached a high degree of sophistication, the manual handling still prevails and the automated robotic syatems p[resently available emulate manual methodology of batchwise operation. For examples consult http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/Graphics/Supelco/objects/4600/4538.pdf and Wikipedia Sorbent Extraction
SPE Column for
manual separations
Automation of SPE
The SPE-FIAlab2600 system has been designed to automate these steps in a novel way, on programmable flow basis, derived from our experience with SI methodology and use of the state of art Lab-on-Valve® manifold, designed to accommodate the SPE technique.
Prepacked
column for
automated SPE
STEP #1 ANALYTE ACCUMULATION & MATRIX REMOVAL
After the column has been conditioned (Eluent #2), the sample solution is mixed with a carrier stream containing buffer or a suitable reagent, designed to optimize conditions for capture of the target analyte on the stationary phase. During this step the non retained matrix is directed to waste. Note that wash, eluent #1 and eluent #2 are recirculated.
STEP #2 ANALYTE RELEASE
When the wash is completed, the target analyte is released from the column
( Eluent #1) white the auxiliary pump directs the stream into a detector. The unique design of the LOV manifold reduces dead volumes and saves reagents.
The SPE-FIAlab 2600 can be used as a “stand alone” instrument with manual operation at the front and rear end, or mounted between sample changer and fraction collector all under the control of FIAlab software.
Alternatively, FIAlab software allows the instrument to be coupled directly as a front end to Atomic Absorption or ICP-MS or any other detector suitable for quantization of target analytes.
Prepacked columns, that can be attached directly to the the LOV manifold of SPE-FIA 2600 instrument are commercially available offering a wide variety of stationary phases, including Sigma-Aldrich and Varian.
The SPE-FIAlab-2600 includes an eight channel peristaltic pump, and SPE-LOV manifold.
