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What is solid-phase extraction?
Solid-phase extraction is a technique used to purify and/or concentrate certain compounds in a liquid mixture prior to chromatographic analysis. Compounds in the aqueous mixture are separated based on physical and chemical properties that give them more or less affinity for a solid phase. The technique can be used successfully for urine, blood, water, beverages, soil, and animal tissue. During the process, one part of the sample binds to the stationary phase while the other passes through. In some cases, the compound of interest has a low affinity for the solid phase and passes through while other compounds are retained. In those cases, the liquid is collected for analysis. In other cases, the compound of interest has a high affinity for the solid phase, while other compounds pass through. In that case, the liquid that flows through is discarded and a different eluent is used to elute the compound from the stationary phase. It is then collected for further analysis. In either case, the result is a solution enriched for the analyte of interest, making that analyte stand out from background noise on a chromatogram.
What types of analysis use automated solid-phase extraction?
Automated solid-phase extraction is ideal for laboratories looking to automate large-volume water extractions. Typical applications include PAH, PCB, PCDD, PCDF, PFAS, pesticides, herbicides, flame retardants, semivolatiles, nitrosamines, and steroids. Applications for the Thermo Scientific Dionex AutoTrace 280 SPE system include many US EPA methods and a variety of other SPE sample preparation cleanup methods including:
- US EPA Method 525
- US EPA Method 537
- US EPA Method 549.2
- US EPA Method 508 & 608
- US EPA Method 625
- Total petroleum hydrocarbons
- Acid herbicides
- Triclosan
- Nitrosamines (US EPA Method 521)
- Steroids and phytoestrogens
- Endocrine disruptors (US EPA Method 1694)
- Personal care products
How can I automate sample preparation in my lab?
Thermo Scientific Dionex AutoTrace 280 Solid-Phase Extraction Instrument
The Dionex AutoTrace 280 SPE Instrument automates conditioning, loading, rinsing, and elution to reduce solvent consumption and improve recovery and reproducibility. It can process up to six samples in 2–3 hours with just 15 minutes of hands-on time.
Thermo Scientific Dionex AutoTrace 280 SPE PFAS
Designed specifically for preparation of samples for PFAS analysis, the Dionex AutoTrace 280 PFAS reduces the risk of background contamination using non-fluoropolymer-based tubing, valves, and filters. It ensures compliance with US EPA 537, 537.1 and 533.
Related sample preparation products
Dionex SolEx SPE Cartridges
Offered in a variety of chemistries and sizes, Thermo Scientific Dionex SolEx SPE cartridges trap and concentrate your analytes of interest from large-volume aqueous matrices.
SPE System Accessories
Accessories include bottles, tubes, racks, and maintenance kits you may want to use with your Dionex AutoTrace 280 SPE system.
Videos & webinars about SPE
Improve your SPE process for preparing PFAS samples
The new Dionex AutoTrace 280 SPE PFAS automates SPE and reduces background contamination.
Fundamentals of solid phase extraction
Hear about the theory and concept of solid phase extraction, sample preparation options and a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting.
Learn more about solid-phase extraction
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