SOLA Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) cartridges and plates

Significance of the topic

Solid-phase extraction is a foundational step in bioanalytical workflows, enabling the isolation of target analytes from complex biological matrices. Conventional loose-packed SPE devices often suffer from channeling, void formation and extractable leachables, leading to compromised reproducibility, sensitivity losses and increased maintenance needs. Thermo Scientific SOLA and SOLAµ SPE platforms employ a proprietary fritless polymeric sorbent bed to deliver superior extract cleanliness and robustness, minimizing costly sample reanalysis and instrument downtime.

Objectives and Study Overview

This work assesses the performance of SOLA and SOLAµ SPE cartridges and microelution plates across various sorbent chemistries and bed weights. Key aims include comparing reproducibility, recovery, matrix cleanup, solvent consumption and sensitivity against conventional SPE, protein precipitation and phospholipid removal approaches using model compounds and real biological matrices.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

A proprietary manufacturing process integrates media and polymer into a uniform sorbent bed without frits, reducing extractables. Tested phases cover hydrophobic reversed phase (HRP), strong/weak cation exchange (SCX, WCX) and strong/weak anion exchange (SAX, WAX) in formats from 2 mg microelution wells to 30 mg cartridges. Performance metrics included recovery and precision of analytes such as caffeine, hydrocortisone, carbamazepine, rosuvastatin, vitamin D metabolites and opioids in human plasma and urine. Analytical instrumentation:

• Dionex UltiMate 3000 RSLC system
• Thermo Scientific TSQ Vantage triple quadrupole mass spectrometer
• Accucore RP-MS HPLC columns and Defender guard cartridges

Main Results and Discussion

• SOLA products eliminated frit-related voiding and channeling, achieving consistent packings and flow rates across 96-well plates and cartridges.
• Recoveries commonly exceeded 85% for diverse analytes with precision (RSD) often below 5%, outperforming loose-packed competitors.
• Cleaner MS contour plots compared to protein precipitation and phospholipid removal highlight reduced matrix interferences and carryover.
• High-capacity 30 mg formats maintained performance for up to 1.5 mL plasma or urine loads without analyte breakthrough.
• SOLAµ microelution plates enabled up to 20× sample enrichment with 25 μL elution volumes, removing the need for evaporation and reconstitution.
• Scaled-down methods using SOLAµ preserved assay equivalence while reducing sample and solvent consumption by an order of magnitude.

Benefits and Practical Applications

SOLA and SOLAµ platforms reduce reanalysis rates and instrument maintenance by preventing common SPE failures. Lower solvent requirements and faster protocols support high-throughput bioanalysis. The broad phase selection and range of formats address diverse applications in pharmaceutical research, clinical diagnostics and QA/QC laboratories.

Future Trends and Applications

• Integration with automated liquid-handling systems to further enhance throughput and consistency.
• Design of next-generation sorbents targeting emerging biomarkers in proteomics and metabolomics.
• Expansion of microelution SPE for limited or precious clinical and environmental samples.
• Advances in polymer chemistry to extend pH stability and selectivity.

Conclusion

Thermo Scientific SOLA and SOLAµ SPE technologies combine novel fritless sorbent beds with versatile chemistries and scalable formats to deliver highly reproducible, clean and sensitive sample preparation. These platforms address critical challenges in bioanalysis, enabling efficient workflows from microelution to high-capacity extractions while supporting regulatory compliance and laboratory productivity.