Sample Preparation and Laboratory Automation

Importance of the Topic

Effective sample preparation is fundamental to achieving accurate, sensitive, and reproducible results in analytical chemistry. It ensures analytes are in solution, free from matrix interferences, and at appropriate concentrations for detection.

• Critical for HPLC, UPLC, LC–MS, UV, and GC techniques
• Removes proteins, salts, phospholipids, and other contaminants
• Enables trace-level enrichment and fractionation

Objectives and Overview

This article surveys a broad portfolio of sample preparation solutions, focusing on solid‐phase extraction (SPE), QuEChERS, and filtration products. It highlights sorbent technologies, device formats, and automation platforms designed to simplify workflows, improve method robustness, and increase throughput.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Approaches and devices covered include:

• Solid‐phase extraction formats: cartridges (1 cc to 35 cc), 96-well plates, μElution plates, on-line SPE columns
• Polymeric sorbents: Oasis HLB, PRiME HLB, MCX, MAX, WCX, WAX for reversed-phase and mixed-mode cleanups
• Silica-based phases: Sep-Pak C18, C8, tC18, diol, CN, alumina, florisil, ion-exchange media
• Pass-through cleanup: Ostro plate for protein and phospholipid removal
• QuEChERS kits: DisQuE AOAC and CEN kits, dispersive salts and cleanup tubes
• Filtration: Acrodisc syringe filters (wwPTFE, Nylon, PVDF, PES) and glass filter funnels
• Automation systems: Andrew+ pipetting robot, Pipette+ guided pipetting, Otto SPEcialist positive-pressure manifold, OneLab software

Main Results and Discussion

Polymeric Oasis sorbents eliminate conditioning steps, reducing solvent use by up to 70% and sample prep time by 40%. PRiME HLB reliably removes over 95% of matrix interferences. Mixed-mode MCX and MAX sorbents target basic and acidic analytes, respectively, while WCX and WAX address strong ionics. μElution plates concentrate analytes without evaporation. On-line SPE integration with UPLC enables fully automated extraction, separation, and detection. Ostro plates provide rapid pass-through cleanup. Certified Sep-Pak cartridges minimize extractables for trace-level analysis. QuEChERS DisQuE products streamline multi-residue screening. Automation platforms enhance reproducibility and throughput across bioanalysis, environmental, pharmaceutical, and food labs.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Simplified protocols reduce steps, solvent consumption, and manual error
• Cleaner extracts improve MS signal response and extend column life
• High throughput compatibility with liquid-handling robots and positive-pressure manifolds
• Trace-level enrichment and fractionation for complex matrices
• Modular formats support method development and transfer

Future Trends and Applications

Emerging directions include stronger integration of SPE with UPLC–MS workflows, AI-driven method optimization, next-generation sorbent chemistries, expanded high-throughput robotics, and enhanced multi-residue and proteomic applications. Continued innovations will further automate, miniaturize, and standardize sample preparation across disciplines.

Conclusion

Waters’ comprehensive sample preparation portfolio—including polymeric and silica-based SPE, QuEChERS, filtration, and automation tools—addresses diverse analytical challenges. By simplifying protocols, improving cleanup efficiency, and embracing automation, these solutions enhance robustness, sensitivity, and throughput in modern laboratories.

Reference

Waters Sample Preparation Technologies Whitepaper, Waters Corporation.