Supelco SPE Cartridge (Customizable Volume & Format)

Overview

Supelco SPE Cartridges are precision-engineered solid-phase extraction (SPE) consumables designed for reproducible, high-efficiency sample cleanup and analyte enrichment prior to chromatographic or spectroscopic analysis. Based on the fundamental principle of selective adsorption and desorption—governed by polarity, ionic interaction, hydrophobicity, or size exclusion—these cartridges enable targeted isolation of analytes from complex matrices such as biological fluids, environmental water, food extracts, and pharmaceutical formulations. Manufactured under stringent quality control in the United States, each cartridge is validated for consistent bed mass, packing density, and flow characteristics—critical parameters that directly impact recovery, precision, and method robustness across regulated and research workflows.

Key Features

• Modular volume configuration: Available in standard formats including 1 mL, 3 mL, 6 mL, 12 mL, and 20 mL bed volumes—optimized for low-volume trace analysis or high-capacity sample loading.
• Substrate flexibility: Empty cartridges supplied with inert polypropylene or borosilicate glass housings to accommodate aggressive solvents (e.g., DCM, THF, concentrated acids/bases) and minimize analyte adsorption or leaching.
• Screen integrity: Precision-matched frits fabricated from stainless steel or polypropylene ensure uniform flow distribution, prevent channeling, and maintain column integrity during vacuum or positive-pressure manifold operation.
• Filler compatibility: Designed for seamless integration with a broad spectrum of Supelco’s bonded silica phases—including C18, C8, SCX, SAX, NH₂, Florisil®, and mixed-mode chemistries—as well as custom-packed sorbents upon request.
• Regulatory readiness: Manufactured in compliance with ISO 9001-certified processes; lot-specific certificates of analysis (CoA) available upon request for GLP, GMP, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned laboratories.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

These cartridges support diverse sample types—including plasma, urine, serum, wastewater, soil extracts, and beverage concentrates—across environmental monitoring (EPA Methods 508, 525, 8081), clinical toxicology (CLIA, CAP), and pharmaceutical QC (USP , ICH Q2(R2)). The inert housing materials and rigorously tested frits eliminate metal ion interference and particulate shedding, ensuring compatibility with LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and UV-Vis detection systems. All lots undergo extractable testing per USP and meet ASTM D4327 requirements for ion chromatography sample preparation.

Software & Data Management

While SPE cartridges themselves are passive consumables, their use is fully traceable within modern laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELN). Each batch is assigned a unique lot number linked to full CoA documentation—including sorbent surface area, carbon load, pH stability range, and breakthrough capacity data. When deployed in automated SPE platforms (e.g., Biotage Extrahera, Gilson ASPEC XL), cartridge metadata can be integrated into audit trails supporting 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, including user authentication, timestamped run logs, and change history for method validation packages.

Applications

• Residue analysis: Multi-class pesticide screening in fruits and vegetables (EN 15662); veterinary drug residues in milk and muscle tissue (EU 2021/808).
• Environmental testing: PFAS enrichment from drinking water (EPA Method 537.1); PAHs and PCBs from sediment porewater (EPA 8270).
• Clinical diagnostics: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of immunosuppressants (tacrolimus, cyclosporine) in whole blood; steroid profiling in saliva and dried blood spots.
• Pharmaceutical development: Impurity isolation from API synthesis streams; stability-indicating method development for forced degradation studies.

FAQ

Are these cartridges supplied pre-packed with sorbent?
No—this listing refers to empty SPE cartridges only. Supelco offers both empty formats (for custom packing) and pre-packed cartridges with over 30 certified chemistries. Custom packing services are available through authorized partners.
What is the maximum recommended operating pressure for polypropylene cartridges?
Polypropylene housings are rated for continuous use up to 20 psi (1.4 bar) under positive pressure; glass cartridges support up to 50 psi (3.4 bar) and are recommended for high-flow or high-viscosity applications.
Do you provide lot-specific test data for method validation?
Yes—certificates of analysis (CoA) include sorbent mass, particle size distribution (D50), surface area (BET), and batch-specific retention time shift data for reference standards. Additional QC reports (e.g., blank eluate testing) are available upon request.
Can these cartridges be sterilized for cell culture or biopharma applications?
Polypropylene cartridges are compatible with gamma irradiation (25–40 kGy) and ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization protocols. Glass cartridges may be autoclaved at 121°C for 20 minutes; validation of sterility assurance level (SAL 10⁻⁶) must be performed per ISO 11137 or ISO 11135.
Is technical support available for method transfer or troubleshooting?
Yes—Supelco’s global application scientists provide free method optimization guidance, including solvent selection, conditioning protocols, and recovery enhancement strategies—documented in peer-reviewed application notes (ANs) and SOP templates.