MENTS SPE12 Solid Phase Extraction System

Overview

The MENTS SPE12 Solid Phase Extraction System is a benchtop, semi-automatic vacuum-assisted platform engineered for reproducible, high-throughput sample preparation in analytical laboratories. It operates on the fundamental principle of solid-phase extraction—selective adsorption and desorption of analytes from liquid matrices using functionalized sorbent cartridges. By leveraging controlled vacuum pressure across parallel SPE columns, the system enables precise sequential execution of conditioning, loading, washing, and elution steps—critical for matrix removal, analyte enrichment, and interferences suppression prior to downstream analysis (e.g., HPLC, GC, LC-MS). Designed for compatibility with standard 1 mL, 3 mL, and 6 mL SPE cartridges, the SPE12 integrates mechanical stability, chemical inertness, and ergonomic workflow optimization to support routine compliance-driven workflows in regulated environments.

Key Features

• 12-position parallel configuration with individually controllable vacuum valves—ensures independent flow regulation per channel and eliminates cross-contamination risk
• PTFE-wetted fluid path including Teflon® tubing, stopcock valves, and solvent-resistant gaskets—guarantees compatibility with aggressive organic solvents (e.g., acetonitrile, methanol, dichloromethane) and acidic/basic aqueous phases
• Transparent borosilicate glass vacuum manifold chamber—enables real-time visual monitoring of column breakthrough, solvent front progression, and vacuum integrity
• Height-adjustable PP tube rack with C-clamp fixation—accommodates diverse collection vessels: 12–15 mm OD glass vials, 1.5–50 mL centrifuge tubes, volumetric flasks, and conical-bottom containers
• Integrated PP waste reservoir with sealed lid—separates spent solvents from active extraction zones, minimizing vapor exposure and simplifying hazardous waste handling
• Ergonomic side-mounted pressure gauge and vacuum release valve—facilitates rapid pressure equalization and safe cartridge disassembly without system venting delays
• Compact footprint (195 × 100 × 170 mm) and lightweight design (~2 kg)—optimized for fume hood integration or shared lab bench space

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SPE12 supports broad sample matrix applicability—including biological fluids (plasma, urine), environmental water extracts, food homogenates, pesticide-spiked soil leachates, and pharmaceutical formulations. All wetted materials comply with USP Class VI and FDA 21 CFR §177.1520 (for PTFE) and §177.1520 (for PP), ensuring extractables/leachables safety in trace-level analysis. The system’s mechanical architecture meets ISO 9001 manufacturing standards and is routinely validated for GLP/GMP-aligned SOPs. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant (as a non-data-generating hardware platform), it integrates seamlessly into auditable workflows when paired with electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) or LIMS-tracked sample logging protocols.

Software & Data Management

As a hardware-only extraction manifold, the SPE12 does not incorporate embedded firmware or proprietary software. Its operation requires no driver installation or cloud connectivity—enhancing cybersecurity resilience and long-term operational continuity. Method documentation, calibration logs, and maintenance records are maintained externally per laboratory quality management systems (QMS). For laboratories requiring audit trails, the device is fully compatible with third-party digital workflow tools that capture operator ID, date/time stamps, solvent lot numbers, and cartridge batch tracking during manual step execution.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical QC: Residual solvent removal and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) cleanup prior to HPLC assay
• Environmental testing: Trace-level PAH, PCB, and organochlorine pesticide enrichment from surface water per EPA Method 508.1 and 525.3
• Food safety: Mycotoxin (aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A) isolation from cereal extracts under AOAC 2005.08
• Clinical toxicology: Opioid and benzodiazepine extraction from human serum per CAP-accredited protocols
• Agrochemical residue analysis: Multi-class pesticide screening in fruit/vegetable homogenates per SANTE/11813/2017 guidelines

FAQ

Is the SPE12 compatible with 24-well plate format SPE cartridges?
No—the SPE12 is configured exclusively for individual cylindrical SPE cartridges (1–6 mL volume); it does not support 96-well or 24-well plate-based formats.
Can I use corrosive solvents such as concentrated HCl or HF?
No—while PTFE exhibits excellent resistance to most organics and dilute acids/bases, hydrofluoric acid (HF) and hot concentrated mineral acids are incompatible and will degrade seals and glass components.
What vacuum source is recommended?
A diaphragm pump capable of sustaining ≤66 kPa (≤500 mmHg) absolute pressure is optimal; oil-free pumps are preferred to avoid hydrocarbon contamination of sensitive analytes.
Does the system include SPE cartridges or only the manifold?
The SPE12 is supplied as a complete manifold assembly only—cartridges, solvents, and collection tubes are user-specified and purchased separately.
How often should the PTFE tubing and stopcock valves be replaced?
Under typical usage (≤50 extractions/week), PTFE components exhibit >12 months service life; visual inspection for cracking or solvent-induced swelling is recommended quarterly.