Supelco SPME Fiber Assembly – Polyacrylate (PA), 85 µm Coating, for Manual and Automated GC/MS Sample Preparation

Overview

The Supelco SPME Fiber Assembly – Polyacrylate (PA), 85 µm is a rigorously engineered solid-phase microextraction (SPME) consumable designed for reproducible, solvent-free preconcentration of polar and semi-polar semi-volatile organic compounds prior to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Based on the fundamental principle of equilibrium partitioning between sample matrix and a thin, thermally stable polymer coating, this fiber leverages the high affinity of polyacrylate for moderately polar analytes—including organophosphate and carbamate pesticides, chlorinated phenols, carboxylic acids, and medium-chain aldehydes/ketones—without requiring derivatization or liquid–liquid extraction. The 85 µm PA film is partially crosslinked to ensure mechanical integrity during repeated insertion through septa and thermal desorption in GC injectors (up to 250 °C). Its compatibility with both manual SPME holders (e.g., Supelco 57330-U) and automated platforms (e.g., CTC PAL, Gerstel MPS) enables seamless integration into validated laboratory workflows compliant with EPA Method 8270, ISO 17931, and ASTM D7717.

Key Features

• High-selectivity polyacrylate (PA) stationary phase optimized for polar semi-volatiles (MW 80–300), exhibiting strong hydrogen-bonding and dipole–dipole interactions
• Precisely controlled 85 µm film thickness ensures consistent extraction kinetics, quantitative recovery, and low carryover across ≥100 thermal desorption cycles
• 24-gauge stainless-steel needle with sharp bevel geometry facilitates reliable septum penetration and minimizes fiber breakage during manual or robotic handling
• Manufactured under ISO 9001-certified conditions in the USA; each batch undergoes QC verification for coating uniformity, thermal stability, and blank performance (≤5 pg residual phthalates)
• Compatible with standard GC inlet liners (0.75 mm ID) and certified for use in regulated environments requiring audit trails per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with compliant autosamplers and LIMS-integrated software

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

This SPME fiber demonstrates robust performance across diverse aqueous and headspace matrices: environmental water (surface, groundwater, leachate), fruit/vegetable extracts (post-quenching), dairy and beverage headspaces, and biological fluids (urine, plasma) following dilution or pH adjustment. It is routinely applied in compliance with U.S. EPA SW-846 Methods 8270D (semivolatiles) and 525.3 (pesticides), EU Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 for MRLs in food, and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories performing pesticide residue testing. The fiber’s inert stainless-steel substrate and non-leaching PA phase meet stringent requirements for trace-level analysis without introducing background interferences. For GLP/GMP applications, full traceability is supported via Supelco’s lot-specific Certificates of Analysis, including retention time stability data and blank chromatograms.

Software & Data Management

While the fiber itself is a passive consumable, its performance is fully integrated into modern analytical data systems. When used with automated SPME platforms (e.g., CTC Analytics CombiPAL), method parameters—including immersion time (10–60 min), agitation speed (250–600 rpm), temperature (25–80 °C), and desorption duration (2–5 min at 250 °C)—are programmatically stored and version-controlled. Instrument control software logs all fiber usage events, enabling full chain-of-custody tracking. Raw GC/MS data generated using this fiber can be processed in Chromatography Data Systems (CDS) such as Thermo Fisher Chromeleon, Agilent OpenLab CDS, or Waters Empower, supporting electronic signatures, audit trails, and report generation aligned with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.

Applications

• Quantitative determination of organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides (e.g., chlorpyrifos, diazinon, malathion) in drinking water and irrigation runoff
• Analysis of chlorophenols (2-, 4-, 2,4-DCP) and pentachlorophenol in landfill leachate and sediment pore water
• Extraction and profiling of volatile fatty acids (C4–C10), lactones, and esters in fermented foods, dairy products, and spice oils
• Residue screening of acaricides and fungicides in leafy greens and citrus peels using direct immersion or headspace SPME-GC/MS
• Monitoring of off-flavor compounds (e.g., geosmin, 2-methylisoborneol) in bottled water and aquaculture systems

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended desorption temperature for this PA 85 µm fiber?
The fiber is rated for continuous desorption at 250 °C; exceeding this temperature may cause irreversible degradation of the polyacrylate phase and elevated baseline artifacts.
Can this fiber be used for direct immersion in viscous or particulate-laden samples?
Direct immersion is suitable for clarified aqueous samples; for turbid or high-suspended-solid matrices (e.g., wastewater sludge), headspace extraction or centrifugation/filtration pretreatment is strongly recommended to prevent coating fouling.
How many extractions can be performed before fiber replacement?
Under optimal conditions (clean matrices, proper desorption, no physical damage), reproducible performance is maintained for ≥100 extractions; users should monitor peak area drift and blank levels as primary indicators of end-of-life.
Is this fiber compatible with HPLC or LC/MS systems?
No—this PA 85 µm fiber is designed exclusively for thermal desorption in GC inlets; it is not suitable for liquid-phase desorption or LC interface coupling.
Does Supelco provide application notes or validation protocols for pesticide residue analysis using this fiber?
Yes—Supelco Application Note 1032 (“SPME-GC/MS Determination of Pesticides in Water Using PA 85 µm Fiber”) and EPA Method 8270D validation data packages are available upon request from authorized distributors or via the Merck Millipore technical library.