SGE MEPS
TM
- Micro Extraction by Packed Sorbent
E30
Scientific Instrument Services, Inc.
TM
Phone: 908-788-5550
www.sisweb.com/catalog/08/E30
MEPS - Micro Extraction by Packed Sorbent
M
icro Extraction by Packed Sorbent (MEPS) is a new development in
the field of sample preparation by SPE (solid phase extraction), and
is a result of a collaboration between SGE and Mohamed Abdel-
Rehim (AstraZeneca) and Lars G. Blomberg (University of Karlstead). MEPS per-
forms the same function as SPE, namely the purification or speciation of samples,
but with some significant differences:
-
Ability to work with much smaller samples (as small as 10µl) versus sever-
al hundred µl
-
Can be fully automated - extraction and injection performed on-line using
one syringe on an LC or GC autosampler.
-
Significantly reduces the volume of solvents and sample needed.
The MEPS product consist of two parts, the MEPS syringe and the MEPS car-
tridge. The cartridge contains the SPE phase, and is built into the syringe needle
(Figure 1)
. The cartridge is used with a 100µl or 250µl gas tight MEPS syringe
that allows fluid handling at normal SPE pressures.
Sample Size and Sensitivity
Sample volumes can be as little as 10µl, or alternatively one can concentrate larger samples e.g. 1 ml or more by taking multiple
aliquots of 100µl or 250µl.
Automation
The ability to prepare and inject samples on-line using a single device reduces sample processing times and operator intervention.
typical cartridge life is conservatively about 40 - 100 samples, depending on the sample matrix. The small quantity of phase in the MEPS
cartridge can be easily and effectively washed between samples which removes the possibility of carry-over. This process simply is not
practical on conventional SPE devices.
Flexible and Easy to Use
MEPS is available in a variety of common SPE phases. The dimensions of sorbent bed ensure that the sorbent performance remains
identical to conventional SPE devices used for extraction of similar samples. When the cartridge is exhausted, or another phase is
required, the cartridge is easily exchanged by simply unscrewing the locking nut and removing/replacing the cartridge.
Sample preparation for complex biological samples is readily adapted to MEPS and reduces the volumes of sample and reagents
required for extraction when compared with conventional SPE and other "micro extraction procedures".
The MEPS approach to sample preparation is suitable for reversed phases, normal phases, mixed mode, and ion exchange
chemistries. MEPS cartridges can be used for sample volumes as small as 10µl making them particularly well suited to on-line use with
LC/MS analysis of volume limited samples.
The current range of syringes when used in Thermo Fisher Scientific and CTC Analytics auto-injectors do not require modification of
the syringe mount. Cartridges are available in needle styles to suit LC and GC applications. Needles are packed in a sealed blister pack
of 5 needles to ensure their integrity.
to barrel
PTFE sealing ring
Figure 1 - Close up schematic of the
MEPS cartridge in the syringe needle
end plug
frits
needle
MEPS
Packed bed
NEW!
tip...
