SGE MEPS™-Micro Extraction by Packed Sorbent (Catalog E43)

E43

SGE MEPS™ -Micro Extraction by Packed Sorbent

FAX: 908-806-6631

www.sisweb.com

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

several 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 bin.

The cartridge contains the SPE phase, and is built into the syringe needle

(Figure 1)

. The bin 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. typi-

cal bin life is conservatively about 40 - 100 samples, depending on the sample matrix. The small quantity of phase in the MEPS car-

tridge 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 bin is exhausted, or another phase is required,

the bin 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 bin 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 bin in the syringe needle

end plug

frits

needle

MEPS

Packed bed