Research microfluidic cartridge µSPEed® microSPE

for biomedical applicationsfor laboratory

Overview
µSPEed® microSPE cartridges are micro-scale solid-phase extraction cartridges designed to operate as short HPLC-like columns when used with the ePrep® ONE or digiVOL programmable digital syringe drivers. High pressures from analytical syringes permit the use of ≤3 µm sorbents, improving separation efficiency and enabling clean extraction, concentration and fractionation workflows for complex samples.

How they work
The cartridges act as short chromatographic columns: separation occurs during digital extraction and sample clean-up. The combination of controlled syringe-driven flow and small-particle sorbents (≤3 µm) allows high-pressure operation that enhances extract cleanliness, supports compound fractionation and enables direct isocratic or stepped elution for LC-MS infusion from the cartridge.

Key benefits

• Up to 1,000:1 concentration factor achievable within minutes, enabling high-resolution trap-and-elute without solvent blowdown
• Small-particle sorbents (≤3 µm) provide ultra-clean preparation of complex matrices such as blood
• Controlled loading and elution deliver reproducible sample preparation
• Reduced solvent consumption and operational costs due to small elution volumes and no requirement for solvent blowdown

Applications
MicroSPE, microseparations and microreactions for challenging or complex matrices where high concentration factors, clean extracts and fractionation are required; compatible with workflows targeting LC-MS analysis and direct cartridge infusion.

Technical specifications

• Commercial name: µSPEed microSPE Cartridges
• Compatibility: ePrep® ONE and digiVOL programmable digital syringe drivers
• Function: microSPE cartridge acting as a short HPLC column (separation during digital extraction and clean-up)
• Sorbent particle size: supports ≤3 µm sorbents (enabled by high pressures from analytical syringes)
• Performance: up to 1,000:1 concentration factor achievable within minutes
• Enables: compound fractionation; isocratic and stepped elution LC for MS infusion directly from the cartridge
• Benefits: ultra-clean preparation of complex samples (e.g., blood), reproducible loading/elution, reduced solvent use and operational costs