DMF Distillation Explains: What is Solid-Phase Extraction?

Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) is a sample pretreatment technology developed in recent years, evolved from the combination of liquid-solid extraction and column liquid chromatography. It is mainly used for the separation, purification, and concentration of samples. Compared with traditional liquid-liquid extraction, SPE can improve the recovery rate of analytes, separate analytes from interfering components more effectively, reduce sample pretreatment procedures, and features simple operation, time-saving, and labor-saving. It is widely applied in fields such as pharmaceuticals, food, environment, commodity inspection, and chemical industry.

Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) is a sample pretreatment technology that has been developed since the mid-1980s. Derived from the combination of liquid-solid extraction and liquid chromatography, it is mainly used for the separation, purification, and enrichment of samples. Its primary purpose is to reduce sample matrix interference and improve detection sensitivity.Based on liquid-solid phase chromatography theory, SPE enriches, separates, and purifies samples through selective adsorption and selective elution. It is a physical extraction process involving liquid and solid phases; it can also be approximately regarded as a simple chromatographic process.

SPE utilizes the separation principle of liquid chromatography based on selective adsorption and selective elution. A commonly used method is to pass the liquid sample solution through an adsorbent, which retains the target analytes. Then, an appropriate strength solvent is used to wash away impurities, followed by rapid elution of the target analytes with a small amount of solvent, thereby achieving rapid separation, purification, and concentration. Alternatively, interfering impurities can be selectively adsorbed while allowing the target analytes to flow out; or both impurities and target analytes can be adsorbed simultaneously, and then a suitable solvent is used to selectively elute the target analytes.