We designed Empore™ Solid Phase Extraction Cartridges for sample pretreatment to remove or minimize sample matrix and other interferences to “clean-up” a sample prior to analysis. Our extraction cartridge incorporates C18 (Octadecyl) standard density sorbent particles with PTFE to create a mechanically stable sorbent disk secured in a syringe barrel.

An Empore extraction disk is secured in place at the bottom of each cartridge with a sealing ring and a proprietary prefilter is placed above the Empore disk. This prefilter aids in preventing particulates and macromolecules from reaching the underlying membrane and improves the flow of biological samples, such as serum and plasma, through the cartridge.

Empore™ Disk Cartridges are an innovative alternative to packed column technology. Each cartridge is molded from a polypropylene resin. The dense particle packing and uniform distribution within Empore disks offer outstanding sample preparation efficiency and reproducibility of results. Since the diffusion distance between particles is minimized, adsorption is more efficient, and extraction can be accomplished using low sorbent mass.

Our Standard density (SD) membranes for all silica based sorbent chemistries allow reliable sample preparation for challenging sample matrices. The standard density membrane has been optimized for improved flow rates for samples processed in most bioanalytical applications. Our high density (HD) membrane formulation is effective for minimal elution volumes. The high density membranes are designed for maximum extraction efficiency with minimal elution volumes of samples that have less matrix interference.

Empore membranes efficiently extract samples with no channeling. The small bed volume allows compound elution from Empore cartridges in as little as 100-200 µL of mobile phase or mobile phase compatible solutions. Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) is a procedure where an analyte is isolated and concentrated from a liquid sample. It is also described as a clean-up procedure that prepares the analyte prior to analysis so that the desired sensitivity range of an analytical method can be obtained. Analytes are isolated from complex mixtures by proper selection of a variety of sorbent chemistries (reversed phase, mixed phase, normal phase, and ion exchange). The analyte, or component itself, is the material or chemical element for which the analytical process is focused.

Empore Solid Phase Extraction Products are intended for solid phase extraction during scientific research only. These products are not intended for use in medical devices or in assessment and treatment of clinical patients.