Mixed Mode Base SPE Column product photo 1

SPE Column

Mixed Mode Base SPE Column

Mixed Mode Base SPE Columns offer a dual retention mechanism for selective extraction of drugs and metabolites from complex biological and food matrices. Each column type combines a hydrophobic interaction with an ion exchange function, reducing strong adsorption that can lead to poor elution. The design minimizes variability in recovery and cleanup performance across batches. Available in four configurations: C8/SAX, C8/SCX, GCB/NH2, and GCB/PSA, with 1 ml, 3 ml, 6 ml, and 10 ml volumes. The columns are suitable for multiresidual pesticide analysis, drug screening, and metabolite determination in challenging samples.

Dual retention mechanism avoids over-strong adsorption seen in C18, C8, or single-mode ion exchange columns
Consistent recovery and cleanup performance due to low batch-to-batch variability in manufacturing
Ultrathin frits between sorbent layers ensure uniform flow and prevent clogging
Effective removal of pigments, sterols, fatty acids, and metal ions in food and biological samples

Key Benefits

What This Product Gives You

Dual retention mechanism avoids over-strong adsorption seen in C18, C8, or single-mode ion exchange columns
Consistent recovery and cleanup performance due to low batch-to-batch variability in manufacturing
Ultrathin frits between sorbent layers ensure uniform flow and prevent clogging
Effective removal of pigments, sterols, fatty acids, and metal ions in food and biological samples
Available in multiple volumes (1 ml, 3 ml, 6 ml, 10 ml) to match sample size and throughput needs

Four mixed-mode configurations: C8/SAX, C8/SCX, GCB/NH2, GCB/PSA
Dual retention mechanisms: hydrophobic interaction and ion exchange
Surface area of 480 m²/g for C8/SAX, C8/SCX, NH2, and PSA components
Particle size range of 40 - 75 µm for silica-based sorbents
Pore size of 70 Å for C8/SAX, C8/SCX, NH2, and PSA components
GCB components have particle size of 100-300 mesh and surface area of 100 m²/g
Ultrathin frits between sorbent layers ensure uniform flow and reduce backpressure
Available in 1 ml, 3 ml, 6 ml, and 10 ml volumes to suit different sample sizes
Designed for use with standard SPE manifolds and vacuum or positive pressure systems

Where It Is Used

Applications And Buyers

Application Scenarios

Extracting acidic drugs from blood and urine samples using C8/SAX for improved elution
Isolating basic drugs of abuse such as cocaine and ketamine from biological fluids with C8/SCX
Cleaning up multiresidual pesticide extracts from vegetables, fruits, and wine using GCB/PSA
Removing interferences in food matrices prior to GC/MS or LC/MS analysis of pesticides
Processing complex biological samples where strong retention leads to incomplete recovery with standard SPE

Who It Is For

Pharmaceutical and clinical laboratories conducting drug and metabolite screening in biological fluids
Food safety labs performing multiresidual pesticide analysis in crops, fruits, and beverages
Environmental testing labs analyzing soil and water samples for neonicotinoid residues
Contract testing organizations requiring consistent SPE performance across multiple sample types
R&D labs developing new extraction methods for compounds with challenging physicochemical properties

Problems It Solves

Poor elution of analytes due to overly strong adsorption on C18 or SAX columns
Incomplete recovery caused by matrix interferences such as pigments, sterols, and fatty acids
Clogging or uneven flow in SPE columns due to poor frit design or particle size distribution
Inconsistent recovery across batches when using low-control manufacturing processes
Need for multiple SPE steps to remove different classes of interferences, increasing time and cost

Data

Specifications

Configuration	C8/SAX, C8/SCX, GCB/NH2, GCB/PSA
Retention Mechanism	Hydrophobic + Ion Exchange
Surface Area	480 m²/g (C8/SAX, C8/SCX, NH2, PSA); 100 m²/g (GCB)
Particle Size	40 - 75 µm (C8/SAX, C8/SCX, NH2, PSA); 100-300 mesh (GCB)
Pore Size	70 Å
Volume	1 ml, 3 ml, 6 ml, 10 ml
Frit Design	Ultrathin frits between sorbent layers
Sorbent Layers	Bilayer (e.g., GCB/NH2, GCB/PSA)
Packing	100 pcs per pack (1 ml), 50 pcs per pack (3 ml, 6 ml), 30 pcs per pack (6 ml, 10 ml)

Materials

Silica gel with bonded octyl, quaternary ammonium, phenylsulfonic acid, aminopropyl, or primary-secondary amine groups
Graphitized carbon black (GCB) for pigment and fat removal
Carbon content: 4.5% (NH2), 8% (PSA)
Ultrathin frits made from compatible materials to ensure flow uniformity

Customization Options

OEM private-label packaging available through the Microlab OEM division
Custom column volume and configuration possible upon request
Private-label printing and packaging options for distributor and lab brands
OEM contract manufacturing and sorbent blending for filter and SPE product lines

How It Is Made

Manufacturing And Quality Control

Manufacturing Process

Silica gel functionalization with octyl, quaternary ammonium, phenylsulfonic acid, or amine groups
Graphitized carbon black preparation and particle size control
Bilayer packing of GCB with NH2 or PSA in precise ratios
Frit fabrication and integration between layers
Column filling and compression to ensure uniform bed density
Sealing and packaging in accordance with volume and configuration

Quality Control

Particle size distribution verified within specified ranges (40-75 µm, 100-300 mesh)
Surface area and pore size measured per batch to ensure consistency
Frit integrity tested for uniform flow and resistance to clogging
Sorbent layer alignment confirmed to prevent channeling
Batch-to-batch performance monitored for recovery and cleanup efficiency

Comparison

Compared With The Alternatives

Versus C18 or SAX-only SPE columns

Mixed-mode columns reduce strong adsorption, improving elution of analytes that bind too tightly on single-mode sorbents

Versus Single-layer GCB columns

GCB/NH2 and GCB/PSA bilayer columns offer enhanced removal of polar interferences and metal ions due to additional functional groups

Versus Standard SPE cartridges with coarse frits

Ultrathin frits in these columns ensure uniform flow and prevent clogging in high-matrix samples

Versus Reusable SPE columns

Single-use columns eliminate carry-over risk and reduce cleaning validation burden in high-throughput labs

Use Guide

How To Use It

Select C8/SAX for acidic drugs in biological fluids; C8/SCX for basic drugs
Use GCB/NH2 or GCB/PSA for multiresidual pesticide analysis in food and environmental samples
Condition the column with 2-3 ml of methanol, followed by 2-3 ml of water before sample loading
Load sample at a controlled rate to avoid overloading or channeling
Wash with 2-3 ml of water or weak solvent to remove interferences
Elute analytes with 1-3 ml of strong solvent (e.g., methanol, acetonitrile, or acidified solvent)
Collect eluate and concentrate for analysis by GC/MS or LC/MS
Do not exceed recommended sample volume or flow rate to maintain recovery

Photos

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Food and Beverage Testing SPE Column Selection Guide

FAQ

Questions Buyers Ask

Which column should I use for acidic drugs in urine?

Use C8/SAX for acidic drugs such as barbiturates, as it combines octyl hydrophobic interaction with strong anion exchange for effective retention and elution.

Can I use GCB/PSA for neonicotinoid pesticides in wine?

Yes. GCB/PSA is specifically effective for cleaning up neonicotinoid residues in wine, fruit, and soil due to its enhanced ion exchange and metal chelation capabilities.

What is the difference between GCB/NH2 and GCB/PSA?

GCB/PSA has higher carbon content (8%) and additional secondary amine groups, giving it stronger ion exchange and metal chelation ability compared to GCB/NH2 (4.5% carbon).

How do I condition the column before use?

Condition with 2-3 ml of methanol, then 2-3 ml of water to prepare the sorbent for sample loading.

What volumes are available?

Available in 1 ml, 3 ml, 6 ml, and 10 ml sizes, with packaging quantities of 100, 50, or 30 pieces per pack depending on volume.

Can I get these under my own brand?

Yes. The Microlab OEM division offers private-label packaging, printing, and contract manufacturing for SPE columns and related products.