SPE Column

Silica Base SPE Column

Silica base SPE columns are designed for sample preparation in analytical laboratories, offering a range of chemistries to extract and purify target compounds from complex matrices. Each column uses silica gel particles bonded with specific functional groups to retain analytes by hydrophobic, ion exchange, or polar interactions. The columns are available in multiple sizes and capacities, supporting applications from environmental monitoring to food safety and pharmaceutical testing. Manufacturing focuses on consistent particle size and surface coverage to improve recovery and cleanup efficiency.

Multiple chemistries available: C18 Endcapped, C18 Unendcapped, C8, CN, PSA, NH2, SAX, SCX for diverse compound classes
Consistent particle size (40-75 µm) and pore size (70-100 Å) reduce variability and improve reproducibility
High carbon content (up to 17.6%) enhances retention of non-polar compounds
Fully endcapped surfaces reduce interference from basic and polar compounds

Key Benefits

What This Product Gives You

Multiple chemistries available: C18 Endcapped, C18 Unendcapped, C8, CN, PSA, NH2, SAX, SCX for diverse compound classes
Consistent particle size (40-75 µm) and pore size (70-100 Å) reduce variability and improve reproducibility
High carbon content (up to 17.6%) enhances retention of non-polar compounds
Fully endcapped surfaces reduce interference from basic and polar compounds
Stable over a broad pH range, suitable for diverse sample matrices
Available in 1 ml, 3 ml, 6 ml, and 10 ml volumes with multiple mass options per size
Designed to minimize carryover and improve recovery in cleanup procedures

Sorbent types: C18 Endcapped, C18 Unendcapped, C8, CN, PSA, NH2, SAX, SCX
Particle size: 40-75 µm
Pore size: 70 Å to 100 Å depending on sorbent
Surface area: 280-480 m²/g
Carbon content: 5.8% to 17.6% depending on sorbent
Available in 1 ml, 3 ml, 6 ml, and 10 ml volumes
Multiple mass options: 100 mg, 200 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg
Fully endcapped surface coverage reduces unwanted interactions
Stable over a broad pH range for versatile application use

Where It Is Used

Applications And Buyers

Application Scenarios

Extracting non-polar drugs and metabolites from biological fluids using C18 Endcapped columns
Cleaning up pesticide residues in food and soil samples with C18 Unendcapped or C8 columns
Removing fatty acids, pigments, and sugars from food and biological samples using PSA columns
Enriching metal ions in aqueous solutions with CN or PSA sorbents
Desalting aqueous samples before ion exchange analysis using C18 or C8 columns
Separating polar and non-polar compounds in environmental and food safety testing

Who It Is For

Pharmaceutical and biotech labs conducting drug and metabolite analysis in biological matrices
Environmental testing labs analyzing pollutants, PAHs, and herbicides in soil and water
Food and beverage labs determining mycotoxins, preservatives, and veterinary drug residues
Contract testing labs requiring consistent SPE performance across multiple sample types
OEM partners developing standardized sample prep kits using defined sorbent chemistries

Problems It Solves

Inconsistent recovery due to variable particle size or surface coverage in low-quality SPE columns
Poor cleanup from unendcapped or poorly bonded phases leading to matrix interference
Over-retention of analytes in C18 columns causing incomplete elution or low recovery
Failure to remove polar interferences like fatty acids and pigments in food samples
Inadequate desalting of biological samples before downstream analysis
Lack of compatibility with broad pH ranges, limiting method flexibility

Data

Specifications

Sorbent Type	C18 Endcapped, C18 Unendcapped, C8, CN, PSA, NH2, SAX, SCX
Particle Size	40-75 µm
Pore Size	70 Å (C18, CN, PSA, NH2), 100 Å (C8)
Surface Area	280-480 m²/g
Carbon Content	5.8% (CN), 8% (PSA), 9% (C8), 17% (C18 Unendcapped), 17.6% (C18 Endcapped)
Volume	1 ml, 3 ml, 6 ml, 10 ml
Mass	100 mg, 200 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg
Packing	100 pcs/pk (1 ml), 50 pcs/pk (3 ml, 6 ml), 30 pcs/pk (6 ml, 10 ml)

Materials

Silica gel particles with bonded functional groups: octadecyl, octyl, cyanopropyl, aminopropyl, primary-secondary amine, strong anion exchange, strong cation exchange
Fully endcapped surface for reduced interaction with basic and polar compounds

Customization Options

OEM private-label packaging available through the Microlab OEM division
Custom sorbent formulations possible for specific applications
Custom column sizes and volumes can be developed upon request
Private-label printing and packaging options for distributor and OEM partners
Batch-to-batch consistency maintained through controlled manufacturing

How It Is Made

Manufacturing And Quality Control

Manufacturing Process

Silica gel particle synthesis and functionalization with target bonding groups
Particle size control via milling and classification to 40-75 µm
Bonding process to achieve consistent carbon content and surface coverage
Packing of particles into column cartridges with controlled density
Quality inspection of particle size, surface area, and carbon content
Final packaging in specified volumes and quantities

Quality Control

Particle size distribution verified to be within 40-75 µm range
Carbon content measured to ensure consistency across batches
Surface area tested to confirm values between 280-480 m²/g
Endcapping completeness verified to reduce interference
Column performance tested for recovery and cleanup efficiency
Packing density and flow characteristics checked before packaging

Comparison

Compared With The Alternatives

Versus Low-carbon-content SPE columns

Higher carbon content (up to 17.6%) improves retention of non-polar compounds and increases loading capacity

Versus Non-endcapped C18 columns

Fully endcapped surface reduces unwanted interactions with basic and polar compounds, improving method accuracy

Versus Generic silica-based SPE

Controlled particle size and surface coverage reduce variability and improve recovery and reproducibility

Versus Pre-packed columns from other suppliers

Consistent manufacturing process ensures lower batch-to-batch variation and better method transferability

Use Guide

How To Use It

Select sorbent based on analyte polarity: C18 for non-polar, PSA for polar acids, CN for polar and metal ions
Choose column volume based on sample volume and matrix complexity: 1 ml for small volumes, 6 ml or 10 ml for larger or dirty samples
Condition the column with 2-3 ml of methanol, then equilibrate with 2-3 ml of water or buffer
Load the sample slowly to avoid overloading or channeling
Wash with appropriate solvent to remove interferences (e.g., water for polar wash)
Elute analytes with a strong solvent (e.g., methanol, acetonitrile)
Dry the column with nitrogen or air before elution if needed
Store in methanol or recommended solvent to prevent degradation

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Also In This Category

Related Industries And Guides

Environmental Testing Laboratories Food and Beverage Testing Chemical Analysis Laboratories SPE Column Selection Guide

FAQ

Questions Buyers Ask

Which sorbent should I use for extracting polar pesticides from food?

Use PSA or CN sorbents for polar pesticides. PSA is effective for removing fatty acids and pigments, while CN offers adjustable polarity for complex matrices.

Can I use C18 columns for desalting biological samples?

Yes. C18 columns retain organic compounds while salts pass through, making them suitable for desalting aqueous samples before ion exchange or MS analysis.

What is the difference between C18 Endcapped and C18 Unendcapped?

C18 Endcapped has all residual silanol groups blocked, reducing interactions with basic compounds. C18 Unendcapped may show more tailing with basic analytes.

Are these columns compatible with HPLC-MS?

Yes. The low extractables and consistent performance make these columns suitable for HPLC-MS applications when used with proper conditioning and elution protocols.

How many columns are in each pack?

Packs contain 100 pcs/pk for 1 ml columns, 50 pcs/pk for 3 ml and 6 ml columns, and 30 pcs/pk for 6 ml and 10 ml columns.

Can I get these under my own brand?

Yes. The Microlab OEM division offers private-label packaging, custom printing, and contract manufacturing for distributor and OEM partners.