Varian introduces two new SPE formats
(SPE) formats for bioanalytical research that aims to deliver
improved performance and a more streamlined sample preparation
process enabling vacuum-free SPE processing of biofluid samples
directly in the tip of a popular liquid-handling device.
The formats allow pharmaceutical and biopharma researchers, who are finding themselves under tremendous pressure to accelerate new drug discovery and development.
The OMIX micro extraction solid phase extraction (SPE) formats feature a monolithic sorbent technology that allows for highly efficient extractions performed with low elution volumes, improving sample throughput and analytical quality.
"The expansion of our OMIX tips for pharmaceutical applications further delivers on our strategy to focus on consumable products in the high-growth life sciences area," said Stephen Schultheis, Consumable Products vice president and general manager, Varian.
Sample preparation is crucial to scientists focusing on bioanalytical and pharmaceutical research because they must remove salts, proteins, lipids, and other endogenous sample components prior to analysis with LC/MS/MS (liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectroscopy).
Additionally, pharmaceutical researchers work with limited sample volumes so micro-volume purification devices are critical to improving sensitivity and achieving more reliable quantification of drugs and metabolites.
The first new format, OMIX micro extraction pipette tips for TOMTEC's Quadra instruments, eliminates the need for vacuum processing and allows TOMTEC's instruments to be used in a fully automated, walk-away capacity.
For the first time SPE can be performed directly in the Quadra compatible pipette tips. This is possible only due to the bi-directional, clog-free flow properties of the OMIX monolithic media. As a result, sample clean-up is simplified and reproducibility is improved.
A second new format, OMIX 96-well plates, features the same small-bed micro processing capabilities in an SBS-compatible device which interfaces with standard 96-well liquid-handling equipment used in bioanalytical research.
Analysts can reduce their elution volumes by a factor of up to 10 and still maintain equal or superior recoveries and reproducibility.
This improvement offers throughput gains because direct injection of the small extracts achieved with OMIX eliminates the need for additional transfer and evaporation steps.
