Phenomenex Novum SLE sorbent

Phenomenex has introduced Novum Simplified Liquid Extraction (SLE), a novel, synthetic alternative to traditional diatomaceous earth SLE (also known as supported liquid extraction) products and a simplified approach to traditional liquid-liquid extraction (LLE).

Extraction techniques used prior to LC and GC can improve results and reduce wear and tear on the instrument. The synthetic Novum SLE sorbent can be used with the same procedure as traditional SLE sorbents while delivering improved lot-to-lot reproducibility. Because it is a lab-manufactured sorbent, supplies are readily available, compared to diatomaceous earth, which is a natural resource that must be mined.

The product is said to simplify the liquid-liquid extraction process by eliminating manual steps and reducing solvent consumption. The process can also be automated using a liquid handler, improving throughput. SLE also delivers higher sample recovery than liquid-liquid extraction methods by eliminating analyte loss due to emulsions that can form at the interface of the two liquid phases.

The product is available in 96-well plates, suitable for the clean-up of biological samples such as plasma and urine. The plates feature long-drip tips that extend into the wells to reduce contamination and are available in two different loading capacities - 200 and 400 µL. SLE requires just 15 min to process a 96-well plate, compared to 25 min for other liquid extraction methods.

In the SLE process, aqueous sample is loaded onto the sorbent, which works like a sponge and retains the solvents. Target analytes can then be eluted by applying water-immiscible solvent, which is then collected in a collection plate. The solvents are not shaken, which eliminates the formation of emulsions that occur during a typical liquid-liquid extraction.