The Advantages of Automating Sample Preparation through Supported Liquid Extraction Plates

Sample preparation can be accomplished by several methodologies including, protein precipitation (PPT), solid phase extraction (SPE), and Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). In many cases the use of automated liquid handlers and 96-well plates is desired for high throughput. When faced with the challenges of higher performance and limited resources, developing a robust, cost effective sample preparation protocol can be a difficult process. Now available in the 96-well plate format, supported liquid extraction (SLE) is emerging as a preferred technique for aqueous samples because it is easily automated, provides clean extracts, method development is fast and simple, and they are generally lower cost than most SPE plates. The 2 step extraction method is simple to optimise and can be applied to a wide variety of acidic, basic and neutral compounds. This article outlines the SLE technique compared with traditional LLE for the application of drugs in human plasma.