SupelMIP

By careful design of the imprinting site, either by molecular modeling, experimental design, or screening methods, the binding cavities can be engineered to offer multiple interaction points with the analyte(s) of interest. This leads to a stronger interaction between the sorbent and the analyte(s). As a consequence, harsher wash conditions can be tolerated during SPE methodology resulting in cleaner extracts. Because extraction selectivity is significantly improved, lower background is observed allowing analysts to achieve lower detection limits.

Superior selectivity results in lower detection limits. Clenbuterol was extracted from 5 mL urine using SupelMIP SPE – Clenbuterol, and compared against 3 different mixed-mode SPE phases. High background and misleading responses were observed on the mixed-mode chemistries whereas the SupelMIP phases offered superior sample cleanup and lower detection limits.

Sample preparation is often the rate-limiting step within the analytical process, and can often take up to 10 times as long as the analysis in itself. It is therefore critical for analysts to develop simple, robust, and rapid extraction techniques that are selective enough to achieve sensitivity, precision, and accuracy limits required of the assay. In this application example, MIP Technologies AB in collaboration with Bernhardt et al. developed an extraction method for the carcinogenic tobacco-specific NNAL or nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) from urine samples¹. Total urinary NNAL is a valuable biomarker for monitoring exposure to carcinogenic TSNAs in smokers and non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke. However, measuring the low concentrations of NNAL present in urine is challenging and typically involves multiple extraction steps that can take over one day to perform². Using SupelMIP SPE – NNAL, even in the presence of nicotine, lower limits of quantitation were achieved, and reproducibility was increased.

MIPs are highly cross-linked polymers that maintain stability when exposed to a broad range of organic solvents, can withstand high temperatures, and can be used over broad pH ranges, without loss of selectivity. Furthermore, they can be stored at room temperatures for prolonged periods of times. This is extremely advantageous over immunoaffinity based products.

Mass spectrometry is a powerful quantitative tool that has been introduced into most clinical and research laboratories in recent years. When coupled to HPLC (LC-MS), the technique offers sensitivity, speed, and specificity.

Ion suppression is a common and problematic phenomenon that occurs when analyzing trace levels of analyte(s) in complex matrixes such as biological fluids. As analytical runtimes are reduced, ion suppression can often become more prevalent manifesting as poor assay accuracy and precision. Because ion suppression is often caused by the co-elution of matrix components with analyte(s) of interest, improved selectivity/sample cleanup during sample preparation is critical. Because selectivity is tailor-made during the design and production of a SupelMIP SPE phase, ion suppression is often reduced when compared to more conventional SPE phases.

No. Process scale MIP products are not available through Supelco. Please contact MIP Technologies AB directly by visiting www.miptechnologies.com.

Because MIPs are tailor-made for individual analytes and analyte classes, analyte retention strength is increased significantly allowing for powerful wash steps within the SPE procedure. This allows for highly selective and simple extractions resulting in lower detection limits and improved MS compatibility (reduced ion-supression). Each SupelMIP phase also comes with a detailed application specific protocol simplifying the method development process which in turn saves time and cost.

No. Existing protocols cannot be used. Every SupelMIP SPE includes a detailed extraction protocol that is analyte and matrix specific. This protocol needs to be used in order to achieve optimal retention during sample load, maximum interference removal during sample wash, and high recoveries during elution.

SupelMIP SPE consists of highly cross-linked polymers and can be used within the whole pH range (1-14) without loss of selectivity. Due to the high degree of cross-linking, minimal to no swelling and shrinking is observed. The shelf life of the packed tubes is consistent with traditional SPE technology (e.g., C18, PS/DVB, etc.).

If you think that your application merits the development of a molecularly imprinted polymer SPE application, you can submit a SupelMIP SPE Application Request Form. Scientists from both Supelco and MIP Technologies AB will evaluate your application through a short feasibility stage. If your application is prioritized to move through feasibility, the next stages will be development and optimization. The latter two stages can often take up to 8 months; however, we are in the process of streamlining how we develop and approach new SupelMIP applications.

SupelMIP SPE phases are manufactured by MIP Technologies AB. Each lot is subjected to stringent QC conditions to ensure low batch-to-batch variation. MIP based SPE technology is currently employed by a number of industrial and regulatory agencies for routine analysis. References from these organizations are available upon request.

Currently, our standard product consists of 25 mg bed weights packed in 3 mL and 10 mL LRC (large reservoir cartridges) SPE tubes. The phases can be custom packed in all other SPE hardware that Supelco offers (other SPE tube dimensions, glass SPE tubes, 96-well plates, etc.)