COURSE OVERVIEW:

The meaning of this course lies in the mastery of selective analyte isolation and enrichment within complex chemical and biological matrices. In modern trace analysis, the challenge is not only the sensitivity of the detector but the ability to clean up the sample and concentrate the target compound while removing interfering background noise. This program provides the advanced scientific framework required to utilize Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) as a high-precision tool for sample purification and enrichment.

The scope of the training addresses the chemical principles of SPE, including the selection of sorbent chemistries such as Reverse Phase, Normal Phase, Ion Exchange, and Mixed-Mode. It covers the mechanical stages of the SPE process: Conditioning, Equilibration, Loading, Washing, and Elution. Participants will explore the technical nuances of "Method Development" for SPE, focusing on optimizing "Recovery" and "Selectivity" for a wide range of analytes in environmental, forensic, and pharmaceutical applications.

The coverage includes a comprehensive investigation into "Sorbent-Analyte" interactions, the role of pH and solvent strength, and the transition to automated SPE systems. The course emphasizes the troubleshooting of "Low Recoveries" and "Matrix Effects" in hyphenated techniques like LC-MS and GC-MS. By mastering these advanced extraction protocols, participants will be able to enhance analytical sensitivity, reduce instrument downtime caused by dirty samples, and achieve the highest levels of data accuracy in complex matrix analysis.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Define the chemical and physical principles of Solid Phase Extraction (SPE).
• Select the appropriate "Sorbent Chemistry" based on analyte properties.
• Optimize the "Four Stages" of the SPE protocol for maximum recovery.
• Perform "Matrix Clean-up" for complex environmental and biological samples.
• Utilize "Mixed-Mode" sorbents for the extraction of ionizable compounds.
• Develop and validate new SPE methods for trace-level analysis.
• Troubleshoot "Breakthrough" and "Low Recovery" in extraction processes.
• Minimize "Matrix Effects" in LC-MS and GC-MS applications.
• Implement "Automated SPE" systems for high-throughput laboratories.
• Compare SPE with Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE) for specific tests.
• Calculate "Enrichment Factors" and "Percentage Recovery" accurately.
• Document SPE protocols for inclusion in Standard Operating Procedures.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is intended for Analytical Chemists, Instrumental Specialists, Research Scientists, and Laboratory Technical Managers.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximize the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.