Removal of Lipid Interferences Using Zirconia-Based Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) and QuEChERS Sorbents

Klaus Buckendahl, Merck / Sigma-Aldrich Chemie GmbH, Taufkirchen, Germany
Jennifer E., Milliporesigma/supelco, Bellefonte, Pa, U.s.a.
Katherine K., Milliporesigma/supelco, Bellefonte, Pa, U.s.a.
Olga Shimelis, Milliporesigma/supelco, Bellefonte, Pa, U.s.a.
Candace Price, Milliporesigma/supelco, Bellefonte, Pa, U.s.a.
Michael Ye, Milliporesigma/supelco, Bellefonte, Pa, U.s.a.
Paul Rodwell, Merck, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Although lipids are essential to life processes, they pose an obstacle in both bioanalysis and food analysis.  In addition to producing inaccurate detection limits and contaminating chromatographic systems, interfering lipids can ultimately lead to the shortened lifespan of columns and instruments.  Traditional solid phase extraction (SPE) cleanup techniques often provide insufficient lipid matrix removal.  Therefore, the use of zirconia-based sorbents has been assessed for lipid removal, and consequently, better analyte determination.

In addition to hydrophobic interactions, zirconia-based sorbents utilize Lewis acid/base interactions to selectively retain undesirable lipid interferences. In SPE and/or dispersive SPE (QuEChERS) formats, these zirconia sorbents may be combined with traditional phases like C18, PSA or new specialized carbon materials to further improve inference removal. Compared to traditional cleanup sorbents, these innovative sorbents have been shown to remove more lipid matrix interferences, including mono-, di-and  triglycerides and phospholipids.  A comparison of zirconia-based sorbents to traditional cleanup sorbents for lipid removal from various food and biological matrices will be demonstrated and combinations of this materials with other adsobents will be discussed.  Background removal, analyte recovery, and reproducibility of the different cleanup techniques will be compared.