Mixed-Mode SPE
Definition
Sorbent that combines reverse-phase and ion-exchange chemistry on the same particle. Strata-X-C, Oasis MCX and Bond Elut Certify are the cation-exchange forms for alkaline drugs.
- Mechanism
- Reverse-phase and ion-exchange chemistry on one sorbent
- Example cation-exchange products
- Strata-X-C, Oasis MCX, Bond Elut Certify
- Target analytes
- Alkaline (basic) drugs
- Field
- Toxicology sample extraction
Common questions
Why is mixed-mode SPE preferred over simple reverse-phase SPE for basic drug extraction?+
Reverse-phase alone retains analytes only through hydrophobic interaction, which can co-elute more matrix interferences. Adding a cation-exchange mechanism gives a second, independent retention pathway specific to protonated basic drugs, allowing a cleaner separation from neutral and acidic matrix components during the wash steps.
What does the C in a product name like Oasis MCX indicate about its selectivity?+
The C denotes the cation-exchange mode, meaning the sorbent carries a negatively charged functional group that retains positively charged, protonated basic analytes at an appropriate pH, which is why these products are chosen specifically for basic rather than acidic drug classes.
Can mixed-mode SPE sorbents also be used for acidic drugs?+
Yes, but a different mixed-mode chemistry is used, an anion-exchange variant carrying a positively charged functional group to retain negatively charged acidic analytes, rather than the cation-exchange products designed for basic drugs.
Related terms
- Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE)
- Extraction of solid matrices at 100 to 200 degrees Celsius and around 1500 psi in sealed stainless steel cells. Also called pressurised...
- Dried Blood Spot (DBS)
- Sampling format in which 50 microlitres of capillary blood is spotted on Whatman 903 paper, dried and shipped at ambient temperature.
- HPTLC
- High-performance TLC with smaller silica particles, automated Camag Linomat band application and densitometric scanning that delivers quantitative results comparable to HPLC.
- Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE)
- Sample clean-up in which analytes are retained on a packed bed of bonded silica or polymer, interferences are washed off, and analytes...
- Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME)
- Solvent-free extraction in which a fused silica fibre coated with a stationary phase is exposed to the sample or its headspace, and...