Electromembrane Extraction (EME)


Curious if EME works for your compound? Use our convenient search tool to find out. Simply enter the name of your small organic molecule. If EME is compatible, we’ll show recommended extraction conditions along with application notes when available.

How does it work?

1. Two separate vials

Two separate vials holding the sample solution and the acceptor solution.

2. Organic solvent membrane

The vials are separated by an organic solvent immobilized in the pores of a polymeric membrane, called the supported liquid membrane (SLM).


3. Apply electric field

By applying an electric field across the membrane, charged analytes are transported by electrokinetic migration from the sample solution into the acceptor solution, while non-ionic analytes and ions of opposite charge are withheld in the sample solution.

4. Pure sample extracted

You now have pure sample extract. Under optimized conditions, EME can provide very clean extracts with reduced matrix effects i.e. a complete discrimination of proteins and phospholipids, reducing downtime of your MS instruments. The extracts can be injected directly on LC-MS instruments using very short LC methods before MS.


What is Electromembrane Extraction (EME)?

Electromembrane Extraction (EME) is an advanced microextraction technique designed for preparing aqueous samples prior to analytical methods such as LC-MS, GC-MS, electrophoresis, and chromatography. It uses an electric field to selectively transfer charged analytes across a liquid membrane, offering high efficiency with minimal sample handling.

Why use Electromembrane Extraction (EME)?

EME provides rapid extractions, efficient sample clean-up and high selectivity for ionizable compounds from blood, other body fluids and environmental samples. The technique will be perfect for automation in laboratories.

Electromembrane Extraction (EME) is an advanced microextraction technique designed for preparing aqueous samples prior to analytical methods such as LC-MS, GC-MS, electrophoresis, and chromatography. It uses an electric field to selectively transfer charged analytes across a liquid membrane, offering high efficiency with minimal sample handling.

Why Choose EME?

  • Fast, Selective Extraction: Ideal for isolating ionizable compounds from complex matrices like blood, urine, and environmental samples.
  • Minimal Sample Cleanup: Under optimized conditions, EME can deliver clean extracts suitable for direct MS analysis—often eliminating the need for chromatography.
  • Highly Reproducible: With consistent performance, EME minimizes variability in your sample prep and shifts reproducibility focus to your MS.
  • Non-Destructive: Need to run a sample again? No problem—EME allows for re-extraction.
  • Environmentally Friendly: EME is a green solution—low energy use, minimal solvent waste, and reduced environmental impact.

EME has the potential to become responsible for the paradigm shift because the technology provides:

  • Excellent reproducibility
  • Pure extracts
  • Green sample preparation method

Features:

  • Standardizing EME
    We’ve streamlined the EME process, making it ideal for R&D and application development.
  • Complete Extraction Kit
    To simplify ETN-12 EME usage, we provide a complete extraction kit that includes vials, membranes, unions, and a vial holder.
  • Environmentally Friendly
    Our “green” sample preparation method uses low power and minimal organic solvents.
  • Fast and Selective
    EME enables quick and selective extraction of ionizable compounds from complex matrices.
  • Multi-Sample Capable
    You can extract 12 samples simultaneously. Future devices will support the use of 96-well plates.
  • Single-Step Sample Preparation
    ETN-12 EME simplifies your sample preparation to a single step, delivering pure extracts ready for analysis.

Is Electromembrane Extraction (EME) Right for Your Analytes?

Find out here if EME is suitable for your analytes