When should I use a spin column instead of a StageTip or cartridge?

Spin columns handle up to 500 µL and bind more than 300 µg of peptides, which sits between StageTips (10 µL and 200 µL formats) and cartridges (1, 3, and 6 mL).

Which sorbent should I choose?

C18-HD suits most peptide desalting, and C8-HD works for large peptides and proteins. SDB-XC is also reversed phase, while SDB-RPS is mixed-mode and covers both desalting and fractionation. Choose Anion (SAX) or Cation (SCX) for ion-exchange fractionation, or C18/SDB-RPS to combine two membranes in one column.

Can I order a custom sorbent chemistry?

Yes. Spin columns use the same Empore™ membrane as the rest of our product line, with 30+ sorbent chemistries available. Contact us to discuss custom configurations and OEM partnerships.

🔴 Originally by 3M · Now by CDS Analytical

Empore™ SPE Spin Columns

Fast peptide and protein cleanup using Empore membrane technology in a convenient spin column format. Load, wash, and elute by centrifugation — no vacuum manifold needed.

⚡Centrifuge Processing

🛡500 µL Format

✓ 30+ Sorbent Chemistries

Find Your Spin Column->

Resource->

SPECIFICATIONS

Technical Specifications

Sample Capacity

Up to 500 µL

Collection Tube

2 mL included

Pack Size

25 columns

Case Size

100 columns (4 packs)

Column Material

Low-binding PP

Binding Capacity

>300 µg peptides

Recovery

>90%

Chemical Resistance

All organic solvents

Originally developed by 3M® in 1989. Manufactured in our GMP-compliant clean room in Oxford, PA.

SELECTION GUIDE

Find the Right Spin Column

In-stock spin column sorbents across reversed-phase, mixed-mode, and ion-exchange chemistries — all in a 0.5 mL format with a 2 mL collection tube. 30+ Empore™ chemistries available for custom orders.

Sorbent	Suggested Application	Available Sizes
C18-HD	Peptide and protein desalting; strongly nonpolar analytes	0.5 mL
C8-HD	Large peptides and proteins; moderately nonpolar analytes	0.5 mL
SDB-XC	Moderately nonpolar analytes plus π–π interactions	0.5 mL
SDB-RPS	Moderately nonpolar and cation exchange — desalting and fractionation	0.5 mL
Anion (SAX)	Anion exchange peptide fractionation	0.5 mL
Cation (SCX)	Cation exchange peptide fractionation	0.5 mL
C18/RPS	Combined reversed-phase and mixed-mode peptide cleanup	0.5 mL

The table above shows our in-stock spin column sorbents. With 30+ Empore™ sorbent chemistries available across our product line, we can manufacture custom spin column configurations to fit specialized applications and OEM partnerships. Contact us for custom sorbent requests →

Why Empore™

Why Choose Empore™ Spin Columns?

Pre-packed with Empore™ membrane for consistent, reproducible results.

Sample Size

Up to 500 μL per column. Spin Columns are available with 25 pcs per pack or 100 pcs per case (4 packs per case).

Reliability

Empore™ membranes evenly load samples for efficient and consistently reproducible results.

Universal Compatibility

Low-binding polypropylene resists organic solvents and acidic or basic conditions, for any protein or peptide desalting and fractionation workflow.

Customizability

Choose any of our most popular membranes for your separation needs.

Frosted Area

The frosted surfaces on the collar and lid (marked by the added red borders) reduce the mess from smudging by chemicals when writing on and labeling the spin column body.

High Capacity and Recovery

Ability to bind more than 300 μg of peptides with a recovery >90%

EXPLORE

Not Sure If a Spin Column Is Right

Same trusted Empore™ membrane technology, different formats for different workflows.

RESOURCES

Resources for Spin Columns

Download technical documents and application notes

278 Evaluation of Empore™ C18 Spin Columns for Peptide Desalting and Proteomic Analysis

286 Evaluation of Empore™ C18 Spin Column Ability to Increase Proteome Coverage via High pH Fractionation

FAQ