4.1 Pipettes should be calibrated prior to performing the extraction and/or dilutions.
4.2 Pipetting volumes less than 10 uL can lead to error due to the small volume being dispensed.
4.3 This procedure is for use with ground coffee only. Samples of coffee beans must be ground before extraction to produce accurate results.
4.4 Prepare the elution solution by mixing ethyl acetate and tetrahydrofuran at a 1:1 ratio.
Example: Add 100 mL of ethyl acetate and 100 mL of tetrahydrofuran to a glass container and mix thoroughly.
4.5 Ammonium hydroxide, ethylene glycol, ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran and boiling water must be handled with care. Wear protective clothing (gloves, glasses, etc.). Avoid contact with skin and mucous membranes. If contact occurs, wash with copious amounts of water and seek medical attention.
4.6 Using the glass rod, gently press down on the top frit of the SLE+ columns to ensure the frit is fully adhering to the column bed. Proper contact is necessary to maintain uniform flow through the column bed.
4.7 When extracting decaffeinated ground coffee only use 2 mL of ammonium hydroxide (see Step 5.4).
Procedure
5.1 Weigh 1 g of ground coffee sample into a 50 mL conical tube.
5.2 Add 20 mL of boiling water (distilled or deionized) to the sample. Cap the tube tightly.
5.3 Place the sample on an overhead mixer and rotate at 50% speed-setting for 30 minutes.
5.4 Place the sample in a ventilated hood and add 2.5 mL of ammonium hydroxide to the sample (note: only use 2 mL for decaffeinated coffee).
5.5 Place the sample on the overhead mixer and rotate at 50% speed-setting for 30 minutes.
5.6 Centrifuge the sample for 5 minutes at 4,000 rpm.
5.7 Add 1.5 mL of the supernatant to the SLE+ column. Use the column adapter and 10 mL syringe to apply gentle, positive pressure until all of the supernatant passes onto the column bed. DO NOT FORCE THE SUPERNATANT THROUGH THE COLUMN BED—the sample must remain on the column. If the sample flows through the column, the column must be discarded and a new column should be used with a fresh aliquot of supernatant.