Apparatus for concomitant and parallel microsample extraction and microextract concentration

Abstract

An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus includes a mixing chamber for combining a first flow of a gas or a mixture gases and first flow of a solvent or a mixture of solvents and providing the gas and solvent mixture to a plurality of extraction vessels containing a first plurality of samples; a temperature controlled zone for maintaining the plurality of extraction vessels at a predetermined temperature; a first gantry for fluidly coupling the plurality of extraction vessels to a first plurality of evaporation bottles, each evaporation bottle fluidly coupled to a respective extraction vessel; and a second gantry for fluidly coupling a second plurality of evaporation bottles to a second flow of gas to evaporate and concentrate a second plurality of extracted samples, wherein the mixing chamber and first gantry operates concurrently with the second gantry.

Description

APPARATUS FOR CONCOMITANT AND PARALLEL MICROSAMPLE EXTRACTION AND MICROEXTRACT CONCENTRATIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Application 63 / 614,753, filed December 26, 2023, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of analytical chemistry including an apparatus for concomitant and parallel micro sample extraction and micro sample concentration.BACKGROUND

[0003] Accelerated solvent extraction is a technique for extracting target analytes from solid and semisolid samples with liquid solvents. Accelerated solvent extraction utilizes increased temperature and pressure with common solvents to increase the efficiency of the extraction process. Accelerated solvent extraction can be used to replace more conventional Soxhlet, sonication, boiling, wrist-shaker, and other extraction methods. Several ASE systems are currently offered by the Thermo Fisher Scientific including the ASE™ 350 Accelerated Solvent Extractor and the EXTREVA ASE™ Accelerated Solvent Extractor.

[0004] Accelerated solvent extraction methods performed by the ASE™ extractors are accepted solid liquid extraction (SLE) methods useful for extraction of many types of analytes. As used herein the term “ASE” refers to an accelerated solvent extraction method such as performed by the ASE™ system and to the system itself. One such method is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,843,311 (“the '311 patent”) and in EPA Method 3545. An automated system for performing an ASE method is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,856 (“the '856 patent”). An apparatus for parallel ASE is described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,123,655 (“the ‘655 patent”).

[0005] With accelerated solvent extraction, the sample is generally first ground and / or mixed with a dispersing agent. A weighed portion is placed in an extraction cell made ofstainless steel or other materials, which is then heated to a predetermined temperature. Initially, a conventional static valve is opened and solvent is pumped into the extraction cell and through the static valve to a collection vial. Once a desired quantity of solvent reaches the collection vial, the static valve is closed and a high pressure pump continues to fill the extraction cell with solvent until a target pressure is achieved within the extraction cell.

[0006] Generally, accelerated solvent extraction systems are configured for sequential extractions, that is, one extraction at time. Parallel extraction systems that allow for the parallel extraction of multiple samples simultaneously have been pursued. However, even in such parallel systems, the extraction of samples and evaporation / concentration of the samples cannot be performed concurrently.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a more cost effective means of pursuing high throughput extractions without any of the above limitations and disadvantages.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0008] In a first aspect, an accelerated solvent extraction apparatus includes a mixing chamber for combining a first flow of a gas or a mixture gases and first flow of a solvent or a mixture of solvents and providing the gas and solvent mixture to a plurality of extraction vessels containing a first plurality of samples; a temperature controlled zone for maintaining the plurality of extraction vessels at a predetermined temperature; a first gantry for fluidly coupling the plurality of extraction vessels to a first plurality of evaporation bottles, each evaporation bottle fluidly coupled to a respective extraction vessel; and a second gantry for fluidly coupling a second plurality of evaporation bottles to a second flow of gas to evaporate and concentrate a second plurality of extracted samples, wherein the mixing chamber and first gantry operates concurrently with the second gantry.

[0009] In various embodiments of the first aspect, the extraction vessels each contain between about 0.001 mg to about 1000 mg of a solid or semi-solid sample material.

[0010] In various embodiments of the first aspect, the extraction vessels each have an interior space of between about 0.1 mL and about 5.0 mL for holding a solid or semi-solid sample material.

[0011] In various embodiments of the first aspect, the first gantry provides flow restriction to maintain a backpressure within the plurality of extraction vessel.

[0012] In various embodiments of the first aspect, the accelerated solvent extraction further includes a solvent removal system to collect evaporated solvents from the second plurality of evaporation bottles. In particular embodiments, the solvent removal system can reduce the pressure within the evaporation bottles to aid in or accelerate evaporating solvents from the second plurality of evaporation bottles.

[0013] In various embodiments of the first aspect, the accelerated solvent extraction apparatus further includes a second temperature controlled zone for maintaining the second plurality of evaporation bottles at a predetermined temperature.

[0014] In various embodiments of the first aspect, the second gantry further couples the second plurality of evaporation bottles to a second solvent flow.

[0015] In various embodiments of the first aspect, the accelerated solvent extraction apparatus further includes an end point monitoring system to monitor the evaporation and concentration of the extracted samples. In particular embodiments, the extracted samples are concentrated to a predetermined volume of between about 0.02 pL to about 2000 pL.

[0016] In a second aspect, a method for accelerated solvent extraction includes providing a plurality of samples in a plurality of extraction vessels, comprising placing each sample in a respective one of the extraction vessels; supplying extraction solvent to each one of the plurality of extraction vessels; collecting the liquid extraction solvent containing the analyte in a plurality of evaporation bottles, each one of the plurality of evaporation bottles being in fluid communication with a respective extraction channel; transferring the evaporation bottles to a second position; evaporating the liquid extraction solvent from the evaporation bottles to concentrate the extracted sample; wherein extraction solvent is supplied to extraction vessels for a first set of samples while the liquid extraction solvent is evaporated from evaporation bottles for a second set of samples.

[0017] In various embodiments of the second aspect, the each of the plurality of samples in each of the plurality extraction vessels includes between about 0.001 mg to about 1000 mg of solid or semi- solid material.

[0018] In various embodiments of the second aspect, each of the plurality of extraction vessels has an interior space of between about 0.1 mL and about 5.0 mL for holding a solid or semi-solid sample material.

[0019] In various embodiments of the second aspect, the method for accelerated solvent extraction further includes maintaining an operating temperature of the plurality of extraction vessels at a predetermined temperature.

[0020] In various embodiments of the second aspect, collecting the liquid extraction solvent containing the analyte in a plurality of evaporation bottles includes restricting a flow from the extraction vessels to the evaporation bottles to maintain a backpressure in the extraction vessels.

[0021] In various embodiments of the second aspect, evaporating the liquid extraction solvent from the evaporation bottles includes reducing the pressure within the evaporation bottles.

[0022] In various embodiments of the second aspect, evaporating the liquid extraction solvent from the evaporation bottles includes supplying a gas flow to the evaporation bottles.

[0023] In various embodiments of the second aspect, evaporating the liquid extraction solvent from the evaporation bottles includes maintaining the evaporation bottles at a predetermined temperature.

[0024] In various embodiments of the second aspect, the method for accelerated solvent extraction of claim 11 further comprising supplying a solvent to the evaporation bottles.

[0025] The method for accelerated solvent extraction of claim 19 wherein supplying the solvent to the evaporation bottles includes rinsing a sidewall of the evaporation bottle into a sample vial.

[0026] The method for accelerated solvent extraction of claim 19 wherein supplying the solvent to the evaporation bottles includes adjusting the volume within a sample vial to a predetermined volume.

[0027] The method for accelerated solvent extraction of claim 21 wherein the predetermined volume is between about 0.02 p L to about 2000 pL.

[0028] These and other objects and advantages shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description thereof.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments, and together with the general description given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for performing extraction and concentration of microsamples, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0031] FIGs. 2 and 3 illustrates an exemplary sample cell, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary evaporation assembly, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary sampling cell holder, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary evaporation system, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary method of analyzing a sample, in accordance with embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary microsample extraction system 100 for the extraction and concentration of samples. The microsample extraction system 100 utilizes heated and pressurized liquid to extract compounds from solid and semi-solid samples in the range of about 0.001 mg to about 1000 mg, such as between about 1 mg to about 1000 mg. Afterextraction of the compounds from the solid or semi-solid sample to the extraction liquid, the compounds arc concentrated by evaporating the extraction liquid down to a volume of between about 0.02 pL to about 2000 pL, such as between about 20 pL to about 1000 pL. Furthermore, the microsample extraction system 100 is capable of extracting at least 8 samples in parallel, such as at least 16 samples in parallel. In various embodiments, the microsample extraction system 100 can extract up to 96 samples in parallel. Additionally, the microsample extraction system 100 can perform evaporation on at least 8 samples in parallel, such as at least 16 samples in parallel, even up to 96 samples in parallel. Advantageously, the extraction of one set of samples can occur in parallel and substantially simultaneous with the evaporation of another set of samples, allowing for high throughput extraction and concentration.

[0037] For performing the heated pressurized solvent extraction, the microsample extraction system 100 can include a gas source 102, a solvent source 104, a mixing chamber 106, a temperature controlled zone 108, such as an oven, for heating a plurality of sample extraction vessels 110, and a gantry 112 for fluid connectivity to a plurality of evaporation bottles 114. During extraction, an inert gas, such as nitrogen, supplied by the gas source 102 is mixed with a solvent supplied by the solvent source 104 in the mix chamber 106. The solvent and gas mixture is supplied to the sample extraction vessels 110. The sample extraction vessels 110 can be heated in the temperature controlled zone 108 to a predetermined temperature and the solvent and gas can be supplied to achieve a desired pressure for the extraction. The solvent can be removed from the sample extraction vessels 110 to the evaporation bottles 114 through the fluid connectivity provided by the gantry 112. The gantry 112 can restrict the flow from the sample extraction vessels 110 to the evaporation bottles 114 to maintain the pressure within the sample extraction vessels 110. The microsample extraction system 100 can perform extraction can be achieved under static, dynamic, or static-dynamic conditions. As used herein, extraction under static conditions or static extraction describes a process where a stagnant extracting solvent is present with sample to extract analytes by dissolution and diffusion without any inflow of fresh solvent. As used herein, extraction under dynamic conditions or dynamic extraction describes a process where a continuously flowing solvent interacts with the sample to extract analytes by dissolution and diffusion. As used herein, extraction under static-dynamic conditions describes a process where static extraction occurs for a portion of the time, and dynamic extraction occursfor another portion of the time. In preferable cases, the extraction is performed under staticdynamic conditions.

[0038] In various embodiments, mixing chamber 106 can utilize one or more switching valves to provide the solvent and gas mixture to multiple one or more sample extraction vessels sequentially, similar’ to what is described in US Pat 11,123,655, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0039] After extraction, the plurality of evaporation bottles 114 can be moved to an evaporation station. For performing the evaporation, the microsample extraction system 100 can include a solvent source 1 16, a gas source 1 18, a solvent removal system 120, a gantry 122 for solvent removal from the plurality of evaporation bottles 114, a plurality of collecting vials 124, an end point monitoring system 126, and a temperature-controlled zone 128. The solvent removal system 120 can reduce the pressure within the evaporation bottles 114 to aid in or accelerate the evaporation and can collect the evaporated solvents to reduce the release of solvent vapors into the atmosphere and to aid in safe and appropriate disposal. Evaporation from the evaporation bottles 114 can be achieved by a combination of temperature controlled by the temperature controlled zone 128, vacuum pulling provided by the solvent removal system 120, and gas assistance provided by the gas source 118. The end point monitoring system 126 can include a sensor to detect the level of liquid remaining in the collecting vials 124. In various embodiments, the sensor can be an optical sensor. Alternatively, other sensors, such as acoustic sensors, microwave sensors, and the like can be utilized. One example of an end point monitoring system is disclosed in Chinese Utility Model Patent CN209085712U, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. Once the desired volume is achieved, as determined by the end-point monitoring system 126, the microsample extraction system 100 can stop evaporation and concentration of that sample. The solvent source can provide solvent to rinse the walls of the evaporation bottles 114 to prevent sample residue from remaining on the walls and ensuring all the extract sample material is collected in the collecting vials 124. In particular cases, the solvent source 116 can be used to add a secondary or non-extraction solvent with a higher boiling point that functions as a evaporation stabilizer for most volatile compounds towards the end of the evaporation step.

[0040] In various embodiments, the evaporation and concentration can be controlled separately for each of the plurality of collection vials 124. Alternatively, all or a subset of collection vials can be operated together such that they are all started and stopped at the same time. In such an embodiment, additional solvent can be provided by the solvent source 116 to individual collection vials 124 so the final volume is consistent across all sample collection vials 124.

[0041] In various embodiments, the sample extracts containing target analytes can be evaporated to dryness in the collection vials 124 and the dried extracts can be redissolved in solvent from the solvent source 116 as a means of replacing the extraction solvent with another solvent appropriate for further analysis.

[0042] The microsample extraction system 100 can further include one or more extraction vessel storage locations 130 and one or more sample collection storage locations 132 for storing additional batches of extraction vessels for future processing or extraction vessels that have already been extracted for removal.

[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates a sample extraction vessel 200 capable of handling solid and semi-solid samples that are not greater than about 1000 mg. The sample extraction vessel 200 includes a top cap 202, a sample cell body 204, and a bottom cap 206. Sample cell body 204 can include an interior space 208 for holding the sample. In various embodiments, the interior space 208 can be sized to hold between about 0.001 mg to about 1000 mg of a solid or semi-solid sample. In particular embodiments, the interior space 208 can be not greater than about 5.0 mL, such as not greater than about 2.0 mL. Generally, the interior space 208 can be not less than about 0.1 mL, such as not less than about 0.3 mL, even not less than about 0.5 mL. The interior space 208 can be surrounded by an annual wall 210. The annular wall 210 of the sample cell body 204 can be sufficiently rigid to withstand pressures of up to 250 psi used during extraction. In various embodiments, the sample cell body 204 can be pressured to an internal pressure of between about 100 psi and about 250 psi during extraction. Various techniques can be used to couple the top cap 202 and the bottom cap 206 to the sample cell body 204, such as a threaded attachment, a magnetic attachment, or other coupling mechanisms known in the art.

[0044] FIG.3 illustrates another embodiment of a sample extraction vessel 300, specifically using magnetic couplings for the caps. The sample extraction vessel 300 includes a top cap 302, a sample cell body 304, and a bottom cap 306. Sample cell body 304 can include an interior space 308 surrounded by an annual wall 310. A magnet 312 can be embedded into the cell wall for coupling the top cap 302 or bottom cap 306 to the sample cell body 304. Bottom cap 306 can include a frit 314 for retaining the solid or semi-solid sample while allowing the solvent and gas to pass through. Bottom cap 306 can also include a magnet 316 to couple the cap to the sample cell body. Top cap 302 may be constructed similarly to the bottom cap 206.

[0045] In various embodiments, the attachment of the top cap 302 to the sample extraction cell body 304 and the bottom cap 306 to the sample cell body 304 can utilize single magnet couplings. Specifically, the annular wall 310 can be ferromagnetic to couple with magnet 316 in the bottom cap while having an embedded magnet 312 near the upper end to couple with a ferromagnetic top cap 302. In this way, the bottom cap 306 cannot be interchangeable wit the top cap, ensure the sample extraction vessel 300 is assembled with a top cap 302 at one end and a bottom cap 306 at the other end. Alternatively, the top cap can include a magnet 316 and the sample cell body 304 may not require an embedded magnet, allowing the top cap 302 and the bottom cap 306 to be interchangeable. In other embodiments, the sample extraction vessel 300 can use double magnet couplings, such that the annual wall has an embedded magnet 302 near the lower end to couple with the magnet 316 in the bottom cap, with a similar arrangement for the upper cap. Interchangeability of the top cap 302 and the bottom cap 306 can be determined by the orientation of the magnets.

[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates an evaporation assembly 400 for evaporating the extracted sample down to volumes of between about 0.02 pL to about 2000 pL, such as between about 20 pL to about 1000 pL. The evaporation assembly can include a sample collection vial 402 and a sample collection vial holder 404. The sample collection vial holder 404 can include a support post 406 for holding the sample collection vial holder 404 in place within a microsample extraction system. The sample collection vial holder 404 can also include an annular sidewall 408 to hold the sample collection vial 402 in place and an alignment ridge 410 to ensure alignment of sample collection vial 402 with an evaporation bottle.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a multisampling cell head 500 which is capable of handling between about 8 and about 96 samples at a time. The multisampling cell head 500 can include an upper manifold 502 and a lower manifold 504. Multiple sample extraction vessels can be positioned between the upper manifold 502 and the lower manifold 504 such that each sample extraction vessel 506 can receive a solvent and gas mixture from the upper manifold 502 and the solvent can be removed from the sample extraction vessel to evaporation bottles through the lower manifold 504. In various embodiments, the sample extraction vessels can be arranged in 1 -dimensional array format or in a 2-dimensional array format. For example, a multi-sample cell head 500 configured for 8 samples could have 8 sample extraction vessels arranged in a row while a multi-sample cell head 500 configured for 96 samples can have 12 rows of with 8 samples in each row. Other configurations are possible, such as an 8-sample configuration of 2 rows of 4 sample extraction vessels, a 48-sample configuration with 6 rows of 8 sample extraction vessels. One of skilled in the art would be able to readily identify other 2-dimensional arrangements with various numbers of sample extraction vessels within the scope of the disclosure. The upper manifold 502 can receive the solvent and gas mixture from a mixing chamber, such as mixing chamber 106 of FIG. 1. In various embodiments, the upper manifold 502 can receive the solvent and gas mixture as a single steam and divide it among multiple sample extraction vessels or may receive a solvent and gas stream for each of the sample extraction vessels. Preferably, the lower manifold 504 would have separate flow paths from each sample extraction vessel to a corresponding evaporation bottle to isolate samples and prevent cross contamination.

[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a spiral evaporation system 600 for concentrating between about 8 and about 96 samples at a time. The spiral evaporation system includes an upper manifold 602, a plurality of injectors 604, and a support 606. The support 606 can support multi-sample holder 608 with a plurality of small volume sample containers or sample wells 610. In various embodiments, the multi-sample holder 608 can include a microtiter plate with an array of sample wells, a microcentrifuge rack holding a plurality of microcentrifuge tubs, or the like. In various embodiments, the support 606 can provide thermal regulation of the multi-sample holder 608 and the sample containers 610, such as by incorporating a heater block. In alternate embodiments, the support 606 can include a heater block with a plurality of holes for holding microcentrifugetubes rather than using a separate multi-sample holder 608. In such a case, strips of microccntrifugc tubes can be used to make sample handling easier.

[0049] Upper manifold 602 can use the injectors 604 to supply a gas flow to each of the sample containers or sample wells 610 to accelerate evaporation of the solvent. Additionally, the injectors 604 can be used to supply a solvent to the sample containers 610, such as to rinse the sidewalls of the sample container 610, adjust the final volume in the sample container 610, resuspend a dried sample to replace the extraction solvent with an analysis solvent, or any combination thereof.

[0050] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram 700 illustrating the extraction and concentration of a plurality of samples. At step 702, samples arc provided in extraction vessels. In various embodiments, an operator may add solid or semi-solid material to each of a plurality of extraction vessels. For example, the operator may attach a bottom cap to a sample cell body, add the material inside the sample cell body, attach a top cap to the sample cell body and provide the extraction vessel containing the sample to a microsample extraction system. In various embodiments, the solid and semi-solid material can be in an amount of between about 0.1 mg to about 1000 mg, such as between about 1 mg to about 1000 mg. At 704, a gas flow and an extract solvent flow can be combined, and, at 706, the gas and solvent mixture can be supplied to extraction vessels. In various embodiments, the extraction can be performed under static conditions where the extraction vessel is charged with the solvent and gas mixture to achieve a predetermined pressure. The solvent can remain in the extraction vessel interacting with the sample for a period of time before being expelled from the extraction vessel. In other embodiments, the extraction can be performed under dynamic conditions where the gas and solvent mixture continuously flows through the extraction vessel during extraction. During dynamic extraction, the pressure within the extraction vessel can be maintained by limiting or restricted the flow of extracted solvent out of the extraction vessel. In yet other embodiments, the extraction can be performed under static -dynamic conditions where the gas and solvent mixture can flow through the extraction vessel for a period of time during a dynamic phase and the solvent can be maintained in the extraction vessel to interact with the sample for a period of time during a static phase. The extraction vessels can be maintained at a predeterminedtemperature and the pressure inside the extraction vessels can be maintained at a predetermined pressure to aid in extraction.

[0051] At 708, the extract solution can be collected in evaporation bottles. In various embodiments, the extract solution can be collected continuously during a dynamic extraction, at the end of a static extraction, or during the dynamic phase of a static-dynamic extraction. The flow between the extraction vessels and the evaporation bottles can be restricted to maintain a backpressure within the extraction vessels. Each extraction vessel can be fluidically coupled to a respective evaporation bottle.

[0052] At 710, the evaporation bottles can be moved to a second position for concentration. While, or shortly after, the evaporation bottles arc being moved to the second position, additional extraction vessels containing new samples can be moved in position to replace the extracted samples and additional evaporation bottles can be moved to collect the extract solution from the new samples.

[0053] At 712, the extract solution can be evaporated from the evaporation bottles. While the extract solution is being evaporated, additional samples can be extracted from additional extraction vessels. In various embodiments, evaporation of the extract solution can include supplying gas to the evaporation bottles, decreasing the pressure within the evaporation bottles, increasing the temperature of extract solution, or any combination thereof.

[0054] At 714, the end point can be monitored by an end point monitoring system. The end point monitoring system can monitor the volume of the evaporated extract solution within the sample vial. Once the volume of the evaporated extract solution has been reduced below a predetermined volume, the end point monitoring system can stop the evaporation.

[0055] At 716, a solvent can be supplied to the evaporated extract solution. In various embodiments, the supplied solvent can rinse residual material from the side wall of the evaporation bottles into a sample vial. Additionally, the supplied solvent can be used bring the volume of the evaporated sample to a predetermined volume, such as a volume between about 2 pL to about 2000 pL, even between about 20 pL to about 1000 pL.

[0056] At 718, the extract solution within the sample vial can be supplied to an analytical instrument such as a gas chromatography system, a gas chromatography - mass spectrometrysystem, liquid chromatography system, a liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry system or other similar analytical instruments. The analytical instrument can analyze the sample, such as to identify components and / or quantify components within the sample.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a mixing chamber for combining a first flow of a gas or a mixture gases and first flow of a solvent or a mixture of solvents and providing the gas and solvent mixture to a plurality of extraction vessels containing a first plurality of samples; a temperature controlled zone for maintaining the plurality of extraction vessels at a predetermined temperature; a first gantry for fluidly coupling the plurality of extraction vessels to a first plurality of evaporation bottles, each evaporation bottle fluidly coupled to a respective extraction vessel; and a second gantry for fluidly coupling a second plurality of evaporation bottles to a second flow of gas to evaporate and concentrate a second plurality of extracted samples, wherein the mixing chamber and first gantry operates concurrently with the second gantry.

2. The accelerated solvent extraction apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extraction vessels each contain between about 0.001 mg to about 1000 mg of a solid or semi-solid sample material.

3. The accelerated solvent extraction apparatus of claim 1 wherein the extraction vessels each have an interior space of between about 0.1 mL and about 5.0 mL for holding a solid or semi-solid sample material.

4. The accelerated solvent extraction apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first gantry provides flow restriction to maintain a backpressure within the plurality of extraction vessel.

5. The accelerated solvent extraction apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a solvent removal system to collect evaporated solvents from the second plurality of evaporation bottles.

6. The accelerated solvent extraction apparatus of claim 5 wherein the solvent removal system further reduces the pressure within the second plurality of evaporationsbottles to aid in or accelerate evaporating solvents from the second plurality of evaporation bottles.

7. The accelerated solvent extraction apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a second temperature controlled zone for maintaining the second plurality of evaporation bottles at a predetermined temperature.

8. The accelerated solvent extraction apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second gantry further couples the second plurality of evaporation bottles to a second solvent flow.

9. The accelerated solvent extraction apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an end point monitoring system to monitor the evaporation and concentration of the extracted samples.

10. The accelerated solvent extraction apparatus of claim 9 wherein the extracted samples are concentrated to a predetermined volume of between about 0.02 L to about 2000 pL.

11. A method for accelerated solvent extraction, the method comprising: providing a plurality of samples in a plurality of extraction vessels, comprising placing each sample in a respective one of the extraction vessels; supplying extraction solvent to each one of the plurality of extraction vessels; collecting the liquid extraction solvent containing the analyte in a plurality of evaporation bottles, each one of the plurality of evaporation bottles being in fluid communication with a respective extraction channel; transferring the evaporation bottles to a second position; evaporating the liquid extraction solvent from the evaporation bottles to concentrate the extracted sample; wherein extraction solvent is supplied to extraction vessels for a first set of samples while the liquid extraction solvent is evaporated from evaporation bottles for a second set of samples.

12. The method for accelerated solvent extraction of claim 11 wherein each of the plurality of samples in each of the plurality of extraction vessels includes between about 0.001 mg to about 1000 mg of solid or semi-solid material.

13. The method for accelerated solvent extraction of claim 11 wherein each of the plurality of extraction vessels has an interior space of between about 0.1 mL and about 5.0 mL for holding a solid or semi-solid sample material.

14. The method for accelerated solvent extraction of claim 11 further comprising maintaining an operating temperature of the plurality of extraction vessels at a predetermined temperature.

15. The method for accelerated solvent extraction of claim 11 wherein collecting the liquid extraction solvent containing the analyte in a plurality of evaporation bottles includes restricting a flow from the extraction vessels to the evaporation bottles to maintain a backpressure in the extraction vessels.

16. The method for accelerated solvent extraction of claim 11 wherein evaporating the liquid extraction solvent from the evaporation bottles includes reducing the pressure within the evaporation bottles.

17. The method for accelerated solvent extraction of claim 11 wherein evaporating the liquid extraction solvent from the evaporation bottles includes supplying a gas flow to the evaporation bottles.

18. The method for accelerated solvent extraction of claim 11 wherein evaporating the liquid extraction solvent from the evaporation bottles includes maintaining the evaporation bottles at a predetermined temperature.

19. The method for accelerated solvent extraction of claim 11 further comprising supplying a solvent to the evaporation bottles.

20. The method for accelerated solvent extraction of claim 19 wherein supplying the solvent to the evaporation bottles includes rinsing a sidewall of the evaporation bottle into a sample vial.21 . The method for accelerated solvent extraction of claim 19 wherein supplying the solvent to the evaporation bottles includes adjusting the volume within a sample vial to a predetermined volume.

22. The method for accelerated solvent extraction of claim 21 wherein the predetermined volume is between about 0.02 pL to about 2000 pL.

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