<p><strong>🎤Rajas Poorna and Charles Anderson</strong></p><h4><strong>What if you could dry biofluid samples in the field—without a vacuum system, freeze dryer, or full lab setup?</strong></h4><p>In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, I sit down with Rajas Poorna and Charles Anderson to explore their work on a frugal, field-deployable alternative to traditional lyophilization through the Evapinator project.</p><p>Originally inspired by the principles of frugal science, their approach rethinks how we stabilize and prepare biofluid samples like blood and plasma—especially in environments where traditional lab infrastructure simply isn’t available.</p><h4><strong>What This Episode Covers:</strong></h4><h5><strong>A Frugal Take on Lyophilization</strong></h5><p>Can you replicate the outcome of a lyophilizer without the complexity?<br>Why traditional freeze drying is often too expensive and impractical for field use<br>How simplifying evaporation could unlock entirely new workflows</p><h5><strong>Drying Biofluids in the Field</strong></h5><p>The real-world challenge of handling blood and other biofluids outside the lab<br>Why sample stability during transport is such a critical bottleneck<br>How a portable system could enable on-site sample prep in remote or resource-limited settings</p><h5><strong>Rethinking Evaporation (No Vacuum Required)</strong></h5><p>The core idea behind the Evapinator—and how it challenges conventional assumptions<br>The role of airflow, heat, and design in drying sensitive samples<br>Where this approach fits relative to traditional evaporation and lyophilization techniques</p><h5><strong>Early Results &amp; Practical Insights</strong></h5><p>What’s working so far—and where limitations still exist<br>The types of applications where this approach shows the most promise<br>What still needs to be validated in upcoming peer-reviewed work</p><h4><strong>Why This Matters</strong></h4><p>From clinical research in remote regions to decentralized diagnostics, the ability to dry and preserve biofluid samples in the field could fundamentally change how and where analysis happens.</p><p>This conversation challenges a core assumption in analytical science:</p><p>Do you really need a full lyophilizer—or even a vacuum—to stabilize biofluid samples?</p><h3><strong>Video Transcription</strong></h3><p>The interview opens with a welcome to an episode of <i>Concentrating on Chromatography</i>. The host introduces guests <strong>Rajas Poorna</strong> and <strong>Charles Anderson</strong> and asks about their scientific backgrounds and how they became involved in solving evaporation challenges.</p><h4><strong>Scientific background and project origin</strong></h4><p>Rajas explains that he is trained as a physicist and is now pursuing a PhD in bioengineering. His lab focuses on building low-cost scientific equipment to make science more accessible, especially for schools and low-resource settings. This work is part of a broader “frugal science” approach, where students and researchers develop affordable versions of instruments that are normally expensive.</p><p>The original challenge came from synthetic biology education. High school teams working on synthetic biology projects needed access to equipment such as lyophilizers, but conventional systems can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The team therefore began exploring whether a more affordable lyophilizer-like system could be built for education and field use.</p><p>Charles describes joining the project early in his undergraduate studies. He was drawn to it because it had a clear practical purpose and seemed like something that could become useful outside the laboratory rather than remaining only a research prototype.</p><h4><strong>Why evaporation became the key challenge</strong></h4><p>The discussion turns to the practical limitations of traditional evaporation and drying systems. Rajas explains that during a collaboration in Thailand, researchers working on Raman spectroscopy for tuberculosis diagnostics needed to dry blood-derived samples before transporting them to a central laboratory. They used a centrifugal vacuum evaporator, but the system was slow, expensive, and difficult to service when it broke down.</p><p>This experience led to a central question: could sample drying be achieved without a vacuum? Rajas notes that everyday drying processes, such as drying clothes, do not require vacuum. This insight opened the path toward a simpler, smaller, lower-cost and potentially battery-powered drying system.</p><h4><strong>How Rajas and Charles began collaborating</strong></h4><p>Charles explains that he met the lab’s principal investigator while discussing a different project. He was then invited to work on what would later become the Evaponator. At the beginning, the project was still small and exploratory.</p><p>Rajas adds that Charles joined at a stage when the team was trying to understand the physics and engineering behind vacuum-free drying. Within a few months, they developed a prototype costing under 100 USD that could dry samples much faster than the conventional vacuum evaporator used by collaborators.</p><h4><strong>Main limitations of conventional drying systems</strong></h4><p>The interview identifies several major limitations of existing evaporation technologies:</p><ul><li>High cost</li><li>Limited reliability in remote or low-resource settings</li><li>Long drying times</li><li>Poor field portability</li><li>Challenges with sterility and cross-contamination</li></ul><p>Charles emphasizes that freeze drying can take 12–24 hours, which is impractical for field use. Rajas adds that centrifugal vacuum evaporators are not necessarily sterile and may pose a risk of cross-sample contamination. Together, these challenges shaped the requirements for the Evaponator.</p><h4><strong>What the Evaponator is</strong></h4><p>Charles introduces the Evaponator as a low-cost, portable drying system designed to dry small numbers of samples quickly without a vacuum chamber. The name was inspired by an episode of <i>Phineas and Ferb</i>.</p><p>The system is based on the same principles as drying clothes: low humidity, gentle heating and airflow. Instead of using vacuum, the Evaponator generates dry air, directs it over the sample, removes moisture through a cold trap and repeats the process in a closed or semi-closed loop.</p><p>The current design is aimed at drying approximately four 1 ml samples, which fits the intended use case of field diagnostics or low-throughput sample collection in remote settings.</p><h4><strong>How the system works</strong></h4><p>Rajas explains the operating principle in more detail. Moist air is passed through a cooled metal block using a thermoelectric cooler. As the air cools, moisture condenses inside the cold trap, producing dry air. This dry air is then directed over warmed samples, helping water evaporate while keeping the sample temperature moderate.</p><p>The system can operate in a loop to improve efficiency. HEPA filtration and aerosol filtration help prevent contamination. The team also developed an ozone-based sterilization approach, allowing the device to sterilize itself using ozone generated from air rather than relying on consumables such as ethanol or peroxide.</p><p>To prevent sample-to-sample contamination, the design uses separate airflow paths for individual samples, which merge only later in the system.</p><h4><strong>Design assumptions and engineering constraints</strong></h4><p>A key design assumption is that not every drying process needs sublimation or deep vacuum. For the biofluid applications targeted by the Evaponator, the team works around 40 °C, a temperature chosen because it is close to fever temperature and should be mild enough for many biological samples.</p><p>The engineering constraints included:</p><ul><li>Use of widely available components</li><li>No specialized machining</li><li>Bill of materials under 100 USD</li><li>Low power consumption</li><li>Portability</li><li>Simple assembly</li><li>Robust airflow without splashing or sample loss</li></ul><p>Charles notes that the team intentionally selected accessible parts, including components similar to those used in computer cooling systems, vacuum-cleaner-style HEPA filters and disposable pipette tips for directing airflow.</p><h4><strong>Sample types and solvents</strong></h4><p>The prototype is currently focused mainly on aqueous biological samples. Rajas explains that using organic solvents such as ethanol would introduce ignition risks with the current architecture, so the early work is focused on water-based samples and biofluids.</p><p>Charles adds that the system is intended primarily for blood-derived fluids, urine, saliva and similar samples where the target analytes can remain stable after drying and rehydration.</p><h4><strong>Potential analytical applications</strong></h4><p>The Evaponator is being developed for field sample preparation rather than as a replacement for every laboratory evaporator. The main idea is to dry samples near the point of collection, transport them more easily and then rehydrate them before analysis.</p><p>Potential use cases include:</p><ul><li>Field diagnostics</li><li>Biofluid sample stabilization</li><li>Remote sample collection</li><li>Clinical or public-health testing in low-resource settings</li><li>Applications where dried plasma, serum, urine or saliva can later be analyzed</li><li>Situations where conventional dried blood spot methods lack enough sample volume</li></ul><p>Rajas notes that red blood cells may not be suitable for drying directly because they can rupture, so serum or plasma is expected to be more appropriate. He also points out that oxygen exposure during forced-air drying still needs further testing for oxygen-sensitive analytes.</p><h4><strong>Current development status</strong></h4><p>Charles explains that the project is approaching important validation milestones, especially around batch-to-batch and sample-to-sample sterility. The ozone cleaning system appears promising because it may reduce the need for cleaning consumables, aside from inexpensive items such as pipette tips and occasional filter replacement.</p><p>He also mentions tests with trehalose-based solutions and collaboration with a Georgia Tech startup working on room-temperature-stable mRNA vaccines. In that context, the Evaponator was able to dry samples in about 30 minutes, compared with 12–24 hours using previous drying approaches.</p><h4><strong>Commercialization and future direction</strong></h4><p>Rajas explains that the team is exploring commercialization and has participated in a startup accelerator. They are investigating where the technology could have the strongest product-market fit, with particular interest from cost-sensitive and geographically dispersed healthcare settings, including India.</p><p>The goal is to move beyond a lab prototype toward a manufacturable, user-friendly device with a straightforward interface and reliable sealing, sterilization and operation.</p><h4><strong>Closing remarks</strong></h4><p>The interview concludes with the host thanking Rajas Poorna and Charles Anderson for sharing the technical and practical challenges behind the Evaponator. Both guests emphasize that the conversation was a valuable opportunity to explain the project in depth and reflect on its progress.</p><blockquote><p><strong>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</strong></p></blockquote><blockquote><h4><strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</strong></h4><p>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!</p><p>You can find <strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast </strong>in podcast apps:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185"><strong>Apple podcast</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography"><strong>podscan</strong></a></li></ul><p>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos"><strong>YouTube channel</strong></a></p></blockquote>

Frugal Science Meets Sample Prep: A Field-Ready Lyophilizer for Biofluids

<p><strong>In the week of July 13, the following webinars await you in the field of liquid phase and especially HPLC and LC/MS.</strong></p><blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinars"><strong>👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</strong></a></h4><p><strong>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database</strong> with over <strong>5 500 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars</strong>.</p></blockquote><h5><strong>1. GERSTEL: Automated SPE Sample Preparation for PFAS and Ultra-Short-Chain PFAS in Aqueous Matrices</strong></h5><ul><li>Tu, 14.7.2026 14:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6329">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Learn how laboratories automate SPE sample preparation for PFAS and ultra-short-chain PFAS in aqueous matrices to obtain cleaner extracts ready for LC-MS/MS analysis.</p><h5><strong>2. Phenomenex: Under Pressure: Mastering Backpressure in HPLC</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 15.7.2026 10:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6330">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Master HPLC backpressure troubleshooting. Learn how column dimensions, tubing, mobile phases, and sample matrices influence system pressure and how to resolve common issues.</p><h5><strong>3. SCIEX: PFAS in Pharmaceuticals</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 15.7.2026 11:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6332">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Master PFAS analysis in pharmaceutical workflows. Learn analytical strategies and contamination control for sensitive detection in APIs and packaging materials.</p><h5><strong>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Characterizing Complex Biotherapeutics Based on New Modalities: Uncover New LC-MS Workflow Strategies</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 15.7.2026 15:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6331">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Resolve complex oligonucleotide impurities. Learn how inert UHPLC flow paths and Orbitrap MS minimize metal adducts and improve chromatographic separation for ASO therapeutics.</p><h5><strong>5. Waters Corporation: Does Chromatography Still Matter? The Critical Role of UPLC in Clinical LC-MS/MS Performance</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 15.7.2026 16:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6371">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Discover why LC remains essential in clinical LC-MS/MS workflows and how UPLC improves sensitivity, reproducibility, robustness, and analytical confidence in routine clinical testing.</p><h5><strong>6. Unchained Labs: Get Hooked on Automated Buffer Exchange with Lil’ Tuna</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 15.7.2026 17:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6383">Registration</a></li></ul><p>See how easily Lil’ Tuna automates buffer exchange and concentration experiments, simplifying sample preparation while improving laboratory efficiency.</p><h5><strong>7. Agilent Technologies: Food Fortification, Measured: The Analytical Testing Behind the Standards</strong></h5><ul><li>Th, 16.7.2026 07:30 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6336">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Master food fortification testing. Learn how HPLC, LC-MS, and ICP-MS verify micronutrient levels and support compliance with regulatory standards.</p><h5><strong>8. Restek Corporation: PFAS - Analysis of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances</strong></h5><ul><li>Th, 16.7.2026 14:30 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6384">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Join this webinar to discover practical tips and proven methods for obtaining robust and reproducible PFAS data using Restek analytical solutions.</p><h5><strong>9. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Sterility Testing Remains a Critical Component of Batch Release and Overall Sterility Assurance</strong></h5><ul><li>Th, 16.7.2026 17:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6364">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Explore compendial and rapid sterility testing approaches, method selection, media choice, and risk-based strategies to strengthen sterility assurance and support compliant pharmaceutical quality control.</p><h5><strong>10. SciY/Mestrelab Research: No More Boxes on Slides. Examples of Workflow Orchestration and Their Impact from R&amp;D to Production on Demand</strong></h5><ul><li>Th, 16.7.2026 17:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6335">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Bridge the gap between laboratory automation and AI. Discover practical workflows for reaction screening, structure verification, and closed-loop experiments.</p><h5><strong>11. SelectScience: Building Confidence at Scale in 4D-Metabolomics with Data Quality, Depth and Connectivity in Focus</strong></h5><ul><li>Fr, 17.7.2026 17:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6338">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Scale up your 4D-metabolomics workflows. Learn how timsMetabo and MetaboScape software ensure data quality, confident annotation, and AI-ready digital archives.</p>

Webinars LabRulezLCMS Week 29/2026

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Webinars LabRulezLCMS Week 29/2026

Frugal Science Meets Sample Prep: A Field-Ready Lyophilizer for Biofluids