A team led by scientists from CEITEC Masaryk University has uncovered the infection mechanism of tailed bacteriophages – a group of viruses that infect bacteria. These phages target, among others, Staphylococcus aureus, a major cause of bacterial infections that is often resistant to antibiotics. The bacterium belongs to a group of Gram-positive bacteria characterised by an exceptionally thick cell wall. Although the infection mechanisms of some other bacteriophages have been described previously, the way tailed phages infecting Staphylococcus aureus and other thick-walled bacteria invade their hosts had remained unknown. The researchers have now revealed how such a bacteriophage breaches the protective barrier of the bacterial cell and delivers its genetic material inside. Their findings could contribute to the development of new strategies for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common sources of bacterial infections in humans. It can cause skin infections, pneumonia, and even life-threatening bloodstream infections. Moreover, many of its strains have become resistant to commonly used antibiotics, increasing interest in alternative treatment approaches such as bacteriophage therapy.“Bacteriophages are the most abundant biological entities on Earth and have been infecting bacteria for billions of years. Yet we still do not fully understand how they overcome the cell wall of certain Gram-positive bacteria. By reconstructing the bacteriophage structure before and after it attaches to a bacterial cell, we were able to reveal this process,” says <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ceitec.eu/jan-binovsky-ph-d/u91173?page=publication">Ján Bíňovský</a> of CEITEC Masaryk University, who led the study together with Marta Šiborová.Bacteriophage 812, investigated in this study, specifically infects Staphylococcus aureus. The researchers discovered that once it recognises the correct host, the protein structure at the tip of its tail undergoes extensive rearrangements. Individual components of this structure, which resembles a lunar landing module, reorganise into a new configuration that enables the virus to firmly attach to the bacterial surface. At the same time, a mechanism is activated that triggers contraction of the phage tail.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Jak_zabit_zlateho_stafylokoka_novy_pohled_na_viry_ktere_si_poradi_s_bakteriemi_01c86d5e42.jpg" alt="CEITEC/Plevka Lab: How to Kill Staphylococcus Aureus: A New Insight into Viruses That Can Defeat Bacteria: Phage before attachment to the bacterial cell." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Jak_zabit_zlateho_stafylokoka_novy_pohled_na_viry_ktere_si_poradi_s_bakteriemi_01c86d5e42.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="4339" height="1600"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Jak_zabit_zlateho_stafylokoka_novy_pohled_na_viry_ktere_si_poradi_s_bakteriemi_2_53422574db.jpg" alt="CEITEC/Plevka Lab: How to Kill Staphylococcus Aureus: A New Insight into Viruses That Can Defeat Bacteria: Phage attached to the bacterial cell." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Jak_zabit_zlateho_stafylokoka_novy_pohled_na_viry_ktere_si_poradi_s_bakteriemi_2_53422574db.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="4085" height="1600">“The process resembles the release of an extended spring. The bacteriophage tail contracts to approximately half of its original length, and the released energy drives the central tube through the bacterium's protective layers. The virus can then deliver its genetic material into the cell and initiate infection,” explains Marta Šiborová.Unlike many other bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus possesses an exceptionally thick cell wall. The researchers therefore investigated in detail how the bacteriophage overcomes this barrier. They found that the virus employs a combination of mechanical force and enzymatic activity. Some components of its infection apparatus likely disrupt teichoic acids, which form the outer protective layer of the bacterial cell wall. Other proteins then degrade peptidoglycan, the main structural component of the cell wall. Finally, the bacteriophage penetrates the inner lipid membrane, allowing its central tube to enter the bacterial cell.The findings show that the bacteriophage does not function as a simple "needle", but rather as a sophisticated nanomachine composed of dozens of cooperating proteins.Although this is fundamental research, the findings may prove important for future medical applications. Bacteriophages are considered one of the promising alternatives for treating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.“If we want to use bacteriophages therapeutically in the future – or even engineer them for specific medical applications – we first need to understand in detail how they work. Our study provides fundamental insight into how bacteriophages recognise their hosts and initiate infection,” says <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ceitec.eu/pavel-plevka-ph-d/u26854">Pavel Plevka</a>, structural biologist and head of a research group at CEITEC Masaryk University.<blockquote>The study, published in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1038/s44318-026-00834-9">EMBO Journal</a>, also involved researchers from the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University.</blockquote><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Jak_zabit_zlateho_stafylokoka_novy_pohled_na_viry_ktere_si_poradi_s_bakteriemi_3_fba5a65145.jpg" alt="CEITEC/Plevka Lab: How to Kill Staphylococcus Aureus: A New Insight into Viruses That Can Defeat Bacteria: Black = protein structure at the tip of the tail after the conformational change; red = portion of the tail that has begun to contract; blue = portion of the tail that remains extended." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Jak_zabit_zlateho_stafylokoka_novy_pohled_na_viry_ktere_si_poradi_s_bakteriemi_3_fba5a65145.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="782"><blockquote><h4>Článek</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1038/s44318-026-00834-9">Konformační změny bazální ploténky regulující kontrakci bičíku stafylokokového bakteriofága 812</a></h4>Ján Bíňovský, Marta Šiborová, Maryna Zlatohurska, Jiří Nováček, Pavol Bárdy, Roman Baška, Karel Škubník, Tibor Botka, Martin Benešík, Roman Pantuček, Konstantinos Tripsianes &amp; Pavel Plevka<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s44318-026-00834-9">https://doi.org/10.1038/s44318-026-00834-9</a>&nbsp;<h6>licencováno pod <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote>

 How to Kill Staphylococcus Aureus: A New Insight into Viruses That Can Defeat Bacteria 

Rotary evaporation has long been a staple in laboratories for removing solvents from samples efficiently. However, as technology advances and the demand for higher throughput and more efficient processes increases, alternative methods are becoming more attractive. One such alternative is <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?category=338">Organomation's S-EVAP evaporators</a>. For laboratories interested in processing several samples simultaneously, the S-EVAP offers significant advantages over multiple rotary evaporators.<h3>Understanding Rotary Evaporation</h3>Rotary evaporation is a technique widely used in chemical and biochemical labs to remove solvents from samples by applying heat and reducing pressure to induce evaporation. The process involves a rotating flask, which increases the surface area for evaporation, making it efficient for solvent removal. Despite its effectiveness, rotary evaporation has limitations, especially when dealing with high-throughput requirements or multiple samples simultaneously.<h3>Criteria for Choosing an Alternative</h3>When selecting an alternative to rotary evaporation, several factors need to be considered:<ul><li>Efficiency: How quickly and effectively can the alternative remove solvents?</li><li>Cost-effectiveness: What is the initial investment and operating cost?</li><li>Ease of use: How user-friendly is the equipment?</li><li>Applicability: Can the alternative handle a variety of solvents and sample types?</li><li>Scalability: Is the method suitable for processing multiple samples simultaneously?</li></ul><h3>Alternatives to Rotary Evaporation</h3><h4>1. Organomation's S-EVAP Evaporators</h4>Organomation's S-EVAP evaporators, available in<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1904"> Kuderna-Danish (KD)</a> and<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1905"> round-bottom (RB)</a> flask models, are designed for laboratories requiring high throughput and efficient solvent removal.&nbsp;<ul><li>S-EVAP KD is available in 8 or 10 position models and can handle sample sizes up to 500 mL</li><li>S-EVAP RB models also offer 8 or 10 positions with capacities up to 250 mL per sample</li></ul>The S-EVAP system is tailored for general evaporation and concentration of analytical or environmental samples using various glassware configurations to meet specific method requirements under controlled and reproducible conditions.This system features rapid solvent evaporation with solvent vapor recovery, achieving solvent recoveries exceeding 96% by volume under ideal conditions.&nbsp;It can operate with cold tap water or a recirculating chiller system, ensuring efficient cooling. The digital controlled water bath provides even and uniform heating without scorching the final samples.&nbsp;The parallel water manifold system ensures even cooling water distribution to each condenser, while the rotary water manifold allows unlimited instrument rotation for easy front loading without condenser tubing entanglement.<h5>Advantages of S-EVAP Over Rotary Evaporation:</h5><ul><li>Higher Throughput: The S-EVAP can process multiple samples simultaneously, significantly increasing throughput compared to using several rotary evaporators.</li><li>Cost-Effectiveness: Although the initial investment may be higher than a single rotary evaporator, the S-EVAP's ability to handle multiple samples at once reduces the need for additional equipment. Lower maintenance costs and reduced need for additional space and infrastructure.</li><li>Ease of Use: User-friendly design with straightforward controls and easy maintenance. Reduced handling time compared to managing multiple rotary evaporators, allowing technicians to focus on other tasks.</li><li>Consistency and Precision: Uniform evaporation conditions ensure consistent results across all samples. Precise control over temperature allows for tailored evaporation conditions for different sample types.</li><li>Space Efficiency: A single S-EVAP unit occupies less space compared to multiple rotary evaporators, making it ideal for labs with limited bench space.</li></ul><h5>Integration in EPA Method 1699</h5>Rotary Evaporator Usage:<ul><li>Initial Solvent Reduction: Rotary evaporators are used first to remove bulk solvent from the sample extract. This step efficiently reduces the volume of the extract to a manageable level under reduced pressure, ensuring that the majority of the solvent is removed without significant loss of analytes.</li><li>Controlled Conditions: The rotary evaporator's ability to control temperature and vacuum precisely helps in handling large initial volumes and reducing them quickly.</li></ul>S-EVAP Evaporator Usage:<ul><li>Further Concentration: After the rotary evaporation step, the concentrated extract is transferred to the S-EVAP system. The S-EVAP evaporators, including the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1904">S-EVAP-KD</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1905">S-EVAP-RB</a> models, are designed to handle smaller volumes and provide a final concentration of the sample.</li><li>Solvent Recovery: The S-EVAP systems offer efficient solvent recovery, with the S-EVAP-RB capable of achieving solvent recoveries exceeding 96% by volume under ideal conditions. This high recovery rate is crucial for environmental and analytical labs that aim to minimize solvent waste and ensure consistent results.</li><li>Even Heating and Cooling: The S-EVAP-RB features a digital controlled water bath for uniform heating, preventing scalding of the final samples. Additionally, the parallel water manifold system ensures even cooling to each condenser, enhancing the efficiency and reproducibility of the evaporation process.</li></ul>Benefits of Tandem Use<ul><li>Enhanced Efficiency: Using both systems in tandem allows for the initial large volume reduction by the rotary evaporator, followed by precise final concentration using the S-EVAP. This combination maximizes throughput and ensures high-quality results.</li><li>Cost and Space Efficiency: The rotary evaporator handles the bulk of the solvent reduction, reducing the strain on the S-EVAP system. This distribution of workload helps in maintaining the equipment and optimizing laboratory space.</li><li>Method Compliance: Following this tandem approach ensures compliance with EPA Method 1699, which outlines specific procedures for pesticide analysis in various environmental samples.</li></ul>Organomation's S-EVAP evaporators, when used in conjunction with rotary evaporators, provide an efficient and reliable solution for laboratories performing high-throughput solvent evaporation tasks, such as those required by EPA Method 1699. This tandem use ensures precise control over the evaporation process, high solvent recovery rates, and consistent sample preparation, making it an ideal approach for environmental and analytical laboratories.<h4>2. Buchi's Syncore Evaporators</h4>Buchi's Syncore evaporators are advanced evaporation systems designed to provide high throughput and efficiency. They use parallel evaporation technology, allowing simultaneous processing of multiple samples under controlled conditions.<ul><li>Applications: Drug discovery, natural product extraction and chemical synthesis</li><li>Advantages: High efficiency with parallel evaporation capabilities, advanced safety features and precise control over evaporation parameters</li><li>Limitations: Potential cost considerations and specific application limitations</li></ul><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://explore.organomation.com/s-evap-rb-vs-buchi-syncore-download">Download our S-EVAP-RB vs Buchi Syncore comparison with pricing!</a><h4>3. Freeze Drying (Lyophilization)</h4>Freeze drying, also known as lyophilization, is a dehydration process used to preserve perishable materials or make them more convenient for transport. The process involves three main stages: freezing, primary drying (sublimation), and secondary drying (desorption).<ul><li>Applications: Pharmaceuticals, food industry, biological samples.</li><li>Advantages: Long-term stability of dried products.</li><li>Limitations: High cost and time-consuming process.</li></ul>For a more in-depth review, please visit our piece on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/types-of-laboratory-evaporators">Types of Laboratory Evaporators</a>.<h4>4. Centrifugal Evaporation</h4>Centrifugal evaporation is a technique used to remove solvents from samples by combining centrifugal force, vacuum, and heat. This method is particularly effective for drying samples rapidly and efficiently, making it ideal for high-throughput laboratories.<ul><li>Applications: Used for concentrating and drying biological samples, drug formulations, and other compounds that require gentle handling. Ideal for processing DNA, RNA, proteins, and other sensitive biomolecules.</li><li>Advantages: The combination of centrifugal force and vacuum significantly speeds up the evaporation process compared to traditional methods. Multiple samples can be processed simultaneously, making it suitable for high-volume laboratories.</li></ul>Limitations:<ul><li>Equipment Cost: High-quality centrifugal evaporators can be expensive to purchase and maintain.</li><li>Limited Sample Types: Not all sample types are suitable for centrifugal evaporation, particularly those that require very specific temperature or pressure conditions.</li><li>Technical Expertise: Requires trained personnel to operate the equipment and optimize conditions for different sample types.</li></ul><h4>5. Vacuum Distillation</h4>Vacuum distillation is a technique used to separate mixtures of liquids by utilizing reduced pressure, which lowers the boiling points of the components. This method is particularly useful for separating heat-sensitive compounds that might decompose at higher temperatures.<ul><li>Applications: Used to purify reaction products and separate mixtures in organic synthesis. Essential for refining crude oil into various fractions, such as gasoline, diesel, and lubricants.</li><li>Advantages: Achieves high levels of purity by effectively separating components based on their boiling points. Reduces the risk of thermal decomposition by operating at lower temperatures. Applicable to a wide range of substances, including complex mixtures and heat-sensitive materials.</li></ul>Limitations:<ul><li>Complex Setup: Requires specialized equipment and careful control of vacuum and temperature conditions.</li><li>High Cost: Initial investment and maintenance costs can be high.</li><li>Technical Skill: Operators need to be skilled in managing the distillation process to achieve optimal results.</li></ul><h4>6. Spray Drying</h4>Spray drying is a process used to convert liquid materials into dry powders by rapidly drying them with a hot gas. This technique is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries for creating stable, shelf-stable powders.<ul><li>Applications: Used to produce powdered milk, coffee, eggs, and flavors. Employed in the production of powdered drugs and formulations.</li><li>Advantages: Efficiently converts liquids into dry powders in a short time. Allows precise control over the size and distribution of the powder particles.</li></ul>Limitations:<ul><li>High Energy Consumption: Requires significant energy to heat the drying gas.</li><li>Thermal Degradation: High temperatures can cause thermal degradation of sensitive compounds.</li><li>Complexity: Requires careful control of operating conditions to achieve desired product characteristics.</li></ul><h4>7. Simple Distillation</h4>Simple distillation is a basic method used to separate liquids with significantly different boiling points. It involves heating the mixture to vaporize the more volatile component, which is then condensed and collected.<ul><li>Applications: Used to purify solvents, water, and other liquids by removing impurities. Ideal for separating simple mixtures of two components with different boiling points.</li><li>Advantages: Easy to set up and operate with minimal equipment. Low initial investment and operating costs. Effective for separating mixtures with large differences in boiling points.</li></ul>Limitations:<ul><li>Limited Precision: Not suitable for separating complex mixtures or components with close boiling points.</li><li>Scalability Issues: Less efficient for large-scale industrial processes.</li><li>Thermal Degradation: Higher temperatures can cause degradation of heat-sensitive components.</li></ul><h4>8. Microwave-Assisted Evaporation</h4>Microwave-assisted evaporation is a technique that uses microwave energy to heat and evaporate solvents from samples. This method is efficient and rapid, making it suitable for various laboratory applications.<ul><li>Applications: Used to speed up reactions and solvent removal in organic synthesis. Employed for drying drug formulations and preparing samples for analysis.</li><li>Advantages: Microwaves heat samples quickly and uniformly, reducing evaporation time.</li></ul>Limitations:<ul><li>Equipment Cost: Microwave evaporators can be expensive to purchase and maintain.</li><li>Sample Compatibility: Not all samples are suitable for microwave heating, particularly those with low dielectric properties.</li><li>Safety Concerns: Requires careful handling to avoid overheating and potential hazards.</li></ul><h3>Conclusion</h3>For laboratories that need to process several samples simultaneously, Organomation's S-EVAP evaporators present a compelling alternative to rotary evaporation. By offering higher throughput, cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and space efficiency, the S-EVAP can streamline laboratory workflows and improve overall productivity. As technology continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest advancements in evaporation methods will ensure that labs can maintain optimal performance and efficiency.

Exploring Alternatives to Rotary Evaporation in Modern Laboratories

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezLCMS Library in the week of 27th July 2026? Check out new documents from the field of liquid phase, especially HPLC and LC/MS techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT LCMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezICPMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you posters by Agilent Technologies / ASMS, Shimadzu / ASMS, Thermo Fisher Scientific / ASMS and Waters Corporation / ASMS and application note by KNAUER!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies / ASMS: Down in the Weeds: Automated Fast Screening Workflow for Cannabinoids in Whole Blood Using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/po_blood_cannabinoids_lc_q_tof_mp_694_asms_2026_en_agilent_02f13ac14e.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Distinguishing psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) isomers and their metabolites from nonpsychoactive isobars and novel semi-synthetic cannabinoids like hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is increasingly important to forensic toxicologists, as is the ability to remain up to date with novel compounds that are introduced into the population. This study describes an automated two-step chromatographic workflow that utilizes an initial fast screen method followed by reinjection with specific chromatography to resolve isobars if a suspect is detected in the fast screen on a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Revident">Revident LC/Q-TOF</a> with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=1290+infinity+II+lc">1290 Infinity II LC</a> (Figure 1). This allows for a larger number of samples to be screened more quickly while ensuring chromatographic resolution of isomers for confirmation. The data acquisition mode enables laboratories to interrogate data retrospectively to determine if novel compounds were present in any given sample.<h4>Conclusions</h4><ul><li>Clear and concise software workflow for quick screening analysis&nbsp;</li><li>Baseline resolution of THC isomers and interferences in longer method to allow for confident identification&nbsp;</li><li>All Ions acquisition method allows for retrospective data interrogation with fragment analysis</li></ul><h3>2. KNAUER: Scaling up LNP formulation using a Reynolds number-based methodology</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VPH_0084_knauer_scaling_up_lnp_formulation_using_a_reynolds_number_based_methodology_e05e67ca78.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>LNPs have become an essential enabling technology for RNA-based therapeutics and next-generation drug delivery systems. As these applications progress from laboratory research [1,2] to commercial manufacturing, process robustness and scalability become increasingly important. Beyond scalability, consistent product quality is critical.&nbsp;In pharmaceutical development, predefined critical quality attributes (CQAs) such as particle size, PDI, encapsulation efficiency and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) integrity define whether a formulation meets its intended performance and regulatory requirements. These CQAs are established during early formulation development and must be maintained throughout scaleup to ensure product consistency, pharmaceutical efficacy and reproducibility.LNPs are typically generated by controlled mixing of a lipid phase in ethanol with an aqueous buffer containing the nucleic acid payload. The rapid solvent exchange initiates lipid self-assembly and determines the resulting nanoparticle characteristics. Because particle formation occurs on timescales comparable to the mixing process, the interplay between hydrodynamics and nanoparticle assembly is a key determinant of final product quality. Even minor variations in mixing conditions can influence particle size distribution, encapsulation efficiency, and overall formulation consistency.&nbsp;To establish robust and scalable manufacturing processes, the underlying transport phenomena must be described independently of an operating scale. Dimensionless numbers provide a powerful framework for this purpose. The Reynolds number (Re) characterizes the flow regime and mixing intensity by relating inertial and viscous forces, while the Damköhler number (Da) describes the relationship between the characteristic timescales of mixing and nanoparticle formation. Together, these parameters provide a quantitative basis for understanding and controlling LNP self-assembly.<h4>RESULTS&nbsp;</h4><h5>R&amp;D Evaluation and Hydrodynamic Characterization&nbsp;</h5>The experimental study was initiated on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=503&amp;search=IJM+NanoScaler">KNAUERs IJM NanoScaler</a>, where multiple LNP formulations were developed and characterized under defined process conditions. During this phase, formulation parameters such as lipid composition, flow rate ratio (FRR), and total flow rate (TFR) were systematically varied to establish target CQAs, particularly particle size and PDI. In addition to recording volumetric flow parameters, the corresponding hydrodynamic conditions were quantified by calculating Re for each experimental setting, thereby the prevailing flow regime within the impingement zone.&nbsp;<h5>Determination of a Critical Reynolds Number&nbsp;</h5>Particle size was evaluated to depend on the Re using the IJM NanoScaler (Fig. 1). At Re below 500 particle sizes of 100 nm and larger were observed, indicating insufficient mixing and heterogeneous supersaturation conditions. With increasing Re, particle size decreased until reaching a plateau region at around 52 nm. Above a critical Reynolds number of ~ 750, further increases in flow rates did not significantly affect particle size. This plateau defines the hydrodynamic condition required to achieve minimal particle size for the given formulation.<h4>CONCLUSION&nbsp;</h4>A critical Reynolds number defining stable particle size and PDI was successfully identified on the R&amp;D-scale IJM NanoScaler. Operating above this threshold ensured consistent nanoparticle characteristics within a defined plateau region.By transferring these hydrodynamic conditions to the benchtop system, predefined CQAs were reliably maintained across scales. The data demonstrate reproducible particle size and PDI during scale-up while enabling a substantial increase in throughput. These findings highlight that a Reynolds number driven approach provides a robust and scalable framework for predictable LNP manufacturing using IJM technology.<h3>3. Shimadzu / ASMS: High-Throughput Ultra-Short-Chain PFAS Analysis in Drinking Water using LC-MS/MS with Automated Sample Preparation</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/TP_125_High_Throughput_Ultra_Short_Chain_PFAS_Analysis_in_Drinking_Water_using_LC_MSMS_with_Automated_Sample_Preparation_69e7985cce.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Ultra-short- and short-chain PFAS are highly mobile and persistent contaminants that are challenging to measure in drinking water due to high polarity, low molecular weight, poor chromatographic retention, and susceptibility to laboratory background contamination. This study evaluates a high-throughput LC–MS/MS workflow with automated sample preparation for targeted quantification of ultra-short and short-chain PFAS in drinking water. Method performance was assessed using native background, matrix spike recovery, precision, LOQ accuracy, calibration performance, and continuing calibration verification.<h4>Method</h4>Nine target PFAS were evaluated: TFA, TFMS, PFPrA, PFMOAA, PFEtS, PFBA, PFPrS, TFSI, and PFBS. Samples and calibrants were prepared in acidified 50:50 PFAS-grade water/methanol using PFAS-grade water provided by MilliporeSigma and an automated ePrep sample preparation system equipped with PFAS-free accessories.Chromatographic separation was performed on a polar-embedded IBD column with a delay column to improve retention and minimize background interference. Analysis was performed on a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=LCMS-8065XE">Shimadzu LCMS-8065XE triple quadrupole system</a> within an 8-minute total cycle time with a 10 µL injection volume (figure 2). Drinking-water samples were collected from seven local household sources and spiked at multiple concentration levels. Samples were ran in replicates to evaluate recovery, precision, and method robustness.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>This 8-minute LC–MS/MS method enabled high-throughput analysis of ultrashort- and short-chain PFAS in drinking water. TFA background observed in blanks and unspiked samples emphasized the need for contamination control and matrix-specific background assessment. Practical LOQs were supported at 10 ng/L for most analytes and 50 ng/L for PFMOAA. Recovery and precision were generally acceptable from 100–1000 ng/L, with higher variability at 10 ng/L and for PFMOAA, indicating areas for further optimization. Calibration and CCV performance supported reliable quantification across the reportable range.<h3>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific / ASMS: Unlocking the archived proteome: High-throughput, deep FFPE proteome profiling using the Orbitrap Astral Mass spectrometer</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/po_004694_lsms_protein_ffpe_orbitrap_astral_proteomics_po004694_asms2026_na_en_7cd59d64aa.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>FFPE tissue specimens are central to clinical pathology and translational cancer research, enabling long-term storage while preserving morphology for histology and molecular analysis. Widely available through biobanks, they support retrospective studies, biomarker discovery, and precision oncology—especially when paired with detailed clinical data. Compared to fresh tissues, FFPE samples are more accessible, scalable, and cost-effective for proteomics.However, FFPE proteomics is technically challenging. Formaldehyde-induced crosslinking complicates protein extraction and digestion, while paraffin removal and crosslink reversal add complexity. Traditional workflows are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to variability, limiting reproducibility and throughput. Although recent advances in sample preparation have improved performance, residual contaminants can still affect instrument robustness and scalability.&nbsp;To address these challenges, we implemented a streamlined FFPE proteomics workflow that simplifies processing and improves peptide yield and reproducibility. Using FFPE lung tissue and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/2465">Thermo Scientific OptiSpray Ion source</a> with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/836">Orbitrap Astral Mass spectrometer</a> across two LC platforms, we achieved sensitive detection of low-abundance peptides from 20– 200 ng inputs. Combined with fast LC methods and acquisition rates of 60, 180, and 500 samples per day, this approach enables deep, scalable profiling. The automated OptiSpray Ion source also reduces instrument contamination, supporting robust, high-throughput analysis of archived clinical tissues for biomarker discovery and translational research.<h4>Experimental procedure&nbsp;</h4><h5>Sample preparation&nbsp;</h5>Lung tumor and lung normal samples were de-paraffinized using xylene and sequential ethanol washes. The optimized protein extraction protocol and Thermo Scientific EasyPep Mini MS sample prep kit was used to prepare the digest samples from FFPE sections of normal and tumor lung samples. Protein concentration was measured using Thermo Scientific Pierce Rapid Gold BCA Protein Assay kit. The peptides were quantified using the Thermo Scientific Pierce Fluorometric Peptide Assay Kit before LC-MS/MS analysis. For <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=291&amp;search=Evosep+ENO">Evosep ENO</a>, peptides were loaded on EvoTips .&nbsp;<h5>LC-MS analysis&nbsp;</h5>Samples were injected onto an Thermo Scientific OptiSpray µPAC Neo Cartridge (P/N OS-UPAC050NAN) and Thermo Scientific OptiSpray µPAC Neo High-Throughput Cartridge (P/N OS-UPAC005CAP) and separated using 20 min (60 SPD) and 6.8 min (180 SPD) gradients, respectively, in direct injection mode at 55°C on a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/398">Thermo Scientific Vanquish Neo UHPLC System</a>. For 500 SPD (2.3 min) separation, samples were processed on Evosep ENO using an Evosep EV1182 Performance Column at 40 °C. Detailed LC and MS parameters are provided in Tables 1–2.&nbsp;<h5>Data analysis Spectronaut® Software&nbsp;</h5>The raw DIA files from both the labeled and unlabeled samples were analyzed together using Biognosys Spectronaut® Software in directDIA mode. Exported output files were imported to R Studio (2023.09.0 Build 463) with R (v4.3.1) for downstream data analysis and visualization.<h4>Conclusions&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>End-to-end FFPE proteomics is completed in under one day, integrating rapid sample preparation, fast LC–MS, and streamlined data analysis.&nbsp;</li><li>Deep proteome coverage is achieved from FFPE lung tissue, with up to ~8,600 protein groups and &gt;100,000 peptides identified from 200 ng input in 20 min.</li><li>Increasing throughput by up to ~8× (60 to 500 SPD) with moderate loss in depth, retaining ~70% of proteins at 180 SPD and ~45% at 500 SPD.&nbsp;</li><li>Robust quantitative performance is maintained at low sample input (20 ng) and across acquisition speeds, with median CVs ≤10%.&nbsp;</li><li>The workflow enables reliable differential expression and pathway analysis at scale, demonstrating its utility for biological insight into lung tumor and normal tissues.</li></ul><h3>5. Waters Corporation / ASMS: Identification of Novel Per-and-Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Isoform in Textile Using a Multi-Reflecting Time-ofFlight Mass Spectrometer Technology</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/720009415_0b95241dfd.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><div><div><section><div><div><div><div><div><div>The poster presents a non-targeted LC-MS/MS workflow for identifying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in textile materials using high-resolution mass spectrometry. As concerns over PFAS exposure continue to grow, conventional targeted methods often capture only a limited number of compounds. The authors therefore combined data-dependent acquisition (DDA) with high-resolution accurate-mass analysis to characterize PFAS profiles more comprehensively, enabling the identification of novel PFAS isoforms and halogenated contaminants with high confidence.The analytical workflow was based on a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/191">Waters ACQUITY Premier UPLC system</a> equipped with a PFAS solution installation kit and an ACQUITY Premier BEH C18 (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 µm) column, coupled to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/2433">Waters Xevo MRT P10 multi-reflecting time-of-flight (MRT) mass spectrometer</a>. Textile reference material was extracted according to EN 17681-1:2025, and LC-MS/MS data were acquired in data-dependent acquisition (Top 5 DDA) mode. Data processing and compound identification were performed using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1544">waters_connect™ Software Platform</a>, combining accurate precursor and fragment masses with isotopic information.A key innovation of the study was the implementation of mass defect-directed DDA. By creating a database of nearly 19,600 unique PFAS-related compounds and using their characteristic mass defects to guide precursor selection, the workflow reduced the number of non-specific MS/MS spectra by approximately 25%. This allowed the instrument to focus on PFAS-like compounds more efficiently, increasing the number of informative fragmentation spectra and improving the identification of previously unknown PFAS species. The approach successfully identified compounds such as N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamidoethanol (N-EtFOSE) in textile extracts with excellent mass accuracy (1.1 ppm).The authors conclude that mass defect-driven DDA significantly enhances non-targeted PFAS screening by reducing unnecessary MS/MS acquisitions while increasing the number of confidently identified PFAS and PFAS-like compounds. They also suggest that this strategy can be extended beyond PFAS analysis to other classes of persistent environmental contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), making it a promising approach for broader environmental and materials analysis.</div></div></div></div></div></div></section></div></div>

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News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 31, 2026