The human body is the most sophisticated atomic engineer. This idea underpins a breakthrough technology developed by an international research team led by scientists from the Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) at Palacký University Olomouc and the Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies (CEET) at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava. By drawing inspiration from the way enzymes function in the human body, the researchers have created a novel material that could fundamentally change the industrial production of hydrogen peroxide and other important chemicals. The new approach simplifies the production process, eliminates the need for toxic organic solvents and expensive precious metals, and requires only sunlight, oxygen and water to operate. The results <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-67189-3">were published by the prestigious journal Nature Communications</a>, which ranked the study among the 50 most significant scientific discoveries of the year.Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most important industrial chemicals. It is widely used not only in the chemical industry but also in pharmaceuticals, medicine, the textile industry and water-treatment technologies. The global hydrogen peroxide market is estimated to exceed USD 5 billion annually. Conventional production involves a multistep process that relies on toxic organic solvents and costly palladium-based catalysts. In addition, both the starting chemicals and the resulting waste products can have negative impacts on human health and the environment.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Cesti_vedci_vyvinuli_material_pro_vyrobu_chemikalii_z_vody_a_slunce_Inspirovali_se_lidskymi_enzymy_2_c4d5ecbafb.webp" alt="CATRIN: Czech scientists develop a material for producing chemicals from water and sunlight, inspired by human enzymes" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Cesti_vedci_vyvinuli_material_pro_vyrobu_chemikalii_z_vody_a_slunce_Inspirovali_se_lidskymi_enzymy_2_c4d5ecbafb.webp 208w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1200">“Our aim was to develop a material that enables the efficient, environmentally friendly and affordable production of hydrogen peroxide. When designing this photocatalyst, we were inspired by the structure and behaviour of enzymes in the human body. The result is a technology that does not require toxic organic solvents or expensive precious metals and instead uses a low-cost material based on carbon, nitrogen and copper. It operates in water using only sunlight and oxygen from the air,” said Radek Zbořil, leader of research teams at CATRIN and CEET.In developing the new photocatalyst, the Czech scientists mimicked the function of cytochrome c oxidase—an enzyme that enables human cells to obtain energy by transferring electrons to oxygen. This process relies on copper atoms embedded in the enzyme’s structure, and it was precisely this mechanism that the researchers sought to reproduce.“We very precisely replicated the chemical environment of metals within the enzyme’s structure and anchored copper atoms onto the surface of extremely small carbon nanoparticles with photocatalytic properties. When exposed to light, highly efficient electron transfer occurs between the carbon nanoparticles, the copper atoms and oxygen molecules. This process closely resembles an enzymatic reaction and enables high hydrogen peroxide production,” explained the first author of the study, Lukáš Zdražil, who is affiliated with both CATRIN and CEET.Producing hydrogen peroxide using sunlight and water has been a long-standing goal of research teams worldwide, as it eliminates the use of toxic organic solvents and avoids the formation of hazardous by-products. Until now, however, research in this area has largely remained at an academic level, mainly due to the use of noble metals and often complex photocatalyst designs. Laboratory studies have also resulted in relatively low hydrogen peroxide yields, which could not compete with existing industrial processes.“The new photocatalyst achieves hydrogen peroxide production rates up to two orders of magnitude higher than all previously reported systems, bringing us much closer to industrial requirements. In addition, the material is completely non-toxic, easily recyclable and reusable,” added Zdražil.The Czech teams are now focusing on potential applications of this technology in decentralised production units. Such systems could enable efficient, local production of hydrogen peroxide, for example for use in agriculture, pharmaceutical manufacturing or environmental applications. The combination of solar energy and materials inspired by enzymatic systems may also lead to further promising advances.“I believe that mimicking the structures and functions of iron- and copper-based enzymes could pave the way for other innovative technologies in the chemical industry and pharmaceuticals, such as the production of epoxides, alcohols or phenols,” concluded Zbořil.

 Czech scientists develop a material for producing chemicals from water and sunlight, inspired by human enzymes

<h3>Mastering Ion-Pair Reversed-Phase Chromatography for Oligonucleotide Analysis</h3><h4>Why Purity Is Critical in the Oligonucleotide Era</h4>Oligonucleotides — short, synthetic strands of DNA or RNA — are central to modern biotechnology. They power gene therapies, advanced diagnostics, and cutting-edge molecular research. However, before these molecules can be used in clinical or research settings, their purity and structural integrity must be thoroughly verified. High-resolution chromatographic analysis plays a crucial role in ensuring quality and safety.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_1_Separation_Example_of_Oligonucleotides_5577514561.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 1 - Separation Example of Oligonucleotides." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_1_Separation_Example_of_Oligonucleotides_5577514561.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="368"><h4>Understanding Ion-Pair Reversed-Phase (IP-RP) Chromatography</h4>For scientists involved in oligonucleotide synthesis and characterization, Ion-Pair Reversed-Phase Chromatography (IP-RP) is one of the most effective analytical tools available.Unlike separation techniques that rely solely on charge differences, IP-RP combines:<ul><li>Ionic interactions</li><li>Hydrophobic interactions</li></ul>This dual retention mechanism enables exceptional resolution — even for oligonucleotides that differ by only a single nucleotide or subtle chemical modification. Whether assessing synthesis efficiency or purifying therapeutic-grade material, IP-RP provides reliable, reproducible separations.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_2_Overview_of_IP_RP_Mode_prinicple_ecd54b6e9c.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 2 - Overview of IP-RP Mode prinicple." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_2_Overview_of_IP_RP_Mode_prinicple_ecd54b6e9c.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="456"><h4>The Principle Behind Ion-Pairing</h4>Oligonucleotides possess a highly negatively charged phosphate backbone. In a traditional reversed-phase system, such hydrophilic, charged molecules would show little retention.IP-RP overcomes this limitation by introducing a positively charged ion-pairing reagent into the mobile phase. The cation associates with the negatively charged oligonucleotide, forming a transient ion pair with increased hydrophobic character. This modified complex can now interact with the hydrophobic stationary phase.Retention strength depends on:<ul><li>The hydrophobicity of the ion-pair reagent</li><li>The strength of ionic interaction</li><li>The applied organic gradient</li></ul>During gradient elution (commonly using acetonitrile), analytes are released in a controlled manner according to size, sequence, and chemical modifications.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_3_Ion_Pair_Reversed_Phase_Principle_9a4fcd12f2.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 3 - Ion-Pair Reversed Phase Principle." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_3_Ion_Pair_Reversed_Phase_Principle_9a4fcd12f2.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="393"><h4>Choosing the Right Ion-Pair Reagent</h4>Successful IP-RP separation depends heavily on selecting an appropriate ion-pair reagent. Two key factors determine retention behavior:<ol><li>Alkyl chain length</li><li>Charge density</li></ol><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_4_Ion_Pair_Classification_eaad172a4e.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 4 - Ion-Pair Classification." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_4_Ion_Pair_Classification_eaad172a4e.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="398"><h4>Strong Cationic Ion-Pair Reagents</h4>Ion-pair reagents with longer alkyl chains provide stronger hydrophobic interactions and increased retention. A widely used example is tetrabutylammonium (TBA⁺), frequently applied for strongly retained anionic analytes.These reagents are particularly useful when high retention strength is required.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Table_1_Strong_Cationic_Ion_Pair_Reagents_8dbf00c57e.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Table 1 - Strong Cationic Ion-Pair Reagents." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Table_1_Strong_Cationic_Ion_Pair_Reagents_8dbf00c57e.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="396"><h4>Volatile (Weaker) Ion-Pair Reagents</h4>Short-chain ion-pair reagents generate weaker retention but offer a significant advantage: compatibility with LC–MS detection.Triethylammonium (TEA⁺) is among the most commonly used reagents for oligonucleotide analysis, particularly when mass spectrometric detection is involved. Other options, such as diisopropylethylammonium (DIEA⁺), are also widely applied, often combined with HFIP to enhance MS performance.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Table_2_Weak_Cationic_Ion_Pair_Reagents_6332a4975e.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Table 2 - Weak Cationic Ion-Pair Reagents." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Table_2_Weak_Cationic_Ion_Pair_Reagents_6332a4975e.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="283"><h4>Building an IP-RP Method for Oligonucleotides</h4>Developing a robust IP-RP method follows a logical sequence:<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Table_3_IP_RP_Method_Step_Procedure_for_Oligos_c2216c24a0.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Table 3 - IP-RP Method Step Procedure for Oligos." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Table_3_IP_RP_Method_Step_Procedure_for_Oligos_c2216c24a0.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="304"><h5>1. Characterize the Analyte</h5>Oligonucleotides typically contain 10–50+ nucleotides and exhibit high negative charge density. This necessitates a suitable cationic partner such as TEA⁺ or DIEA⁺.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_5_Cationic_Ion_Pair_Principle_for_Oligonucleotides_cb2dfb7457.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 5 - Cationic Ion-Pair Principle for Oligonucleotides." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_5_Cationic_Ion_Pair_Principle_for_Oligonucleotides_cb2dfb7457.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="512" height="320"><h5>2. Select the Column</h5>Use a reversed-phase column with:<ul><li>Large pore size (≈300 Å)</li><li>Appropriate internal diameter</li></ul>These parameters support the so-called “ON–OFF” retention mechanism — a bind-and-elute behavior where analytes are strongly retained until the gradient triggers rapid elution.<h5>3. Optimize the Mobile Phase</h5>A typical starting condition includes:<ul><li>10 mM TEA buffer at pH ~7</li><li>Acetonitrile as organic modifier</li></ul>Gradient programs from approximately 5% to 50% organic solvent over 15–30 minutes are commonly effective for complex oligonucleotide mixtures.<h5>4. Adjust Retention Strength if Needed</h5>To increase retention:<ul><li>Raise ion-pair concentration (up to ~100 mM if required)</li><li>Select a more hydrophobic ion-pair reagent</li></ul><h5>5. Validate the Method</h5>Ensure robustness, sensitivity, and reproducibility by carefully evaluating:<ul><li>UV chromatograms</li><li>MS traces</li><li>Peak shape and resolution</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_6_UV_MS_traces_of_IP_RP_Oligonucleotide_Analysis_81faf4e9f0.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 6 - UV-MS traces of IP-RP Oligonucleotide Analysis." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_6_UV_MS_traces_of_IP_RP_Oligonucleotide_Analysis_81faf4e9f0.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="365"><h4>Why IP-RP Is Considered the Gold Standard</h4>Ion-Pair Reversed-Phase Chromatography uniquely combines the resolving power of reversed-phase LC with the ability to retain highly polar, charged biomolecules.Its advantages include:<ul><li>Tunable selectivity</li><li>Compatibility with UV and MS detection</li><li>Scalability from analytical to preparative workflows</li><li>Applicability from research to pharmaceutical production</li></ul>By transforming highly charged oligonucleotides into hydrophobic ion-pair complexes, IP-RP enables precise and reproducible separations that would otherwise be impossible in conventional reversed-phase systems.For these reasons, IP-RP is widely regarded as the benchmark technique for oligonucleotide analysis.<h4>Final Thoughts</h4>Mastering IP-RP is less intimidating than it may seem. A successful method comes down to:<ul><li>Selecting the right ion-pair reagent</li><li>Choosing a suitable column</li><li>Optimizing gradient conditions</li><li>Fine-tuning temperature and concentration parameters</li></ul>With thoughtful method development, IP-RP delivers sharp peaks, clean separations, and reliable performance — fully compatible with modern mass spectrometry workflows and ready to meet the demands of advanced oligonucleotide analysis.

Oligos Made Easy - Part 3: IP-RP

<h4>"Education is central to how I approach research"</h4>Analytical scientist Dr Bob Pirok of the Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences has been awarded the 19th annual ‘Emerging Leader in Chromatography Award’ by LCGC International, a well-known global publisher in the field of separation science. Pirok will receive the award at the upcoming Pittcon 2026 conference held 7-11 March in San Antonio, Texas.With the Emerging Leader in Chromatography Award, LGCG International recognises the achievements and aspirations of talented early-career separation scientists who have made strides toward the advancement and applications of chromatography techniques. Pirok is honoured for his work in the development of comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC×LC), automated method development, and chemometric data analysis.Already in his early career, Pirok has emerged as a prominent figure in addressing long-standing challenges in LC×LC, which include method complexity, data interpretation, and experimental optimisation. His research is characterised by close interaction between theory, instrumentation, and application, as well as sustained collaboration with academic and industrial partners. On a mission to transform advanced chromatographic techniques into practical and robust analytical tools, Pirok has authored or co-authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and established an internationally visible research program at the interface of separation science, statistics, and artificial intelligence. All this within a few years of receiving his PhD in 2019.<h4>Automated method development</h4>Central to Pirok’s research is the novel modular AutoLC platform, which enables prototype automated method development. With a capacity to run unsupervised (i.e. without human input), it is able to tackle samples of unknown composition by autonomous analysis of (2D-)LC(-MS) data. It is flexible, able to support different optimization strategies and capable of integrating tools developed by scientists in the global chromatographic community.Accessibility and sustainability are key motivations behind AutoLC, says Pirok: “State-of-the-art separation technology is often overly sophisticated. We aim to make it more robust, automated, and usable beyond a small group of specialists, as efficiently as possible. By providing more detailed and reliable molecular information, such technologies can better inform molecular design and accelerate the development of new materials and applications.”<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/HIMS_From_left_to_right_Bob_Pirok_Prof_Peter_Schoenmakers_Ph_D_candidate_Gerben_van_Henten_and_postdoc_researcher_Tijmen_Bos_in_the_Auto_LC_lab_at_the_Van_t_Hoff_Institute_for_Molecular_Sciences_a4fe9bc6f7.jpg" alt="HIMS: From left to right: Bob Pirok, Prof. Peter Schoenmakers, PhD candidate Gerben van Henten, and postdoc researcher Tijmen Bos in the AutoLC lab at the Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences. The AutoLC workflow builds on concepts originally introduced by Schoenmakers in 1978, which have now been adapted and extended within a modern, automated framework by the AutoLC team. Schoenmakers, who retired in 2022, was awarded the 2023 LCGC Lifetime Achievement Award." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_HIMS_From_left_to_right_Bob_Pirok_Prof_Peter_Schoenmakers_Ph_D_candidate_Gerben_van_Henten_and_postdoc_researcher_Tijmen_Bos_in_the_Auto_LC_lab_at_the_Van_t_Hoff_Institute_for_Molecular_Sciences_a4fe9bc6f7.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="700" height="425">He is especially grateful to his students who continuously challenge assumptions and push the technology further. “They show why research and education belong together”, he says. “In fact, education is central to how I approach research. Many of the ideas behind AutoLC grew directly from discussions with students, in the lab, in courses, or while trying to explain complex concepts in a clear and accessible way. Seeing students grow into independent scientists, capable of questioning methods and building new ones, is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.”&nbsp;<blockquote><h5>About Bob Pirok</h5>Bob Pirok (Den Helder, 1987) completed his MSc in analytical chemistry at the University of Amsterdam, followed by doctoral research conducted in close collaboration with industrial partners including Shell, DSM, and Heineken. After earning his PhD in 2019 with Prof. Peter Schoenmakers, Pirok was appointed tenure-track assistant professor at the Van ’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences. There, he co-founded the Chemometrics and Advanced Separations Team (CAST) and was appointed associate professor in 2025.Pirok is also a visiting researcher at Gustavus Adolphus College in the United States and Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Pirok has received the Shimadzu Young Scientist Award (2015), the Csaba Horváth Young-Scientist Award (HPLC 2017), and the Journal of Chromatography Young-Scientist Award (2018). He is a driving force within the University of Amsterdam’s analytical chemistry programs, where he teaches courses in chemometrics, statistics, and separation science and supervises many MSc and BSc students. Pirok serves on the Early Career Board of Analytical Chemistry and is active in professional networks such as the European Chemistry Thematic Network.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/HIMS_Bob_Pirok_speaking_at_the_Balaton_2025_symposium_in_Siofok_Hungary_in_September_2025_106d7cffb5.jpg" alt="HIMS: Bob Pirok speaking at the Balaton 2025 symposium in Siófok, Hungary, in September 2025" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_HIMS_Bob_Pirok_speaking_at_the_Balaton_2025_symposium_in_Siofok_Hungary_in_September_2025_106d7cffb5.jpg 204w," sizes="100vw" width="857" height="655"></blockquote>

Bob Pirok receives LCGC Emerging Leader award

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The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) at Palacký University is a cutting-edge scientific hub dedicated to advancing research in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and biomedicine. At its core, CATRIN boasts outstanding scientific teams, featuring international researchers. We emphasize interdisciplinarity, foster global collaborations, and work to translate our research findings into practical applications.

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