15th Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop Guidebook

Significance of the topic

Multidimensional chromatography offers enhanced separation power and resolution compared to one-dimensional techniques. It is crucial in pharmaceutical, environmental, forensic and metabolomic analyses where complex matrices demand high peak capacity and reliable identification of trace components.

Objectives and Workshop Overview

This workshop aimed to convene experts in comprehensive two-dimensional gas and liquid chromatography for knowledge exchange, networking and showcasing recent advancements. Over three days, participants engaged in keynote lectures, oral presentations, poster sessions, guided discussions and social events, covering applications from regulatory compliance to biopharmaceutical monitoring.

Applied methodology

The program highlighted both online and offline multidimensional separations, combining gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC–TOFMS), flame ionization detection (FID), liquid chromatography paired with mass spectrometry (LC×MS) and supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) workflows. Case studies included non-target screening, contaminant profiling, scent analysis, renewable fuels characterization and method development for antibody quality monitoring.

Instrumental setup

• GC×GC–TOFMS and GC×GC–FID systems
• LC×SFC–HRMS/MS platforms
• Direct flow modulation GC×GC modules
• Valve technologies for online LC×SFC coupling
• Porous layer open tubular (PLOT) and modulator columns
• Software tools for data processing and chemometrics

Main outcomes and discussion

Key insights included strategies for managing large GC×GC data sets, standard reference mixtures for method validation, and workflow democratization to broaden access to high-dimensional separations. Panel discussions addressed the balance between complexity and routine laboratory implementation, emphasizing reproducibility and standardization.

Benefits and practical applications

• Improved detection of trace compounds in pharmaceutical and environmental samples
• Enhanced profiling of complex biological matrices for metabolomics and breath analysis
• Robust screening tools for forensic and food authenticity investigations
• Accelerated method development through automated multicolumn and flow-modulation approaches

Future trends and possibilities

Anticipated developments include integration of machine learning for data interpretation, expanded use of high-resolution mass spectrometry in two-dimensional workflows, and miniaturized modulators for field applications. Further convergence of LC, GC and SFC hyphenations promises real-time process monitoring and portable diagnostics.

Conclusion

The Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop 2024 underscored the growing relevance of comprehensive separation techniques in diverse analytical fields. By fostering collaboration and sharing cutting-edge methodologies, the event charted a path toward more accessible, standardized and high-throughput multidimensional analyses.

Reference

No specific literature references were provided in the source text.