17th MDCW Closing

Significance of Multidimensional Chromatography and SPME Training

The growing complexity of sample matrices in environmental, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors demands higher resolving power and selectivity from analytical methods. Multidimensional chromatography techniques such as two-dimensional gas and liquid chromatography, combined with solid-phase microextraction (SPME), enable in-depth profiling of trace-level compounds, improving data quality and decision making in quality control and research environments.

Objectives and Overview

This report summarizes the activities and outcomes of the Subdivision on Chromatography and Separations Chemistry (SCSC) poster competition and associated training offerings organized by the American Chemical Society Analytical Division. Key goals included:

• Recognizing outstanding student and post‐doctoral contributions in multidimensional chromatography.
• Highlighting novel applications and methodological advances.
• Providing hands‐on training opportunities for emerging SPME practitioners.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Participants presented work leveraging advanced chromatographic platforms and sample‐preparation approaches. Instrumentation featured prominently:

• One‐ and two‐dimensional gas chromatography (1D GC, 2D GC).
• One‐ and two‐dimensional liquid chromatography (1D LC, 2D LC).
• Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC).
• Mass spectrometry detectors (MS).
• Solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) sampling fibers and accessories.

Key Outcomes and Discussion

The competition evaluated 25 eligible posters. Two $250 awards were granted:

• 2D GC Poster Prize to Madison L. Williams for untargeted perfluoroalkyl substance profiling in paints using SPME and comprehensive GC×GC.
• 2D LC Poster Prize to Laney Hillman for investigating column length effects on nonionic surfactant separations by comprehensive LC×LC.

Event statistics reflected broad engagement:

• 113 registrants (61 first‐time attendees).
• 25 poster presentations and 55 abstract submissions.
• Participation from academia, industry, instrument vendors, and regulatory bodies.
• Application areas spanning energy, pharmaceuticals, materials, forensics, food safety, environmental analysis, cosmetics, and omics.

Benefits and Practical Applications

By showcasing real‐world case studies and methodological best practices, the symposium:

• Enhanced knowledge transfer on optimization and calibration strategies.
• Encouraged adoption of comprehensive separations for complex samples.
• Fostered networking between early‐career researchers and industry experts.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging directions include integration of SPME with two‐dimensional platforms for automated, high‐throughput workflows; expansion of supercritical fluid techniques for greener separations; and advanced data processing algorithms for multidimensional datasets. Growing demand for miniaturized, field‐deployable systems suggests continued innovation in sampling and detection coupling.

Conclusion

The SCSC poster competition and associated training sessions reinforced the pivotal role of multidimensional chromatography and SPME in addressing analytical challenges across diverse sectors. Continued collaboration, education, and technological advancement will further elevate separation science capabilities.