Meeting EU Drinking Water Standards: The Critical Role of Sample Prep in Trace Contaminant Analysis

Although modern agriculture needs to be based on accurate real-time data on soil, plant, and environmental conditions, affordable, sufficiently sensitive, and robust monitoring devices for this purpose are currently missing. According to scientists, low-cost sensors based on new smart materials and printing technologies offer a suitable solution. The results of multidisciplinary research thus far and proposals for the development of these devices have been presented by researchers from Czechia, Great Britain, Spain, and the USA in a review article in the prestigious journal <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-68778-6#Abs1">Nature Communications</a>.“Sensor technologies for monitoring plant health are still in their infancy. Only simple sensors capable of monitoring basic parameters such as pH, soil moisture, or temperature are commonly available on the market. However, if farmers are to face current challenges, including climate change, and ensure sufficient food for humanity, they need much more effective tools that will enable them to monitor, for example, various pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. In our opinion, a suitable solution is a combination of new smart materials and printing for the production of inexpensive, durable, and scalable materials,” said the article’s first author, David Panáček from CATRIN, who worked on the study during his internship at Imperial College London.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Soucasne_senzory_nestaci_Vedci_navrhuji_novou_cestu_ke_sledovani_zdravi_rostlin_b4014952a3.jpg" alt="CATRIN: David Panáček" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Soucasne_senzory_nestaci_Vedci_navrhuji_novou_cestu_ke_sledovani_zdravi_rostlin_b4014952a3.jpg 208w," sizes="100vw" width="1536" height="1152">Sensors for monitoring plant health, for example, lag behind similar devices used in human medicine. According to the authors, advances in materials science, which will enable the development of scalable sensor technologies, play a key role in this potential shift. “Printing techniques, including inkjet printing, screen printing, aerosol printing, 3D printing, and direct laser writing, offer flexible ways to produce flexible sensors, large-area sensors, and sensors integrated directly into plants. The review article summarizes recent advances in printable low-dimensional materials for agricultural sensors, analyzes their physico-chemical properties in relation to sensor performance, and discusses key challenges and future opportunities requiring interdisciplinary integration,” said one of the corresponding authors, Michal Otyepka.The research brought together materials scientists, chemists, biologists, sensing experts, and printing technology specialists. Materials research and the use of graphene-based smart materials were led by scientists from CATRIN at Palacký University and VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava. Plant biologists from CATRIN contributed their knowledge of plant development, their responses to stress conditions, and the monitoring of their properties. Researchers from Imperial College London took care of the electronics, while representatives from<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/companies/36"> CEITEC – VUT</a> focused on printing technologies. The team also included leading experts in sensing from the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Barcelona, and Joseph Wang of the University of California San Diego, the “father of sensing and electrochemistry,” also contributed his extensive knowledge.“This is a groundbreaking study on this topic, which has managed to attract some truly big names in their respective fields. Last but not least, the study demonstrates that interdisciplinarity at CATRIN gives rise to completely new and promising research topics, such as plant sensing and its use for studying plant-environment interactions and smart agriculture,” added another corresponding author, Nuria De Diego.

Current sensors are not good enough. Scientists propose a new way to monitor plant health

In this episode of the Concentrating on Chromatography podcast, host David Oliva interviews Ainslie Chen about her cutting-edge research on hemoglobin variant testing using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HR-MS). Ainslie discusses her novel method for separating and identifying hemoglobin subunits with mass shifts less than 1 Da, overcoming critical limitations in conventional clinical assays.Hear firsthand how her team developed an LC-HR-MS workflow using a C4 reversed-phase column, tackled technical challenges (including why C18 columns fell short), and achieved unprecedented sensitivity for variant detection in both adult and neonatal samples. The conversation touches on the potential of mass spectrometry to revolutionize clinical diagnostics, the importance of reproducibility, barriers to adoption in routine labs, and how teamwork drives scientific innovation.Perfect for analytical chemists, clinical laboratorians, and anyone interested in the future of protein variant analysis, this episode also features Ainslie’s advice for early-career scientists and insights from her first ACS poster presentation.<h4>Key Highlights:</h4><ul><li>Motivation behind improving hemoglobinopathy testing &nbsp;</li><li>Technical advantages of LC-HR-MS over gene sequencing and CE &nbsp;</li><li>The crucial role of the C4 column in resolving challenging samples &nbsp;</li><li>Critical parameters for reproducible LC-HR-MS workflows &nbsp;</li><li>Barriers and outlook for clinical adoption of advanced mass spectrometry &nbsp;</li><li>The value of teamwork and mentorship in scientific research &nbsp;</li><li>Direct insights from recent ACS conference experiences</li></ul><h3>Video transcription</h3>In this interview, Ainslie Chen discusses her research on improving the detection and identification of hemoglobin variants using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The work addresses limitations of conventional hemoglobinopathy testing, which often struggles to resolve very small mass differences between closely related hemoglobin subunits. Because even a single amino-acid substitution can significantly alter hemoglobin structure and function, high analytical resolution is essential for accurate diagnosis of conditions such as anemia and sickle cell disease.Chen explains why her team selected LC-HRMS over established clinical techniques like capillary electrophoresis and gene sequencing. While sequencing offers excellent accuracy, it is time-consuming, costly, and requires extensive sample preparation, making it impractical for routine clinical workflows. Capillary electrophoresis enables subunit separation but lacks the resolving power needed to distinguish variants differing by less than one Dalton. In contrast, high-resolution mass spectrometry provides both structural specificity and sensitivity, enabling confident identification of subtle hemoglobin variants with minimal sample preparation.A key methodological insight from the project was the use of a C4 reversed-phase LC column instead of the more common C18 column. Chen describes how the shorter carbon chain and larger pore size of C4 columns improved protein elution and reduced denaturation, leading to more reproducible separations. Critical parameters for reproducibility included consistent mobile-phase composition (0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile), controlled temperature (60 °C for LC, ~320 °C capillary temperature), and stable chromatographic conditions.Beyond hemoglobin analysis, Chen highlights the broader potential of high-resolution mass spectrometry in proteoform analysis and clinical diagnostics, including emerging applications in cancer detection. She acknowledges current barriers to clinical adoption—such as energy demands and instrument infrastructure—but points to advances like miniaturized mass spectrometers as promising steps toward wider use. The interview concludes with advice for young scientists: don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors, embrace collaboration, and view analytical chemistry as a versatile tool that bridges medicine, biology, environmental science, and beyond.<blockquote>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.</blockquote><blockquote><h4>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</h4>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!You can find Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast in podcast apps:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL">Spotify</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185">Apple podcast</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography">podscan</a></li></ul>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos">YouTube channel</a></blockquote>

Unlocking Hemoglobin Variant Detection: LC-HR-MS Breakthrough with Ainslie Chen

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Science and research

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.

CATRIN

Organomation, founded in 1959, designs and manufactures high-quality nitrogen evaporators and extraction systems. Known for innovation and durability, their lab instruments are used globally for efficient sample preparation with strong customer support.

Organomation

Phenomenex Strata C18-E Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)

Strata C18-E is a silica-based end-capped C18 solid phase extraction (SPE) sorbent.

Strong Hydrophobic Retention Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)Strata C18-E is a silica-based end-capped C18 solid phase extraction (SPE) sorbent that offers strong hydrophobic retention with negligible secondary polar interactions from active silanol groups. Strata C18-E can be best used for the extraction of hydrophobic or polar organic analytes from aqueous matrices. In addition, Strata SPE sorbents are manufactured with the highest purity and extensively tested to give clean extracts.Strata C18-E is compatible with various formats, including C18 SPE cartridges. Our C18 SPE products are synonymous with quality, offering the highest purity and undergo rigorous testing to deliver consistently clean extracts for your analytical needs.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Phenomenex_Strata_C18_E_748c192b52.webp" alt="Phenomenex: Strata-C18-E" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Phenomenex_Strata_C18_E_748c192b52.webp 245w," sizes="100vw" width="500" height="150"><ul><li>Surface Area (m²/g): 500, m²/g</li><li>Separation Mode: Reversed Phase</li><li>Pore Size: 70, 100</li><li>Particle Size: 20, 55</li><li>Recommended Use: Extraction of hydrophobic molecules</li></ul><h4>Starting Method</h4><h5>Strata Reversed Phase</h5><ul><li>Condition: 1 mL Methanol</li><li>Equilibrate: 1 mL DI Water</li><li>Load: Pretreated sample</li><li>Wash: 1 mL 5% Methanol in DI Water, dry under vacuum for 2-5 min</li><li>Elute: 1 mL Methanol</li></ul>Based on 100 mg/1 mL sorbent mass. The above is a convenient starting point for SPE method development, further optimization may be required to tailor the method for your specific extraction needs.

Phenomenex β-Gone β-Glucuronidase Removal 96-well plates and tubes

β-Gone β-Glucuronidase Removal 96-well plates and tubes are designed to target and remove β-glucuronidase from hydrolyzed urine samples without requiring additional time or method development.

β-Gone™ offers a simple, fast, and highly targeted method to remove β-Glucuronidase from urine samples prior to analysis. Within 1 minute, with no necessary method development, your samples will be ready for analysis.<h4>Rapid Cleanup of Hydrolyzed Urine</h4><ul><li>Increase HPLC/UHPLC Column Lifetime</li><li>Reduce Mass Spec Maintenance</li><li>Maintain the Selectivity of Your HPLC/UHPLC Columm</li></ul><h3>Available Formats &amp; Protocols:</h3><h5>β-Gone Plus 96-Well Plates Protocol:</h5><ul><li>Follow β-glucuronidase vendor specifications and add appropriate amount of enzyme and urine to the well*&nbsp;<ul><li>Please note: Do not use more than 10% organic solution for the incubation and ensure that &nbsp;organic solution is added last.</li></ul></li><li>Add 133 µL of 0.1% Formic acid in Methanol</li><li>Initiate vacuum or positive pressure (2-5 psi) and collect eluent to inject**</li></ul><h5>β-Gone 96-Well Plates and 1 mL Tubes Protocol:</h5><ul><li>Dilute 200 µL of urine hydrolysate with 133 µL of 0.1% Formic acid in Methanol</li><li>Load diluted sample onto plate/tube and apply vacuum &nbsp;or positive pressure (2-5 psi) and collect eluent</li><li>Inject eluent**</li></ul><h5>2 mL Centrifuge Tubes Protocol:</h5><ul><li>Tap tube prior to use to consolidate sorbent&nbsp;</li><li>Combine 200 µL of Urine Hydrolysate with 133 µL of 0.1 % Formic acid in Methanol&nbsp;</li><li>Load into the centrifuge tube, cap, and invert 10x. Vortex for 30 seconds.</li><li>Centrifuge tube at 14000 rpm for 10 min (16000 xg RCF)&nbsp;</li><li>Collect supernatant to inject for analysis** &nbsp;</li></ul>*For urine samples &lt; 200 µL, use 30 mg β-Gone Plus Plate&nbsp; For urine samples &nbsp;≥ 200 µL, use 60 mg β-Gone Plus Plate&nbsp; **Depending on injection volume, starting %B (organic) in mobile phase, and column dimensions, a dilution of 1:1 with aqueous mobile &nbsp;phase may be required to prevent peak distortion of early eluting compounds.&nbsp;<h4>Ordering Information</h4>β-Gone β-Glucuronidase Removal Products<ul><li>8B-S139-TAK: 1 mL Tubes, Recombinant Enzyme, 100/Box</li><li>8B-S322-DAK: 1 mL Tubes, Non-Recombinant Enzyme, 100/Box</li><li>8E-S139-TGA: 96-Well Plate, Recombinant Enzyme, 1/Box&nbsp;</li><li>8E-S322-DGA: 96-Well Plate, Non-Recombinant Enzyme, 1/Box&nbsp;</li><li>8N-S323-TUK: 2 mL Centrifuge Tubes, Recombinant and Non-Recombinant Enzyme, 100/Box&nbsp;</li><li>8E-S323-TGA: 96-Well Plate Plus 30 mg/well, Recombinant/Non-Recombinant Enzyme, 1/Box</li><li>8B-S323-UGA: 96-Well Plate Plus 60 mg/well, Recombinant/Non-Recombinant Enzyme, 1/Box &nbsp;</li></ul>

Phenomenex Strata C18-U Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)

C18 sorbent with no end-capping, giving the phase moderate hydrophobic selectivity with slight polar selectivity due to the active silanol groups.

Moderate Hydrophobic Selectivity Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)C18 sorbent with no end-capping, giving the phase moderate hydrophobic selectivity with slight polar selectivity due to the active silanol groups.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Phenomenex_Strata_C18_U_f0c8e66506.webp" alt="Phenomenex: Strata C18-U SPE" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Phenomenex_Strata_C18_U_f0c8e66506.webp 245w," sizes="100vw" width="500" height="150"><ul><li>Surface Area (m²/g): 500</li><li>Separation Mode: Reversed Phase</li><li>Pore Size: 70</li><li>Particle Size: 55</li><li>Recommended Use: Enhanced cleanup of hydrophobic compounds that contain hydroxy or amine functional groups</li></ul><h4>Starting Method</h4><h5>Strata Reversed Phase</h5><ul><li>Condition: 1 mL Methanol</li><li>Equilibrate: 1 mL DI Water</li><li>Load: Pretreated sample</li><li>Wash: 1 mL 5% Methanol in DI Water, dry under vacuum for 2-5 min</li><li>Elute: 1 mL Methanol</li></ul>Based on 100 mg/1 mL sorbent mass. The above is a convenient starting point for SPE method development, further optimization may be required to tailor the method for your specific extraction needs.

Phenomenex Strata C18-T Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)

A wide-pore C18 sorbent that offers strong hydrophobic selectivity and accommodates molecules up to 75 kD in size.

Strong Hydrophobic Retention Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)A wide-pore C18 sorbent that offers strong hydrophobic selectivity and accommodates molecules up to 75 kD in size.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Phenomenex_Strata_C18_T_294d3923f5.webp" alt="Phenomenex: Strata C18-T" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Phenomenex_Strata_C18_T_294d3923f5.webp 245w," sizes="100vw" width="500" height="150"><ul><li>Surface Area (m²/g): -</li><li>Separation Mode: Reversed Phase</li><li>Particle Size: 55</li><li>Recommended Use: Wide pore for the extraction of large hydrophobic molecules (up to 75 kDa)</li></ul><h4>Starting Method</h4><h5>Strata Reversed Phase</h5><ul><li>Condition: 1 mL Methanol</li><li>Equilibrate: 1 mL DI Water</li><li>Load: Pretreated sample</li><li>Wash: 1 mL 5% Methanol in DI Water, dry under vacuum for 2-5 min</li><li>Elute: 1 mL Methanol</li></ul>Based on 100 mg/1 mL sorbent mass. The above is a convenient starting point for SPE method development, further optimization may be required to tailor the method for your specific extraction needs.

Phenomenex Strata C8 Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)

An end-capped C8 sorbent that offers moderate hydrophobic retention with negligible secondary polar interactions from active silanol groups. 

Reversed Phase Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)An end-capped C8 sorbent that offers moderate hydrophobic retention with negligible secondary polar interactions from active silanol groups. &nbsp;Ideal for compounds that may interact too strongly with a C18 sorbent.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Phenomenex_Strata_C8_9efc4274c5.webp" alt="Phenomenex: Strata C8" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Phenomenex_Strata_C8_9efc4274c5.webp 245w," sizes="100vw" width="500" height="150"><ul><li>Surface Area (m²/g): -</li><li>Separation Mode: Reversed Phase</li><li>Particle Size: 25, 55</li><li>Recommended Use: Extraction of extremely hydrophobic compounds that are retained too tightly on C18-E.</li></ul><h4>Starting Method</h4><h5>Strata Reversed Phase</h5><ul><li>Condition: 1 mL Methanol</li><li>Equilibrate: 1 mL DI Water</li><li>Load: Pretreated sample</li><li>Wash: 1 mL 5% Methanol in DI Water, dry under vacuum for 2-5 min</li><li>Elute: 1 mL Methanol</li></ul>Based on 100 mg/1 mL sorbent mass. The above is a convenient starting point for SPE method development, further optimization may be required to tailor the method for your specific extraction needs.

Phenomenex Strata Phenyl Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)

A short alkyl chain with a phenyl group provides moderate hydrophobic selectivity and aromatic selectivity through π−π interactions.

Retention of Aromatic CompoundsA short alkyl chain with a phenyl group provides moderate hydrophobic selectivity and aromatic selectivity through π−π interactions.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Phenomenex_Strata_Phenyl_5bc4ec65e4.webp" alt="Phenomenex: Strata Phenyl" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Phenomenex_Strata_Phenyl_5bc4ec65e4.webp 245w," sizes="100vw" width="500" height="150"><ul><li>Surface Area (m²/g): 500</li><li>Separation Mode: Reversed Phase</li><li>Pore size: 70</li><li>Particle Size: 55</li><li>Recommended Use: Extraction of aromatic and hydrophobic compounds</li></ul><h4>Starting Method</h4><h5>Strata Reversed Phase</h5><ul><li>Condition: 1 mL Methanol</li><li>Equilibrate: 1 mL DI Water</li><li>Load: Pretreated sample</li><li>Wash: 1 mL 5% Methanol in DI Water, dry under vacuum for 2-5 min</li><li>Elute: 1 mL Methanol</li></ul>Based on 100 mg/1 mL sorbent mass. The above is a convenient starting point for SPE method development, further optimization may be required to tailor the method for your specific extraction needs.

Phenomenex Strata SDB-L Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)

A rugged polymer sorbent that is pH stable from 1-14 and offers hydrophobic and aromatic selectivity for reversed phase applications.

Styrene-Divinylbenzene Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) SorbentA rugged polymer sorbent that is pH stable from 1-14 and offers hydrophobic and aromatic selectivity for reversed phase applications.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Phenomenex_Strata_SDB_L_49e276aab1.jpg" alt="Phenomenex: Strata-SDB-L" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Phenomenex_Strata_SDB_L_49e276aab1.jpg 193w," sizes="100vw" width="208" height="168"><ul><li>Surface Area (m²/g): 500</li><li>Separation Mode: Reversed Phase</li><li>Pore size: 260</li><li>Particle Size: 100</li><li>Recommended Use: Extraction of hydrophobic and aromatic compounds</li></ul><h4>Starting Method</h4><h5>Strata Reversed Phase</h5><ul><li>Condition: 1 mL Methanol</li><li>Equilibrate: 1 mL DI Water</li><li>Load: Pretreated sample</li><li>Wash: 1 mL 5% Methanol in DI Water, dry under vacuum for 2-5 min</li><li>Elute: 1 mL Methanol</li></ul>Based on 100 mg/1 mL sorbent mass. The above is a convenient starting point for SPE method development, further optimization may be required to tailor the method for your specific extraction needs.

Products from category SPE sample preparation distributed by Phenomenex - page 3

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Unlocking Hemoglobin Variant Detection: LC-HR-MS Breakthrough with Ainslie Chen

Current sensors are not good enough. Scientists propose a new way to monitor plant health

Meeting EU Drinking Water Standards: The Critical Role of Sample Prep in Trace Contaminant Analysis