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

<p><strong>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 </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-68778-6#Abs1"><i><strong>Nature Communications</strong></i></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>“<i>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</i>,” said the article’s first author, <strong>David Panáček</strong> from CATRIN, who worked on the study during his internship at Imperial College London.</p><p><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"></p><p>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. “<i>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</i>,” said one of the corresponding authors, <strong>Michal Otyepka</strong>.</p><p>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"><strong> CEITEC – VUT</strong></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.</p><p>“<i>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,</i>” added another corresponding author, <strong>Nuria De Diego</strong>.</p>

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

<p><strong>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.</strong></p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><h4><strong>Key Highlights:</strong></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><strong>Video transcription</strong></h3><p>In this interview, <strong>Ainslie Chen</strong> discusses her research on improving the detection and identification of hemoglobin variants using <strong>liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS)</strong>. 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.</p><p>Chen explains why her team selected LC-HRMS over established clinical techniques like <strong>capillary electrophoresis</strong> and <strong>gene sequencing</strong>. 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.</p><p>A key methodological insight from the project was the use of a <strong>C4 reversed-phase LC column</strong> 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.</p><p>Beyond hemoglobin analysis, Chen highlights the broader potential of high-resolution mass spectrometry in <strong>proteoform analysis</strong> 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 <strong>miniaturized mass spectrometers</strong> 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.</p><blockquote><p><strong>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.</strong></p></blockquote><blockquote><h4><strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</strong></h4><p>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!</p><p>You can find <strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast </strong>in podcast apps:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185"><strong>Apple podcast</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography"><strong>podscan</strong></a></li></ul><p>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos"><strong>YouTube channel</strong></a></p></blockquote>

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

Article

Video

Environment

Scientific article

Interview

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

KNAUER LH 8.1 - Modular analytical XYZ Autosampler

KNAUER Liquid Handler offers finally an alternative in the world of robotic autosamplers. In-house design and development for a new level of simplicity and speed.

<p><strong>KNAUER Liquid Handler offers finally an alternative in the world of robotic autosamplers. In-house design and development for a new level of simplicity and speed, namely by:</strong></p><h4><strong>Performance</strong></h4><ul><li>Highest repeatability of peak area in full loop or sandwich injection mode</li><li>Zero sample loss and high precision via Sandwich injection mode&nbsp;</li><li>Lowest carry over with active Fast wash station that cleans the injection syringe and needle on the in- and outside by delivering an adjustable cleaning solvent flow</li><li>User-friendly control via pre programmed injection parameters in Chromatography Software packages</li></ul><h4><strong>Versatility</strong></h4><ul><li>Modular design and wide selection of accessories</li><li>Flexible injection volumes by a variety of exchangeable injection syringes&nbsp;</li><li>Customizable lengths of the rail from standard &nbsp;557 or 887 mm up to 1200mm to increase the amount of modules</li></ul><h4><strong>High throughput</strong></h4><ul><li>Up to 390 x 1.5 mL vials or 6 well plates per Robotic Cooler</li><li>Maximum 1560 x 1.5 ml vials or 24 well plates per Liquid Handler</li><li>Short cycle times via fast and precise movements and the software option "overlapped injections" that allows for preparing the next injection while the previous is still running</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Knauer_Liquid_Handler_LH_8_1_AZURA_system1_7ad2b43571.jpg" alt="Knauer: Liquid Handler LH 8.1 with AZURA system" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Knauer_Liquid_Handler_LH_8_1_AZURA_system1_7ad2b43571.jpg 244w," sizes="100vw" width="1390" height="889"></p><h3><strong>Great variety of modules available</strong></h3><p><strong>KNAUER offers a range of active and passive modules for easy customisation of your LH 8.1.</strong></p><ul><li>Want to have more samples and need a cooling option? Use the Robotic Cooler!</li><li>Want a lower carry over? Install the Fast Wash Station with two different solvents for in- and outside syringe and needle cleaning!</li><li>Want to change the solvent in your syringe? Use a passive solvent option to draw liquid during the injection process!</li></ul><p>There are a variety of active and passive options available. Just mount the module on the sampler, configure it in your software and you are ready to go.</p><h4><strong>Injection Valve</strong></h4><p>The injection valve consists of a valve drive and a 6 Port 2-Position valve with a special injection port.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Knauer_Liquid_Handler_LH_8_1_standalone1_5f21514cca.jpg" alt="Knauer: Liquid Handler LH 8.1 - standalone" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Knauer_Liquid_Handler_LH_8_1_standalone1_5f21514cca.jpg 179w," sizes="100vw" width="1293" height="1127"></p><h4><strong>Tray Holder</strong></h4><p>The manual tray holder can store up to 130 standard HPLC vials and is recommended whenever no sample cooling is needed.</p><h4><strong>Robotic Cooler</strong></h4><p>The Robotic Cooler can store your samples at 4 - 40°C. You can insert up to 3 Sample Racks for 130 vials each, what means you can store up to 390 sample vials per Robotic Cooler.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Knauer_Liquid_Handler_LH_8_1_cooled_tray_2_c6fd0672e9.jpg" alt="Knauer: Liquid Handler LH 8.1 - cooled tray" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Knauer_Liquid_Handler_LH_8_1_cooled_tray_2_c6fd0672e9.jpg 239w," sizes="100vw" width="1595" height="1043"></p><h4><strong>Fast Wash Station</strong></h4><p>With the fast wash station, the injection syringe is cleaned on the in- and outside. It is always recommended, because it significantly reduces carry-over and offers a very user-friendly handling.&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Manual Wash Station</strong></h4><p>Manual wash stations are an alternative to the fast wash station when carry-over is not the major concern. A manual wash station can be integrated in the manual tray holder with 5 x 10 ml vials or used as an additional module with 6 x 10 ml vials or 2 x 60 ml vials.</p><h4><strong>Sample Trays</strong></h4><p>Different sample trays can be used either in the manual rack holder or in the Robotic Cooler. Depending on your needs, they are made for analytical standard 1.5 ml vials or well plates.</p><h4><strong>Syringes</strong></h4><p>The most common syringes are implemented in the chromatography software packages. All optimized parameters are preconfigured to get quickly started.</p><h3><strong>Special features</strong></h3><h4><strong>Injection modes</strong></h4><h5><strong>Sandwich loop: Zero sample loss with excellent reproducibility</strong></h5><p><strong>Tired of choosing between sample loss and high performance? The new injection mode offers both.</strong></p><ul><li>KNAUER Liquid Handler LH 8.1 has a special injection mode. Next to standard injections like full loop and partial loop it has the opportunity to use the sandwich injection mode.</li><li>The sample is prepared inside a gastight syringe and then transferred into the HPLC System. In sandwich mode the sample is trapped between small gaps of air. This injection method only takes up the sample volume it needs and the air gaps prevent any peak broadening. Furthermore the pressure increase during the injection process will reduce the sample plug even more leading ot much narrower peak shapes and higher injection precision. &nbsp;</li><li>Ths injection method combines the zero sample loss of µl pickup and injection precision of partial loop injection.</li><li>Only the amount of sample that is injected is aspired by the syringe</li><li>Minimized sample widenening during injection process</li><li>Very high precision</li><li>No loss of sample</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Knauer_Liquid_Handler_LH_8_1_Sandwich_Injection_Mode_Big_fb713e65a0.jpg" alt="Knauer - Liquid Handler LH 8.1 - Sandwich Injection Mode" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Knauer_Liquid_Handler_LH_8_1_Sandwich_Injection_Mode_Big_fb713e65a0.jpg 179w," sizes="100vw" width="2832" height="2475"></p><h5><strong>Full loop</strong></h5><ul><li>Sample loop is completely filled with the sample</li><li>Maximum reproducibility is achieved</li><li>Injection volume equals the loop volume</li><li>The sample loop will be overfilled to ensure a complete and reproducible filling</li></ul><h5><strong>Partial loop</strong></h5><ul><li>Sample loop is partially filled with programmed amount of sample&nbsp;</li><li>Injection mode is recommended for preparative tasks</li><li>Maximum injection volume equals 50 % of the loop volume</li><li>No sample loss</li></ul><h3><strong>Large number of samples for high-throughput applications</strong></h3><p><strong>The Robotic Cooler offers space for up to 390 x 1.5 ml standard sample vials while maintaining a stable temperature.&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>The Robotic Cooler compartment offers 6 places for sample racks. Two per drawer with a variety of options. One place can be used by a 60 x 1.5 ml vial rack, or 384 well plates or 96 well plates. Furthermore a double rack can be used to offer 130 x 1.5 mL vial positions, taking the total sample capacity to 390 x 1.5 ml vials.</li><li>Depending on the rail length a multitude of Robotic Coolers can be installed and used seperatly. Up to 4 Robotic Coolers on the longest rail.</li><li>The Robotic Cooler is software controlled, which enables a higher response speed and only open the doors so the injection syringe can reach the sample, to protect other samples from temperature fluctuations.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Knauer_Liquid_Handler_LH_8_1_cooled_tray_1_d2a6edf265.jpg" alt="Knauer: Liquid Handler LH 8.1 - high throughtput" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Knauer_Liquid_Handler_LH_8_1_cooled_tray_1_d2a6edf265.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1722" height="1040"></p><h3><strong>Speed up your injection</strong></h3><p><strong>The LH 8.1 is optimized to save time during injection and movement.</strong></p><ul><li>To safe time during the movement, the opening of the Robotic Cooler is software controlled and happens automatically.</li><li>To further speed up the injection, the sampler can apply the "overlapped injections" function, where the sample is already prepared inside the syringe.</li><li>Then the sample can be injected directly after the end of the previous run.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Knauer_Liquid_Handler_LH_8_1_Method_overlapped_2_e94a888086.jpg" alt="Knauer: Liquid Handler LH 8.1 - Method_overlapped" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Knauer_Liquid_Handler_LH_8_1_Method_overlapped_2_e94a888086.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1121" height="310"></p><h3><strong>Easy control via HPLC software&nbsp;</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>The LH 8.1 </strong>can be used just as comfortable as any HPLC Autosampler.</li><li>All parameters for recommended syringes, like injection speed, delay and sandwich build-up are already implemented and extensively tested in our Chromatography Software packages, so that you are ready to go!</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Knauer_Liquid_Handler_LH_8_1_Method_overlapped_af91cd2ba5.jpg" alt="Knauer: Liquid Handler LH 8.1 - SW control" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Knauer_Liquid_Handler_LH_8_1_Method_overlapped_af91cd2ba5.jpg 188w," sizes="100vw" width="928" height="771"></p>

Products from category HPLC Autosamplers focused on HPLC distributed by KNAUER - page 1

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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