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

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

ECOM LED20M FIX Dual UV Detector with display

The LED20M FIX Dual UV Detector with a display uses Light Emitting Diodes (LED) as the light source. It is used for flash chromatography.

<div style="display:block;" aria-labelledby="tab_item-0">The LED20M FIX Dual UV Detector with a display uses Light Emitting Diodes (LED) as the light source. It is used for flash chromatography.<h3>Why choose LED20M FIX detectors for your application</h3><ul><li>The LED detectors allow easy and convenient detection in the UV-VIS range. They are manufactured in single or dual channel models with fixed wavelength setup.</li><li>The detectors are widely used in chromatography techniques using gravity glass columns for purification and isolation of organic small molecules and other compounds of interest. Long-lasting and reliable light source is provided by LED.</li><li>The optical flow cell is easily accessible and replaceable, this feature allows flexible choice of detection sensitivity if required. Low cell heating due to low power dissipation of LEDs makes this detector ideal for applications where analytes may be susceptible to degradation due to elevated temperatures. Absorbance information is displayed in detail on the integrated OLED display in numerical and graphical formats.</li><li>The units have convenient USB-C connectivity and power. When the detector is connected to a PC, the recorded data can be stored and processed using the ECOMAC software. ECOMAC basic software license is available with the price of the product without any additional fees. All these features and capabilities allow LED20M FIX to be an affordable, cost-effective, reliable and robust choice of an UV-VIS detector.</li></ul><h4>Wavelengths</h4><ul><li>The dual UV detector version measures at two fixed wavelengths, which are adjusted in production and given by the built-in LEDs.</li><li>By default, diodes with wavelengths of 255 and 280 nm are used. Optionally, the customer can select a wavelength in the range of 255–⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠600 nm in steps of 5 nm.</li></ul><h4>Control</h4><ul><li>The detector can work without any additional SW support, but it is also possible to interconnect it via USB-C cable to a PC with ECOMAC SW, to get a data set for later use or to get reports for unit diagnostics.</li><li>The unit has an innovative PCB board that powers the LEDs, controls the unit, and has many new features, including higher sampling speed.</li></ul><h4>Key features and benefits</h4><ul><li>OLED display</li><li>Numerical and graphical view mode</li><li>Long lifetime of the LED light source</li><li>Low cell heating due to low power losses of the LEDs</li><li>USB C powering and communication port</li><li>ECOMAC Basic software for free</li><li>Autozero function</li><li>Easy flow cell replacement</li><li>Small dimensions</li><li>ECOMAC SW - &nbsp;sophisticated software for data acquisition and for diagnostics</li></ul></div>

ECOM LED20M FIX Single UV Detector with display

The LED20M FIX Single UV Detector with a display uses Light Emitting Diodes (LED) as the light source. It is used for flash chromatography.

<div style="display:block;" aria-labelledby="tab_item-0">The LED20M FIX Single UV Detector with a display uses Light Emitting Diodes (LED) as the light source. It is used for flash chromatography.<h3>Why choose LED20M FIX detectors for your application</h3><ul><li>The LED detectors allow easy and convenient detection in the UV-VIS range. They are manufactured in single or dual channel models with fixed wavelength setup.</li><li>The detectors are widely used in chromatography techniques using gravity glass columns for purification and isolation of organic small molecules and other compounds of interest. Long-lasting and reliable light source is provided by LED.</li><li>The optical flow cell is easily accessible and replaceable, this feature allows flexible choice of detection sensitivity if required. Low cell heating due to low power dissipation of LEDs makes this detector ideal for applications where analytes may be susceptible to degradation due to elevated temperatures. Absorbance information is displayed in detail on the integrated OLED display in numerical and graphical formats.</li><li>The units have convenient USB-C connectivity and power. When the detector is connected to a PC, the recorded data can be stored and processed using the ECOMAC software. ECOMAC basic software license is available with the price of the product without any additional fees. All these features and capabilities allow LED20M FIX to be an affordable, cost-effective, reliable and robust choice of an UV-VIS detector.</li></ul><h3>Wavelengths</h3><ul><li>The single UV detector version measures at 1 fixed wavelength, which is adjusted in production and given by the built-in LEDs.</li><li>By default, diodes with wavelengths of 255 or 280 nm are used. Optionally, customers can select a wavelength within the range of 255–⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠600 nm in steps of 5 nm.</li></ul><h3>Control</h3><ul><li>The detector can work without any additional SW support, but it is also possible to interconnect it via USB-C cable to a PC with ECOMAC SW, to get a data set for later use or to get reports for unit diagnostics.</li><li>The unit has an innovative PCB board that powers the LEDs, controls the unit, and has many new features, including higher sampling speed.</li></ul><h3>Key features and benefits</h3><ul><li>Practical OLED display</li><li>Numerical and graphical view mode</li><li>Long lifetime of the LED light source</li><li>Low cell heating due to low power losses of the LEDs</li><li>USB -C powering and communication port</li><li>Autozero function</li><li>Easy flow cell replacement</li><li>Small dimensions</li><li>ECOMAC SW - &nbsp;sophisticated software for data acquisition and for diagnostics</li></ul>Note: A preparative cell PFC 200 Basic is supplied with the unit. Other flow cells are available at request.</div>

ECOM LED20G Dual UV Detector

LED20G Dual UV detector for preparative and flash chromatography. ECOM's unique patented technology radically improves the detectors´ features. LEDs are used as the source of light.

<div style="display:block;" aria-labelledby="tab_item-0">LED20G Dual UV LED detector for preparative and flash liquid chromatography. LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are used as the light source. A unique and patented ECOM technology radically improves the detector characteristics.&nbsp;The LEDs themselves typically have a peak wavelength with a tolerance of +/- 5 nm and a spectral half-width of 10-20 nm, which is unacceptable for some applications, as e.g. for FPLC. This ECOM solution, however, allows the spectral width to be narrowed and, thanks to our patented technology, the exact wavelength to be selected from the LED spectrum.This version of the dual UV detector measures at two fixed wavelengths given by the installed LEDs.The default wavelengths are 254 and 280 nm. Optionally, the customer can select a wavelength in the range 254-600 nm in 1 nm steps.The unit is controlled by an innovative printed circuit board that powers the LEDs, controls the unit, and has many new features including higher sampling speed.<h3>Key features and benefits</h3><ul><li>Sharp, high, and symmetrical peaks thanks to the ECOM patented technology</li><li>Excellent linearity</li><li>Excellent price-performance ratio</li><li>Compact device dimensions</li><li>Low cell heating due to LED low power supply (0.7 W) allows use for peptide analysis or FPLC</li><li>Easy flow cell replacement</li><li>Higher sampling speed</li><li>Sophisticated diagnostic software</li><li>Diodes with wavelengths of 254 and 280 nm and a PFC cell with an optical path length of 2 mm are used as standard.</li><li>Other cells and wavelengths on request.</li></ul><h3>Parameters</h3><ul><li>Number of channels (Signals): Two fix wavelength</li><li>Typical spectral half-width&nbsp;: 4</li><li>Light source: LEDs</li><li>Noise level at test cell (254 nm, TC 0.75 s): ± 10x10-6 AU</li><li>Drift at test cell (254 nm after 1 h): 1x10-3 AU/hr</li><li>Communication: Remote digital I/O</li><li>Power supply: 12-24 V DC</li><li>Power input: 2 W</li><li>Materials in contact with mobile phase: FEP; fused silica, stainless steel (cell)</li><li>Communication interface: USB-C</li><li>Optical cables: no</li><li>Dimensions W x H x D: 193 x 70 x 40 mm (7.60 x 2.76 x 1.57 in)</li><li>Weight: 0.66 kg (1.46 Ibs)</li></ul></div>

Products from category UV-Vis HPLC detectors focused on HPLC distributed by ECOM spol. s r.o. - page 1

Related content

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