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

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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.

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Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer

Move biomarker candidates from discovery to validation more efficiently, confidently, and at lower cost with breakthroughs in extended scale, massive throughput, higher sensitivity, greater specificity, and unrivaled productivity.

<div><div id="container-a1c36dfacf"><div><div><div id="text-913638046"><p><strong>A new paradigm for targeted quantitation.&nbsp;Move biomarker candidates from discovery to validation more efficiently, confidently, and at lower cost with breakthroughs in extended scale, massive throughput, higher sensitivity, greater specificity, and unrivaled productivity.</strong></p><p>The Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer introduces revolutionary technology combining robust quantitation with the specificity of rapid full scan MS<sup>n</sup>&nbsp;acquisition creating unrivaled improvements in laboratory productivity.</p><div><div id="text-801893275"><h3><strong>Expanded experimental capabilities to meet the most challenging biomarker verification</strong></h3></div></div><div><div id="container-1e8e478f3a"><div><div><div id="text-1204752335"><p>The Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer offers an array of data acquisition capabilities to deliver robust and reproducible quantitation for a wide range of analytes across an extended dynamic range.</p></div></div></div></div></div><h4><strong>System highlights</strong></h4><div><div id="container-a89a56f063"><div><div><div id="text-451891225"><h5><strong>Improve ionization efficiency for more compounds at higher LC flow rates&nbsp;</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-1671602085"><p>For a wider range of compounds separated using liquid chromatography operated at analytical flow rates, the Stellar Mass Spectrometer comes equipped with the Thermo Scientific OptaMax Plus Ion Source, which can deliver higher vaporizer temperatures to improve desolvation and ionization potentials.</p></div></div></div></div></div><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1290/725;" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Pragolab_Thermo_Scientific_Stellar_revolucni_hmotnostni_spektrometr_SF_Sys_Opta_Max_c303cf500a.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer - SF Sys OptaMax" width="1290" height="725"></figure><div><div id="container-d79c3b2946"><div><div><div id="text-251514658"><h5><strong>Spend less time on instrument set-up and focus on the science</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-989104128"><p>Trigger on-demand or scheduled system calibrations remotely and without disruption to your LC-MS system with the integrated Auto-Ready ion source.</p></div></div></div></div></div><div><div id="container-81dd07c9bb"><div><div><div id="text-1289282711"><h5><strong>Improve ion utilization by extending the capabilities of the new collision cell</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-1641484825"><p>The ion concentrating routing multipole (ICRM) is a curved collision cell performing both beam-type fragmentation (HCD) and precursor/product ion accumulation capabilities as controlled by dynamic automatic gain control (AGC) with synchronized ion packet release to the high-pressure linear ion trap for downstream manipulation or detection.</p></div></div></div></div></div><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1290/725;" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Pragolab_Thermo_Scientific_Stellar_revolucni_hmotnostni_spektrometr_SF_Sys_ICRM_3b2326f3af.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer - SF Sys ICRM" width="1290" height="725"></figure><div><div id="container-dbf5a6cdd9"><div><div><div id="text-813962034"><h5><strong>Efficiently manage ion populations for fast and sensitive analysis</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-2033771024"><p>The&nbsp;hyper-fast dual-pressure linear ion trap mass analyzer expands analytical capabilities while maximizing fast, high-quality data acquisition.</p><p>The differential neutral pressures maintained in the high- and low-pressure linear ion traps prepares ions for higher-order manipulation or fast and sensitive ion ejection at scan rates up to 220 kDa/S, but typically operates at 125 kDa/S for robust data acquisition.</p></div></div></div></div></div><div><div id="container-9a523f34e0"><div><div><div id="text-1491120095"><h5><strong>Extended analytical capabilities to increase laboratory productivity</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-328051555"><p>The high-pressure linear ion trap maximizes ion packet manipulation enabling multi-notch RF excitation for dissociation or ejection for SIM, higher order MS<sup>n</sup>, SPS MS<sup>3</sup>, or data-independent acquisition (DIA) to address the most challenging quantitative experiments.&nbsp;</p><div><div id="container-82e5907416"><div><div><div id="text-693866740"><h5><strong>Leverage single ion detection sensitivity to address the most challenging quantitation demands</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-737565098"><p>Efficient and sensitive ion detection drives improved quantitative performance at scale. 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PRM Conductor software effectively and efficiently creates robust targeted quantitative methods and manages reproducible data acquisition and processing.</p></div></div><div><div id="container-b03b606507"><div><div><div id="text-2005266584"><h5><strong>Maximize data completeness with the Adaptive RT routine</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-671832198"><p>Eliminate the cost and time of optimizing RT kits to the study samples to boost timed/scheduled data acquisition performance using the Adaptive RT routine.</p><p>The method leverages a novel real-time mapping routine to dynamically adjust timed/scheduled data acquisition windows at narrower time intervals to eliminate missing values that compromise data quality.&nbsp;</p></div></div></div></div></div><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1290/654;" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Pragolab_Thermo_Scientific_Stellar_revolucni_hmotnostni_spektrometr_SF_Sys_PRM_Conductor_5b596e7e4c.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer - SF Sys PRM Conductor" width="1290" height="654"></figure><div><div id="container-a192ba4b83"><div><div><div id="container-38d4c699d2"><div><div><div id="text-1578189934"><h5><strong>Industry-leading polarity switching speeds increase laboratory productivity</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-1173595596"><p>Reduce the time, cost, and challenges associated with creating and implementing highly multiplexed quantitative metabolite analysis. Fast polarity switching speeds enable comprehensive compound interrogation in +ESI and -ESI at all MS<sup>n</sup> levels on an LC timescale.</p><div><div id="container-b5fb525888"><div><div><div id="text-18006314"><h5><strong>Environmentally friendly dry pumps decrease energy usage and maintenance</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-1704557304"><p>Changing from two oil-based fore pumps to a single dry pump reduces heat output by 22% and decreases maintenance.</p><p>The use of a single dry pump also eliminates oil vapors and the need for oil checks and changes.</p><h3><strong>Solutions for additional research support</strong></h3><div><h4><strong>Translational proteomics</strong></h4><p>The Stellar Mass Spectrometer offers new possibilities for translational proteomics with improved specificity for greater quantitative performance at scale.</p><h4><strong>Quantitative proteomics</strong></h4><p>Accurate and precise quantitation for label-free and TMT multiplexing sample analysis strategies with the Stellar Mass Spectrometer.</p><div><h4><strong>Metabolomics and Lipidomics</strong></h4><p>Extended analytical capabilities quantify more metabolites and lipids with greater specificity using faster liquid chromatography gradients to increase laboratory productivity.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

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