<p><strong>Visit the LabRulez booth at </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/871"><strong>analytica 2026</strong></a><strong> in Munich, 24. - 27. March 2026! You can find us in Hall A1, Booth A1.506. At the booth, you will be able to explore live demonstrations of how the LabRulez portals work and see selected analytical instruments from our pre-owned marketplace section.</strong></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Lab_Rulez_at_Analytica_2026_Floor_plan_55e1057e03.jpg" alt="LabRulez at Analytica 2026: Hall A1 Floor Plan and Booth Location" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Lab_Rulez_at_Analytica_2026_Floor_plan_55e1057e03.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1516" height="881"></p><h3><strong>Would you like to learn how the LabRulez portals work?</strong></h3><p>➡︎ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/"><strong>LabRulezLCMS</strong></a><br>➡︎ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/"><strong>LabRulezGCMS</strong></a><br>➡︎ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/"><strong>LabRulezICPMS</strong></a></p><ul><li>A <strong>unique online solution</strong> for <strong>your marketing</strong></li><li>A <strong>targeted audience</strong> from the <strong>analytical chemistry community</strong></li><li><strong>Modern technologies</strong> and a unique concept</li><li><strong>Design optimized for most smart devices</strong> – PC, mobile, and tablet</li><li><strong>Advanced statistical tools</strong> fully available to users</li></ul><h3><strong>Services Offered</strong></h3><h4><strong>News + Company Updates</strong></h4><ul><li>Publish <strong>news related to your instrumentation, applications, services, events, job openings</strong>, and more</li><li><strong>News is shared</strong> both on our <strong>portals</strong> and across our <strong>social media channels</strong></li></ul><h4><strong>Library – All Documents in One Place</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Applications, posters, presentations, technical articles, brochures, specifications</strong></li><li><strong>Fas</strong>t and <strong>advanced search</strong> capabilities</li><li>Over <strong>32,000 documents</strong> currently available in our database</li></ul><h4><strong>Webinars</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Upcoming and on-demand webinars</strong> from the field of analytical chemistry</li><li>More than <strong>5,500 webinars</strong> covering chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy</li></ul><h4><strong>Careers</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Targeted job</strong> listings in <strong>analytical chemistry</strong></li><li>Clear filtering by specialization or location</li><li><strong>Increased visibility for job postings</strong></li></ul><h4><strong>Companies</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Company profile</strong> with key information and contacts</li><li><strong>Integration of all your activities on our portal:</strong> News, Library documents, Webinars, Upcoming Events, Careers, and mentions by partners or customers</li><li><strong>Connection to your Products </strong>listed on LabRulez portals</li></ul><h4><strong>Products and Services</strong></h4><ul><li>Comprehensive <strong>overview of instrumental techniques and services</strong></li><li>Targeting the analytical chemistry community and customers in the growing online environment</li></ul><h4><strong>Marketplace</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Buying and selling pre-owned analytical equipment</strong></li><li>We purchase analytical instrumentation of all brands and ages</li><li><strong>Sell your equipment through LabRulez</strong></li><li>Request and purchase <strong>complete systems, modules</strong>, or <strong>spare parts</strong> with warranty and service</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Lab_Rulez_at_analytica_2026_bazar_7edf4a0872.jpg" alt="LabRulez at analytica 2026" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Lab_Rulez_at_analytica_2026_bazar_7edf4a0872.jpg 88w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="2844"></p><h3><strong>What Will Be on Display at Our Booth?</strong></h3><p>Come and explore selected spare parts and modules from our marketplace section. These include both new, tested, and pre-owned items.</p><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/bazaar"><strong>LabRulezLCMS Marketplace</strong></a></h4><p><strong>Spare parts for LC/MS:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=378"><strong>Vacuum turbo pumps for LC/MS</strong></a></li></ul><p><strong>Spare parts for HPLC:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=397"><strong>Degassers for HPLC/UHPLC</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=368&amp;search=valve"><strong>Automatic valves for HPLC</strong></a></li><li>HPLC components for Agilent 1100, 1200, and 1260 Infinity II series</li></ul><p><strong>Consumables:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=377"><strong>HPLC lamps</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=48"><strong>HPLC columns</strong></a></li></ul><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/bazaar"><strong>LabRulezGCMS Marketplace</strong></a></h4><p><strong>Spare parts for GC/MS:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=367&amp;search=turbo"><strong>Turbo pumps for GC/MS</strong></a></li></ul><p><strong>Spare parts for GC:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=366&amp;search=EPC"><strong>EPC modules</strong></a></li></ul><p><strong>Sample injection</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/bazaar/432"><strong>Autosampler 7693A for GC</strong></a></li></ul><p><strong>Consumables:</strong></p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=7"><strong>GC columns </strong></a>and selected accessories</li></ul>

LabRulez at analytica 2026

<p><strong>🎤Alex Brody</strong></p><p><strong>In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, we sit down with Alex Brody, an organic chemist at Aqua America, to discuss the rigorous analytical methods required for regulated drinking water testing.</strong></p><p>Alex walks us through the multi-step PFAS detection process using EPA Method 537.1, including extraction, nitrogen blowdown concentration, and LC-MS analysis. He explains why sample preparation and quality control are critical for achieving trace-level detection—and why these methods can't be rushed or simplified, even with new technologies available.</p><p>We also explore taste and odor investigations, disinfection byproducts, and volatile organic compounds, plus the surprising reality of why regulated labs move slowly when adopting new instrumentation. You'll learn about the quality control checkpoints, peer review processes, and the misconceptions surrounding analytical turnaround times in compliance labs.</p><h5><strong>Topics Covered:</strong></h5><ul><li>Role of organic chemistry in regulated drinking water labs</li><li>EPA compliance requirements and regulatory bodies (EPA, PA-DEP)</li><li>PFAS detection using Method 537.1 and LC-MS</li><li>The critical importance of nitrogen blowdown sample concentration</li><li>Taste and odor analysis: MIB, Geosmin, and unknown compound identification</li><li>Why regulated methods evolve slowly (validation timelines, approval processes)</li><li>Quality control procedures: calibration checks, matrix spikes, surrogate standards, internal standards</li><li>Automated sample preparation and lab efficiency</li><li>Future PFAS regulations and Method 533 expansion</li></ul><h5><strong>Ideal For:</strong></h5><ul><li>Analytical chemists and environmental lab professionals</li><li>Water utilities and compliance officers</li><li>Chromatography practitioners interested in regulated workflows</li><li>Anyone curious about how drinking water safety is ensured</li></ul><h2><strong>Video Transcription</strong></h2><h3><strong>Ensuring Safe Drinking Water Through Advanced Analytical Chemistry</strong></h3><h4><strong>Insights from a Regulated Water Testing Laboratory</strong></h4><p>Analytical laboratories responsible for regulated drinking water testing operate under strict compliance frameworks to ensure the delivery of safe and reliable water supplies. In this interview, Alex, an organic chemist at Aqua America, outlines the scope of analytical work conducted in a modern water quality laboratory. The team primarily focuses on the determination of taste- and odor-causing compounds, disinfection byproducts, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These analyses rely heavily on <strong>GC-MS and LC-MS instrumentation</strong>, supported by rigorous maintenance programs to ensure continuous operational performance and data reliability.</p><h4><strong>Regulatory Compliance and Quality Control in Drinking Water Analysis</strong></h4><p>Operating as a regulated drinking water laboratory requires adherence to stringent requirements established by agencies such as the <strong>U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)</strong> and state-level regulatory bodies. Compliance is driven by extensive quality control protocols integrated into every analytical batch. Typical workflows include calibration verification, matrix spike recovery assessments, internal standard monitoring, and surrogate performance checks. Notably, analytical batches are often limited in sample number to accommodate a substantial proportion of quality control samples, reflecting the critical importance of data defensibility in regulatory reporting.</p><p>One common misconception is the perceived speed at which results can be delivered. In reality, comprehensive sample preparation, including extraction procedures and validation steps, can extend turnaround times to a full working day or longer. Additionally, validated regulatory workflows impose limitations on the rapid adoption of new analytical technologies, as method modifications must undergo formal evaluation and approval before implementation.</p><h4><strong>Analytical Strategies for Taste and Odor Investigations</strong></h4><p>Taste and odor events represent a significant operational challenge for water utilities. Standard targeted methods are routinely applied for compounds such as <strong>2-methylisoborneol (MIB)</strong> and <strong>geosmin</strong>, which are commonly associated with earthy or musty sensory characteristics. When targeted analysis does not reveal the source, laboratories employ <strong>broad-scan GC-MS screening</strong> combined with spectral library interpretation to identify potential causative compounds. In some cases, sensory evaluation panels complement instrumental analysis, providing preliminary insight into potential treatment-related or environmental influences affecting water quality.</p><h4><strong>PFAS Monitoring: Methodological Complexity and Trace-Level Sensitivity</strong></h4><p>PFAS determination represents a rapidly evolving priority in drinking water monitoring. The laboratory currently applies <strong>EPA Method 537.1</strong>, with efforts underway to expand capabilities through certification for <strong>Method 533</strong>, thereby broadening analyte coverage. Analytical workflows typically involve solid-phase extraction followed by solvent evaporation using nitrogen-assisted blow-down techniques to achieve the trace-level sensitivity required for regulatory compliance. This concentration step is essential because PFAS compounds remain non-volatile under controlled evaporation conditions, enabling enhanced detection performance upon reconstitution and LC-MS analysis.</p><h4><strong>Future Directions in Drinking Water Analytics</strong></h4><p>Looking ahead, the primary technological driver in regulated water analysis is the demand for <strong>increasingly lower detection limits</strong> and expanded compound coverage. While regulatory frameworks can slow methodological innovation, laboratories continue to pursue efficiency improvements, such as automated sample preparation systems and optimized analytical workflows. These advances support the growing need to process high sample volumes while maintaining the stringent data quality standards required for public health protection.</p><p>Ultimately, the work performed in regulated drinking water laboratories represents a critical intersection of analytical chemistry, environmental monitoring, and public safety. Continuous methodological refinement, coupled with advances in mass spectrometry and sample preparation technologies, will play a central role in addressing emerging contaminants and ensuring long-term water quality assurance.</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>

Regulated Drinking Water Testing: PFAS Detection, Sample Prep & Real Lab Insights

<p><strong>Anna Vanluchene&nbsp;from UCT Prague’s&nbsp;Department of Chemical Engineering has received a&nbsp;prestigious start-up grant from the Dagmar Procházková Fund. However, she did not receive funding right away. In this interview, she describes how she developed ten versions of her&nbsp;</strong><i><strong>Illuminating Flow</strong></i><strong>&nbsp;project idea (combining photocatalysis with flow reactors for pharmaceutical synthesis). She explains why she considers perseverance to be crucial when applying for grants, how international experience has influenced her approach to team management, and how her research can reduce the chemical industry’s&nbsp;dependence on fossil fuels and imports from China.</strong></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_2_5b7d63b8e9.jpg" alt="VŠCHT Prague/Tomáš Balický: I waited two years for a start-up grant and wrote ten versions of my project idea" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_2_5b7d63b8e9.jpg 127w," sizes="100vw" width="1128" height="1387"></p><h5><strong>What did the Dagmar Procházková Fund grant mean to you?</strong></h5><p>I&nbsp;consider it to be a&nbsp;great success. It is the first injection of funding that will allow me to ensure full independence for my research endeavour, to start my own research group, and to fund students so I&nbsp;can get started properly.</p><h5><strong>What have been your previous experiences with grants?</strong></h5><p>During my doctorate, a <i>cotutelle</i> (international doctorate under dual supervision), I&nbsp;was funded by a&nbsp;grant from the French government. Then I&nbsp;worked at the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (CAS) and received a&nbsp;Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship to go abroad. The idea for my now-funded project was developed about two years ago and, since then, I&nbsp;have gradually developed and adapted the idea for various grant calls. I&nbsp;submitted about ten different versions of the proposal. I&nbsp;did not receive a&nbsp;grant from the Dagmar Procházková Fund last year, but this year, my application was successful.</p><h5><strong>This probably requires a&nbsp;great deal of patience and perseverance.</strong></h5><p>Certainly, because the success rates for most grants have been declining for some time. But as a&nbsp;motivational example, I&nbsp;will tell the story of Timothy Noel, a&nbsp;Belgian professor of chemistry living in the Netherlands. He applied for the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) grant, which is among the most sought-after in Europe, seven times. But no failure deterred him and eventually he succeeded and opened the door to potentially massive grant funding. He was already one of the world’s&nbsp;top scientists in the field at that time and openly described his journey on his blog <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.noelresearchgroup.com/2022/03/17/my-personal-story-to-obtain-an-erc-grant-7-submissions-4-interviews-and-6-heartbreaks/"><strong>blog</strong></a>.</p><h5><strong>What advice does this convey to other grant applicants and early career researchers?</strong></h5><p>Start early, read a&nbsp;lot, don’t&nbsp;give up, and—most importantly—apply repeatedly. Learn from rejections and overcome possible frustration from failures. Read blogs and books by successful people, where you will find not only the glorious results of their work, but also the hardships they faced over their entire journeys. Of course, building your team and laboratory is impossible without finances. I&nbsp;myself still hope that I&nbsp;will be able to receive even bigger grants in the future.</p><h5><strong>How has your international experience influenced your scientific approach?</strong></h5><p>A&nbsp;lot and on several levels. Different laboratories teach you how to do&nbsp;things differently. You gain varied experience about how different institutions function. You see other people’s&nbsp;positive motivations, their ability to be ambitious without negativity, their involvement in institutional matters, their openness to cooperation with companies (e.g., tech transfers, spin-offs). The most important thing is to broaden your horizons. I&nbsp;see going abroad as a&nbsp;necessity. What I&nbsp;have taken away the most is drive, great support, and the idea that scientific output is not just about metrics, but also about dedication to one’s&nbsp;topic.</p><h5><strong>What is your </strong><i><strong>Illuminating Flow: Transport Phenomena in Photocatalysis</strong></i><strong> about, in layperson’s&nbsp;terms, and how is it unique?</strong></h5><p>Most of today’s&nbsp;chemical industry is still based on thermal processes and fossil fuels. Photochemistry enables electrification, where the energy source is photons delivered by LEDs, which can generate electricity from renewable sources. Current research focuses mainly on chemical reactions and their mechanisms, but as a&nbsp;chemical engineer, I&nbsp;focus on designing processes and reactors suitable for industrial use. In batch reactors, light fades rapidly with distance from a&nbsp;source, so much of a&nbsp;reaction mixture is not illuminated. Flow reactors solve this problem, but they bring new challenges such as working with solid catalysts and subsequently scaling up production and achieving higher production rates of the desired chemicals at a&nbsp;given scale.</p><p>One can imagine a&nbsp;transparent tube with a&nbsp;catalyst on the walls, upon which light shines and through which reactants flow. This project has a&nbsp;unique emphasis on engineering solutions and overall process efficiency.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_3_b978abf25c.jpg" alt="VŠCHT Prague/Tomáš Balický: I waited two years for a start-up grant and wrote ten versions of my project idea" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_3_b978abf25c.jpg 241w," sizes="100vw" width="1228" height="799"></p><h5><strong>So, were you inspired by a&nbsp;gap in the market to connect photocatalysis with transport phenomena?</strong></h5><p>Exactly. I&nbsp;combine my areas of expertise: microfluidics, photocatalytic degradation of organic substances (CAS), and synthesis (MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship). The idea itself is not new, and pharmaceutical companies are very interested in “greener” photochemistry, but in practice, there is often a&nbsp;lack of appropriate engineering solutions and apparatus for industrial use.</p><h5><strong>What are the practical applications of your work and what substances are you focusing on?</strong></h5><p>Mainly on pharmaceuticals and on the synthesis of so-called fine chemicals, which are often the building blocks for the production of pharmaceuticals. There is also a&nbsp;geopolitical dimension to this, i.e. less dependence on imports from China and sustainable synthesis in Europe where it makes economic sense.</p><h5><strong>And what chemicals are you specifically talking about?</strong></h5><p>For example, building blocks for advanced synthesis, compounds prepared by trifluoromethylation reactions, or products of oxidation reactions with singlet oxygen. At the same time, we focus on reactions that are, in the classical design process, less safe or technologically demanding, where new approaches, such as photochemistry in flow reactors, could be safer and have better process control. Of course, this is not a&nbsp;universal solution for all types of reactions.</p><h5><strong>The goal of this project?</strong></h5><p>I&nbsp;plan to start a&nbsp;fully functional laboratory and research team, create high-quality experimental data on selected molecules and based on them, try to build cooperation with industrial partners. Without data, it is impossible to come to companies with just an idea. Within three years, I&nbsp;would like to have results that can be realistically presented and further developed.</p><h5><strong>What are the main challenges in transport phenomena during photocatalysis?</strong></h5><p>The methodology for repeatability of experiments in photochemistry is relatively demanding and there are unforeseen obstacles in building apparatus. Also, the scale-up from microliters to a&nbsp;larger scale.</p><h5><strong>What methodology will you use, and how big are the microreactors and their flow rates?</strong></h5><p>I&nbsp;have two different directions in methodological design. The first direction involves microreactors the size of a&nbsp;laboratory slide. You make a&nbsp;structure using a&nbsp;laser, and then you have to cast it and make a&nbsp;microreactor. This allows you to quickly adjust the geometry of the reactor. This method is, of course, not applicable in the commercial setting, but it is ideal for studying transport phenomena and precise measurements.</p><p>The second direction involves reactors that are flow cells. These are already larger, approximately 15 x 15 centimetres, and their flow rates are in the order of millilitres per hour. This is the initial scale that we will further increase during the project.</p><h5><strong>There is a&nbsp;big difference between a&nbsp;flow rate of microlitres per hour and industrial needs. Will it not work differently in reality?</strong></h5><p>Our research will focus on studying the phenomena themselves for now, and scaling will be addressed later. In addition, we will combine the experimental data obtained with computer simulations that will help design suitable conditions for a&nbsp;larger scale. For some high-value fine chemicals, these scales, combined with continuous operation or parallelization of reactors, may already be practically usable.</p><h5><strong>What catalysts will you use and how will you attach them to the reactor walls?</strong></h5><p>I&nbsp;am focusing on heterogeneous photocatalysis, and we will mainly use graphitic carbon nitride and its more advanced modifications. These are semiconductor materials that can be synthesized relatively easily and are suitable for immobilization on glass reactor walls. A&nbsp;key part of this project is the creation of a&nbsp;stable catalytic layer for long-term flow-through operations. To increase the contact of reactants with the catalyst, we will also consider multiphase modes, for example, gas bubbling, in order to disrupt the otherwise laminar flow.</p><h5><strong>Why did you choose this field and the Department of Chemical Engineering?</strong></h5><p>During my postdoc in Belgium, the department had an opening for an Assistant Professor position that caught my attention and I&nbsp;applied for it. I&nbsp;did my undergraduate, graduate, and initial doctoral studies here, and I&nbsp;love the department. I&nbsp;have a&nbsp;Bachelor’s&nbsp;degree in Chemistry.</p><h5><strong>Are you collaborating with anyone?</strong></h5><p>We collaborate with BUT Brno focusing on creating layers and immobilizing catalysts on glass, as well as with the Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. And as for organic synthesis, we are connected with Ghent University via postdoc internships. At the same time, my colleague Viola Tokárová and I&nbsp;received a&nbsp;Czech Science Foundation grant in cooperation with BUT Brno and Masaryk University, with our part of the project focusing on the use of flow reactors for photochemical reactions and testing the antibacterial properties of photocatalytic materials. And I&nbsp;am writing other grant proposals in which I&nbsp;am trying to build new collaborations.</p><h5><strong>What does the creation of an independent research group at UCT Prague look like?</strong></h5><p>I&nbsp;started by renovating the premises that were assigned to me and gradually building my team. It is important for research work to have Ph.D. students; I&nbsp;have already hired one and we will recruit more. In addition to building the group, I&nbsp;will engage in securing further funding for the group, so I&nbsp;will be writing more grant proposals. It is important to think far enough in advance when it comes to prospective funding for a&nbsp;research group.</p><h5><strong>What type of students are you looking for?</strong></h5><p>The laboratory and team I&nbsp;are building will be very multidisciplinary, just like the area I&nbsp;am working on. That is why I&nbsp;am looking for students who are attracted to true multidisciplinary research, those who, for example, have knowledge of engineering, but who don’t&nbsp;mind a&nbsp;little bit of pure chemistry. One student in their own right does not have to (and cannot) know every subject, so I&nbsp;will ideally have a&nbsp;team consisting of different people with different research backgrounds. Motivated, DIY-type students who would rather enthusiastically build or invent something themselves than conduct repetitive measurements. Organic or analytical chemists will also find their place here. If this topic is interesting to students in any way, they can definitely contact me. I&nbsp;am also open to interdepartmental cooperation with other UCT Prague Faculties.</p><h5><strong>How would you describe your path to photocatalysis/chemical engineering?</strong></h5><p>Studying Chemistry as an undergrad gave me a&nbsp;broad perspective, but I&nbsp;was gradually narrowing my focus and eventually chose engineering. Chemical engineering intrigued me with its logic and was the easiest for me to grasp at the time. But I&nbsp;have always enjoyed working on projects more than the studies themselves. Even during my Bachelor studies, I&nbsp;really enjoyed and was interested in the Professor Štěpánek Group’s&nbsp;projects, where I&nbsp;was doing something completely different than I&nbsp;do&nbsp;now. I&nbsp;only got into photochemistry during my time at CAS and then, during my postdoctoral fellowship, I&nbsp;devoted myself to electrochemistry. My current focus is, thus, a&nbsp;natural interlinking of all these areas. Consequentially, I&nbsp;developed an awareness of the necessity to become independent and return to the department with my own, different research agenda, which, in my opinion, is an important and correct basis for establishing my own research group.</p><h5><strong>What is the biggest challenge of this project for you?</strong></h5><p>The transition from being a&nbsp;postdoc to a&nbsp;leadership position is a&nbsp;big change for me and I&nbsp;think it is not talked about enough. It means a&nbsp;shift from my own experimental work to leading a&nbsp;team, planning and delegating tasks, and motivating students. From a&nbsp;practical point of view, one of the main challenges is the transfer of reactions from the microscale to functional systems, the construction of reactors, the immobilization of catalysts, and generally confirming that this direction makes sense in the long term and that it has future potential.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_1_66ac267e06.jpg" alt="VŠCHT Prague/Tomáš Balický: I waited two years for a start-up grant and wrote ten versions of my project idea" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_1_66ac267e06.jpg 155w," sizes="100vw" width="830" height="839"></p>

I waited two years for a start-up grant and wrote ten versions of my project idea

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Mestrelab Mnova Gears software

This comprehensive software suite, designed for building automation workflows, caters to your analytical data needs, spanning NMR, LC/GC-MS, and more.

<h3><strong>Mnova Gears | Real-Time &amp; Batch processes</strong></h3><h4><strong>Automation Workflows for All Your Analytical Data Processes</strong></h4><p>Are you tired of the monotony of routine data processing? <strong>Mnova Gears</strong> (also known as <strong>Mgears</strong>) is here to free up your time for innovation and more engaging tasks. This comprehensive software suite, designed for building <strong>automation workflows</strong>, caters to your analytical data needs, spanning <strong>NMR</strong>, <strong>LC/GC-MS</strong>, and <strong>more</strong>. Simply set your analysis samples and SOPs, launch the process, and let Mnova Gears handle the rest. From data retrieval to processing and analysis, Mnova Gears effortlessly applies the methods and formulas you provide, presenting the results in comprehensive reports.</p><p>Experience the flexibility, seamless integration with your existing architecture, and the customizable nature of Mnova Gears. Like Mnova, it remains <strong>vendor-neutral</strong>, adapting to your unique requirements. Elevate your analytical data processes—automate with Mnova Gears!</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_Gears_Design_your_data_workflows_and_let_Mgears_do_the_rest_5771003702.jpg" alt="Mestrelab Research: Mnova Gears - Design your data workflows and let Mgears do the rest!"></p><blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www2.mestrelab.com/l/271522/2024-03-25/3nwsl4"><strong>Visit Mestrelab Research Mnova Gears product page to learn more!</strong></a></h4></blockquote><h4><strong>What’s new in Mnova Gears 2.5?</strong></h4><p><strong>Mnova Gears 2.5 has been released with Mnova 15 introducing a range of new capabilities:</strong></p><ul><li>New file copy option that copies the input files to the output folder without the need to open, process, or analyze them.</li><li>Ability to add chromatogram blind regions.</li><li>Improved data selection and auto-detection.</li><li>Capability to manage input data organized in multiple subfolders and generate sorted reports for each subfolder.</li><li>Heat map data visualization.</li><li>And other improvements that you can check in the complete changelog.</li></ul><p><strong>Upgrade to Mgears 2.5 now to explore these features and to unlock the full potential of data automation.</strong></p><p>Also be sure you check our newest Mgears brick designed for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www2.mestrelab.com/l/271522/2024-03-25/3nwskt"><strong>Affinity Selection Mass Spectrometry</strong></a> analyses.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_Gears_Increase_your_efficiency_using_automated_analysis_workflows_c9d3fb13e6.jpg" alt="Mestrelab Research: Mnova Gears - Increase your efficiency using automated analysis workflows!"></p><h3><strong>Mnova Gears products and how they relate to one another!</strong></h3><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www2.mestrelab.com/l/271522/2024-03-25/3nwsl4"><strong>Mnova Gears</strong></a></h4><ul><li>Automation of multiple sample analysis</li><li>Batch and real time mode to generate documents for analysis</li></ul><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www2.mestrelab.com/l/271522/2020-10-22/25htxg"><strong>Mnova MyGears</strong></a></h4><ul><li>Automation of single sample analysis</li><li>Automation workflows on an open Mnova document</li></ul><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www2.mestrelab.com/l/271522/2024-04-10/3p2gsd"><strong>Mnova Gears Bricks</strong></a></h4><ul><li>Build automation workflows using the following Gears bricks</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_Gears_1_b99a72ab8c.jpg" alt="Mestrelab Research: Mnova Gears products and how they relate to one another."></p><blockquote><h4><strong>Want to run a 45-day FREE trial?</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www2.mestrelab.com/l/271522/2024-04-10/3p2gsh"><strong>CONTACT AN EXPERT</strong></a></h4></blockquote><h3><strong>Intuitive 5-Step workflow!</strong></h3><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_Gears_Intuitive_5_Step_workflow_9191e59a96.jpg" alt="Mestrelab Research: Mnova Gears - Intuitive 5-Step workflow."></p><h4><strong>Mnova Gears Benefits</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Automate</strong> routine <strong>processes and workflows</strong>, saving valuable specialist time.</li><li>Create and manage <strong>end-to-end workflows</strong> seamlessly within a single tool.</li><li>Streamline <strong>multiple analytical workflows</strong> on a common, user-friendly platform.</li><li><strong>Customize workflows</strong> by selecting components tailored to specific needs.</li><li>Enjoy <strong>flexibility and configurability</strong>, allowing seamless integration with existing infrastructure.</li><li>Collaborate with <strong>different systems in an unified environment</strong> due to vendor independence.</li><li>Leverage the familiarity with the <strong>Mnova interface</strong> to deploy and adopt <strong>automation</strong> solutions by your team <strong>without an extensive learning curve</strong>.</li><li>Benefit from <strong>expedited product support and development</strong>, consolidating all your automation analyses in one software suite.</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_Gears_Mnova_Gears_Benefits_3186347cb7.jpg" alt="Mestrelab Research: Mnova Gears - Mnova Gears Benefits"></p><h4><strong>Mnova Gears Features</strong></h4><h5><strong>Powerful Automation Capabilities for Comprehensive Data Tasks</strong></h5><ul><li>A user-friendly platform equipped with all essential controls for customizing data processes, covering input data, processing and analysis methods, design, and output generation.</li><li>A wide array of default features and options is available to maximize adaptation to customer needs.</li><li>Acceptance of templates and scripts for further customization; you can even construct your own automation bricks using scripting.</li><li>Details of your customization are stored in a settings file, easily shareable and importable.</li></ul><h5><strong>Automatic Reporting and Archiving</strong></h5><ul><li>Diverse output formats, including CSV, PDF, HTML, JSON, and Mnova formats.</li><li>Seamless adaptation to data organization standards by specifying requirements for correct data archiving (in a folder, database, ELN, etc.).</li><li>Easy workflows to automatically update historic data to new standards, ensuring consistency across years and sites.</li><li>Continuous support and updates: Contact the support team for specific import/export format requests.</li></ul><h5><strong>A User-Friendly Result Viewer with Graphical Dashboards for Rapid and Easy Data Review</strong></h5><ul><li>Effortless exploration of results with the Mgears Results Viewer, featuring graphical dashboards.</li><li>At-a-glance and by-exception reviews for quick and effective data analysis.</li><li>Smooth navigation through sample lists or well plates, facilitating the review of data and analyzed spectra.</li><li>Identification of samples not meeting specifications using graphics and warning flags, saving time on extensive scrutiny.</li><li>Swift recalculations and result updates.</li></ul><h4><strong>Multi-Technique and Multi-Application Analytical Workflows</strong></h4><ul><li>Multiple techniques supported: NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS, Chromatography, etc.</li><li>Mnova Gears has already proven its prowess with a broad range of applications spanning from discovery, R&amp;D, to manufacturing and quality control.</li><li>Available applications include structure verification, purity determination, mixture analysis, chemical reaction optimization, and affinity selection mass spectrometry analysis. Explore the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www2.mestrelab.com/l/271522/2024-04-10/3p2gsd"><strong>full list of applications</strong></a> for comprehensive coverage.</li></ul><h3><strong>Markets</strong></h3><h5><strong>Academic, Government &amp; Industrial</strong></h5><h4><strong>PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS</strong></h4><ul><li>Quality Control (NMR, Mass Spectrometry, etc)</li><li>Natural Product Dereplication by NMR</li><li>Reaction Monitoring by NMR</li><li>Quantitative NMR</li><li>Targeted mixtures analysis by NMR</li><li>Multi-technique reporting</li><li>Protein-ligand Interaction</li><li>Product ID confirmation</li><li>Structure verification</li><li>DNA Profiling by LCMS</li><li>Ligand-based drug screenings</li><li>Reaction Optimization (HTE)</li><li>Determination of solubility, lipophilicity</li><li>System Suitability testing (NMR, LCMS)</li><li>Compound separation and purification workflows</li></ul>

Mestrelab Mnova Verify software

Designed for synthetic and medicinal chemists, which automatically checks a proposed structure against a set of analytical data, LC-MS or GC-MS and/or 1D NMR and/or 2D NMR.

<h4><strong>Automatic confirmation of structure identity based on NMR and/or LC/GC-MS data</strong></h4><p>Designed for synthetic and medicinal chemists, which automatically checks a proposed structure against a set of analytical data, LC-MS or GC-MS and/or 1D NMR and/or 2D NMR.</p><h4><strong data-start="641" data-end="654">Benefits:</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Solution coupling NMR </strong>(1H, 13C and HSQC) and <strong>MS techniques</strong> in a commercial off-the-shelf software.</li><li><strong>Helps non-expert users </strong>to take decisions while reducing the workload of the experts.</li><li><strong>Fully automatic analysis</strong> for singletons or batch data.</li><li><strong>Mnova Verify checks</strong> whether the proposed compound is correct!</li><li><strong>Flexibly accepts a variety of inputs</strong> and generate automatically fully customized reports.</li><li><strong>Straightforward results</strong> check that warns about inconsistencies.</li></ul><h4><strong>Features:</strong></h4><h5><strong>Powerful algorithm running behind the scenes</strong></h5><p><strong>This powerful algorithm integrates multiple modules to deliver:</strong></p><ul><li>Automated processing and analysis of 1D &amp; 2D NMR (¹H NMR, HSQC) and LC/GC-MS data.</li><li>Generation of theoretical data for proposed structures.</li><li>Prediction of NMR spectra (¹H, ¹³C, HSQC) and MS data (mass ion, isotopic cluster, fragmentation, MS/MS).</li><li>Comparison of experimental and theoretical data.</li><li>Results presentation using an innovative scoring system.</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_Verify_Powerful_algorithm_running_behind_the_scenes_be1dfb5e2f.webp" alt="Mestrelab Research: Mnova Verify - Powerful algorithm running behind the scenes" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_Verify_Powerful_algorithm_running_behind_the_scenes_be1dfb5e2f.webp 245w," sizes="100vw" width="936" height="427"></p><h5><strong>An easy and flexible scoring system</strong></h5><p>Evaluates analytical data to judge the compatibility of proposed structures:</p><ul><li>Provides a quality score (-1.0 to +1.0) for each structure, combining score and significance.</li><li>Displays detailed results for each test applied.</li><li>Ranks structures to quickly identify the best fit with experimental data.</li><li>Allows easy re-working of unclear results in Mnova.</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_Verify_An_easy_and_flexible_scoring_system_da1c07eb98.webp" alt="Mestrelab Research: Mnova Verify - An easy and flexible scoring system" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_Verify_An_easy_and_flexible_scoring_system_da1c07eb98.webp 245w," sizes="100vw" width="936" height="427"></p><h5><strong>Automated batch &amp; real-time operations</strong></h5><p>Provides QA for large data volumes like libraries or registration QC samples:</p><ul><li><strong>Batch Mode: </strong>Verifies libraries and identifies unsuitable samples for assay submission, generating an HTML report.</li><li><strong>Real-Time Analysis Mode: </strong>Performs unassisted verification of individual samples, providing immediate feedback on structure-data compatibility.</li><li>Requires Mnova v10 or higher (NMR, NMRPredict, and/or MS modules). Additional modules like Mnova DB or qNMR can also be used.</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_Verify_Automated_batch_and_real_time_operations_6fa9241b15.webp" alt="Mestrelab Research: Mnova Verify - Automated batch &amp; real-time operations" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_Verify_Automated_batch_and_real_time_operations_6fa9241b15.webp 245w," sizes="100vw" width="936" height="427"></p>

Mestrelab Mnova DB software

A professional database integrated within Mnova for efficiently shared storage of molecular structures, NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS, and other Mnova objects.

<h4><strong>Store, share and search your chemical and analytical data efficiently</strong></h4><p>A professional database integrated within Mnova for efficiently shared storage of molecular structures, NMR, LC-MS, GC-MS, and other Mnova objects.</p><p>Create new databases, save records with a couple of clicks, and run searches by structure, substructure, specific peak positions, multiplets, or mass peaks.</p><h4><strong data-start="641" data-end="654">Benefits:</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Database enviroment for storing analytical data</strong> (NMR, LC/GC-MS, UV-Vis, IR, etc.) and chemical structures.</li><li><strong>Ranked queries by chemical struture and/or analytical data,</strong> enabling faster and more efficient data retrieval.</li><li><strong>Tools for managing and controlling your databases</strong>, with password protection for security.</li><li><strong>Quickly create new databases</strong> and save your analytical records in seconds, enhancing efficiency and productivity.</li><li><strong>Access and view reports in a variety of formats</strong>, including tables, records, well plates, and HTML views, for versatile data presentation.</li><li><strong>Manage user accounts with different privilege levels-administrator</strong>, power user, and standard user.</li></ul><h4><strong>Features:</strong></h4><h5><strong>Create a database and save your legacy data</strong></h5><ul><li>Companies and research institutes often have large volumes of analytical data spread across various sources, needing better management to make it shareable and searchable.</li><li>Once stored in the DB, chemists can easily access this data using Sample ID, Compound ID, peak, or Retention Time searches, especially for unknowns.</li><li>Mnova provides scripts to upload multiple NMR and/or LC/GC/MS datasets into a database.</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_DB_Create_a_database_and_save_your_legacy_data_7e9ee2e6f7.webp" alt="Mestrelab Research: Mnova DB - Create a database and save your legacy data" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_DB_Create_a_database_and_save_your_legacy_data_7e9ee2e6f7.webp 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1380" height="801"></p><h5><strong>Save your data during the workflow</strong></h5><ul><li>Chemists can save their work to the Database, making it easily accessible to others later.</li><li>Mnova DB integrates with Mnova Suite, allowing you to save or search data seamlessly during your workflow.</li><li>When working with NMR or LC/GC/MS datasets in Mnova, you can save raw data, parameters, analysis results, annotations, and molecular structures to the database with a couple of clicks.</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_DB_Save_your_data_during_the_workflow_169e99f805.webp" alt="Mestrelab Research: Mnova DB - Save your data during the workflow." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_DB_Save_your_data_during_the_workflow_169e99f805.webp 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1472" height="854"></p><h5><strong>Efficient sharing and searching of your analytical data</strong></h5><p>The basic search query can be the following:</p><ul><li>Structure or substructure</li><li>1D or 2D peak locations</li><li>1D multiplets</li><li>m/z values</li><li>Texts or numerics</li><li>Mnova DB allows you to combine any of the queries listed above, using logic and or operators, this is useful when you need to refine your search results iteratively. Mnova DB also save the results into a temporary database and continue to search to refine it.</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_DB_Efficient_sharing_and_searching_of_your_analytical_data_8bde34ce47.webp" alt="Mestrelab Research: Mnova DB - Efficient sharing and searching of your analytical data" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_DB_Efficient_sharing_and_searching_of_your_analytical_data_8bde34ce47.webp 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1472" height="854"></p><h5><strong>Seamlessly deliver data to your organization</strong></h5><ul><li>We can automate the DB setup so data is automatically imported when acquired by your instruments.</li><li>Chemists will no longer need to browse through file folders to review or analyze data. They can retrieve it directly in Mnova using Sample ID, Sample Number, Compound ID, or structure searches.</li><li>This will save your team time and significantly improve productivity.</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_DB_Seamlessly_deliver_data_to_your_organization_b4c354eeb3.webp" alt="Mestrelab Research: Mnova DB - Seamlessly deliver data to your organization" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Mestrelab_Research_Mnova_DB_Seamlessly_deliver_data_to_your_organization_b4c354eeb3.webp 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1472" height="854"></p>

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