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

Thermo Scientific Dionex AutoTrace 280 Solid-Phase Extraction Instrument

Extract analytes of interest from large volume aqueous samples easily and efficiently with the Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ AutoTrace™ 280 Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) Instrument.

Extract analytes of interest from large volume aqueous samples easily and efficiently with the Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ AutoTrace™ 280 Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) Instrument.&nbsp;The AutoTrace 280 automates all four steps of SPE (conditioning, loading, rinsing, and eluting), reducing solvent consumption and improving recovery and reproducibility. Boost productivity and reduce cost of analysis by simultaneously processing up to six samples in 2-3 hours with only 15 minutes of operator involvement. The AutoTrace 280 meets requirements in US EPA methods including the 500 and 600 series.<h5>Improved reliability and recovery</h5><ul><li>Automated SPE minimizes operator intervention</li><li>Positive pressure loading and elution of samples and solvents provide constant flow for improved analytical precision</li></ul><h5>Flexibility in operation</h5><ul><li>Loads sample volumes from 20 mL to 4 L</li><li>Compatible with 1, 3, and 6 mL cartridges and with 47 mm SPE disks</li><li>Automatically conditions, rinses, and elutes SPE cartridges with a choice of five solvents</li><li>Offers a choice of six different collection vial racks</li></ul><h5>Improved laboratory safety</h5><ul><li>Minimal sample handling reduces operator exposure to hazardous chemicals</li><li>No hood required</li></ul><h5>Enhanced laboratory productivity and reduced costs</h5><ul><li>Unattended operation</li><li>Batch processing of up to 6 samples</li><li>Reduced solvent usage</li><li>Segregates aqueous and solvent waste using separate waste lines for efficient, cost-effective waste handling</li></ul><h5>Supports a range of matrices and applications</h5><ul><li>Ability to process samples containing suspended solids</li><li>Meets requirements for solid-phase extraction for U.S. EPA methods including 500 and 600 series</li></ul><h5>Recommended use</h5><ul><li>Analyze prepared samples with Thermo Scientific LC or GC systems for a fully integrated workflow</li></ul><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Instrument Type: Automated Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) System</li><li>Application: For use with 47 mm SPE disks</li><li>Model Description: AutoTrace 280 SPE System</li></ul><h5>Performance &amp; Operating Details</h5><ul><li>Disk Compatibility: Designed for 47 mm SPE disks</li><li>Pressure Range:<ul><li>Output: 0 to 30 psi (0 to 1.4 bar)</li><li>Input: Up to 100 psi (6.9 bar) maximum</li></ul></li><li>Voltage: 100–240 V ±10%</li><li>Frequency: 47–63 Hz</li></ul><h5>Physical Specifications</h5><ul><li>Dimensions (D × W × H): 57 × 63.5 × 69 cm</li><li>Unit Size: Each</li></ul>

Thermo Scientific EXTREVA ASE Accelerated Solvent Extractor

Achieve true walkaway sample-to-vial sample preparation with the Thermo Scientific™ EXTREVA™ ASE™ Accelerated Solvent Extractor. 

Achieve true walkaway sample-to-vial sample preparation with the Thermo Scientific™ EXTREVA™ ASE™ Accelerated Solvent Extractor. Without any intervention, perform sample extraction, in-cell cleanup and evaporation—all in one seamless operation—reducing manual labor from hours to minutes and enabling you to focus on other lab priorities while using up to 50% less solvent than other sample preparation techniques.Accelerate your journey from sample to vial<h5>The EXTREVA ASE Accelerated Solvent Extractor offers:</h5><ul><li>All-in-one sample preparation. The EXTREVA ASE system automatically extracts and concentrates samples, eliminating the need to manually move sample extracts to another device for solvent evaporation.</li><li>A walk-away solution. The system minimizes hands-on sample preparation tasks, enabling staff to accomplish other tasks.</li><li>Parallel extraction. One EXTREVA ASE system can perform four parallel sample extractions, substantially increasing throughput.</li><li>Gas-assisted extraction. The dynamic gas-assisted extraction mode reduces solvent consumption to between 5 and 100 milliliters per sample in most cases.</li><li>Automation. Full automation improves recoveries and reproducibility while reducing training needs. Unlike humans, automated systems are ideal for performing the same tedious task repeatedly, and they don’t make mistakes.</li><li>Method flexibility and optimization. Up to six different solvents can be used, including wash solvents for cleaning between methods. Precise flow control optimizes methods.</li><li>Barcode-reading. The system tracks sample information and preparation parameters using a 2-D bar code reader to facilitate tracking and integrity. Data is recorded on the instrument or Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/76">Chromeleon™ Chromatography Data System (CDS) software</a>.</li></ul><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Instrument Type: Automated Sample Preparation System</li><li>Application: Simultaneous sample extraction and concentration</li><li>Model Description: EXTREVA ASE Extraction and Evaporation System</li></ul><h5>Performance &amp; Capabilities</h5><ul><li>Extraction Temperature Range: 40–200 °C</li><li>Evaporation Temperature Range: 40–100 °C</li><li>Compatible Solvents: Wide range of organic and aqueous solvents</li><li>Pressure Capability: Up to 200 psi</li><li>Power Consumption: 2000 W</li><li>Frequency: 50/60 Hz</li></ul><h5>Sample &amp; Solvent Handling</h5><ul><li>Extraction Cells (stainless steel): 1, 5, 10, 22, 34, 66, 100 mL</li><li>Extraction Cell Tray: 16-position with 1 rinse</li><li>Collection Vials:<ul><li>60 mL and 100 mL evaporation vials</li><li>250 mL evaporation bottles</li><li>Direct concentrate to 2 mL sample vials with rinse capability</li></ul></li><li>Collection Vial Tray: 16-position tray insert for 60 mL vials and 250 mL bottles; includes 4 rinse positions</li></ul><h5>Utilities &amp; Requirements</h5><ul><li>Pneumatic Requirements:<ul><li>Air: 130–140 psi</li><li>Nitrogen: 350–450 psi</li></ul></li></ul><h5>Physical Specifications</h5><ul><li>Dimensions (D × W × H): 65.2 × 100 × 88.6 cm (25.6 × 39.4 × 34.8 in.)</li><li>Weight: 160 kg (353 lb)</li><li>Unit Size: Each</li></ul>

Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ ASE™ 350 Accelerated Solvent Extractor

Save time, reduce solvent consumption, and boost productivity with Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ ASE™ 350 Accelerated Solvent Extractor.

<div>Automate extraction, filtration and clean up of compounds from solid and semisolid samples in minutes using the automated Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ ASE™ 350 Accelerated Solvent Extractor. This system accommodates sample sizes of 1-100g, allows unattended extraction of up to 24 samples and uses 50 to 90% less solvent compared to other methods.&nbsp;The chemically inert pathway supports acid and alkaline sample matrices and solvents. Flexible, easy-to-operate and cost-effective, the Dionex ASE 350 is ideally suited for high-throughput laboratories and for a wide variety of applications.<div><h4>Rapid and efficient extractions</h4><ul><li>Elevated temperature (up to 200°C) and pressure (1500psi) reduce extraction times and solvent consumption</li><li>Fast pump (70mL/min.) enables fast extractions (typically 12-20 minutes)</li><li>Specialized oven design ensures precise temperature control for excellent reproducibility</li><li>Integrated solvent controller allows mixing and delivery of up to three solvents</li><li>The Thermo Scientific™ SmartRun™ System ensures cell size and collection vessel size are matched for an optimal extraction</li></ul><h4>Enhanced flexibility to support multiple applications</h4><ul><li>System accommodates 1, 5, 10, 22, 34, 66 and 100mL cell sizes</li><li>pH-hardened pathway with Thermo Scientific™ Dionium™ components and cell enables compatibility with acid or alkaline pretreated matrices</li></ul><h4>Dramatically reduced solvent consumption</h4><ul><li>Requires less than 50mL solvent for a 20g sample</li><li>Includes solvent saver mode for further solvent savings</li></ul><h4>Enhanced laboratory productivity</h4><ul><li>System holds up to 24 samples for unattended operation</li><li>Flow-through technology allows in-line filtration and in-cell cleanup</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Dionex_ASE_350_system_2_9426ff3f9a/Thermo-Scientific-Dionex-ASE-350-system_2.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ ASE™ 350 Accelerated Solvent Extractor" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Dionex_ASE_350_system_2_9426ff3f9a/thumbnail_Thermo-Scientific-Dionex-ASE-350-system_2.jpg 114w," sizes="100vw" width="579" height="792"><h3>🛠️ Specifications</h3><ul><li>Collection Vial Tray: 26-position tray insert for 60 mL vials; 19-position tray insert for 250 mL bottles</li><li>Depth (English): 27.3 in.</li><li>Depth (Metric): 69.3 cm</li><li>Description: Extractor Only</li><li>Extraction Fluids: Compatible with a wide range of organic and aqueous solvents</li><li>Fluid Sensors: IR</li><li>Frequency: 50/60 Hz</li><li>Height (English): 24.3 in.</li><li>Height (Metric): 61.7 cm</li><li>Pneumatic Requirements: Air at 400–827 kPa (60–120 psi); N2 (at 1034 ×–1340 kPa (150–200 psi))</li><li>Power Consumption: 500 Max VA</li><li>Pressure: 10 MPa (1500 psi)</li><li>Pump Flow: 70 mL/min</li><li>Temperature Control: Up to 200 °C</li><li>Weight (English): 140 lb.</li><li>Weight (Metric): 65 kg</li><li>Width (English): 26.5 in.</li><li>Width (Metric): 67.3 cm</li><li>Collection Vials: 60, 250 mL</li><li>Dimensions (D x W x H): 69.3 x 67.3 x 61.7 cm</li><li>Extraction Cell Tray: 24 Cell, 2 Rinse</li><li>Extraction Cells: 1, 5, 10, 22, 34, 66, 100 mL</li><li>For Use With (Equipment): Dionex ASE 350</li><li>Type: Dionex ASE 350 System</li><li>Unit Size: Each</li></ul></div></div>

Products from category Sample preparation automation from Thermo Fisher Scientific - 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