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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

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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.

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 Separchrom PC01-HPLC Industrial Preparative Columns with Axial Compression

Separchrom PC01 ECOM industrial preparative columns correspond to the highest requirements of preparative liquid chromatography. They are designed to be used in a mode of axial compression with a moving input piston. 

<div style="display:block;" aria-labelledby="tab_item-0">HPLC Columns for prep chromatography. High performance columns with axial compression.Separchrom PC01 ECOM columns correspond to the highest requirements of preparative liquid chromatography. They are designed to be used in a mode of axial compression with a moving input piston. In the original design, they are equipped with identical pistons on input and output (biaxial compression as an option). In the ECOM Separchrom PC FE modification, they have a fixed end plate on the output instead of the piston. Pistons and plates are equipped with frits. A liquid distributing system is installed under each frit. The design guarantees perfect piston flow, high efficiency even for high injection volume, and simple accessibility of frits for cleaning. Columns can be packed by dynamic slurry method or by sedimentation or with sorbent in a dry state.SEPARCHROM PC 01 ECOM columns are made of stainless steel AISI 316L (tube inner surface is polished to reach Ra &lt; 0.3 µm) with stainless steel pistons and UHMWPE (PTFE on the request) sealing rings. The stroke of the main piston is proportional to the used hydraulic cylinder or flange bolt length. Pistons are sectional; the frit (sintered mesh disc 3 µm pore size, 5 mm thickness) with the frit ring can be removed. The output plate in the FE version is made of UHMWPE, frit is fixed with a simple frit ring. Column flanges are not welded, but screwed onto the column tube. No temperature increase during manufacturing means no change in steel properties. The column stand made of stainless steel profiles is included for columns over 100 mm I.D.Hydraulic cylinders fitted on the upper flange are offered with manual oil pumps as well as with fully automated electric motor-driven devices for column packing/unpacking procedures.<h3>Accessories</h3>Columns are offered with a broad scale of accessories such as filling adapters, slurry mixing vessels, slurry transporting pumps, etc.<h3>COLUMN CONFIGURATION EXAMPLES</h3>Columns are custom-made, do not hesitate to ask for any other sizes within the possible ranges<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ECOM_Separchrom_PC_01_HPLC_Column_available_configuration_part_1_1795482301.jpg" alt="ECOM: Separchrom PC01-HPLC Column - available configuration - part 1" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ECOM_Separchrom_PC_01_HPLC_Column_available_configuration_part_1_1795482301.jpg 236w," sizes="100vw" width="1440" height="952"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ECOM_Separchrom_PC_01_HPLC_Column_available_configuration_part_2_6d3198af67.jpg" alt="ECOM: Separchrom PC01-HPLC Column - available configuration - part 2" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ECOM_Separchrom_PC_01_HPLC_Column_available_configuration_part_2_6d3198af67.jpg 239w," sizes="100vw" width="1442" height="942"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ECOM_Separchrom_PC_01_HPLC_Column_available_configuration_part_3_9fd77a1054.jpg" alt="ECOM: Separchrom PC01-HPLC Column - available configuration - part 3" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ECOM_Separchrom_PC_01_HPLC_Column_available_configuration_part_3_9fd77a1054.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1435" height="315"></div>

ECOM Separchrom PC02-MPLC (Medium-pressure) Columns for Prep Chromatography

Industrial-scale Preparative Columns PC02 - Columns for medium-pressure with axial bed compression for prep chromatography.

<div style="display:block;" aria-labelledby="tab_item-0">ECOM Separchrom PC02 medium-pressure stainless steel columns are intended for separation where high pressure is not necessary, but good efficiency can still be expected. They are made of stainless steel tubes.Part of the column is an input piston made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and it is equipped with stainless steel support and stainless steel mesh frit. Flow distributor with groves is incorporated into the piston to guarantee piston flow with nearly zero pressure drop. The design guarantees simple accessibility of frits for cleaning.Columns can be packed by dynamic slurry method, or by sedimentation, or with sorbent in the dry state, both with silica and polymer sorbents. For soft polymer sorbents, ECOM Separchrom PC02 oil systems can be equipped with a special software application to compensate for the swelling and unswelling of sorbents in different mobile phases (the column piston is moved in very small steps up and down during use).<h3>Materials</h3>Medium pressure prep chromatography column ECOM SEPARCHROM PC 02 is made of AISI 316L stainless steel, UHMWE moving pistons are equipped with integral sealing wings. Frits (stainless steel mesh 5 µm pore size, 5 mm thickness) can be fixed with a stainless steel ring. The stand made of stainless steel profiles is included.<h3>COLUMN CONFIGURATION EXAMPLES</h3>Columns are custom-made, do not hesitate to ask for any other sizes within the possible ranges<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ECOM_Separchrom_PC_02_HPLC_Column_available_configuration_part_1_dfb61faf03.jpg" alt="ECOM: Separchrom PC02-HPLC Column - available configurations - part 1" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ECOM_Separchrom_PC_02_HPLC_Column_available_configuration_part_1_dfb61faf03.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1641" height="939"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ECOM_Separchrom_PC_02_HPLC_Column_available_configuration_part_2_cb9f807757.jpg" alt="ECOM: Separchrom PC02-HPLC Column - available configurations - part 2" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ECOM_Separchrom_PC_02_HPLC_Column_available_configuration_part_2_cb9f807757.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1645" height="364"></div>

ECOM Separchrom PC04-Non-metal Columns for Prep Chromatography

Industrial-scale preparative non-metal columns for prep chromatography with axial compression correspond to the highest requirements of preparative liquid chromatography. 

<div style="display:block;" aria-labelledby="tab_item-0">Polyethylene cartridge columns are usually intended for flash chromatography. We offer powerful ECOM Separchrom PC04 columns made of high-quality ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, equipped with moving pistons and with no metal in contact with the mobile phase. Non-metal columns are required in biochromatography and some other special applications.Plastic columns for preparative liquid chromatography ECOM SEPARCHROM PC 04, are unfilled, and made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. They are equipped with the same pistons on the input and the output. The input piston is moved either by flange bolts (type A), or by a central stainless steel threaded rod (type B). The pistons are fitted with plastic polypropylene frits 10 µm and a distribution system.<h3>COLUMN CONFIGURATION EXAMPLES</h3>Columns are custom-made, do not hesitate to ask for any other sizes within the possible ranges<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ECOM_Separchrom_PC_04_HPLC_Column_available_configurations_8767eb40ae.jpg" alt="ECOM: Separchrom PC04-HPLC Column - available configurations" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ECOM_Separchrom_PC_04_HPLC_Column_available_configurations_8767eb40ae.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1645" height="823"></div>

ECOM ION-QN and ION-QD Chiral HPLC Columns

 Weak Anion-Exchanger (WAX) stationary phases for reliable chiral separation of organic acids and amino acids. The most efficient approach to purify and resolve even the most troublesome enantiomeric mixtures.

Weak Anion-Exchanger (WAX) stationary phases for reliable chiral separation of organic acids and amino acids.&nbsp;We introduce our own generic series of weak anion-exchangers, based on tert-butyl-carbamoylated Cinchona alkaloids quinine (QN) and quinidine (QD). Our Chiral ION-QN and Chiral ION-QD columns contain a well-balanced pair of pseudoenantiomeric chiral selectors, designed to efficiently separate enantiomers of acidic compounds. These columns represent the most efficient approach to purify and resolve even the most troublesome enantiomeric mixtures.<h4>Applications</h4><ul><li>Chiral ION-QN and Chiral ION-QD are ideal for enantioseparations of chiral acidic compounds, including:</li><li>N-protected amino acids</li><li>Aminophosphonic &amp; Aminosulfonic acids</li><li>Lactic &amp; Thiolactic acids</li><li>Clenbuterol &amp; Thyroxine</li></ul><h4>Key Benefits</h4><ul><li>Provide better separation power and increased enantioselectivity (in comparison to other available alternatives)</li><li>Allow elegant switch of the elution order of enantiomers</li><li>Demonstrated high stability against all common HPLC solvents</li><li>Enable enhanced method development</li><li>Available at analytical and preparative scale</li></ul><h4>Columns</h4><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ECOM_Chiral_HPLC_Column_ION_QN_and_ION_QD_6_085a58fc5e.jpg" alt="ECOM: Chiral HPLC Column ION-QN and ION-QD" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ECOM_Chiral_HPLC_Column_ION_QN_and_ION_QD_6_085a58fc5e.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1059" height="531"><h4>Features&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Max. pressure: 5800 psi (400 bar)</li><li>Particle size: 3 or 5 μm</li><li>pH range: 2 to 9</li><li>Pore size: 120 Å</li><li>Surface area: 300 m²/g</li><li>Max. temperature: 60 °C</li><li>Packing material: Spherical, Fully Porous</li><li>Carbon load: 13.0 %</li><li>End-capped: Yes</li><li>Product line: ION</li></ul>The mobile phase composition (methanol-formic acid-ammonium formate) has been optimized for preparative applications to provide high column loadability, fast analyte elution, and good peak shape. Moreover, the buffer allows for simple product harvesting by solvent evaporation and subsequent ammonium formate sublimation 50 °C / 10 torr.The anion exchangers are perfect for the purification of organic acids and their chiral separation. They are very efficient in the chiral resolution of amino acids, but also other derivatives, such as amino phosphonic acids. Aminophosphonic acids are important precursors in the synthesis of phosphopeptidomimetics, which may potentially serve as new-generation pharmaceuticals.

Products from category Preparative HPLC columns focused on LC columns distributed by ECOM spol. s r.o. - page 1

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

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