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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.

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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.

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KNAUER Eurospher II 100 C8 & C8A (U)HPLC Columns (USP L7)

C8 is a silica gel based stationary phase in reversed phase mode with alternative selectivity compared to C18 phases. 

Classical and hydrophilic/aqueous C8 columns for HPLC and UHPLC (USP L7)C8 is a silica gel based stationary phase in reversed phase mode with alternative selectivity compared to C18 phases. Compared to C18 phases, these columns show less retention due to the lower hydrophobicity.<ul><li>Ultra pure, spherical high performance HPLC phase based on silica gel</li><li>Monomeric C8 (Octyl) modification, standard endcapping, with 10 % carbon content (~ 50 % endcapping)</li></ul><h5>Properties</h5><ul><li>Separation mechanism: Hydrophobic interaction(lower compared to C18 phases)</li></ul><h5>Key features</h5><ul><li>Classical C8 phase, standard 50 % endcapping and 10 % carbon load, outstanding mechanical and chemical stability, suited for analytical as well as semi preparative and preparative applications.</li></ul><h5>Recommended application areas</h5><ul><li>Similar selectivity to C18 phase but less retention due to the lower hydrophobicity; useful for determination of:<ul><li>Water soluble vitamins</li><li>Steroids</li><li>Catecholamines</li><li>Sedatives</li></ul></li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_C8_rp_non_endcapped_3f7727d3fd.webp" alt="KNAUER: C8 RP Non-endcapped" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_C8_rp_non_endcapped_3f7727d3fd.webp 148w," sizes="100vw" width="304" height="321">Hydrophilic C8A phase offers an alternative, more polar selectivity. It is suited for highly polar reversed phase applications with up to 100 % aqueous mobile phases.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_C8_A_e1f371165e.webp" alt="KNAUER: C8A" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_C8_A_e1f371165e.webp 198w," sizes="100vw" width="473" height="373"><blockquote>Tip: Caution! Even for short term storage all buffer solutions have to be rinsed from the column to prevent crystallization effects.</blockquote>Stationary phases Eurospher II 100 C8 and C8A are provided in these column types: analytical, semi-preparative and preparative.Eurospher II 100 C8 and C8A Analytical Columns are available with these parameters:<ul><li>Column length (mm): 50, 100, 150, 250</li><li>Column ID (mm): 2, 3, 4, 4.6</li><li>Particle size (µm): 2, 3, 5</li></ul>Eurospher II 100 C8 and C8A Semi-Preparative Standard Columns are available with these parameters:<ul><li>Column length (mm): 30, 50, 125, 150, 250</li><li>Column ID (mm): 8, 16</li><li>Particle size (µm): 5, 10</li></ul><h3>KNAUER (U)HPLC Columns</h3>Widest range of HPLC and UHPLC columns for all separation modes and applications.<ul><li>Safe Investment: Robust and reliable columns for attractive price&nbsp;</li><li>Separation Mode: Reversed Phase, HILIC, Normale</li><li>Simplicity: Easy purchase via our online store with fast delivery</li><li>Application: All-rounder for research or highly specialised for high-throughput analysis? We have the best column for your requirements.</li><li>Flexibility: Wide selection of column and particle sizes, for (U)HPLC applications up to 1000 bar</li></ul>KNAUER offers the perfect column for any small molecule separation. No matter which separation mode, molecule and the mobile phase, we offer a suitable (U)HPLC stationary phase. Choose from a wide range of modifications, particle sizes and column dimensions to suit your application. To elongate the lifetime of your column, you can choose to use a suitable precolumn.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:787/674;" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_KNAUER_U_HPLC_C8_and_C8_A_Columns_083c60f401.webp" alt="KNAUER: KNAUER (U)HPLC Columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_KNAUER_U_HPLC_C8_and_C8_A_Columns_083c60f401.webp 182w," sizes="100vw" width="787" height="674"></figure>

KNAUER Eurospher II 100 C18 (U)HPLC Columns (USP L1)

Stationary phase Eurospher II 100 C18 (U)HPLC is the most often used stationary phase in reversed phase mode

Classical Reversed Phase columns for HPLC and UHPLC (USP L1)Most often used stationary phase in reversed phase mode. Silica gel based columns with C18 modification are available with or without endcapping. Classically endcapped phases are slightly more hydrophobic and unpolar than the not endcapped phases.<h5>Properties</h5><ul><li>Separation mechanism: Hydrophobic interaction</li><li>Ultra pure, spherical high performance HPLC phase based on silica gel</li><li>Unpolar, monomeric C18 (Octadecyl) modification, endcapped, with 16 % carbon content (~ 50 % endcapping).</li></ul><h5>Key features</h5><ul><li>High-class HPLC phase perfectly suited to take on routine analyses as well as the most ambitious chromatography tasks, classical C18 phase with ca. 50 % endcapping and resulting 16 % carbon content, outstanding mechanical and chemical stability.</li></ul><h5>Recommended application areas</h5><ul><li>acidic, basic and neutral analytes in reversed phase mode, for example sulphonamides</li><li>anabolic steroids</li><li>anti-psychotics</li><li>beta blocker</li><li>sudan dyes</li><li>phenols and preservatives</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_C18_non_endcapped_6e4fce9989.webp" alt="KNAUER: C18 Non-endcapped" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_C18_non_endcapped_6e4fce9989.webp 245w," sizes="100vw" width="682" height="420"><blockquote>Tip: Caution! Never use classical C18 phases with 100 % aqueous mobile phase. The hydrophobic C18 chains will collapse</blockquote>Stationary phase Eurospher II 100 C18 is provided in these column types: analytical, semi-preparative and preparative.Eurospher II 100 C18 Analytical Columns are available with these parameters:<ul><li>Column length (mm): 50, 100, 150, 250</li><li>Column ID (mm): 2, 3, 4, 4.6</li><li>Particle size (µm): 2, 3, 5</li></ul>Eurospher II 100 C18 Semi-Preparative Standard Columns are available with these parameters:<ul><li>Column length (mm): 30, 50, 125, 150, 250</li><li>Column ID (mm): 8, 16</li><li>Particle size (µm): 5, 10</li></ul><h3>KNAUER (U)HPLC Columns</h3>Widest range of HPLC and UHPLC columns for all separation modes and applications.<ul><li>Safe Investment: Robust and reliable columns for attractive price&nbsp;</li><li>Separation Mode: Reversed Phase, HILIC, Normale</li><li>Simplicity: Easy purchase via our online store with fast delivery</li><li>Application: All-rounder for research or highly specialised for high-throughput analysis? We have the best column for your requirements.</li><li>Flexibility: Wide selection of column and particle sizes, for (U)HPLC applications up to 1000 bar</li></ul>KNAUER offers the perfect column for any small molecule separation. No matter which separation mode, molecule and the mobile phase, we offer a suitable (U)HPLC stationary phase. Choose from a wide range of modifications, particle sizes and column dimensions to suit your application. To elongate the lifetime of your column, you can choose to use a suitable precolumn.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_KNAUER_U_HPLC_C8_and_C8_A_Columns_083c60f401.webp" alt="KNAUER: KNAUER (U)HPLC Columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_KNAUER_U_HPLC_C8_and_C8_A_Columns_083c60f401.webp 182w," sizes="100vw" width="787" height="674">

KNAUER Eurospher II 100 C18A (U)HPLC Columns (USP L1)

C18A phases can be operated under 100 % aqueous conditions without destroying the stationary phase, what is not recommended for classical C18 phases

C18A columns for polar reversed phase applications with 100 % aqueous mobile phase (USP L1)C18 stationary phase for the analysis of more polar and hydrophilic compounds in reversed phase mode (USP L1). Silica gel based columns with C18 modification with hydrophilic endcapping. Because of their modification, C18A phases can be operated under 100 % aqueous conditions without destroying the stationary phase, what is not recommended for classical C18 phases caused by their hydrophobicity.<h5>Properties</h5><ul><li>Separation mechanism: Hydrophobic and polar interaction</li><li>Ultra pure, spherical high performance HPLC phase based on silica gel</li><li>Polar, monomeric C18 (Octadecyl) modification, polar endcapping, with 10 % carbon content (~ 50 % endcapping).</li></ul><h5>Key features</h5><ul><li>C18 A phase with alternative, more polar selectivity, suited for the use with pure aqueous mobile phases, 50 % endcapping and resulting 10 % carbon content, outstanding mechanical and chemical stability, suited for analytical as well as semi preparative and preparative applications</li></ul><h5>Recommended application areas</h5><ul><li>Polar endcapped C18 phase for water soluble and polar analytes, 100 % aqueous eluents for analysis of very polar compounds:<ul><li>basic pharmaceutical ingredients</li><li>water soluble vitamins</li><li>catecholamines</li><li>as well as organic acids.</li></ul></li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_C18_A_6f4b0c3063.webp" alt="KNAUER: C18A" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_C18_A_6f4b0c3063.webp 245w," sizes="100vw" width="690" height="428"><blockquote>Tip: With an endcapping the influence of nonderivatized silanol groups can be minimized. The endcapping reagent is generally a smaller silane than used for derivatisation. This treatment reduces the unwanted interaction of polar or charged analytes (acids, bases ect.) because the amount of available silanol groups is reduced.</blockquote>Stationary phase Eurospher II 100 C18A is provided in these column types: analytical, semi-preparative and preparative.Eurospher II 100 C18A Analytical Columns are available with these parameters:<ul><li>Column length (mm): 50, 100, 150, 250</li><li>Column ID (mm): 2, 3, 4, 4.6</li><li>Particle size (µm): 2, 3, 5</li></ul>Eurospher II 100 C18A Semi-Preparative Standard Columns are available with these parameters:<ul><li>Column length (mm): 30, 50, 125, 150, 250</li><li>Column ID (mm): 8, 16</li><li>Particle size (µm): 5, 10</li></ul><h3>KNAUER (U)HPLC Columns</h3>Widest range of HPLC and UHPLC columns for all separation modes and applications.<ul><li>Safe Investment: Robust and reliable columns for attractive price&nbsp;</li><li>Separation Mode: Reversed Phase, HILIC, Normale</li><li>Simplicity: Easy purchase via our online store with fast delivery</li><li>Application: All-rounder for research or highly specialised for high-throughput analysis? We have the best column for your requirements.</li><li>Flexibility: Wide selection of column and particle sizes, for (U)HPLC applications up to 1000 bar</li></ul>KNAUER offers the perfect column for any small molecule separation. No matter which separation mode, molecule and the mobile phase, we offer a suitable (U)HPLC stationary phase. Choose from a wide range of modifications, particle sizes and column dimensions to suit your application. To elongate the lifetime of your column, you can choose to use a suitable precolumn.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:787/674;" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_KNAUER_U_HPLC_C8_and_C8_A_Columns_083c60f401.webp" alt="KNAUER: KNAUER (U)HPLC Columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_KNAUER_U_HPLC_C8_and_C8_A_Columns_083c60f401.webp 182w," sizes="100vw" width="787" height="674"></figure>

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

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