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

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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.

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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 Eurosil Bioselect 300 C8 HPLC Columns (USP L7)

Eurosil Bioselect C8 has been specifically developed for the determination and purification of peptides, proteins, and oligonucleotides up to a molecular weight of approximately 20 kDa.

Analytical wide pore phase for the determination of biomolecules bigger than 5000 DaEurosil Bioselect C8 has been specifically developed for the determination and purification of peptides, proteins, and oligonucleotides up to a molecular weight of approximately 20 kDa.<h5>Properties</h5><ul><li>Ultra pure, spherical wide pore HPLC phase based on wide pore silica gel</li><li>Unpolar, monomeric C8 modification, endcapped</li><li>4.5 % carbon content (conventional endcapping)</li><li>Separation mechanism: hydrophobic interaction</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_C8_hydrosphob_6986c292b4.webp" alt="KNAUER: C8" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_C8_hydrosphob_6986c292b4.webp 144w," sizes="100vw" width="381" height="413"><h5>Recommended application areas</h5><ul><li>Hydrophilic biomolecules, peptides, peptide mapping after enzymatic digestion</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Eurosil_Bioselect_Phases_98acc32d0e.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Eurosil Bioselect - Phases and recommended sizes of molecules" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Eurosil_Bioselect_Phases_98acc32d0e.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1385" height="778"><h3>KNAUER Wide pore HPLC columns</h3>For enhanced resolution, capacity and recovery of proteins and other biomolecules<ul><li>Material: Silica or polymer particles</li><li>Separation Ranges: 2–100 kDa</li><li>Column Brands: Eurosil Bioselect or AppliChrom®</li><li>Particle sizes: 3–10 µm</li><li>Pore Sizes: 300 or 100–1000 Å</li><li>Specific surface: 90 ± 5 m2/g</li><li>Pore volume: 0.8 ml/g</li><li>Density: 450 g/l</li><li>Applications: Peptides exceeding approximately 50 amino acids and oligonucleotides greater than 25 residues</li><li>Customize: Bioanalysis requires a lot of flexibility in the pore size, the pH range, the temperatures and the solvents used. To achieve this, we cross phase limits.</li></ul><h4>Characteristics&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Eurosil Bioselect columns are available in 4 modifications, useful for a wide range of separation tasks involving large molecules up to 100 000 Da.</li><li>Strict manufacturing procedures ensure a very narrow pore size distribution.</li><li>Interfering anions or heavy metal ions on the silica surface are not present in Eurosil Bioselect columns because only ultra pure silica gel and high quality chemical modifications are employed.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Eurosil_Bioselect_85cfc2d201.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Eurosil Bioselect" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Eurosil_Bioselect_85cfc2d201.jpg 222w," sizes="100vw" width="1114" height="782"><h4>Separation mechanism of Eurosil Bioselect</h4>To separate larger molecules, they need to freely access the interior of the pores of the packing material. Therefore, the analytes’ diameter must be smaller than the average pore diameter.&nbsp;For higher molecular weight solutes, the use of lower pore size materials (60-120 Å) as typically used for the analysis of small molecules may result restricted diffusion in the material´s pores and therewith reduced column efficiency.&nbsp;<h4>Modifications</h4>The recommended modification of Eurosil Bioselect depends on the molecular weight of the analytes.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Eurosil_Bioselect_chemical_modifications_1fd5d87f7b.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Eurosil Bioselect - chemical modifications" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Eurosil_Bioselect_chemical_modifications_1fd5d87f7b.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="955" height="505"> &nbsp;

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

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 Preparative Standard Columns are available with these parameters:<ul><li>Column length (mm): 50, 150, 250</li><li>Column ID (mm): 20, 30, 50</li><li>Particle size (µm): 5, 10, 15</li></ul>Eurospher II 100 C8 and C8A Preparative dAX Columns with dynamic axial compression are available with these parameters:<ul><li>Column length (mm): 50, 150, 250</li><li>Column ID (mm): 25, 30, 50</li><li>Particle size (µm): 5, 10, 15</li></ul><h3>KNAUER Preparative HPLC Columns</h3>The right choice for all dimensions from semi-prep to batch chromatography to SMB.<ul><li>Modifications: Reversed Phase, HILIC, Normale Phase</li><li>Max. Pressure: 400–600 bar</li><li>Column Inner Diameter (ID): 16–50 mm in our shop, more on request</li><li>Column Brands: Eurospher, Eurospher II</li><li>Safe Investment: Robustness and durability based on superior technology</li><li>Application: Easy upscaling, as all materials are available from ultra high performance to preparative scale HPLC. You can also use our upscaling calculator.</li><li>Customizable: Standard flanged hardware &amp; dAX hardware with static or dynamic axial compression available</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Preparative_HPLC_Columns_31bc2477c3.webp" alt="KNAUER: KNAUER Preparative HPLC Columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Preparative_HPLC_Columns_31bc2477c3.webp 221w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="724"><h5>Preparative HPLC columns can be offered with two different hardware types:</h5><ul><li>Versatile standard flanged hardware for nearly any application task in batch chromatography</li><li>dAX Hardware with static and dynamic axial compression for an extended lifetime and multi-column chromatography like SMB processes</li></ul>

Products from category C8 HPLC columns from KNAUER - page 1

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