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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Waters XBridge BEH C18 HPLC Columns

Waters XBridge BEH C18 HPLC column is for most HPLC separations and gives you the widest usable pH range, superior low pH stability, and ultra-low column bleed

As a workhorse for HPLC method development, XBridge BEH C18 sorbent can be used over an entire range of mobile phase pH (1-12). The trifunctionally bonded C18 ligand provides you with a universal column for most HPLC separations and gives you the widest usable pH range, superior low pH stability, and ultra-low column bleed. Packed in ultra-low dispersion hardware, 2.5 µm eXtended Performance [XP] columns enable exceptional separation performance, robustness and throughput for HPLC assays while enabling a seamless transition path toward UPLC adoption.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_X_Bridge_BEH_C18_HPLC_Column_e96c520ca3.jpg" alt="Waters: XBridge BEH C18 HPLC Column" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_X_Bridge_BEH_C18_HPLC_Column_e96c520ca3.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="660" height="440"><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Chemistry: C18</li><li>Separation Mode: Reversed Phase</li><li>Particle Substrate: Hybrid</li><li>pH Range Min: 1 pH</li><li>pH Range Max: 12 pH</li><li>Maximum Pressure: 10000 psi (690 Bar)</li><li>Endcapped: Yes</li><li>Silanol Activity: Low</li><li>Particle Shape: Spherical</li><li>System: UHPLC, UPLC</li><li>Particle Technology: BEH</li><li>USP Classification: L1</li><li>Carbon Load: 18 %</li></ul><h4>The Waters XBridge BEH C18 HPLC Column is also available in these formats:</h4><h5>Waters XBridge BEH C18 Column with eConnect Column Tag</h5><ul><li>This column comes equipped with an electronic eConnect column tag containing unique column-specific information. These NFC-enabled device-tagged columns were developed to automatically identify, track and digitally trace column use history. eConnect columns can be used on any HPLC, but its advantages are unlocked when used with the Waters Alliance iS System running Empower software.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_X_Bridge_BEH_C18_Column_with_e_Connect_Column_Tag_c056302ec7.jpeg" alt="Waters: XBridge BEH C18 Column with eConnect Column Tag" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_X_Bridge_BEH_C18_Column_with_e_Connect_Column_Tag_c056302ec7.jpeg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="660" height="440"><h5>Waters XBridge BEH Shield RP18 Column</h5><ul><li>XBridge BEH Shield RP18 columns complement the XBridge BEH C18 and C8 phases and provide a necessary and powerful tool for HPLC method development. The embedded carbamate group in the bonded phase ligand provides alternate selectivity, especially for phenolic compounds compared to straight chain alkyl columns.&nbsp;</li><li>pH Range Min: 1 pH</li><li>pH Range Max: 12 pH</li><li>Bonding Technology: Shield RP18</li><li>Carbon Load: 17 %</li></ul><h5>Waters XBridge BEH Shield RP18 Column with eConnect Column Tag</h5><ul><li>This column comes equipped with an electronic eConnect column tag containing unique column-specific information. These NFC-enabled device-tagged columns were developed to automatically identify, track and digitally trace column use history. eConnect columns can be used on any HPLC, but its advantages are unlocked when used with the Waters Alliance iS System running Empower software.</li></ul><h5>Waters XBridge Peptide BEH C18 XP Column</h5><ul><li>The XBridge Peptide BEH C18 XP Columns are optimized and QC tested for peptide separations. The small-pore (130Å) trifunctionally bonded BEH particle offers the widest usable pH range, superior low pH stability, and ultra-low column bleed for proteomic, peptide mapping, and synthetic peptide applications. Each batch is specifically QC tested using a gradient separation of a tryptic digest of cytochrome c (p/n: 186006371) to before being QC accepted as a Peptide separation column.</li><li>Suggested Use: Peptide Separations, Peptide Analysis</li></ul><h3>XBridge Columns</h3><h4>Particle stability and performance for methods development</h4>Withstanding extreme operating conditions like high pH and high temperatures is essential for methods development. XBridge HPLC and UHPLC Columns utilize Ethylene Bridged Hybrid (BEH) Particle Technology and are built to withstand high pH, high temperatures, and other extreme operating conditions like volatile eluents, for a wide range of small molecule and biomolecule LC-MS analysis.XBridge HPLC and UHPLC Columns are available in a broad range of sorbent particles and sizes: XBridge eXtended Perfomance (XP) 2.5 µm Columns for rapid analytical UHPLC separations; 3.5 and 5 µm HPLC columns for reliable analytical method development; and 5 and 10 µm optimum bed density (OBD) preparative columns for purification chromatography.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_X_Bridge_Columns_b0b55de501/Waters-XBridge-Columns.jpg" alt="Waters: XBridge Columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_X_Bridge_Columns_b0b55de501/thumbnail_Waters-XBridge-Columns.jpg 203w," sizes="100vw" width="900" height="691">

Waters XSelect CSH C18 HPLC Columns

Waters XSelect CSH C18 columns are general purpose C18 columns that provide alternative selectivity compared to other C18 sorbents. 

XSelect CSH C18 columns are general purpose C18 columns that provide alternative selectivity compared to other C18 sorbents. Charged Surface Hybrid (CSH) technology enables superior peak shape and increased loading capacity for basic compounds. Packed in ultra-low dispersion hardware, 2.5 µm eXtended Performance [XP] columns enable exceptional separation performance, robustness and throughput for HPLC assays while enabling a seamless transition path toward UPLC adoption.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_X_Bridge_BEH_C18_HPLC_Column_e96c520ca3.jpg" alt="Waters: XSelect CSH C18 Column" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_X_Bridge_BEH_C18_HPLC_Column_e96c520ca3.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="660" height="440"><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Chemistry: C18</li><li>Separation Mode: Reversed Phase</li><li>Particle Substrate: Hybrid</li><li>pH Range Min: 1 pH</li><li>pH Range Max: 11 pH</li><li>Maximum Pressure: 10000 psi (690 Bar)</li><li>Endcapped: Yes</li><li>Silanol Activity: Low</li><li>Particle Shape: Spherical</li><li>Pore Size: 130 Å</li><li>System: UHPLC, UPLC</li><li>Particle Technology: CSH</li><li>USP Classification: L1</li><li>Carbon Load: 15 %</li></ul><h4>The Waters XSelect CSH C18 HPLC Column is also available in these types:</h4><h5>Waters XSelect CSH C18 Column with eConnect Column Tag</h5><ul><li>This column comes equipped with an electronic eConnect column tag containing unique column-specific information. These NFC-enabled device-tagged columns were developed to automatically identify, track and digitally trace column use history. eConnect columns can be used on any HPLC, but its advantages are unlocked when used with the Waters Alliance iS System running Empower software.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_X_Bridge_BEH_C18_Column_with_e_Connect_Column_Tag_c056302ec7.jpeg" alt="Waters: XSelect CSH C18 Column with eConnect Column Tag" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_X_Bridge_BEH_C18_Column_with_e_Connect_Column_Tag_c056302ec7.jpeg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="660" height="440"><h5>XSelect Peptide CSH C18 Column</h5><ul><li>Waters XSelect CSH C18 contain a low and carefully-defined concentration of positive charges that yield comparatively excellent peak shape for peptides using either FA- or TFA-containing mobile phases. The fact that the performance of a CSH C18 column exhibits little dependence on strong ion pairing agents makes it ideal for LC or LC-MS applications</li><li>Maximum Pressure: 6000 psi (415 Bar)</li><li>System: HPLC</li></ul><h3>XSelect Columns</h3><h4>Achieve unmatched reproducibility with a wide range of selectivity</h4>Quickly and easily develop robust methods compatible with all modern chromatographic detection modes and transfer them from lab to lab with the XSelect Column family.Designed to help you achieve reproducible and highly selective chromatographic separations, the XSelect Column family features two base particles technologies, Charged Surface Hybrid (CSH) and High Strength Silica (HSS). With XSelect Columns, method development scientists like you can achieve a wide range of selectivities across all application areas, without compromising performance.<h4>Overview</h4><ul><li>Designed for selectivity and stability at low pH</li><li>Superior peak shape for basic compounds</li><li>Highest analyte mass loading available</li><li>Excellent batch-to-batch reproducibility</li><li>Ideal for rapid method development</li><li>CSH Column chemistries: C18, Fluoro-Phenyl (PFP), and Phenyl-Hexyl, available in 2.5 XP, 3.5, 5 μm analytical and 10 μm OBD preparative sizes</li><li>HSS Column chemistries: HSS C18, C18 SB, and T3, available in 2.5 XP, 3.5, and 5 μm particle sizes</li><li>Prolonged column lifetimes with optional VanGuard Cartridges specifically designed using XSelect stationary phases</li><li>Recommended Use: For improving selectivity, peak shape, and retentivity in methods development.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_X_Select_Columns_ff2c4ddb9e/Waters-XSelect-Columns.jpg" alt="Waters: XSelect Columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_X_Select_Columns_ff2c4ddb9e/thumbnail_Waters-XSelect-Columns.jpg 242w," sizes="100vw" width="900" height="580">

Waters XSelect HSS C18 HPLC Columns

Waters XSelect HSS C18 is a general purpose, high performance C18 chemistry with exceptional retention and peak shape for all compounds.

XSelect HSS C18 is a general purpose, high performance C18 chemistry with exceptional retention and peak shape for all compounds. Packed in ultra-low dispersion hardware, 2.5 µm eXtended Performance [XP] columns enable exceptional separation performance, robustness and throughput for HPLC assays while enabling a seamless transition path toward UPLC adoption.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_X_Bridge_BEH_C18_HPLC_Column_e96c520ca3.jpg" alt="Waters: XSelect HSS C18 Column" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_X_Bridge_BEH_C18_HPLC_Column_e96c520ca3.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="660" height="440"><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Chemistry: C18</li><li>Separation Mode: Reversed Phase</li><li>Particle Substrate: Hybrid</li><li>pH Range Min: 1 pH</li><li>pH Range Max: 8 pH</li><li>Maximum Pressure: 10000 psi (690 Bar)</li><li>Endcapped: Yes</li><li>Silanol Activity: Low</li><li>Particle Shape: Spherical</li><li>Pore Size: 100 Å</li><li>System: UHPLC, UPLC</li><li>Particle Technology: HSS</li><li>USP Classification: L1</li><li>Carbon Load: 15 %</li></ul><h4>The Waters XSelect HSS C18 HPLC Column is also available in these types:</h4><h5>XSelect HSS &nbsp;C18 SB XP Column</h5><ul><li>The XSelect HSS C18 SB column is a low coverage, unendcapped C18 phase used for low pH separations that contain complex mixtures of basic and non-basic compounds. XSelect HSS C18 SB columns give you alternative analyte selectivity compared to most modern, high coverage, fully endcapped C18 stationary phases.</li><li>Endcapped: No</li><li>Bonding Technology: C18 SB</li><li>Carbon Load: 8.5 %</li></ul><h3>XSelect Columns</h3><h4>Achieve unmatched reproducibility with a wide range of selectivity</h4>Quickly and easily develop robust methods compatible with all modern chromatographic detection modes and transfer them from lab to lab with the XSelect Column family.Designed to help you achieve reproducible and highly selective chromatographic separations, the XSelect Column family features two base particles technologies, Charged Surface Hybrid (CSH) and High Strength Silica (HSS). With XSelect Columns, method development scientists like you can achieve a wide range of selectivities across all application areas, without compromising performance.<h4>Overview</h4><ul><li>Designed for selectivity and stability at low pH</li><li>Superior peak shape for basic compounds</li><li>Highest analyte mass loading available</li><li>Excellent batch-to-batch reproducibility</li><li>Ideal for rapid method development</li><li>CSH Column chemistries: C18, Fluoro-Phenyl (PFP), and Phenyl-Hexyl, available in 2.5 XP, 3.5, 5 μm analytical and 10 μm OBD preparative sizes</li><li>HSS Column chemistries: HSS C18, C18 SB, and T3, available in 2.5 XP, 3.5, and 5 μm particle sizes</li><li>Prolonged column lifetimes with optional VanGuard Cartridges specifically designed using XSelect stationary phases</li><li>Recommended Use: For improving selectivity, peak shape, and retentivity in methods development.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_X_Select_Columns_ff2c4ddb9e/Waters-XSelect-Columns.jpg" alt="Waters: XSelect Columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_X_Select_Columns_ff2c4ddb9e/thumbnail_Waters-XSelect-Columns.jpg 242w," sizes="100vw" width="900" height="580">

Products from category C18 HPLC columns - page 2

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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