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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Thermo Scientific Hypersil GOLD Amino HPLC Columns

Achieve excellent chromatographic separations in weak anion exchange, reversed phase and normal phase modes with Thermo Scient

Achieve excellent chromatographic separations in weak anion exchange, reversed phase and normal phase modes with Thermo Scientific™ Hypersil GOLD™ Amino LC Columns. These columns, featuring a high-performance aminopropyl phase, provide outstanding peak shape and sensitivity and are available with a 1.9μm particle size for high speed, high efficiency separations.<h5>Excellent Chromatographic Properties in Three Modes</h5><ul><li>Retains anions and organic acids in weak anion exchange mode when used with common buffers and an organic modifier</li><li>Excels for carbohydrate analysis in reversed phase mode</li><li>Offers an alternative selectivity to silica columns in normal phase chromatography</li></ul><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Endcapped: Yes</li><li>For Use With: HILIC</li><li>Max. Pressure: 18130 psi (1250 bar)</li><li>Packing Material: Spherical, Fully Porous, Ultrapure Silica</li><li>Stationary Phase: Amino (NH2)</li><li>Surface Area: 220 m²/g</li><li>Temperature: 60°C</li><li>USP Type: L8</li><li>Carbon Load: 2%</li><li>Phase: Reversed Phase, Normal Phase, Ion Exchange, HILIC</li><li>Pore Size: 175 Å</li><li>pH: 2 to 8</li></ul><h4>About the Hypersil GOLD Family of HPLC Columns</h4>Meet the challenges of modern chromatography with state-of-the-art columns that provide outstanding performance and consistent separations. Twelve different column chemistries are available so you can optimize separations and maximize productivity. Get outstanding peak shapes in reversed phase, ion exchange, HILIC, or normal phase chromatography.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Hypersil_GOLD_Columns_41d5984b62.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Hypersil GOLD Columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Hypersil_GOLD_Columns_41d5984b62.jpg 150w," sizes="100vw" width="747" height="775"><ul><li>Excellent peak symmetry<ul><li>Hypersil GOLD columns produce highly symmetrical peaks, which facilitate the detection of low-level impurities that elute immediately after the main component. When there is even minor tailing, small impurity peaks can elute on the shoulder of the main peak, complicating the integration process.</li></ul></li><li>Narrow peaks for outstanding efficiency</li><li>Enhanced sensitivity and improved resolution</li><li>Exceptional reproducibility for reliable chromatography, column after column</li><li>Solutions for high-throughput screening</li><li>1.9, 3, and 5 μm particle sizes for all your separation needs</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Hypersil_GOLD_Peak_symmetry_641b946673.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Hypersil GOLD Columns: Peak symmetry" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Hypersil_GOLD_Peak_symmetry_641b946673.jpg 149w," sizes="100vw" width="880" height="925">

Thermo Scientific Accucore 150 Amide HILIC HPLC Columns

Thermo Scientific™ Accucore™ 150 Amide HILIC LC Columns are ideal for separating hydrophilic biomolecules in HILIC mode, making them an excellent choice for glycan analysis.

Designed for the separation of hydrophilic biomolecules in HILIC mode, Thermo Scientific™ Accucore™ 150 Amide HILIC LC Columns are an excellent choice for glycan separations.Based on Core Enhanced Technology, Thermo Scientific Accucore columns provide fast, high-resolution biomolecule separations—without the elevated backpressures required by sub-2μm particles.<ul><li>Rugged and reproducible 2.6μm solid core particles.</li><li>Fast separations with superb resolution</li><li>Low backpressures</li><li>Amide phase bonded onto 150Å pore diameter solid core particles</li><li>High retention of a broad range of hydrophilic analytes in HILIC mode</li><li>Recommended for hydrophilic biomolecules such as glycans</li></ul><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Column type: HILIC</li><li>Max. Pressure: 14500 psi (1000 bar)</li><li>Packing Material: Spherical, Solid Core, Ultrapure Silica</li><li>Stationary Phase: Amide</li><li>Surface Area: 80 m²/g</li><li>Temperature: 60°C</li><li>USP Type: N/A</li><li>Phase: HILIC</li><li>Pore Size: 150 Å</li><li>pH: 2 to 9</li></ul><h3>Accucore HPLC and UHPLC Columns</h3><h4>Resolve impurities without feeling the pressure</h4>Thermo Scientific Accucore HPLC and UHPLC columns provide ultimate core performance, allowing you to maximize your investment. Solid-core particles deliver UHPLC performance, with superb resolution delivering back-pressure compatible with HPLC instrumentation. A wide range of phases help meet all your separation needs, while our columns are exceptionally rugged and easy to use.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Accucore_columns_26e0ffa8d5.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Accucore columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Accucore_columns_26e0ffa8d5.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="708" height="711">

Thermo Scientific Syncronis Amino HPLC Columns

Improve the consistency and reliability of your liquid chromatography (LC) separations with Thermo Scientific™ Syncronis™ Amino LC Columns.

Improve the consistency and reliability of your liquid chromatography (LC) separations with Thermo Scientific™ Syncronis™ Amino LC Columns. Manufactured and rigorously tested in ISO 9000 facilities, these columns are designed to meet a range of analytical needs including fast method development, quantitative analysis and quality control.High surface area silica, dense stationary phase coverage and double end-capping minimize secondary interactions and ensure reproducible high-resolution separations.<h5>Highly Reproducible Separations</h5><ul><li>Rigorously tested stationary phase bonded to the highest quality silica ensures consistent, predictable LC performance.</li></ul><h5>Excellent Peak Shapes for Enhanced Resolution and Sensitivity</h5><ul><li>Dense surface coverage of silica minimizes secondary interactions and peak tailing</li><li>Double endcapped for extra surface coverage</li></ul><h5>Exceptional Column-to-Column Consistency</h5><ul><li>Manufactured, packed and tested in ISO-9000-accredited facilities</li><li>Every column individually tested to meet stringent retention, efficiency, and peak symmetry specifications</li><li>Enhanced automated packing process</li></ul><h5>Excellent Performance in Four Modes</h5><ul><li>Aminopropyl phase performs well in reversed phase, normal phase, weak ion exchange and HILIC modes</li></ul><h5>Available in Three Particle Sizes</h5><ul><li>1.7μm for rapid ultrahigh-performance LC (UHPLC) separations</li><li>3μm and 5μm for more traditional HPLC analysis</li></ul><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Column type: Mixed mode</li><li>Endcapped: Yes</li><li>Max. Pressure: 5800 psi (400 bar)</li><li>Packing Material: Spherical, Fully Porous, Ultrapure Silica</li><li>Stationary phase: Amino (NH2)</li><li>USP Type: L8</li><li>Surface Area: 320 m2/g</li><li>Temperature: 60°C</li><li>Carbon load: 4%</li><li>Phase: Reversed Phase, Normal Phase, Ion Exchange, HILIC</li><li>Pore Size: 100 Å</li><li>pH: 2 to 8</li></ul><h4>Syncronis HPLC and UHPLC Columns</h4><h5>Enter a new world of chromatography</h5>When developing a new method, one of the most important goals for the chromatographer is to achieve a consistent, reproducible separation. This makes selecting an HPLC column that offers highly-reproducible results essential to attaining this goal.<h5>Features of Syncronis columns</h5>Thermo Scientific Syncronis LC columns achieve high levels of consistency and reproducibility through:<ul><li>Highly-pure, high-surface-area silica</li><li>Dense bonding and double endcapping</li><li>Stringent manufacturing and testing protocols</li></ul>

Products from category Amino (NH2) HPLC columns focused on LC columns distributed by Thermo Fisher Scientific (EMEA) - page 1

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