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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.

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Waters Atlantis Silica HILIC HPLC Columns

Waters Atlantis HILIC Silica columns are used in combination with high organic mobile phases (>80% ACN) to provide retention of analytes that are too polar 

Atlantis HILIC Silica columns are used in combination with high organic mobile phases (&gt;80% acetonitrile) to provide retention of analytes that are simply too polar to be retained by reverse-phase chromatography. HILIC separation mechanisms provide orthogonal analyte selectivity compared to traditional chromatographic reversed-phase approaches.Due to their hydrophilic nature combined with their net positive charge at acidic pH, retention and separation of very basic polar analytes are extremely difficult using reversed-phase chromatography. The HILIC technology is able to resolve these challenging separation problems. This is what makes the Atlantis Silica HILIC Column the ideal lab equipment for use in metabolism, drug discovery, and combinatorial chemistries.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Atlantis_d_C18_HPLC_Columns_d7a741df9f.jpg" alt="Waters: Atlantis Silica HILIC HPLC Columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Atlantis_d_C18_HPLC_Columns_d7a741df9f.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="660" height="440"><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Chemistry: HILIC</li><li>Separation Mode: Hydrophilic Interaction (HILIC)</li><li>Particle Substrate: Silica</li><li>pH Range Min: 1 pH</li><li>pH Range Max: 5 pH</li><li>Maximum Pressure: 6000 psi (415 Bar)</li><li>Endcapped: No</li><li>Silanol Activity: High</li><li>Particle Shape: Spherical</li><li>Pore Size: 100 Å</li><li>System: HPLC</li><li>USP Classification: L3</li></ul><h4>The Waters Atlantis Silica HILIC HPLC Column is also available as:</h4><h5>Waters Atlantis Silica HILIC HPLC Column&nbsp;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: Atlantis Silica HILIC HPLC 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"><h3>Atlantis Columns</h3><h4>Reversed-phase and HILIC HPLC Columns for superior polar compound retention</h4>Polar analytes are difficult to retain using traditional reversed-phase (RP) chromatography as they often elute in the void volume of the column. You can solve this challenge today with Atlantis Columns, which retain and separate polar analytes under reversed phase and HILIC conditions and provide quick, accurate, and reproducible quantification with increased retention and sensitivity.Available in T3, dC18, and the unbonded HILIC chemistries, the Waters Atlantis Column family provides exceptional performance, versatility, retention, and chromatographic stability for polar compounds and balanced retention for broad analyte mixtures.&nbsp;<h4>Overview</h4><ul><li>Retains and separates small, water-soluble polar organic compounds</li><li>Compatible with 100% aqueous mobile phases</li><li>Improves detection limits, method reproducibility, and robustness by eliminating ion-pairing reagents</li><li>Long column lifetimes using low-pH mobile phases</li><li>Fully scalable in 3, 5, and 10 μm particle sizes</li><li>Recommended Use: For the reproducible retention and separation of a broad range of polar and non-polar compounds.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Atlantis_HPLC_Columns_6651612161.jpg" alt="Waters: Atlantis HPLC Columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Atlantis_HPLC_Columns_6651612161.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="682">

Waters SunFire Silica HPLC Columns

Waters SunFire Prep Silica columns are general purpose columns used under normal phase conditions.

SunFire Prep Silica columns are general purpose columns used under normal phase conditions.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Atlantis_d_C18_HPLC_Columns_d7a741df9f.jpg" alt="Waters: SunFire Silica HPLC Columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Atlantis_d_C18_HPLC_Columns_d7a741df9f.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="660" height="440"><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Chemistry: Silica</li><li>Separation Mode: Normal Phase</li><li>Particle Substrate: Silica</li><li>pH Range Min: 2 pH</li><li>pH Range Max: 8 pH</li><li>Maximum Pressure: 6000 psi (415 Bar)</li><li>Endcapped: No</li><li>Silanol Activity: High</li><li>Particle Shape: Spherical</li><li>Pore Size: 100 Å</li><li>System: HPLC</li><li>USP Classification: L3</li></ul><h3>SunFire Columns</h3><h4>Superior mass loading at low pH</h4>High efficiency at a low pH can be challenging. Waters SunFire HPLC Columns, available in analytical and preparative dimensions, help you do just that with state-of-the-art bonded silica designed for high mass loading, excellent low pH stability, superior peak shapes, and high efficiency.SunFire Analytical Columns are available in 2.5 µm to 10 µm particle sizes across two reversed-phase column chemistries, C18 and C8, sure to meet your silica-based HPLC column requirements. For preparative applications, in addition to the C18 and C8 chemistries, SunFire silica is offered in 5 and 10 µm particle sizes for preparative normal-phase purification.<h4>Overview</h4><ul><li>Exceptional loading capacity for both analytical and preparative columns</li><li>Excellent low pH stability for longer lifetimes</li><li>Superior peak shapes for faster and easier integration</li><li>Low mass spectral (MS) bleed, for enhanced analyte MS signal</li><li>Seamless scalability from analytical to optimum bed density (OBD) preparative columns</li><li>Recommended Use: For increased mass loading with excellent column stability.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Sun_Fire_Columns_3f48bd770c/Waters-SunFire-Columns.jpg" alt="Waters: SunFire Columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Sun_Fire_Columns_3f48bd770c/thumbnail_Waters-SunFire-Columns.jpg 242w," sizes="100vw" width="900" height="580">

Waters Nova-Pak Silica HPLC Columns

Nova-Pak HR Silica columns are silica-based, semi-preparative and preparative columns that are based on 6 µm particle technology.

Nova-Pak HR Silica columns are silica-based, semi-preparative and preparative columns that are based on 6 µm particle technology. Compared to a 5 µm column, Nova-Pak HR columns offer higher resolution, more efficient separations, and faster chromatography.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Atlantis_d_C18_HPLC_Columns_d7a741df9f.jpg" alt="Waters: Nova-Pak Silica HPLC Columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Atlantis_d_C18_HPLC_Columns_d7a741df9f.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="660" height="440"><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Chemistry: Silica</li><li>Separation Mode: Normal Phase</li><li>Particle Substrate: Silica</li><li>pH Range Min: 2 pH</li><li>pH Range Max: 8 pH</li><li>Maximum Pressure: 6000 psi (415 Bar)</li><li>Endcapped: No</li><li>Silanol Activity: Low</li><li>Particle Shape: Spherical</li><li>Pore Size: 60 Å</li><li>System: HPLC</li><li>USP Classification: L3</li></ul><h3>Nova-Pak Columns</h3><h4>Scale-up from analytical to prep, simplified</h4>Reducing solvent consumption while maintaining resolution for complex mixtures is important, but that’s a challenge with larger particle sizes. With the smaller particle sizes and shorter column lengths in Nova-Pak Columns, those problems are a thing of the past. The bonded phases of Nova-Pak Columns are available in 4 µm and 6 µm particle sizes, offering high resolution and faster, more efficient chromatography over columns packed with larger particle sizes.Nova-Pak Analytical Columns with 4 µm particle size packing offer a range of length options with 75, 100, 150, and 300 mm length steel columns. The semi-preparative Prep Nova-Pak HR Columns are packed with 6 µm particle size packings for unparalleled separation possibilities. The high-efficiency packing of Prep Nova-Pak HR Columns provides faster separations with less solvent for the added advantage of more concentrated fractions—reducing your preparative chromatography cost. To ensure batch-to-batch reproducibility, all Nova-Pak C18, C8, Cyano and Phenyl Columns are packed according to stringent quality control (QC) procedures in Waters cGMP manufacturing facility.<h4>Overview</h4><ul><li>Reduces solvent consumption while maintaining resolution for complex mixtures</li><li>Packed to stringent QC procedures to ensure batch-to-batch reproducibility</li><li>Chemistries include C18, C8, Cyano, and Phenyl stationary phases</li><li>Available in 4 µm analytical and 6 µm semi-preparative particle sizes</li><li>Recommended Use: For higher resolution and faster chromatography.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Nova_Pak_Columns_fad066ad02/Waters-Nova-Pak-Columns.jpg" alt="Waters: Nova-Pak Columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Nova_Pak_Columns_fad066ad02/thumbnail_Waters-Nova-Pak-Columns.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="900" height="392">

Products from category Si HPLC columns focused on LC columns distributed by Waters Corporation (Europe) - page 1

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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