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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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Thermo Scientific Acclaim SEC-1000 HPLC Columns

Separate water-soluble polymers and oligomers with Thermo Scientific™ Acclaim™ SEC-1000 Size Exclusion HPLC Columns. 

Separate water-soluble polymers and oligomers with Thermo Scientific™ Acclaim™ SEC-1000 Size Exclusion HPLC Columns. These resin-based, high-performance, size-exclusion chromatography columns cover molecular weight range: 7μm, 1000Å. The combination of a proprietary mono-dispersed multi-pore hydrophilic resin and small particle size provides high-resolution and good linearity of the calibration curve with no inflection points for accurate, reliable analysis of a variety of water-soluble polymers.The Acclaim SEC-1000 LC column is calibrated from 1,000 to 1,000,000 Daltons and can characterize high molecular weight polymers.<h5>High-Performance Analysis of Water-Soluble Polymers</h5><ul><li>High-resolution analysis at reduced solvent consumption in available 4.6 x 300mm dimension</li><li>Stable surface bonding leads to low column bleed and enhances compatibility with UV, RI, MS, ELSD and Thermo Scientific Dionex™ Corona™ Charged Aerosol Detectors</li></ul><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Column type: Size exclusion</li><li>Endcapped: yes</li><li>Max. Pressure: 600 psi (40 bar)</li><li>Packing Material: Spherical, Fully Porous Polymer</li><li>Temperature: 60°C</li><li>Phase: Size exclusion</li><li>Pore Size: 1000 Å</li><li>pH: 2 to 12</li></ul><h4>About the Acclaim Family of HPLC Columns</h4>Achieve the high standards set by modern HPLC and LC/MS methods with the Acclaim family of reversed-phase columns. These silica-based columns with advanced column bonding and endcapping technologies provide complementary selectivity, high column efficiencies, and ultra-high resolution for a wide variety of applications.<ul><li>Broad spectrum of stationary phases, including conventional C8 and C18 phases, polar embedded phases, and specialty phases including wide-pore, are available to meet your specific application needs</li><li>Performance tested to ensure high quality and reliability for pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, environmental, food, and other industrial chromatographic separations</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Acclaim_column_Broad_range_of_HPLC_and_UHPLC_columns_2ec9c98a86.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Broad range of HPLC and UHPLC columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Acclaim_column_Broad_range_of_HPLC_and_UHPLC_columns_2ec9c98a86.jpg 191w," sizes="100vw" width="1172" height="958">

Thermo Scientific Acclaim SEC-300 HPLC Columns

Separate water-soluble polymers and oligomers with Thermo Scientific Acclaim SEC-300 Size Exclusion Chromatography HPLC Columns. 

Separate water-soluble polymers and oligomers with Thermo Scientific™ Acclaim™ SEC-300 Size Exclusion Chromatography HPLC Columns. These resin-based, high-performance, size-exclusion chromatography columns cover molecular weight range: 5μm, 300Å. The combination of a proprietary mono-dispersed multi-pore hydrophilic resin and small particle size provides high-resolution and good linearity of the calibration curve with no inflection points for accurate, reliable analysis of a variety of water-soluble polymers.The Acclaim SEC-300 column is calibrated from 100 to 50,000 Daltons and offers good resolution for lower molecular weight polymers or oligomers.<h5>High-Performance Analysis of Water-Soluble Polymers</h5><ul><li>High-resolution analysis at reduced solvent consumption in available 4.6 x 300mm dimension</li><li>Stable surface bonding leads to low column bleed and enhances compatibility with UV, RI, MS, ELSD and Thermo Scientific Dionex™ Corona™ Charged Aerosol Detectors</li></ul><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Column type: Size exclusion</li><li>Endcapped: yes</li><li>Max. Pressure: 1200 psi (80 bar)</li><li>Packing Material: Spherical, Fully Porous Polymer</li><li>Temperature: 60°C</li><li>Phase: Size exclusion</li><li>Pore Size: 300 Å</li><li>pH: 2 to 12</li></ul><h4>About the Acclaim Family of HPLC Columns</h4>Achieve the high standards set by modern HPLC and LC/MS methods with the Acclaim family of reversed-phase columns. These silica-based columns with advanced column bonding and endcapping technologies provide complementary selectivity, high column efficiencies, and ultra-high resolution for a wide variety of applications.<ul><li>Broad spectrum of stationary phases, including conventional C8 and C18 phases, polar embedded phases, and specialty phases including wide-pore, are available to meet your specific application needs</li><li>Performance tested to ensure high quality and reliability for pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, environmental, food, and other industrial chromatographic separations</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Acclaim_column_Broad_range_of_HPLC_and_UHPLC_columns_2ec9c98a86.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Broad range of HPLC and UHPLC columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Acclaim_column_Broad_range_of_HPLC_and_UHPLC_columns_2ec9c98a86.jpg 191w," sizes="100vw" width="1172" height="958">

Thermo Scientific SurePac Bio 550 SEC MDi HPLC Columns

SurePac™ Bio 550 SEC MDi™ column delivers high-resolution, reproducible AAV size-based separations with 3 μm silica, 550 Å pores, and bioinert hardware for optimal recovery and QC reliability.

Experience the future of Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) with SurePac™ Bio 550 SEC MDi™ analytical columns and guards exclusively designed to deliver robust and reproducible performance at high resolution and throughput to accelerate your therapeutics analysis process. The column's groundbreaking MDi™ technology integrates our advanced 3 μm monodisperse silica particle platform with bioinert hardware to ensure superior reliability for best sample recovery. SurePac™ Bio 550 SEC MDi™ column is ideal for AAV gene therapeutics analysis and offers excellent selectivity due to the dedicated smaller particle (3 μm) size combined with wide-pore (550Å) for separating monomeric AAVs from aggregates based on their size differences.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Sure_Pac_Bio_550_SEC_M_Di_HPLC_Columns_3_8391a584e0.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific: SEM image of 3μm monodisperse silica particles (left) vs. 3 μm polydisperse particles (right)" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Sure_Pac_Bio_550_SEC_M_Di_HPLC_Columns_3_8391a584e0.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1023" height="508">SurePac Bio 550 SEC MDi columns and guards are based on high-purity, spherical, porous (550 Å), 3 μm monodispersed silica particles that are covalently modified with a proprietary diol hydrophilic layer. This unique design yields shorter diffusion distances and enhanced reproducible mass transfer and narrower peaks. The consistent size of these particles facilitates precise control over media synthesis and column packing, significantly improving column-to-column and lot-to-lot reproducibility. The columns are housed in a hydrophilic bioinert-coated stainless-steel hardware to eliminate secondary interactions, ensuring optimal performance during the initial injection process.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Sure_Pac_Bio_550_SEC_M_Di_HPLC_Columns_043f131056.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific: SurePac Bio 550 SEC MDi HPLC Columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Sure_Pac_Bio_550_SEC_M_Di_HPLC_Columns_043f131056.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="650" height="650"><ul><li>Ideal for AAV gene therapy characterization and quality control assessment due to selectivity of the dedicated smaller particle (3 μm) combined with wide-pore (550Å) size</li><li>Superior column-to-column and lot-to-lot reproducibility eliminates column variability as a concern in stability and QA/QC testing</li><li>High-efficiency peaks with excellent recovery</li><li>Higher resolution and throughput for fast turnaround time without sacrificing performance</li><li>Bioinert hardware to eliminate analyte adsorption</li></ul><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Max. Pressure: 3500 psi (241 bar)</li><li>Packing Material: Monodisperse Silica Resin</li><li>Flow Rate: 0.6 mL/min</li><li>Temperature: 20°C to 60°C</li><li>Phase: Size Exclusion</li><li>Particle Size: 3 μm</li><li>pH: 2 to 8</li></ul>

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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

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