<h3><strong>1. What exactly is a “source” in mass spectrometry?</strong></h3><p>Whether you’re running LC-MS, imaging-MS, or native-MS, the ion source is where molecules leave the chromatograph, capillary, or sample stage and become charged gas-phase particles that the mass spectrometer can detect. The source you choose governs the kinds of compounds you’ll see, the flow rates you can use, and the robustness you can expect from run to run.</p><p><strong>Sources fall into two broad families:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Vacuum ionization: </strong>Electron ionization (EI), fast-atom bombardment (FAB), and traditional MALDI create ions inside the instrument’s evacuated housing.</li><li><strong>Atmospheric-pressure ionization (API): </strong>Electrospray (ESI), atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI), atmospheric-pressure photo-ionization (APPI), and today’s atmospheric-pressure MALDI (AP-MALDI) generate ions in open air and then guide them through an interface into vacuum.</li></ul><blockquote><p>Learn more about Ionization methods here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/industrial/mass-spectrometry/mass-spectrometry-learning-center/mass-spectrometry-technology-overview/ionization-source-technology-overview.html"><strong>Ionization Source Technology Overview | Thermo Fisher Scientific – US</strong></a></p></blockquote><h3><strong>2. Why electrospray changed the game</strong></h3><p>In 1988 John B. Fenn demonstrated that a fine, high-voltage spray could coax intact proteins into the gas phase (see figure). The work earned a share of the 2002 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Because electrospray produces multiply charged ions, large biomolecules fit within the m/z window of modern analyzers. That single insight opened the door to:</p><ul><li>Bottom-up and top-down proteomics</li><li>Metabolomics and lipidomics</li><li>Native MS of protein complexes and antibodies</li><li>Targeted quantitation in clinical and environmental labs</li></ul><p>ESI also adapts to nearly any flow- from nanoliters to milliliters- via variants like nanoESI, capillaryESI, and heated ESI (HESI).</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Electrospray_101_What_to_Know_About_LC_MS_Sources_and_a_First_Look_at_Optispray_2_eadef535f2.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Electrospray 101: What to Know About LC-MS Sources – and a First Look at Optispray: Basic principle of electrospray ionization. A high-voltage needle forms a fine spray of charged droplets that shrink through solvent evaporation, releasing gas-phase ions for mass spectrometry." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Electrospray_101_What_to_Know_About_LC_MS_Sources_and_a_First_Look_at_Optispray_2_eadef535f2.jpg 237w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="675"></p><h3><strong>3. Putting ESI sources to work on a Thermo Scientific platform</strong></h3><p>If you have ever run a proteomics experiment on Thermo Scientific mass spectrometry solution, you have already handled at least two ESI sources:</p><ul><li><strong>Thermo Scientific OptaMax NG ion source</strong> or <strong>Thermo Scientific OptaMax Plus ion source</strong> with the Thermo Scientific<sup> </sup>Heated Electrospray Ionization (HESI-II) Probe – easy installation into the MS face, this robust family of sources, paired with adaptable HESI-II probes, supports a wide range of flow rates from 1 – 2,000 µL/min, providing flexibility for various applications. Most proteomics laboratories use it for calibrations or quick QC injections: direct-infuse a Pierce FlexMix solution through the HESI probe and the instrument can calibrate to sub-ppm accuracy</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/2464"><strong>Thermo Scientific EASY-spray source</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/2463"><strong>Thermo Scientific NanoSpray Flex ion source</strong></a> – once calibration is complete, the OptaMax ion source comes off and a low-flow source goes on. Thermo Scientific<sup> </sup>EASY-Spray HPLC columns combine LC column, liquid junction, and emitter in a single finger-tight connection, eliminiating dead volume and manual x-axis alignment. The NanoSpray Flex offers emitter and geometry control, providing flexibility for method development when custom configurations are needed.</li></ul><p>In a routine bottom-up proteomics run, you might equilibrate an EASY-Spray column on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/398"><strong>Thermo Scientific Vanquish Neo UHPLC</strong></a>, calibrate the mass spectrometer using the OptaMax NG ion source fitted with HESI-II probe, then swap to an EASY-spray source loaded with your nanoLC column, and finally acquire a 30-minute DIA gradient on an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1959"><strong>Orbitrap Astral Zoom mass spectrometer</strong></a> - never touching the mass spectrometer itself, only exchanging the front-end source.</p><h3><strong>4. Alternate source spotlight: Native MS with static nano-spray</strong></h3><p>Electrospray isn’t limited to peptide gradients. In native MS the goal is to perform mass analysis on intact, non-denatured molecules- virus capsids, ribosomal subunits, even 10 MDa gene-therapy assemblies- without the salts and organic solvents required by LC. Here the workhorse is static nano-spray: load &lt;5 uL of volatile, salt-stripped buffer into a pre-conductive tip, let capillary action deliver a &lt; 50 nL/min plume straight into the MS inlet, and- because the analyte never touches a column- fragile complexes stay together long enough for high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis. The Nanospray Flex ion source with the Offline Nano Electrospray kit makes difficult-to-analyze native applications compatible with state of the art mass spectrometry. For example, it is often coupled with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/560"><strong>Thermo Scientific Q Exactive UHMR mass spectrometer</strong></a> and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/748"><strong>Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Ascend Structural Biology Tribrid mass spectrometer</strong></a>.<br><br>Static nano-spray highlights how choosing the right ion source- and the right accessories- opens new analytical spaces.</p><h3><strong>5. Pain points in low-flow ESI- and why they matter</strong></h3><p>Nano- and capillary-flow ESI deliver exquisite sensitivity but can frustrate even experienced users:</p><ul><li><strong>Manual emitter alignment</strong> is operator-dependent</li><li><strong>Dead volume</strong> between column, junction, and emitter broadens peak</li><li><strong>Emitter wear</strong> forces frequent replacements and re-tuning</li></ul><p>For large-scale studies and labs with constant mass spectrometry up-time, that variability translates into lost samples, inconsistent quantitation, and extra QC overhead</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Electrospray_101_What_to_Know_About_LC_MS_Sources_and_a_First_Look_at_Optispray_3_35fab1de4d.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Electrospray 101: What to Know About LC-MS Sources – and a First Look at Optispray" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Electrospray_101_What_to_Know_About_LC_MS_Sources_and_a_First_Look_at_Optispray_3_35fab1de4d.jpg 216w," sizes="100vw" width="768" height="555"></p><h3><strong>6. Enter breaking technology: The Thermo Scientific OptiSpray<sup> </sup>Technology provides&nbsp;automated nano- and capillary-flow success</strong></h3><p>Unveiled at ASMS 2025, the OptiSpray technology- including the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/2465"><strong>Thermo Scientific OptiSpray ion source</strong></a> and Thermo Scientific OptiSpray cartridge- tackles these challenges head-on:</p><ul><li><strong>Motorized 3D alignment</strong> runs a “quick” (&lt;3 minute) or “full” optimization routine that centers the spray plume on the inlet- no rulers, no guesswork, same result no matter who is installing the column.</li><li><strong>Easy installation with cartridge-based consumables</strong> with integrated column, junction and emitter in a single unit. Choose the Thermo Scientific EASY-Spray PepMap Neo UHPLC column or Thermo Scientific μPAC Neo HPLC Columns- just click in the cartridge, pull the handle down, click once, and you are plumbed.</li><li><strong>Emitter options for capillary or nanoflow </strong>two emitters—one that is tapered and is designed for capillary flow rates, and one that is pulled and is designed for nanoflow rates.</li><li><strong>Visualization of emitter and spray </strong>provides confidence in spray stability and visualization of spray disturbances.</li><li><strong>Platform compatibility</strong> The OptiSpray ion source docks directly on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?search=Astral+"><strong>Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Astral MS series</strong></a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?search=Tribrid+"><strong>Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Tribrid MS series</strong></a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?search=Exploris"><strong>Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris MS series</strong></a>, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1958"><strong>Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Excedion Pro MS</strong></a>, and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1149"><strong>Thermo Scientific Stellar MS</strong></a>, and pairs seamlessly with Thermo Scientific FAIMS Pro Duo interface- the automated alignment finds the emitter’s “sweet spot” in front of FAIMS Pro Duo interface for you.</li><li><strong>Wide flow window</strong> (50 nl – 10 uL/min) means one source covers discovery DIA at 300 nl/min and high-throughput PRM at a few uL/min.</li><li><strong>Proven robustness</strong> Early robustness data show &gt;2,000 HeLa digest injections with &lt;10% CV in peptide identifications.</li></ul><p>How OptiSpray technology helps: automated emitter alignment levels the playing field between new and experienced users, cutting out training time and human-introduced variability. Further, the sealed cartridge prevents carry-over and dead-volume inconsistencies. The result is reproducible, low-flow data, batch after batch, lab after lab, no matter who installs the column.</p><h3><strong>7. Take home messages</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Ion sources are the gatekeepers of detection. </strong>Choosing vacuum vs atmospheric- and within API, ESI vs APCI/APPI- dictates what you can detect.</li><li><strong>Electrospray is the backbone of omics. </strong>Multiply charged ions bring biomolecules into reach of high-resolution mass analyzes, earning a Nobel nod and dominating modern workflows.</li><li><strong>OptiSpray streamlines low-flow operation</strong> by automating emitter positioning and eliminating manual alignment, enabling consistent, high-sensitivity data across users and experiments.</li></ul><blockquote><p>Questions about fitting the right source to your application? <strong>Contact us </strong>or explore the ASMS 2025 resource hub for application notes, workflow posters, and customer testimonials.</p><p><strong>Visit us on&nbsp;</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/"><strong><u>LinkedIn:</u></strong></a><strong>&nbsp;</strong>#MassSpectrometry #IonSources #Electrospray #OptiSpray #Proteomics #Metabolomics #Lipidomics #ESI</p></blockquote>

Electrospray 101: What to Know About LC-MS Sources – and a First Look at Optispray

<h4><strong>Traceability in the 19th century&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Once a dairymaid bought one kilo of flour from the local shop. Next day she returned to sell one kilo of butter to the shopkeeper. He then complained that 50 grams of the kilo were missing.&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p>Oh that is odd, the dairymaid said, to get the correct weight I used the kilo of flour you sold to me yesterday to weigh the butter!&nbsp;</p></blockquote><h4><strong>Traceability today&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Traceability is the ability to trace, for example, the ancestors of a person or the origin of a product. The word can be derived from the Latin tractus = drawn or the verb trahere = to draw.&nbsp;</p><p>Traceability can refer to documentation (e.g. a sampling procedure), a laboratory, analyst or method. But as in ISO/IEC 17025, this leaflet deals with traceability of measurement results. That is, measurement results have to be traceable to the metrological<sup>1</sup> references <strong>used</strong>. To be specific, we use the term <i><strong>metrological traceability</strong></i>.&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p>The current VIM<sup>2</sup> definition of metrological <strong>traceability is: </strong>property of a measurement result whereby the result can be related to a <strong>reference</strong> through a documented unbroken <strong>chain of calibrations</strong> each contributing to the measurement uncertainty<sup>2</sup>&nbsp;</p></blockquote><h4><strong>The references&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Ideally the <strong>references</strong> should be the values of national and international standards expressed in SI units. The traceability is realised through chains of <strong>calibrations</strong>, the traceability chain. For temperature and many other physical quantities such as mass and time, the traceability is easily established.&nbsp;</p><p>In addition, in chemistry the working standards are substances with defined purity, solutions of pure substances and matrix reference materials.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_2_b809be57bc.jpg" alt="Douglas Hasbun: An “analyst” not knowing the traceability of his/her values for volume, time, mass, calibration solution concentration and temperature." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_2_b809be57bc.jpg 157w," sizes="100vw" width="852" height="847"></p><h4><strong>Temperature example - Traceability to SI&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The temperature of a sample can be traced back through a <strong>chain of calibrations</strong> to the <strong>reference</strong>, an SI traceable value of temperature at 0 °C.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_3_9933347331.jpg" alt="Douglas Hasbun: Temperature example - Traceability to SI" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_3_9933347331.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="926" height="432"></p><h4><strong>Example – Mercury in tuna fish&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>A measurement result (mass fraction) obtained for mercury in a tuna fish sample is 4.03 ± 0.11 mg/kg. The result is reported as total Hg on dry weight basis (105 ºC, 12 h determined on a separate sample portion) and the measurement uncertainty is reported with a 95 % level of confidence (coverage factor, k=2). In this case mercury was determined with a mercury analyser (cold vapour atomic spectroscopy) after a microwave digestion.&nbsp;</p><p>The samples are weighed on a balance with a calibration certificate relating the weight measured to the SI unit of mass (kg).&nbsp;</p><p>The acid digest is diluted in a volumetric flask where the manufacturer documents the traceability of the volume of the flask to a national standard.&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>The calibration curve was prepared using a CRM (certified reference material) – a mercury standard with a certificate stating a quantity value of 0.998 ± 0.005 mg/L (k=2) and with traceability to pure mercury.&nbsp;</strong></i></p><p>The method is validated using an appropriate matrix CRM with a total mercury mass fraction of 1.97 ± 0.04 mg/kg (<i>k</i>=2). The purpose of the validation is to check the method performance.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_4_1ef2bc4b97.jpg" alt="Douglas Hasbun: An “analyst” knowing the traceability of his/her values for volume, time, mass, calibration solution concentration and temperature" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_4_1ef2bc4b97.jpg 119w," sizes="100vw" width="808" height="1062"></p><h4><strong>How can a laboratory demonstrate metrological traceability?&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The evidence required by the laboratory to demonstrate traceability for the mercury result is shown below:&nbsp;</p><ol><li>concentration of the Hg solution – a certificate for the CRM solution;&nbsp;</li><li>mass of sample – calibration certificate for the balance;&nbsp;</li><li>volume of volumetric flask – calibration certificate of the manufacturer;&nbsp;</li><li>drying temperature – calibration of oven temperature;&nbsp;</li><li>digestion conditions – calibration of e.g. temperature;&nbsp;</li><li>drying time – ordinary clock or stopwatch&nbsp;</li></ol><p>Point 1 would need special attention to assure the quality and traceability for the calibration standard. Traceability for points 2, 3 and 6 is easily achieved with adequate uncertainty using commercial equipment.&nbsp;</p><p>Points 4 and 5 need additional attention by the lab.&nbsp;</p><p>The use of the matrix CRM in the method validation is vital but not part of the traceability chain, since it is not used for calibration. If this CRM is used for recovery correction it should be part of the traceability chain.&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Measurement quality&nbsp;</strong></h4><ul><li>Method <strong>validation</strong> demonstrates that the method (set of conditions) used in a particular laboratory at a certain time was fit for purpose and all significant effects were identified.&nbsp;</li><li>Calibration of critical equipment completes the metrological<strong> traceability </strong>chains.</li><li><strong>Measurement uncertainty </strong>is estimated from the method validation and the traceability.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Quality control </strong>(internal and external) assures that the measurement results (including uncertainty) are of the same quality as at the time of validation.</li></ul><h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4><p>The <strong>traceability of a measurement result </strong>refers to <strong>metrological traceability</strong> as defined by VIM. It relates the result to SI units or other agreed standards/references.&nbsp;</p><p>Traceability is essential for comparability of results and is a requirement of ISO/IEC 17025. Traceability is easily achieved following good laboratory practice.</p>

Metrological Traceability of Analytical Results

<p><strong>Scientific conferences are defined not only by the quality of the research presented but also by the expertise and vision of their invited speakers. RAFA 2026 brings together internationally recognized scientists from academia, industry, and regulatory organizations to address some of today's most pressing challenges in food analysis and food safety. Their lectures will explore cutting-edge analytical techniques, emerging contaminants, food authenticity, artificial intelligence, high-resolution mass spectrometry, allergen risk assessment, PFAS, microplastics, mycotoxins, and many other topics shaping the future of food analysis. This overview introduces the distinguished invited speakers and the scientific highlights they will present at RAFA 2026.</strong></p><h3><strong>Registration</strong></h3><blockquote><p class="cke-user_style-important"><strong>👉</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/"><strong>Register to attend RAFA 2026!</strong></a></p></blockquote><h4><strong>Registration Fees</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Regular registration (Until 30 September, 2026):</strong> € 855</li><li><strong>Late registration (From 1 October, 2026):</strong> € 955</li><li><strong>Student rate* (From 1 July, 2026):</strong> € 605</li></ul><p><i>* The proof of student status (e.g. copy of a student identify card) is requested as an attachment of the registration form.</i></p><h5><strong>The regular registration fee will include:</strong></h5><ul><li>Attendance at all scientific sessions, workshops, seminars, vendor seminars and other satellite events</li><li>Access to the poster and exhibition area</li><li>Conference kit (name badge, conference bag, conference documents, certificate of participation, certificate of presentation on request)</li><li>Final programme</li><li>E-Book of Abstracts</li><li>Coffee breaks</li><li>Buffet luncheons</li><li>Welcome drink</li></ul><p>In the registration form you can r<strong>egister free of charge for the welcome drink</strong> and you can also order <strong>ticket(s) for the conference dinner (€ 85).</strong></p><p><i>Please note that your registration is firm when your payment has been received.</i></p><h3><strong>Abstract submission</strong></h3><blockquote><p class="cke-user_style-important"><strong>👉</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/"><strong>Submit your ABSTRACT HERE!</strong></a></p><p>In order to submit an abstract, you must <strong>first register to attend RAFA 2026</strong>. <strong>After registration</strong> you will receive an <strong>access to the Member section </strong>where you can <strong>submit your abstract(s).</strong></p></blockquote><p>&nbsp;After successful submission of your abstract you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt of submitted abstract via e-mail. If it will not be delivered within a few minutes after submission of your abstract please check at first your spam box-mail and then contact us at <strong>RAFA2026@vscht.cz</strong>.</p><h4><strong>Important notice:</strong></h4><blockquote><p><strong>1 registered participant can submit no more than 2 abstracts.</strong></p></blockquote><p>To apply for a young scientist’s oral presentation, as an indication please respect the rule that you should be born in 1991 or later.</p><p>The <strong>text of the abstract </strong>should be<strong> limited to 3000 characters including spaces</strong>. Tables and pictures are not allowed.</p><h3><strong>Program</strong></h3><h4><strong>Invited Speakers</strong></h4><h5><strong>It takes a small step to fake food but a giant leap to authenticate</strong></h5><ul><li>Nicolai Zederkopff Ballin from Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency, Glostrup, Denmark.</li></ul><p>It takes a small step to fake food but a giant leap to authenticate”: Exploring unresolved issues in food authentication. Food authentication includes not just analytical chemistry, but also nomenclature, validation procedures and reporting of results. These aspects have attracted increasing focus, but setting limits in food authentication has been largely absent. It is therefore time to discuss how to set maximum tolerable levels to enable consistent and comparable results in food authentication.</p><h5><strong>Unravelling the mysteries of modified mycotoxins</strong></h5><ul><li>Franz Berthiller from BOKU University, Vienna, Austria</li></ul><p>Modified mycotoxins are altered forms of mycotoxins, mainly formed by living plants on the field. They are not regulated, yet may contribute to toxicity. The presentations focuses on metabolites of fumonisin B1 and ochratoxin A, formed by maize plants.</p><h5><strong>From bitter to better: Fixing off-flavors in plant proteins</strong></h5><ul><li>Corinna Dawid from Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany</li></ul><p>Uncovering the chemistry behind flavor: the presentation explores how Sensomics and NMR interaction studies reveal the complex interplay between aroma compounds, taste perception, and the polymer matrix in wine.</p><h5><strong>Imaging food: the power and the limits of seeing molecules in food</strong></h5><ul><li>Laura Righetti from Wageningen University &amp; Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands</li></ul><p>Imaging techniques enable ‘seeing’ molecules in food and elucidating mechanisms of accumulation and transformation, e.g. during processing. However, their application to food and contaminants remains limited. This talk discusses both instrumental constraints and future opportunities.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/RAFA_Laura_Righetti_e7bdda9942.jpg" alt="RAFA: Laura Righetti" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_RAFA_Laura_Righetti_e7bdda9942.jpg 157w," sizes="100vw" width="900" height="895"></p><h5><strong>Analysis of critical vitamins: novel structures and novel sources</strong></h5><ul><li>Michael Rychlik Lab from Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany</li></ul><p>Growing population and dietary shifts lead to inadequate intake of folate, B6, and B12. The presentation introduces novel analytical methods (stable isotope dilution assays), identifies new sources, and assesses risks of certain dietary patterns.</p><h5><strong>Sample-to-solution approaches for natural toxin analysis at the point of need</strong></h5><ul><li>Gert Salentijn from Wageningen University &amp; Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands</li></ul><p>Taking analysis out of the lab is not trivial. Going beyond merely translating procedures from the lab to an out-of-lab setting, it requires a fundamentally different perspective on how we develop and deploy the tools to provide information at the point-of-need. In this, both the envisioned test, as well as the envisioned user are critical, and all the steps, from sample to solution, need to be considered.</p><h5><strong>EFSA’s rapid risk assessment of cereulide in infants</strong></h5><ul><li>Hans Steinkellner from European Food Safety Authority, Parma, Italy</li></ul><p>The EU has established procedures for rapid risk assessment in urgent situations. EFSA’s assessment of cereulide in infants demonstrated its ability to provide robust scientific support within a short timeframe during a crisis.</p><h5><strong>Comprehensive strategies to unmask masked mycotoxins: from food matrix to gut microbiota</strong></h5><ul><li>Milena Stranska from University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czechia</li></ul><p>The lecture will address non-extractable modified mycotoxins and their biological relevance. Bioaccessibility will be assessed using in vitro digestion models with diverse fecal microbiota (toddlers, children, adults) and bioavailability using Caco-2-based intestinal models. High-resolution mass spectrometry will reveal biotransformation pathways and cellular metabolism of free and modified mycotoxins.</p><h5><strong>Food allergen risk assessment: Past, present, future</strong></h5><ul><li>Ben Remington from Remington Consulting Group B.V., Utrecht, the Netherlands &amp; University of Nebraska, USA</li></ul><p>Food allergy and allergen management are global public health issues, and consumer protection depends on transparent and trustworthy labelling. While 30 years of scientific advances show that low level exposures, or reference doses, are unlikely to trigger reactions in most allergic individuals, harmonized and globally aligned regulations are still needed to promote consistent allergen risk assessment and labelling decisions. This presentation will discuss the landscape of allergen risk assessment, global policy developments, current research and future needs in the area.</p><h5><strong>Unmasking hidden adulteration in honey: Strategies for detecting and characterizing honeys produced from sugar-fed colonies</strong></h5><ul><li>Oscar Nuñez Burcio from University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain</li></ul><p>From hive to jar, not all honey tells the same story. This presentation addresses hidden adulteration associated with sugar-fed bee colonies, highlighting implications for authenticity, production practices, and the need for a more precise characterization of honey to ensure consumer trust.</p><h5><strong>Analytical and toxicological methods for safety of food contact materials</strong></h5><ul><li>Erich Leitner from Graz University of Technology, Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Graz, Austria</li></ul><p>Food packaging plays a critical role in protecting and preserving food throughout the supply chain. All packaging materials intended to come into contact with food must comply with strict EU safety rules. Due to increased complexity of packaging solutions, lowering legal limits and increasing numbers of target compounds, we also have to adapt the strategies used to verify and guarantee the safety of these materials.</p><h5><strong>Data-driven strategies to reduce complexity in non-target HRMS analysis of food samples</strong></h5><ul><li>Anneli Kruve from Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden</li></ul><p>LC/HRMS based non-target screening can detect hundreds to thousands of chemical features in complex food and environmental samples. Investigating all of these in detail is practically impossible, so which ones to focus on? Novel computational tools developed in computational mass spectrometry allow predicting the toxicity and concentration of the detected chemical features even if these have not yet been fully structurally elucidated. Combining these predictions enables us to focus on the chemical features possessing high risk.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/RAFA_Anneli_Kruve_5119012e5d.jpg" alt="RAFA: Anneli Kruve" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_RAFA_Anneli_Kruve_5119012e5d.jpg 155w," sizes="100vw" width="899" height="900"></p><h5><strong>Role of AI in the identification of emerging food systems risks</strong></h5><ul><li>Ákos Bernard Jóźwiak from Syreon Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary</li></ul><p>AI-assisted evidence synthesis – spanning curated scientific evidence, exposome data, and network analysis – is the backbone of next-generation emerging chemical food safety risk identification, enabling earlier signals and more resilient surveillance systems.</p><h5><strong>Challenges of microplastics analysis in the context of food safety</strong></h5><ul><li>Dorte Herzke from Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway</li></ul><p>Food and food packaging are major sources of micro- and nanoplastic exposure. Plastics used in processing, storage, and packaging can release particles through heat, abrasion, and degradation. Small particles below 2 µm may cross gut barriers and carry chemicals, highlighting the need for robust and sensitive measurement methods.</p><h5><strong>Never-ending analytical challenges in PFAS analysis of food</strong></h5><ul><li>Darina Dvořáková from University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czechia</li></ul><p>Exploring and monitoring PFAS in food requires advanced strategies. Combining targeted, suspect, and non-target HRMS analysis, determination of total fluorine and sum parameters, and novel sensors provides new insights into PFAS occurrence and supports food safety monitoring.</p><h5><strong>An overview of the latest scientific knowledge on process contaminants in food for appropriate risk management measures</strong></h5><ul><li>Thierry Delatour from Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland.</li></ul><p>Recent scientific findings related to acrylamide and furans formation, occurrence and analytical methods in food provide important insights for risk management.</p>

Invited Speakers at RAFA 2026 Symposium

Article

Product

Events

Academy

Scientists

RAFA provides an overview of contemporary trends in ANALYTICAL & BIOANALYTICAL STRATEGIES IN FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY CONTROL and discusses CHALLENGES / NOVEL APPROACHES IN FOOD AND NATURAL PRODUCTS ANALYSIS.

Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA)

A unique company dedicated to serving science helping our customers drive productivity and accelerate results. Through our premier brands – Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Eurachem is a European network promoting international traceability of chemical measurements and good analytical practice. It provides expert guidance, supports method validation, uncertainty evaluation, proficiency testing, and facilitates discussion on technical and policy issues in analytical quality.

Eurachem

Separation Science

Technology Networks

Phenomenex

SelectScience

SCIEX

Waters Corporation

<h4><strong>Three professors. One topic. New perspectives.</strong></h4><p>We're bringing the classroom straight to you with <strong>From the lecture hall: Mass spectrometry fundamentals.</strong></p><p>This 3-part webinar series brings you inside a virtual classroom led by professors from top-tier institutions, who will break down the basics of mass spectrometry. Zero dull moments and no heavy textbooks required.</p><p>Whether you’re new to mass spectrometry or looking to brush up on your knowledge, you’ll walk away with new perspectives.</p><h5><strong>Join us to learn about:</strong></h5><ul><li>Basic concepts from mass-to-charge ratio to resolution</li><li>Key instrumentation such as triple quadrupoles and time-of-flight systems</li><li>Real-world applications</li><li>Interpreting data with confidence</li></ul><p>It’s not every day you get a seat in a classroom like this.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker: </strong>Deborah French, PhD (University of California San Francisco)</p><p><strong>Speaker:&nbsp;</strong>Alec Saitman, PhD (Oregon Health and Science University)</p><p><strong>Speaker:&nbsp;</strong>Adina Badea, PhD, DABCC (Brown University)</p></blockquote>

SCIEX: From the lecture hall: Mass spectrometry fundamentals

From the lecture hall: Mass spectrometry fundamentals - Part I

Learn mass spectrometry fundamentals in a 3-part webinar series covering instrumentation, data interpretation, and practical applications.

From the lecture hall: Mass spectrometry fundamentals

<h4><strong>Three professors. One topic. New perspectives.</strong></h4><p>We're bringing the classroom straight to you with <strong>From the lecture hall: Mass spectrometry fundamentals.</strong></p><p>This 3-part webinar series brings you inside a virtual classroom led by professors from top-tier institutions, who will break down the basics of mass spectrometry. Zero dull moments and no heavy textbooks required.</p><p>Whether you’re new to mass spectrometry or looking to brush up on your knowledge, you’ll walk away with new perspectives.</p><h5><strong>Join us to learn about:</strong></h5><ul><li>Basic concepts from mass-to-charge ratio to resolution</li><li>Key instrumentation such as triple quadrupoles and time-of-flight systems</li><li>Real-world applications</li><li>Interpreting data with confidence</li></ul><p>It’s not every day you get a seat in a classroom like this.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:&nbsp;</strong>Alec Saitman, PhD (Oregon Health and Science University)</p></blockquote>

From the lecture hall: Mass spectrometry fundamentals - Part II

From the lecture hall: Mass spectrometry fundamentals II

<p><strong>Metabolomics is a core pillar of modern systems biology, offering deep insights into the dynamic metabolic phenotypes that underpin human health and disease. Realizing its full potential requires generating high-quality and reproducible representations of complex metabolomes and enabling accurate comparison among them.</strong></p><p>In this SelectScience® TechTalk, Dr. Matthew Lewis, Bruker Daltonics' Vice President of Metabolomics &amp; Lipidomics, makes the case that metabolomics advances when quality is in focus. With the timsMetabo™ and its 4D data richness as the foundation, he examines what it takes to achieve confidence at scale, employing advanced quality control to monitor measurement precision, annotation scoring to ensure accurate connection to biochemical processes, and hybrid workflows that allow quantitation and discovery to thrive on the same platform.</p><p>The timsMetabo's multidimensional, AI-ready data and the digital metabolome archive turns the question from: Have I ever seen this before? into an executable query, using MetaboScape to connect spectra and annotations across distinct studies. Dr. Lewis sets out how this connected future is taking shape, and why Bruker, as a full solutions provider, is best positioned to deliver it.</p><p>By registering, you will learn how this connected approach reduces re‑runs, strengthens data comparability across studies, and equips you to generate the robust, AI‑ready datasets that accelerate discovery and support more reliable systems‑level insights.</p><p><strong>Certificate of attendance</strong><br>If you attend the live TechTalk, you will automatically receive a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary, for continuing education purposes. If you view the on-demand TechTalk, you can request a certificate of attendance by emailing editor@selectscience.net.</p><p><strong>TechTalk details</strong></p><ul><li>Cost: Free to attend</li><li>Location: Online</li><li>Duration: 20 minutes</li></ul><p><i>Registration is required to secure your place. If you register but can’t attend live, you will receive a link to the on‑demand recording once it becomes available.</i></p><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker: </strong>Dr. Matthew Lewis (Vice President, Metabolomics &amp; Lipidomics, Bruker Daltonics)</p><p>For the past 25 years, Dr. Matthew Lewis has pursued his interests in better understanding biochemical processes and improving the analytical tools and techniques used to measure them. At Imperial College London, he served as the chief operating officer of the UK's National Phenome Centre and head of the academic section of Bioanalytical Chemistry in the Faculty of Medicine. Here, he worked to advance the understanding of human disease phenotypes using advanced bioanalytical and data analysis techniques for metabolic profiling at a previously unprecedented scale.</p><p>Lewis transitioned to industry in 2022 to more directly further the development of research-enabling solutions through his role at Bruker Daltonics. He takes great pleasure in extensive engagement in interdisciplinary team science and large-scale scientific collaborations, supporting advancements in the fields of metabolomics and lipidomics.</p></blockquote>

Bruker: Building confidence at scale in 4D‑Metabolomics with data quality, depth and connectivity in focus

Building confidence at scale in 4D‑Metabolomics with data quality, depth and connectivity in focus

Discover Bruker's 4D-metabolomics workflows. Learn how timsMetabo delivers high-quality, AI-ready datasets and robust annotations via MetaboScape.

Building Confidence at Scale in 4D-Metabolomics

<p><strong>Environmental monitoring programs depend on accurate fungal identification to support contamination investigations, trend analysis, and risk assessment. However, some fungal isolates can be difficult to characterize using routine methods, creating uncertainty and potentially requiring additional testing or external resources. As manufacturing environments become more complex, laboratories are seeking reliable approaches to improve confidence in fungal characterization.</strong></p><p>In this webinar, experts will examine current challenges in fungal identification and discuss practical strategies for achieving more consistent species-level characterization. Attendees will gain insights into considerations that can help strengthen environmental monitoring workflows and support informed decision-making.</p><h5><strong>Attend this webinar to:</strong></h5><ul><li>Review comparative performance data for molecular assays targeting the full ITS, D2, and ITS2 regions across a representative panel of environmental fungal isolates</li><li>Understand the role of target region selection and reference library design in supporting species-level fungal characterization</li><li>Explore common challenges associated with characterizing difficult fungal isolates within environmental monitoring workflows</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Christian Reuter, PhD (Field Applications Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><p>&nbsp;Dr. Reuter is a field applications scientist with Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Pharma Analytics team. In this role, Christian is responsible for providing technical support and expertise to BioProduction customers across Central Europe.&nbsp;</p></blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Advancing Confidence in Fungal Identification Workflows

Advancing Confidence in Fungal Identification Workflows

Learn strategies for accurate fungal identification in environmental monitoring. Compare ITS and D2 assays for robust species-level characterization

Advanced Fungal Identification in Environmental Workflows

<div><h4><strong>Latest advances in RT-MALS</strong></h4><p><strong>The ultraDAWN RT-MALS sensor integrates inline or online with downstream unit operations to monitor essential biophysical attributes such as molecular weight, nanoparticle size, physical titer and – for AAV or similar small viral vectors/VLPs – full capsid ratio, empty and full titer and more. Now, with the addition of an embedded dynamic light scattering (DLS) module, an ultraDAWN reveals even more product attributes in real time: hydrodynamic size and polydispersity.</strong></p><p>In addition to RT-DLS, we introduce the latest RT-MALS product – ultraDAWN Pilot - designed for inline operation with pilot scale DSP unit ops such as preparative chromatography or LNP-mRNA encapsulation.</p><h4><strong>What you will learn:</strong></h4><ul><li>How RT-MALS/RT-DLS accelerates process development, deepens process knowledge and enables model-free, CQA-based process control for recombinant proteins, viral vectors, LNPs and polysaccharide conjugate vaccines</li><li>How the ultraDAWN integrates with DSP unit ops inline at bench scale, and online at any scale.</li><li>How the ultraDAWN’s high measurement frequency means more complete process characterization and faster feedback for process control.</li><li>How the ultraDAWN Pilot enables smooth transfer of light-scattering-based PAT methods from PD to production.</li></ul><h4><strong>Who should attend?</strong></h4><p>This webinar is designed for :</p><ul><li>Scientists, Engineers, PAT leads and MSAT personnel involved in downstream process development or production of recombinant proteins, viral vectors, VLPs, LNPs, biologics, polysaccharides, etc.</li><li>CDMO, CRO and other organization who are interested in streamlining process development and production.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Daniel Some, Ph. D.<strong> </strong>(Sr. Principal Product Manager, Waters | Wyatt Technology)</p><p>Dan Some currently leads product, application and market development for Waters’ real-time light scattering product line.</p><p>Previously he contributed to Wyatt’s scientific and technical marketing, and developed instrumentation and software for characterizing biomolecular interactions.</p><p>Dan obtained his Ph.D. in physics from Brown University, then carried out postdoctoral research at Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Weizmann Institute of Science. Prior to joining Wyatt he was involved in defense technology and the semiconductor industry.</p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Udayabagya (Bud) Halim (Sr. Product Marketing Analyst, Waters Corporation)</p><p>Bud Halimis a senior marketing analyst at Waters | Wyatt Technology with a PhD in physical chemistry from UCLA.</p><p>He began his career teaching biochemistry and chemistry and contributing to laboratory manuals before transitioning into the scientific instrumentation industry as an applications scientist.</p><p>At Waters, he supports researchers in the characterization of peptides, biologics, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), and viral vectors.</p></blockquote></div>

Waters Corporation: Scale up, see more - latest advances in real-time light scattering as inline/online PAT for downstream bioprocess

Scale up, see more: latest advances in real-time light scattering as inline/online PAT for downstream bioprocess

Learn how ultraDAWN RT-MALS and RT-DLS accelerate bioprocess development. Monitor CQAs like full/empty capsid ratios and LNP size in real time

Real-Time Light Scattering (RT-MALS) as Bioprocess PAT

<p><strong>High‑throughput LC‑MS/MS workflows using complex matrices are often limited by column degradation, leading to poor peak shape, rising backpressure, and unplanned downtime that impact productivity and cost. &nbsp;Endrix LC columns address these challenges through a hardware‑driven approach, combining proven Kinetex and Luna Omega chemistries with proprietary design to extend usable column lifetime without compromising performance. &nbsp;Real‑world results from a 75‑analyte pain management panel demonstrate significantly increased column lifetime while maintaining consistent chromatographic integrity. &nbsp;By reducing column replacement frequency and minimizing troubleshooting, Endrix enables greater instrument uptime, improved efficiency, and lower cost per injection in demanding, high‑throughput workflows.</strong></p><h4><strong>Key Learning Points</strong></h4><ul><li>Identify key factors that limit LC column lifetime in high‑throughput and complex‑matrix workflows</li><li>Understand how hardware design impacts column durability, beyond stationary‑phase chemistry</li><li>Implement strategies to extend column lifetime, reduce downtime, and lower cost per injection</li><li>Assess when guard columns are optional and how to simplify workflows without sacrificing performance</li></ul><h4><strong>Who Should Attend</strong></h4><ul><li>Any LC-MS/MS scientists in clinical, toxicology, and pharmaceutical laboratories, as well as analytical chemists working with complex or “dirty” matrices such as urine, plasma, and tissue samples.</li></ul><h4><strong>Viewing Options</strong></h4><h5><strong>Session 1</strong></h5><p><strong>Tuesday, July 21, 2026</strong></p><ul><li>Los Angeles: 10:00 AM PT | New York: 1:00 PM EST<br>Mexico City: 12:00 PM CDT</li></ul><h5><strong>Session 2</strong></h5><p><strong>Wednesday, July 22, 2026</strong></p><ul><li>London: 9:00 AM BST | Berlin: 10:00 AM CEST&nbsp;<br>Mumbai: 1:30 PM IST</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Grace Guo &nbsp;(Senior Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)</p><p>&nbsp;Grace Guo graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Master’s degree in Material Science and Engineering. She joined Phenomenex Technical Team in 2017 providing technical support globally. With more than 9 years of experience in SPE, HPLC and GC, she delivered 90+ seminars and webinars globally covering food and environmental, clinical, pharma and biopharma industry.&nbsp;</p></blockquote>

Phenomenex: From Downtime to Data: How Long‑Life Endrix Columns Transform High‑Throughput Labs

From Downtime to Data: How Long‑Life Endrix Columns Transform High‑Throughput Labs

Discover how Phenomenex Endrix LC columns transform high-throughput workflows. Extend column lifetime and maintain peak shape in complex-matrix LC-MS

Long-Life Endrix LC Columns for High-Throughput Labs

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div><p><strong>Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) represent a growing class of next-generation biotherapeutics, offering targeted delivery of highly potent payloads. However, their structural complexity—combining proteins, linkers, and small molecule or oligonucleotide components—introduces significant analytical challenges, including characterization of labile modifications, payload distribution, and low-abundance species.</strong></p><p>This webinar will showcase advanced LC-MS workflows designed to address these challenges, enabling comprehensive characterization at multiple levels, from native intact mass and subunit analyses to peptide mapping and oligonucleotide profiling. Leveraging high-sensitivity detection and complementary fragmentation approaches, these workflows support detailed insight into critical quality attributes, conjugation sites, and structural heterogeneity.</p><p>Attendees will learn how integrated LC-MS strategies can streamline analysis, enhance detection of low-level variants, and provide deeper structural confidence for complex conjugated therapeutics. By enabling robust and scalable characterization, these approaches support informed decision-making throughout development, from early discovery to process optimization.</p><h5><strong>By attending this webinar, you will:</strong></h5><ul><li>Understand key analytical challenges in ADC and AOC characterization, including structural heterogeneity, labile modifications, and detection of low abundance species&nbsp;</li><li>Learn how advanced LC MS workflows, including native SEC MS, intact and subunit analysis, peptide mapping, and oligonucleotide profiling, enable comprehensive, multi-level characterization</li><li>Explore how high-sensitivity detection and advanced fragmentation strategies support deeper structural insight, including payload localization, PTM characterization, and isomer differentiation</li></ul><h5><strong>Who should attend?</strong></h5><ul><li>Analytical and bioanalytical scientists working on ADCs, AOCs, and other complex biotherapeutics&nbsp;</li><li>Process development and CMC teams looking to better understand product heterogeneity and critical quality attributes&nbsp;</li><li>Mass spectrometry users and lab leaders seeking deeper structural insight with high-sensitivity LC MS and native SEC MS workflows</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Haichuan Liu PhD (Staff Scientist – Biopharma | SCIEX)</p><p>Haichuan Liu is currently a Staff Scientist at SCIEX. He specializes in the characterization of antibody- and oligonucleotide-based therapeutics using a variety of LC-MS approaches. Haichuan is an author of over 50 peer-reviewed articles. He has also published numerous technical notes on biotherapeutic characterization.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Jingwen Ding (Senior Technical Product Manager | SCIEX)</p><p>Jingwen Ding is a Senior Technical Product Manager at SCIEX, where she is focused on the development and refinement of icIEF-UV/MS workflows to address the need for reliable charge heterogeneity information. She earned her PhD in Chemistry from the University of Connecticut and her undergraduate degree from Nankai University.</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

SeparationScience: Novel Conjugated Therapeutics Demand New Analytics: LC‑MS Approaches for ADCs and AOCs

Novel Conjugated Therapeutics Demand New Analytics: LC‑MS Approaches for ADCs and AOCs

LC-MS workflows designed to address novel ADCs / AOCs challenges including characterization of labile modifications, payload distribution

LC‑MS Approaches for ADCs and AOCs

<div><p><strong>The rapid rise of glucagon‑like peptide‑1 receptor agonists (GLP‑1 RAs) has transformed the peptide therapeutics landscape, driven by their success in diabetes and obesity treatment and expanding potential across metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. As demand accelerates, biopharma QC teams face increasing pressure to perform high‑confidence GLP‑1 RA impurity profiling. These complex peptides require robust, well‑characterized analytical methods to ensure product quality, support regulatory expectations, and maintain lifecycle control.</strong></p><p>Discover in this SelectScience webinar with Pawel Bigos, Senior Scientist, Waters Corporation, how a case study using Exenatide, a GLP‑1 RA used in type 2 diabetes therapy, uncovered 20 impurity peaks through a streamlined, risk‑based approach for developing lifecycle‑ready liquid chromatography (LC) methods. Bigos will demonstrate how applying analytical quality‑by‑design (AQbD) risk assessments, Design of Experiments (DoE), and Method Operable Design Regions (MODRs) enables deeper method understanding.</p><p>Bigos will also explore peak‑tracking strategies, orthogonal mass detection, Pareto analysis, and resolution mapping, which together provide a blueprint for high‑confidence impurity profiling in complex peptide therapeutics.</p><h4><strong>Who should attend?</strong></h4><ul><li>Professionals in biopharmaceuticals</li><li>Quality control professionals</li><li>Quality assurance professionals</li><li>GLP-1 researchers</li></ul><h4><strong>What will this webinar cover?</strong></h4><ul><li>How to apply AQbD principles to GLP-1 impurity method development by using risk assessments and DoE to systematically build robust, lifecycle-ready methods.</li><li>Strategies for identifying and resolving complex peptide impurities using orthogonal mass detection, Pareto analysis, and data-driven optimization tools to improve peak tracking and separation performance.</li><li>How to develop scalable, reproducible methods for routine testing by establishing method design spaces and transferring optimized methods across UPLC and HPLC platforms.</li></ul><h4><strong>Join the webinar to get answers to these questions:</strong></h4><ul><li>How can AQbD principles and risk assessments be applied to develop robust GLP-1 RA impurity methods?</li><li>How does DoE help to systematically optimize GLP-1 impurity profiling?</li><li>What strategies improve the identification and resolution of complex peptide impurities?</li><li>How can orthogonal mass detection and Pareto analysis enhance peak tracking and separation?</li><li>How do you establish method design spaces to transfer optimized methods across UPLC and HPLC platforms for routine testing?</li></ul><h5><strong>Certificate of attendance</strong></h5><ul><li>If you attend the live webinar, you will automatically receive a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary, for continuing education purposes.</li><li>If you view the on-demand webinar, you can request a certificate of attendance by emailing editor@selectscience.net.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Pawel Bigos (Senior Scientist, Waters Corporation)</p><p>Pawel Bigos is a Senior Scientist at Waters Corporation in the QA/QC Biologics group in Milford, Massachusetts. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of South Florida. Prior to Waters, Bigos gained valuable experience at Frequency Therapeutics, Novartis, and Symbiotic Research. Since joining Waters in 2022, he has concentrated on biomolecule separations and plays a critical role in providing analytical support in the development, commercialization, and application of Waters' innovative products.</p><p><strong>Moderator:</strong> Olivia Long (Editorial Team, SelectScience)</p><p>Olivia Long is a science editor specializing in pharmaceutical and applied science. She has a BSc in Pharmacology, and an MSc in Neuroscience, where she investigated neuro‑oncology drug‑resistance pathways using patient‑derived cell models. Her laboratory experience spans R&amp;D hygiene testing, controlled‑environment sample production, and protocol development, giving her a broad understanding of analytical workflows and the scientific principles underpinning GLP-1 impurity profiling</p></blockquote></div>

Waters Corporation: Accelerate GLP-1 impurity profiling with Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD)

Accelerate GLP-1 impurity profiling with Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD)

Discover AQbD, DoE, and LC-MS strategies for robust GLP-1 RA impurity profiling and lifecycle-ready LC methods for peptide therapeutics.

GLP-1 impurity profiling with Analytical Quality by Design

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div><p><strong>When (bio)pharma formulation components have little or no UV response, HPLC methods can take longer to develop and optimize, become harder to transfer, and leave uncertainty around critical results. The right universal LC detector can help reduce method development effort, improve detection confidence, and support more robust routine workflows.</strong></p><p>Using one of the most challenging formulation excipients to characterize as a concrete example, we will walk you through how to analyze Polysorbate 80 using <strong>Thermo Scientific™ Vanquish™ Charged Aerosol Detector (CAD) </strong>and compare with results generated by ELSD. Additional case studies from lipid nanoparticle sample testing will show how the two detectors compare in practice, explain key differences in parameter settings, and offer practical advice on how to evolve your methods from ELSD to CAD.</p><p>Join us for a practical guide to evaluate a more robust path for detecting challenging analytes in your formulation.</p><h4><strong>Who should attend:</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>HPLC users who rely on ELSD</strong> but struggle with time-consuming optimization, sensitivity limits, noisy baselines, reproducibility, or transfer of methods into QC</li><li><strong>Analytical development, QC, and formulation teams </strong>working with complex (bio)pharma excipients, polysorbates, lipid nanoparticle formulations, related lipids, impurities, degradants, or other analytes with little or no UV response.</li></ul><h4><strong>Attendees will gain practical strategies to:</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Improve detection confidence</strong> for low-abundance, non-chromophoric analytes</li><li><strong>Build more robust, transferable HPLC methods</strong> for development and QC workflows</li><li><strong>Reduce method transfer risk </strong>by understanding which detector settings affect ELSD-to-CAD performance</li></ul><p><strong>Register now to gain practical guidance for improving confidence in universal HPLC detection.</strong></p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Chris John, PhD (Research Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><p>Chris John received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Michigan State University in 2019. He then joined PPD’s Biopharmaceuticals Method Development team where he led the development and validation of HPLC methods for quantifying excipients, impurities, and APIs in biopharmaceutical products. Chris later transferred to PPD’s Cell and Gene Therapy group as an HPLC subject matter expert where he continues to lead method development and validation activities.</p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Adam Punke (Sr. Research Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><p>Adam Punke has 15+ years of experience conducting HPLC/UPLC analyses in a GMP Environment. After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology at the University of Wisconsin, he joined PPD’s inhalation department and performed testing to support stability studies of dry powder inhaled (DPI) products.</p><p>In 2011, Adam transitioned to PPD’s Biopharmaceuticals group to lead stability testing associated with a protein-based DPI. In 2015 Adam earned his master’s degree in chemistry from the University of North Carolina.</p><p>He is currently an HPLC subject matter expert in the method development and validation team in the PPD Gene and Cell Therapy department where he oversees method development/validation projects and provides internal support to troubleshoot chromatographic issues.</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: How to save time and gain confidence in complex excipient analysis with universal LC detection

How to save time and gain confidence in complex excipient analysis with universal LC detection

Discover how Vanquish CAD improves HPLC detection of non-UV analytes and compare its performance with ELSD for biopharmaceutical analysis.

Save time and gain confidence with universal LC detection

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div><p><strong>UV detection has traditionally been the standard approach for protein analysis in capillary electrophoresis (CE) workflows used in biopharmaceutical development and quality control. However, fluorescence-based detection methods are increasingly being adopted to address analytical challenges that require greater sensitivity and selectivity.</strong></p><p>In this live webinar, you will learn how the two main fluorescence detection approaches used in CE—native fluorescence (NF) and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF)—work and where they can provide advantages over conventional UV detection. Through practical application examples, we will explore how fluorescence detection can support protein characterization workflows, including charge heterogeneity and fragment analysis.</p><h4><strong>What you will learn</strong></h4><ul><li>The principles of native fluorescence (NF) and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection in CE</li><li>Key differences between fluorescence and UV detection methods</li><li>When fluorescence detection can provide greater sensitivity and selectivity</li><li>Applications of NF and LIF for protein analysis in biopharmaceutical workflows</li><li>Real-world examples of charge heterogeneity and fragment analysis using fluorescence detection</li><li>Considerations for selecting the most appropriate detection strategy for your analytical goals</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Stephen Lock (Sr. Market Development Manager – Biopharma, SCIEX)</p><p>Steve obtained his PhD in Physical Organic Chemistry from the University College of Swansea in 1993 and is a chartered chemist and a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry.</p><p>He has worked for SCIEX in various technical roles for over 20 years and has presented at over 80 international meetings around the world.</p><p>He currently works closely with customers in the biopharmaceutical industry. Steve is also currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Pannonia.</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

SCIEX: Understanding the benefits of fluorescence detection in capillary electrophoresis (CE)

Understanding the benefits of fluorescence detection in capillary electrophoresis (CE)

Explore NF and LIF detection in capillary electrophoresis for biopharma protein analysis, charge heterogeneity and fragment analysis.

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