<p><strong>The human body is the most sophisticated atomic engineer. This idea underpins a breakthrough technology developed by an international research team led by scientists from the Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) at Palacký University Olomouc and the Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies (CEET) at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava. By drawing inspiration from the way enzymes function in the human body, the researchers have created a novel material that could fundamentally change the industrial production of hydrogen peroxide and other important chemicals. The new approach simplifies the production process, eliminates the need for toxic organic solvents and expensive precious metals, and requires only sunlight, oxygen and water to operate. The results </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-67189-3"><strong>were published by the prestigious journal </strong><i><strong>Nature Communications</strong></i></a><strong>, which ranked the study among the 50 most significant scientific discoveries of the year.</strong></p><p>Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most important industrial chemicals. It is widely used not only in the chemical industry but also in pharmaceuticals, medicine, the textile industry and water-treatment technologies. The global hydrogen peroxide market is estimated to exceed USD 5 billion annually. Conventional production involves a multistep process that relies on toxic organic solvents and costly palladium-based catalysts. In addition, both the starting chemicals and the resulting waste products can have negative impacts on human health and the environment.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Cesti_vedci_vyvinuli_material_pro_vyrobu_chemikalii_z_vody_a_slunce_Inspirovali_se_lidskymi_enzymy_2_c4d5ecbafb.webp" alt="CATRIN: Czech scientists develop a material for producing chemicals from water and sunlight, inspired by human enzymes" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Cesti_vedci_vyvinuli_material_pro_vyrobu_chemikalii_z_vody_a_slunce_Inspirovali_se_lidskymi_enzymy_2_c4d5ecbafb.webp 208w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1200"></p><p><i>“Our aim was to develop a material that enables the efficient, environmentally friendly and affordable production of hydrogen peroxide. When designing this photocatalyst, we were inspired by the structure and behaviour of enzymes in the human body. The result is a technology that does not require toxic organic solvents or expensive precious metals and instead uses a low-cost material based on carbon, nitrogen and copper. It operates in water using only sunlight and oxygen from the air,”</i> said<strong> Radek Zbořil, leader of research teams at CATRIN and CEET</strong>.</p><p>In developing the new photocatalyst, the Czech scientists mimicked the function of cytochrome c oxidase—an enzyme that enables human cells to obtain energy by transferring electrons to oxygen. This process relies on copper atoms embedded in the enzyme’s structure, and it was precisely this mechanism that the researchers sought to reproduce.</p><p><i>“We very precisely replicated the chemical environment of metals within the enzyme’s structure and anchored copper atoms onto the surface of extremely small carbon nanoparticles with photocatalytic properties. When exposed to light, highly efficient electron transfer occurs between the carbon nanoparticles, the copper atoms and oxygen molecules. This process closely resembles an enzymatic reaction and enables high hydrogen peroxide production,”</i> explained the first author of the study, <strong>Lukáš Zdražil, who is affiliated with both CATRIN and CEET</strong>.</p><p>Producing hydrogen peroxide using sunlight and water has been a long-standing goal of research teams worldwide, as it eliminates the use of toxic organic solvents and avoids the formation of hazardous by-products. Until now, however, research in this area has largely remained at an academic level, mainly due to the use of noble metals and often complex photocatalyst designs. Laboratory studies have also resulted in relatively low hydrogen peroxide yields, which could not compete with existing industrial processes.</p><p><i>“<strong>The new photocatalyst achieves hydrogen peroxide production rates up to two orders of magnitude higher than all previously reported systems</strong>, bringing us much closer to industrial requirements. In addition, the material is completely non-toxic, easily recyclable and reusable,”</i> added Zdražil.</p><p>The Czech teams are now focusing on potential applications of this technology in decentralised production units. Such systems could enable efficient, local production of hydrogen peroxide, for example for use in agriculture, pharmaceutical manufacturing or environmental applications. The combination of solar energy and materials inspired by enzymatic systems may also lead to further promising advances.</p><p><i>“I believe that mimicking the structures and functions of iron- and copper-based enzymes could pave the way for other innovative technologies in the chemical industry and pharmaceuticals, such as the production of epoxides, alcohols or phenols,”</i> concluded Zbořil.</p>

 Czech scientists develop a material for producing chemicals from water and sunlight, inspired by human enzymes

<h3><strong>Mastering Ion-Pair Reversed-Phase Chromatography for Oligonucleotide Analysis</strong></h3><h4><strong>Why Purity Is Critical in the Oligonucleotide Era</strong></h4><p>Oligonucleotides — short, synthetic strands of DNA or RNA — are central to modern biotechnology. They power gene therapies, advanced diagnostics, and cutting-edge molecular research. However, before these molecules can be used in clinical or research settings, their purity and structural integrity must be thoroughly verified. High-resolution chromatographic analysis plays a crucial role in ensuring quality and safety.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_1_Separation_Example_of_Oligonucleotides_5577514561.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 1 - Separation Example of Oligonucleotides." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_1_Separation_Example_of_Oligonucleotides_5577514561.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="368"></p><h4><strong>Understanding Ion-Pair Reversed-Phase (IP-RP) Chromatography</strong></h4><p>For scientists involved in oligonucleotide synthesis and characterization, Ion-Pair Reversed-Phase Chromatography (IP-RP) is one of the most effective analytical tools available.</p><p>Unlike separation techniques that rely solely on charge differences, IP-RP combines:</p><ul><li>Ionic interactions</li><li>Hydrophobic interactions</li></ul><p>This dual retention mechanism enables exceptional resolution — even for oligonucleotides that differ by only a single nucleotide or subtle chemical modification. Whether assessing synthesis efficiency or purifying therapeutic-grade material, IP-RP provides reliable, reproducible separations.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_2_Overview_of_IP_RP_Mode_prinicple_ecd54b6e9c.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 2 - Overview of IP-RP Mode prinicple." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_2_Overview_of_IP_RP_Mode_prinicple_ecd54b6e9c.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="456"></p><h4><strong>The Principle Behind Ion-Pairing</strong></h4><p>Oligonucleotides possess a highly negatively charged phosphate backbone. In a traditional reversed-phase system, such hydrophilic, charged molecules would show little retention.</p><p>IP-RP overcomes this limitation by introducing a positively charged ion-pairing reagent into the mobile phase. The cation associates with the negatively charged oligonucleotide, forming a transient ion pair with increased hydrophobic character. This modified complex can now interact with the hydrophobic stationary phase.</p><p>Retention strength depends on:</p><ul><li>The hydrophobicity of the ion-pair reagent</li><li>The strength of ionic interaction</li><li>The applied organic gradient</li></ul><p>During gradient elution (commonly using acetonitrile), analytes are released in a controlled manner according to size, sequence, and chemical modifications.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_3_Ion_Pair_Reversed_Phase_Principle_9a4fcd12f2.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 3 - Ion-Pair Reversed Phase Principle." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_3_Ion_Pair_Reversed_Phase_Principle_9a4fcd12f2.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="393"></p><h4><strong>Choosing the Right Ion-Pair Reagent</strong></h4><p>Successful IP-RP separation depends heavily on selecting an appropriate ion-pair reagent. Two key factors determine retention behavior:</p><ol><li>Alkyl chain length</li><li>Charge density</li></ol><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_4_Ion_Pair_Classification_eaad172a4e.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 4 - Ion-Pair Classification." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_4_Ion_Pair_Classification_eaad172a4e.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="398"></p><h4><strong>Strong Cationic Ion-Pair Reagents</strong></h4><p>Ion-pair reagents with longer alkyl chains provide stronger hydrophobic interactions and increased retention. A widely used example is tetrabutylammonium (TBA⁺), frequently applied for strongly retained anionic analytes.</p><p>These reagents are particularly useful when high retention strength is required.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Table_1_Strong_Cationic_Ion_Pair_Reagents_8dbf00c57e.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Table 1 - Strong Cationic Ion-Pair Reagents." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Table_1_Strong_Cationic_Ion_Pair_Reagents_8dbf00c57e.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="396"></p><h4><strong>Volatile (Weaker) Ion-Pair Reagents</strong></h4><p>Short-chain ion-pair reagents generate weaker retention but offer a significant advantage: compatibility with LC–MS detection.</p><p>Triethylammonium (TEA⁺) is among the most commonly used reagents for oligonucleotide analysis, particularly when mass spectrometric detection is involved. Other options, such as diisopropylethylammonium (DIEA⁺), are also widely applied, often combined with HFIP to enhance MS performance.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Table_2_Weak_Cationic_Ion_Pair_Reagents_6332a4975e.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Table 2 - Weak Cationic Ion-Pair Reagents." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Table_2_Weak_Cationic_Ion_Pair_Reagents_6332a4975e.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="283"></p><h4><strong>Building an IP-RP Method for Oligonucleotides</strong></h4><p>Developing a robust IP-RP method follows a logical sequence:</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Table_3_IP_RP_Method_Step_Procedure_for_Oligos_c2216c24a0.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Table 3 - IP-RP Method Step Procedure for Oligos." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Table_3_IP_RP_Method_Step_Procedure_for_Oligos_c2216c24a0.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="304"></p><h5><strong>1. Characterize the Analyte</strong></h5><p>Oligonucleotides typically contain 10–50+ nucleotides and exhibit high negative charge density. This necessitates a suitable cationic partner such as TEA⁺ or DIEA⁺.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_5_Cationic_Ion_Pair_Principle_for_Oligonucleotides_cb2dfb7457.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 5 - Cationic Ion-Pair Principle for Oligonucleotides." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_5_Cationic_Ion_Pair_Principle_for_Oligonucleotides_cb2dfb7457.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="512" height="320"></p><h5><strong>2. Select the Column</strong></h5><p>Use a reversed-phase column with:</p><ul><li>Large pore size (≈300 Å)</li><li>Appropriate internal diameter</li></ul><p>These parameters support the so-called “ON–OFF” retention mechanism — a bind-and-elute behavior where analytes are strongly retained until the gradient triggers rapid elution.</p><h5><strong>3. Optimize the Mobile Phase</strong></h5><p>A typical starting condition includes:</p><ul><li>10 mM TEA buffer at pH ~7</li><li>Acetonitrile as organic modifier</li></ul><p>Gradient programs from approximately 5% to 50% organic solvent over 15–30 minutes are commonly effective for complex oligonucleotide mixtures.</p><h5><strong>4. Adjust Retention Strength if Needed</strong></h5><p>To increase retention:</p><ul><li>Raise ion-pair concentration (up to ~100 mM if required)</li><li>Select a more hydrophobic ion-pair reagent</li></ul><h5><strong>5. Validate the Method</strong></h5><p>Ensure robustness, sensitivity, and reproducibility by carefully evaluating:</p><ul><li>UV chromatograms</li><li>MS traces</li><li>Peak shape and resolution</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_6_UV_MS_traces_of_IP_RP_Oligonucleotide_Analysis_81faf4e9f0.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 6 - UV-MS traces of IP-RP Oligonucleotide Analysis." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_6_UV_MS_traces_of_IP_RP_Oligonucleotide_Analysis_81faf4e9f0.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="365"></p><h4><strong>Why IP-RP Is Considered the Gold Standard</strong></h4><p>Ion-Pair Reversed-Phase Chromatography uniquely combines the resolving power of reversed-phase LC with the ability to retain highly polar, charged biomolecules.</p><p>Its advantages include:</p><ul><li>Tunable selectivity</li><li>Compatibility with UV and MS detection</li><li>Scalability from analytical to preparative workflows</li><li>Applicability from research to pharmaceutical production</li></ul><p>By transforming highly charged oligonucleotides into hydrophobic ion-pair complexes, IP-RP enables precise and reproducible separations that would otherwise be impossible in conventional reversed-phase systems.</p><p>For these reasons, IP-RP is widely regarded as the benchmark technique for oligonucleotide analysis.</p><h4><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></h4><p>Mastering IP-RP is less intimidating than it may seem. A successful method comes down to:</p><ul><li>Selecting the right ion-pair reagent</li><li>Choosing a suitable column</li><li>Optimizing gradient conditions</li><li>Fine-tuning temperature and concentration parameters</li></ul><p>With thoughtful method development, IP-RP delivers sharp peaks, clean separations, and reliable performance — fully compatible with modern mass spectrometry workflows and ready to meet the demands of advanced oligonucleotide analysis.</p>

Oligos Made Easy - Part 3: IP-RP

<h4><strong>"Education is central to how I approach research"</strong></h4><p><strong>Analytical scientist Dr Bob Pirok of the Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences has been awarded the 19th annual ‘Emerging Leader in Chromatography Award’ by LCGC International, a well-known global publisher in the field of separation science. Pirok will receive the award at the upcoming Pittcon 2026 conference held 7-11 March in San Antonio, Texas.</strong></p><p>With the Emerging Leader in Chromatography Award, LGCG International recognises the achievements and aspirations of talented early-career separation scientists who have made strides toward the advancement and applications of chromatography techniques. Pirok is honoured for his work in the <strong>development of comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC×LC), automated method development, and chemometric data analysis</strong>.</p><p>Already in his early career, Pirok has emerged as a prominent figure in addressing long-standing challenges in LC×LC, which include method complexity, data interpretation, and experimental optimisation. His research is characterised by close interaction between theory, instrumentation, and application, as well as sustained collaboration with academic and industrial partners. On a mission to transform advanced chromatographic techniques into practical and robust analytical tools, Pirok has <strong>authored or co-authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications</strong> and established an internationally visible research program at the interface of separation science, statistics, and artificial intelligence. All this within a few years of receiving his PhD in 2019.</p><h4><strong>Automated method development</strong></h4><p>Central to Pirok’s research is the novel <strong>modular AutoLC platform</strong>, which enables prototype automated method development. With a capacity to run unsupervised (i.e. without human input), it is able to tackle samples of unknown composition by autonomous analysis of <strong>(2D-)LC(-MS) data</strong>. It is flexible, able to support different optimization strategies and capable of integrating tools developed by scientists in the global chromatographic community.</p><p>Accessibility and sustainability are key motivations behind AutoLC, says Pirok: “<i><strong>State-of-the-art separation technology is often overly sophisticated. We aim to make it more robust, automated, and usable beyond a small group of specialists, as efficiently as possible. By providing more detailed and reliable molecular information, such technologies can better inform molecular design and accelerate the development of new materials and applications.</strong></i>”</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/HIMS_From_left_to_right_Bob_Pirok_Prof_Peter_Schoenmakers_Ph_D_candidate_Gerben_van_Henten_and_postdoc_researcher_Tijmen_Bos_in_the_Auto_LC_lab_at_the_Van_t_Hoff_Institute_for_Molecular_Sciences_a4fe9bc6f7.jpg" alt="HIMS: From left to right: Bob Pirok, Prof. Peter Schoenmakers, PhD candidate Gerben van Henten, and postdoc researcher Tijmen Bos in the AutoLC lab at the Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences. The AutoLC workflow builds on concepts originally introduced by Schoenmakers in 1978, which have now been adapted and extended within a modern, automated framework by the AutoLC team. Schoenmakers, who retired in 2022, was awarded the 2023 LCGC Lifetime Achievement Award." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_HIMS_From_left_to_right_Bob_Pirok_Prof_Peter_Schoenmakers_Ph_D_candidate_Gerben_van_Henten_and_postdoc_researcher_Tijmen_Bos_in_the_Auto_LC_lab_at_the_Van_t_Hoff_Institute_for_Molecular_Sciences_a4fe9bc6f7.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="700" height="425"></p><p>He is especially grateful to his students who continuously challenge assumptions and push the technology further. “<i>They show why research and education belong together</i>”, he says. “<i>In fact, education is central to how I approach research. Many of the ideas behind AutoLC grew directly from discussions with students, in the lab, in courses, or while trying to explain complex concepts in a clear and accessible way. Seeing students grow into independent scientists, capable of questioning methods and building new ones, is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.</i>”&nbsp;</p><blockquote><h5><strong>About Bob Pirok</strong></h5><p>Bob Pirok (Den Helder, 1987) completed his MSc in analytical chemistry at the University of Amsterdam, followed by doctoral research conducted in close collaboration with industrial partners including Shell, DSM, and Heineken. After earning his PhD in 2019 with Prof. Peter Schoenmakers, Pirok was appointed tenure-track assistant professor at the Van ’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences. There, he co-founded the Chemometrics and Advanced Separations Team (CAST) and was appointed associate professor in 2025.</p><p>Pirok is also a visiting researcher at Gustavus Adolphus College in the United States and Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Pirok has received the Shimadzu Young Scientist Award (2015), the Csaba Horváth Young-Scientist Award (HPLC 2017), and the Journal of Chromatography Young-Scientist Award (2018). He is a driving force within the University of Amsterdam’s analytical chemistry programs, where he teaches courses in chemometrics, statistics, and separation science and supervises many MSc and BSc students. Pirok serves on the Early Career Board of Analytical Chemistry and is active in professional networks such as the European Chemistry Thematic Network.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/HIMS_Bob_Pirok_speaking_at_the_Balaton_2025_symposium_in_Siofok_Hungary_in_September_2025_106d7cffb5.jpg" alt="HIMS: Bob Pirok speaking at the Balaton 2025 symposium in Siófok, Hungary, in September 2025" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_HIMS_Bob_Pirok_speaking_at_the_Balaton_2025_symposium_in_Siofok_Hungary_in_September_2025_106d7cffb5.jpg 204w," sizes="100vw" width="857" height="655"></p></blockquote>

Bob Pirok receives LCGC Emerging Leader award

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<h5><strong>HPLC purification is powerful and its purpose practical:</strong></h5><ul><li>Recover the target compound</li><li>Obtain desired target purity and yield</li><li>Complete the purification in the least amount of time</li></ul><p>“Sticky” compounds seemingly hang up in the preparative column and are difficult to effectively detect and collect. When this occurs, prep separations degrade, and the target’s purification success is at risk. In particular, metal-sensitive targets can adsorb to positively charged metal surfaces in the flow path and column. These non-specific adsorbers (NSAs) behave unpredictably and can lead to sample loss, compromised purity or low throughput. Learn how to overcome these issues in LC purifications and improve productivity with a new OBD preparative column technology that is inert to analytes that may be prone to non-specific binding.</p><h5><strong>Key Objectives:</strong></h5><ul><li>What types of compounds can be NSAs</li><li>What are the chromatographic issues NSAs exhibit and the impact they have on compound purification</li><li>How to mitigate NSA challenges with inert preparative columns</li><li>How to safeguard your purifications even when isolating compounds with unknown structures which may be non-specific adsorbers</li><li>How improving sensitivity can significantly improve outcomes from batch library purifications or for other samples where first-time injection success is paramount to retrieve even low-level targets</li></ul>

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<p><strong>Join us for an enlightening webinar series designed to empower academicians and researchers by exploring the latest advancements and opportunities in pharmaceutical sciences. At Agilent, we recognize the unique challenges faced by academicians, researchers, and students. At PharmaFrontiers, we have curated a series of content tailored to address your needs and unlock new opportunities.</strong></p><p>The PharmaFrontiers seminar series is designed to provide you with valuable knowledge, insights, and practical skills.</p><p><strong>Topics to be covered:</strong></p><ul><li>Introduction to Unlocking Intelligent Features of the Agilent Infinity III LC Series.&nbsp;</li><li>Advance your lab with the performance and intelligence of next-generation LC-MS detection.</li><li>Achieve More and Uncover Biological Insights Faster: End-to-End LC Platforms, LC/TQ, and LC/QTOF Workflows.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dr. Nirmal Thakker (Technical Application Support Specialist – Chromatography, Dissolution &amp; Lab Informatics, Agilent Technologies)</p><p>Dr. Nirmal has done his PhD in quality assurance and pharmacy and his master's in pharmacy from the University of Pune. He has more than 15 years of overall industrial experience working in analytical research &amp; development for renowned multinational pharma companies like Glenmark, Torrent, and Piramal. He has also worked with Spinco Biotech as an application specialist for LC. Presently, he is working with Agilent Technologies as a technical application support specialist for chromatography, dissolution, and lab informatics. He has expertise in chromatography, QbD, method transfer, and mass spectrometry.</p><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Vinayak AK (Pre-Sales Applications Engineer - LC/MS and Automation, Agilent Technologies)</p><p>Vinayak AK began his career at Agilent in 2012 as a campus hire working as an application associate. He then transitioned to the segment marketing team as an application scientist, a role he held for 5 years. For the past 8 years, Vinayak has been serving as a pre-sales applications engineer/product specialist for LC and then for LC/MS. His expertise includes method development for MS-based impurity analysis and purification and cleaning validation workflows, utilizing solutions such as the Agilent 6150 Series Single Quadrupole LC/MS. Vinayak has published a total of 13 application notes across various workflow solutions based on Agilent UHPLC and QbD solutions, including 3 specifically on Agilent Single Quadrupole solutions.</p><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dr. Ashish Pargaonkar (Biopharma Market Development Specialist, Agilent Technologies)</p><p>Dr. Ashish Pargaonkar is a Lead for Biopharma Workflow Commercialization team for India and also Manager for Centre of Excellences at Bangalore. A Microbiologist by education with a Ph.D, he holds more than 20 years of experience for Biopharma market applications on Hi Resolution Mass Spectrometry.</p><p>He has a long record of successful demonstrations and customer engagements on workflows for CQA’s, Intact mass, peptide mapping, HCP and Glycans using Agilent state-of-the art solutions. He has authored ASMS posters on media components and therapeutic peptides. Dr. Ashish has been invited speaker at several conferences and workshops at Biosimilar Congress, ADC 2018, IIT (Mumbai, Delhi), ICT (Mumbai), PSI events.</p></blockquote>

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Discover smart LC features and next-gen LC-MS workflows. Learn how LC/TQ and LC/QTOF platforms can accelerate biological insights and lab productivity.

LC/LCMS Pharmaceutical Analysis

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div><p><strong>Bispecific and multispecific antibodies represent a rapidly growing class of therapeutics, distinguished by their ability to target multiple antigens simultaneously. However, their complex structures and diverse formats pose significant challenges to purification processes, particularly in achieving the high purity and safety standards required for clinical and commercial applications.</strong></p><p>This webinar will explore the recent advancements in chromatography solutions and the latest strategies for optimizing the purification of bispecific antibodies, from initial capture to final polishing steps.</p><h5><strong>Join this webinar to discover:&nbsp;</strong></h5><ul><li>Techniques for effective capture and polish chromatography</li><li>How to select the optimal affinity matrices for bispecific antibody purification</li><li>Practical tips for overcoming specific challenges associated with advanced antibody formats</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>POROS:</strong> Pharmaceutical Grade Reagent. For Manufacturing and Laboratory Use Only. CaptureSelect: For Research Use or Further Manufacturing. Not for diagnostic use or direct administration in humans or animals.</p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Robert Stairs (Field Applications Staff Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><p>Robert Stairs is a Field Applications Staff Scientist in the Bioproduction group at Thermo Fisher Scientific and is responsible for providing technical support for POROS and CaptureSelect chromatography resins. He has been a member of the team since 2023. Robert’s career began over 10 years ago as a part of the Preclinical Manufacturing and Process Development (PMPD) team at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in Tarrytown, NY. In his role, he was responsible for early and late-stage downstream process development, characterization, scale-up, and technology transfer for monoclonal and bispecific antibody processes, with a specialization in polishing chromatography. Following that, Robert supported the process development team at Applied Genetic Technology Corporation (now Beacon Therapeutics) in Alachua, FL and was similarly responsible for downstream process development and technology transfer for AAV based gene therapy programs. Robert earned his Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering from the University of Maine in Orono, ME.</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

Technology Networks: Optimizing Bispecific Antibody Purification: Case Studies and Strategies

Optimizing Bispecific Antibody Purification: Case Studies and Strategies

Learn how to overcome purification challenges for bispecific antibodies using advanced chromatography strategies, from capture to final polishing.

Optimizing Bispecific Antibody Purification

<h5><strong>The Problem&nbsp;</strong></h5><p>Whether starting small or scaling up to GMP, you need nanoparticle production tools that can keep up. Early-stage nucleic acid construct testing requires a simple, low-volume approach to consistently encapsulate your novel RNA or DNA into a benchmark nanoparticle formulation. Researchers exploring new nanoparticles need a ton of flexibility to explore new formulations and optimize for different process conditions. If you’re aiming for manufacturing, you’ll want all the bells and whistles to get your optimized continuous flow nanoparticle production process ready for GMP.&nbsp;</p><h5><strong>The Solution</strong></h5><p>Sunshine covers all the bases, with a setup to suit any need. Sunshine Single brings low-volume, plug-and-play payload encapsulation to your lab, with step-by-step software and one-and-done low volume particle prep that’s consistent every time. Sunshine Lite adds sequential automation for walk-away prep of up to 10 samples in 15 minutes from a single reagent loading step – plus a continuous mode for larger volumes. Sunshine takes it to the next step with automated in-line dilution to give you everything you need to establish a production-ready nanoparticle synthesis process that can be transferred to GMP in a jiff.&nbsp;</p><h5><strong>The Proof&nbsp;</strong></h5><p>In this seminar, you’ll learn how Sunshine supports the full nanomedicine development journey for a range of particle material types, and with feature sets to suit industry and academic researchers alike. With fit-for-purpose software, options for low- and high-volume particle production, and upgradeable instrument setups, Sunshine has your back when it comes to making nanoparticles at every stage of nanoparticle research.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Ben Knappett, PhD (Product Manager, The Sunny Suite·Unchained Labs)</p><p>Ben Knappett is Product Manager for the Sunny Suite, Unchained Labs’ automated microfluidic nanoparticle synthesis instruments, used primarily for LNP encapsulation in drug delivery, vaccines, and gene therapy applications. Ben received his MChem degree from Durham University, and completed a PhD in nanoparticle synthesis and characterization at the University of Cambridge. Ben previously worked for Particle Works as Head of Science and Applications, playing a key role in the development and commercialization of the instruments that now make up the Sunny Suite.&nbsp;</p></blockquote>

Unchained Labs: Crush nanoparticle prep at every step with Sunshine

Crush nanoparticle prep at every step with Sunshine

Explore how Sunshine enables scalable, automated nanoparticle production for research and GMP, with flexible setups for RNA/DNA encapsulation and LNP workflows.

<h5><strong>Overview</strong></h5><p>In this presentation, we will cover the following key topics:</p><ul><li>The Baseline: An Introduction &nbsp;</li><li>Common Baseline problems&nbsp;</li><li>Troubleshooting the Baseline and the culprits&nbsp;</li><li>Preventative measures for a “wonderful” Baseline &nbsp;</li></ul><h5><strong>Key Learning Points</strong></h5><ul><li>Understand the baseline in the context of Liquid Chromatography&nbsp;</li><li>Discover the causes of commonly encountered Baseline problems &nbsp;</li><li>Learn how to successfully troubleshoot a baseline problem &nbsp;</li><li>Fine new preventative tips and tricks for ensuring a wonderful baseline &nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><h5><strong>Who Should Attend</strong></h5><ul><li>Anyone interested in understanding the Baseline in HPLC, or anyone experiencing challenges with the Baseline of their HPLC method&nbsp;</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Laura Ward (Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)</p><p>Laura Ward is a Technical Specialist for the Asia-Pacific region with Phenomenex, located in New Zealand. She completed an Honours thesis in the field of Geochemistry at the University of Sydney, Australia where she discovered a love for Analytical Chemistry. Following university, Laura joined Phenomenex Australia as a Technical Sales Consultant where she supported various industries and labs. After 5 years and a move to New Zealand, she has joined the Phenomenex Technical Team where she supports scientists globally with method development, troubleshooting and application support. Her professional area of interest is Green Chemistry, actively researching into more environmentally sustainable solutions in the analytical chemistry field. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys being outdoors in the New Zealand countryside and cooking from scratch, with her latest culinary adventure being cheesemaking.</p></blockquote>

Phenomenex: From Wavy to Wonderful: Solving HPLC Baseline Problems

From Wavy to Wonderful: Solving HPLC Baseline Problems

Master HPLC baseline troubleshooting and prevention on causes, solutions, and best practices for achieving optimal chromatographic performance.

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div><p><strong>High-throughput forensic laboratories often face challenges such as instrument downtime, limited real-time visibility, manual data collection, and constrained IT support. These issues can slow case processing and impact overall efficiency.</strong></p><p>Discover in this webinar how South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) laboratory was able to overcome these challenges by implementing Agilent CrossLab Connect. Join Lieutenant Robert Sears, SLED, to hear how this digital platform enhanced instrument monitoring, service management, and utilization analytics, to improve the operational efficiency of SLED's 20,000 annual cases across toxicology, drug chemistry, and trace analysis.</p><h5><strong>Key learning objectives</strong></h5><ul><li>Understand how digital transformation is reshaping forensic laboratory operations.</li><li>Learn about the practical challenges of integrating CrossLab Connect in a complex lab environment.</li><li>Discover what Agilent envisions for future enhancements including environmental data integration and improved asset management.</li></ul><h5><strong>Who should attend?</strong></h5><ul><li>Lab leadership and operations: Lab managers, lab directors, directors of lab operations, directors of lab support services, directors of lab asset management programs, and facilities directors</li><li>Lab information and systems management: Directors of lab information systems, lab operations directors, and lab support services personnel.</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>Lieutenant Robert Sears PhD., F-ABFT (Forensic Technology Supervisor, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division)</p><p>Lieutenant Robert Sears studied at the University of South Carolina gaining a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences. To date, he is a &nbsp;department supervisor with 37 years of experience in forensics and toxicology. He manages the LIMS, assists with instrument troubleshooting, provides new user training, and serves as a vendor liaison.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Moderator:</strong> Olivia Long (Editorial Team, SelectScience)</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

SelectScience: Transforming forensic lab efficiency through digitalization

Transforming forensic lab efficiency through digitalization

Learn how SLED boosted forensic lab productivity with CrossLab Connect—enabling smarter service, monitoring, and analytics across high-throughput workflows.

<h5><strong>The Problem&nbsp;</strong></h5><p>Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are all the rage as delivery vehicles for the next generation of mRNA-based gene therapies, antisense oligos and the raw materials for CRISPR. Testing LNP encapsulation efficiency (EE%) is fundamental for knowing if your LNPs are successfully surrounding your payload after production. Traditional EE% assays are a huge hassle for researchers with complex experimental designs that require tons of pipetting steps, poor reproducibility, low sample throughput, and messy toxic surfactants. Not to mention all that headache only produces a single piece of data: EE%. Tools that level up the EE% assay to make it simpler, faster, safer and deliver more than one datapoint per experiment are needed to push nanoparticle development faster and further.</p><h5><strong>The Solution</strong></h5><p>Stunner Add Fluorescence (Stunner AF) revolutionizes the EE% assay by measuring free RNA concentrations by fluorescence and total RNA by UV/Vis while simultaneously capturing sizing, PDI and particle concentration data – all in about two hours and all in a 96 well plate-based format. The assay makes EE% characterization more efficient by simplifying assay setup and eliminating the need for nasty surfactant and only consumes 2 μL of sample per well. If you’re hunting for the optimal formulation, Stunner AF handles up to 44 samples on one plate along with standards to deliver EE%, size, aggregation and particle concentration data in a single assay.</p><h5><strong>The Proof&nbsp;</strong></h5><p>We will showcase how Stunner AF’s side-by-side fluorescence and UV/Vis capabilities make light work of the EE% assay. A variety of well-known lipid formulations and payloads will be used to highlight how Stunner AF handles EE% with no sweat. Along with EE%, we will also track size, particle concentration and monitor aggregation with these different samples. LNP characterization is ready for a glow up with Stunner AF.<br>&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Kevin Lance, PhD (Director of Product Management, Unchained Labs)</p><p>Kevin Lance is the Director of Product Management at Unchained Labs. His expertise covers biophysical characterization of proteins, nucleic acids, viral vectors, and LNPs. Prior to Unchained Labs, his research experience covered the fields of sustained antibody delivery and nanotechnology. He earned his Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the joint UC Berkeley – UCSF Bioengineering Graduate Program.&nbsp;</p></blockquote>

Unchained Labs: Glow up with encapsulation efficiency (EE%) on Stunner AF

Glow up with encapsulation efficiency (EE%) on Stunner AF

Learn how Stunner AF streamlines LNP EE% assays with fluorescence, UV/Vis, and particle sizing—all from just 2 μL per well in a fast, high-throughput format.

<p><strong>As regulatory attention on PFAS intensifies, laboratories are seeking more comprehensive detection strategies. While LC-MS/MS remains the gold standard for targeted PFAS analysis, it doesn't tell the full story. Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC) offers a powerful, complementary approach, helping labs assess broad-spectrum organofluorine content through AOF and EOF testing.</strong></p><p>This webinar explores recent studies by Babcock Laboratories in collaboration with the California State Water Resources Control Board, using Metrohm’s Profiler-F to push the boundaries of PFAS detection. The presentation will cover method development across challenging matrices such as drinking water, address issues like background fluorine and blank subtraction, and highlight sample preparation limitations and analyte recovery. Attendees will also gain insight into how EOF testing is being explored as a future alternative to AOF, with the potential to overcome key analytical challenges.</p><p>Whether you're new to CIC or looking to refine existing workflows, this session offers practical, real-world guidance for expanding your lab’s PFAS testing capabilities.</p><p>Stick around for a live Q&amp;A with PFAS experts David Schiessel (Babcock Laboratories) and Dr. Jay Gandhi (Metrohm USA).</p><h5><strong>Key Learning Objectives:</strong></h5><ul><li>How to develop CIC methods for AOF and EOF across different matrices, including drinking water</li><li>Strategies to address common challenges such as background fluorine and sample preparation limitations</li><li>Best practices for blank subtraction and improving analyte recovery</li><li>Insights into the evolving role of EOF in long-term PFAS</li></ul><h5><strong>Who Should Attend:</strong></h5><ul><li>Scientists and lab managers performing or evaluating PFAS analysis by CIC</li><li>Labs exploring AOF/EOF methods for non-targeted fluorine detection</li><li>Regulatory or method development professionals working with drinking water or environmental matrices</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>David Schiessel (Technical Manager, Organics Department, Babcock Laboratories Inc.)</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Dr. Jay Gandhi (Vertical Market Manager, Metrohm USA)</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Melissa O'Meara (Forensic Science Consultant, C&amp;EN Media Group)</p></blockquote>

Metrohm: Beyond the Method: Uncovering the Limits of PFAS Detection with Combustion Ion Chromatography

Beyond the Method: Uncovering the Limits of PFAS Detection with Combustion Ion Chromatography

Discover how CIC complements LC-MS/MS for PFAS testing with AOF/EOF analysis. Gain insights on method development, recovery, and challenges in complex matrices.

PFAS Detection with Combustion Ion Chromatography

<h4><strong>Key Learning Points</strong></h4><ul><li>Understand the chromatographic interactions for reversed phase separation mode</li><li>Uncover the difference between mobile phases used in RP mode</li><li>Discover the common stationary phases used in RP mode, including alkyl bonded phase and phenyl bonded phase</li><li>Learn special selectivity with various surface chemistry&nbsp;</li></ul><h4><strong>Who Should Attend</strong></h4><ul><li>Anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Reversed Phase (RP) separation mode, or currently facing challenges with resolution in RP mode, is encouraged to register.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker: </strong>Grace Guo (Senior Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)</p><p>Grace Guo graduated from the 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 on SPE, HPLC and GC, she delivered 80+ seminars and webinars globally covering food and environmental, clinical, pharma and biopharma industry.</p></blockquote>

Phenomenex: Chromatography Modes Explained: Mastering Reversed Phase

Chromatography Modes Explained: Mastering Reversed Phase

Learn reversed phase LC basics: interactions, mobile/stationary phases, and selectivity tips. Presented by Grace Guo, Senior Technical Specialist at Phenomenex.

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