News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 21, 2026

<p><strong>If you’ve reviewed your laboratory’s operational budget recently, you have likely noticed a troubling trend: the cost of keeping your instruments running is climbing, and nitrogen gas is a major culprit.</strong></p><p>According to Organomation’s newly released <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://explore.organomation.com/nitrogen-usage-survey-2025-download"><strong>Nitrogen Usage 2025 Survey Report</strong></a>, you are not alone in this frustration. In fact, <strong>35% </strong>of laboratories ranked high costs as their number one frustration with their current nitrogen supply — overshadowing safety, logistics, and maintenance concerns.</p><p>With<strong> 96%</strong> of labs expecting their nitrogen demand to increase or remain steady over the next three years, waiting for prices to drop isn’t a viable strategy. To protect your budget, you need to understand why prices are surging and, more importantly, how to insulate your lab from the volatility.</p><h3><strong>The "Perfect Storm" Driving Prices Up</strong></h3><p>As a chemist, you know that nitrogen is abundant in the atmosphere. However, the industrial process of separating, purifying, compressing, and transporting it is energy-intensive and tied heavily to global markets. Three key factors are driving the 2025 price surge:</p><h4><strong>1. Rising Energy Costs</strong></h4><p>While nitrogen itself is free, the energy required to produce high-purity nitrogen gas (via fractional distillation) is not. Industrial gas manufacturing is heavily reliant on energy prices. In 2025, U.S. natural gas prices for industrial sectors have seen significant volatility, with some forecasts showing double-digit percentage increases for power plants due to export demands and tightening domestic supply. When the cost of energy rises,<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/energy/high-rising-natural-gas-costs-may-spur-fresh-climb-us-coal-use-2025-12-03/"><strong> gas suppliers pass those costs directly to the consumer</strong></a>.</p><h4><strong>2. The Logistics Premium</strong></h4><p>If you rely on high-pressure cylinders or liquid dewars, you aren't just paying for gas; you are paying for diesel, driver wages, and truck maintenance. Logistics frustrations were a top complaint in our 2025 survey, particularly for labs using liquid dewars.</p><ul><li><strong>Delivery Fees &amp; Surcharges: </strong>Fuel surcharges are now a standard line item on many invoices, fluctuating weekly with the oil market.</li><li><strong>Cylinder Rental: </strong>The "rent" for holding steel cylinders often creeps up annually, regardless of how much gas you actually consume.</li></ul><h4><strong>3. Hidden Waste (The "Boil-Off" Tax)</strong></h4><p>For labs using liquid nitrogen dewars, the "price per liter" is deceptive. Liquid nitrogen constantly boils off to maintain its temperature. If your lab uses dewars for gaseous applications (like evaporation), you are paying for gas that vanishes into the room before it ever reaches your instrument. Our survey found that while dewars nominally cost <strong>$2.06/liter</strong>, the <i>effective </i>cost is often higher due to this inevitable waste.</p><h3><strong>The Data: Cylinders vs. Generators</strong></h3><p>The most striking finding from our 2025 Survey Report was the massive price disparity between supply methods. When we analyzed the average cost per liter across <strong>78 laboratories</strong>, the data was clear:</p><h5><strong>Nitrogen Source</strong>: <strong>Average Cost Per Liter</strong></h5><ul><li><strong>Gas Cylinders</strong>: $2.79</li><li><strong>Liquid Dewars</strong>: $2.06</li><li><strong>Lab-Scale Generator</strong>: $0.70</li></ul><p>Laboratories relying on cylinders are paying nearly<strong> 400% more</strong> per liter than those generating their own gas. Over the course of a year, this difference can amount to thousands of dollars in operational waste.</p><h3><strong>How to Reduce the Price Tag: A Two-Step Strategy</strong></h3><p>You cannot control the global energy market or supply chain logistics. However, you can control how you source and use your nitrogen.</p><h4><strong>Step 1: Cut the Cord (Switch to Generation)</strong></h4><p>The single most effective way to lower your nitrogen spend is to stop buying it in tanks. While the upfront cost of equipment can sometimes be a hurdle for capital budgets, new financial models are making this transition accessible for labs of all sizes.</p><h5><strong>Why Generation Wins on Cost</strong></h5><p>A nitrogen generator, like the Organomation NITRO-GEN, separates nitrogen from your lab's existing compressed air supply using a hollow-fiber membrane. Once installed, your "cost per liter" drops to essentially zero—you are only paying for the electricity to run the compressor.</p><ul><li><strong>Rapid ROI: </strong>Most labs see a return on investment in 12 to 18 months by<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/how-much-could-i-save-switching-to-a-nitrogen-generator"><strong> generating nitrogen</strong></a>. After this break-even point, your nitrogen supply becomes a fixed asset rather than a monthly liability.</li><li><strong>Operational Freedom: </strong>Weighing under 20 lbs and wall-mountable, the NITRO-GEN <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/1902"><strong>N2 generator</strong></a><strong> </strong>produces up to 20 L/min of gas, sufficient to support blowdown evaporators with up to 48 sample positions.</li></ul><h5><strong>Overcoming the "Sticker Shock" with Lease-to-Own</strong></h5><p>Historically, the barrier to entry for nitrogen generators has been the initial purchase price. To solve this, Organomation has introduced a Lease-to-Own program designed to align equipment costs with your operating budget rather than your capital reserves.</p><p>This program transforms a large capital expenditure into a manageable monthly operating expense. Unlike standard rental agreements where payments are lost forever, this program allows you to build equity.</p><ul><li><strong>Immediate Savings: </strong>You can install the unit and stop paying cylinder rental fees immediately, often letting the operational savings offset the lease payments.</li><li><strong>Path to Ownership: </strong>At the end of the lease term, you own the equipment outright—often for a nominal final payment (as low as $1).</li><li><strong>Preserve Capital:</strong> By spreading the cost over time, you keep your cash reserves available for other critical research needs or staffing.</li></ul><p>By leveraging a lease-to-own model, you can "cut the cord" on gas contracts today without waiting for next year’s capital budget approval.</p><h4><strong>Step 2: Optimize Your Usage (Stop Wasting Gas)</strong></h4><p>Even with a cheap supply, wasting gas is bad science and bad business. especially if you use nitrogen for sample concentration (blowdown evaporation).</p><ul><li><strong>Use Individual Flow Control:</strong> Many basic evaporators blow gas into every position, regardless of whether a sample is present. High-quality units (like the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products?category=3&amp;manufacturerItems=540&amp;search=N-EVAP"><strong> N-EVAP</strong></a>) feature individual needle valves for each sample position. Rule of thumb: If you are running 10 samples in a 24-position unit, ensure the other 14 needles are closed.</li><li><strong>Check for Leaks:</strong> It sounds basic, but a loose fitting on a regulator can waste cylinders of gas over a weekend. A simple "snoop test" (soapy water) on your connections every quarter is a zero-cost maintenance habit that saves money.</li><li><strong>Optimize Bath Temperature: </strong>In nitrogen blowdown evaporation, gas flow and temperature work together. If your water bath is too cool, you have to blow gas for longer to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/optimum-temperature-for-nitrogen-evaporation-instruments"><strong>achieve dryness</strong></a>. Ensuring your bath is at the optimal temperature for your solvent (e.g., 35-40°C for DCM) reduces the total time the gas needs to run.</li></ul><h3><strong>Conclusion</strong></h3><p>The era of "cheap" delivered gas is likely behind us. As the 2025 survey data shows, labs sticking to the status quo of cylinders and dewars are facing rising costs and logistical headaches. By transitioning to on-demand generation and optimizing your evaporation workflows, you can insulate your lab from market volatility and keep your budget focused on research, not utility bills.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Want to see the full data?</strong><br>Download the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://explore.organomation.com/nitrogen-usage-survey-2025-download"><strong> Laboratory Nitrogen Usage Report </strong></a>to benchmark your lab’s spending against industry peers.</p><p><strong>Curious about your potential savings?</strong><br>Try our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/how-much-could-i-save-switching-to-a-nitrogen-generator"><strong>Nitrogen Generator Savings Calculator </strong></a>to see exactly how much you could save by making the switch.</p></blockquote>

Why Nitrogen Is Costing Labs More Than Ever — And How to Reduce the High Price Tag

<h4><strong>Light can heal. Light can power devices. But light can also destroy molecules.</strong></h4><p><strong>🎤Kshmeya Chopra</strong></p><p><strong>In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, we sit down with Kshmeya Chopra to explore how phthalocyanines — highly conjugated macrocycles used in photodynamic therapy, sensing, and organic electronics — respond to prolonged light exposure.</strong></p><p>Using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Kshmeya and her research team systematically investigated how:</p><ul><li>The central metal (Zn²⁺ vs In³⁺)</li><li>Degree of fluorination</li><li>Axial ligands</li><li>Solvent environment (EtOAc vs DMSO)</li></ul><p>By monitoring changes in the Q-band absorbance over time and calculating extinction coefficients using Beer–Lambert law, the team uncovered clear structure–property relationships governing light-induced degradation.</p><h4><strong>We discuss:</strong></h4><p>🔬 How UV–Vis spectroscopy tracks molecular breakdown<br>🧪 Aggregation vs true chemical degradation<br>☀️ Why fluorination improves photostability<br>⚖️ Zinc vs indium coordination effects<br>📊 Extinction coefficients and what they reveal about macrocycle behavior<br>🧬 How LC–MS and HRMS could identify degradation products<br>🎓 Advice for undergraduate students entering photochemistry and analytical research</p><p>This conversation bridges spectroscopy, materials chemistry, and analytical science — showing how subtle molecular design choices dramatically impact stability and real-world application potential.</p><p>If you’re interested in photochemistry, UV–Vis analysis, chromatography, or rational molecular design, this episode is for you.</p><h3><strong>Video Transcription</strong></h3><div><div><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>In this interview, Kshmeya Chopra, a pre-med sophomore at the University of Tampa, discusses her summer research project conducted at Seton Hall University. The work focused on the photostability of phthalocyanines—highly conjugated macrocyclic compounds widely used in photodynamic therapy, sensing, catalysis, and optoelectronics. The study investigated how structural factors such as the central metal ion and fluorination influence resistance to light-induced degradation.</p><h4><strong>What Are Phthalocyanines?</strong></h4><p>Phthalocyanines are large aromatic macrocycles characterized by extensive π-electron conjugation. This structure enables strong absorption in the red and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, making them attractive for a variety of advanced applications, including:</p><ul><li>Photodynamic therapy</li><li>Optoelectronic devices</li><li>Catalysis</li><li>Chemical and biological sensing</li></ul><p>One reason these compounds are particularly interesting is that relatively small structural modifications—such as changing the central metal atom or introducing substituents—can significantly alter their physical and chemical properties.</p><h4><strong>Why Photostability Matters</strong></h4><p>Many practical applications expose phthalocyanines to continuous illumination for extended periods. If the molecules degrade rapidly under light exposure, they lose functionality and may generate undesirable degradation products.</p><p>According to Chopra, photostability is therefore directly linked to both the effectiveness and safety of these materials, especially in biomedical applications such as photodynamic therapy where prolonged light exposure is an essential part of treatment.</p><h4><strong>Research Objective</strong></h4><p>The central goal of the project was to determine how two structural parameters affect photostability:</p><ul><li>The identity of the central metal (zinc versus indium)</li><li>The degree of fluorination</li></ul><p>The researchers aimed to understand whether these modifications could improve resistance to light-induced degradation and therefore enhance long-term performance in practical applications.</p><h4><strong>Monitoring Degradation Using UV-Vis Spectroscopy</strong></h4><h5><strong>Why the Q Band Was Selected</strong></h5><p>The study used UV-Visible spectroscopy to monitor photodegradation, focusing specifically on the Q band.</p><p>The Q band represents the principal electronic transition within phthalocyanine molecules and is highly sensitive to structural changes. As degradation occurs, the Q-band signal typically:</p><ul><li>Decreases in intensity</li><li>Shifts in wavelength</li></ul><p>These changes provide a convenient and reliable indicator of molecular degradation over time.</p><h4><strong>Experimental Design</strong></h4><p>The photostability experiments were designed to simulate realistic light exposure conditions.</p><h5><strong>Experimental Conditions</strong></h5><ul><li>A solar simulator lamp operating at approximately two-sun intensity was used.</li><li>Samples were irradiated for two hours.</li><li>UV and infrared filters were incorporated to minimize heating effects.</li><li>Measurements were collected throughout the exposure period to monitor degradation kinetics.</li></ul><p>This setup allowed the researchers to investigate photochemical degradation while minimizing thermal artifacts.</p><h4><strong>Spectroscopy Versus Spectrometry</strong></h4><p>During the interview, Chopra explained the distinction between spectroscopy and spectrometry:</p><h5><strong>Spectroscopy</strong></h5><p>Measures interactions between matter and electromagnetic radiation, such as:</p><ul><li>UV-Vis absorption</li><li>Infrared absorption</li><li>Fluorescence</li></ul><h5><strong>Spectrometry</strong></h5><p>Typically involves ion generation and mass analysis, such as:</p><ul><li>Mass spectrometry (MS)</li><li>LC-MS</li><li>GC-MS</li></ul><p>The project relied on spectroscopy rather than spectrometry because the objective was to monitor optical changes associated with molecular degradation.</p><h4><strong>Potential Role of LC-MS in Future Studies</strong></h4><p>While UV-Vis spectroscopy successfully monitored overall degradation, it could not identify the degradation products formed during irradiation.</p><p>For future investigations, Chopra suggested employing:</p><ul><li>Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS)</li><li>High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)</li><li>Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)</li></ul><p>These techniques would allow separation and identification of degradation products while providing exact mass measurements and structural information.</p><h4><strong>Influence of Solvent on Photostability</strong></h4><h5><strong>Role of DMSO and Acetate-Based Systems</strong></h5><p>The study examined the influence of solvent environment on degradation behavior.</p><p>According to Chopra:</p><ul><li>DMSO tends to maintain phthalocyanines in a predominantly monomeric state.</li><li>Acetate-containing systems promote molecular aggregation.</li></ul><p>Aggregation significantly influences photostability because aggregated molecules can partially shield one another from light exposure.</p><h4><strong>Aggregation as a Protective Mechanism</strong></h4><p>The researchers observed lower degradation rates in systems where aggregation occurred.</p><p>These findings support the hypothesis that aggregation provides protection against photodegradation by reducing effective light exposure and limiting photochemical reactions.</p><h4><strong>Characterizing Degradation Products</strong></h4><p>When discussing analytical strategies beyond UV-Vis spectroscopy, Chopra emphasized the value of mass spectrometry.</p><h5><strong>Preferred Workflow</strong></h5><ol><li>LC separation of intact phthalocyanines and degradation products</li><li>HRMS measurement for exact mass determination</li><li>MS/MS experiments for structural characterization</li></ol><p>Although NMR spectroscopy could be useful for purified products, limited solubility and complex mixtures make MS-based techniques more practical during early-stage investigations.</p><h4><strong>Recommended Chromatographic Approach</strong></h4><p>For separating intact phthalocyanines from degradation products, Chopra identified reverse-phase chromatography as the most suitable option.</p><h5><strong>Why Reverse-Phase LC?</strong></h5><p>Intact phthalocyanines are:</p><ul><li>Large</li><li>Highly hydrophobic</li><li>Strongly conjugated</li></ul><p>In contrast, degradation products are expected to be:</p><ul><li>Smaller</li><li>More polar</li></ul><p>This polarity difference should provide effective chromatographic separation.</p><p>Alternative techniques present limitations:</p><ul><li>Normal-phase chromatography may suffer from solubility challenges.</li><li>Size-exclusion chromatography may not provide sufficient resolution between structurally related species.</li></ul><h4><strong>Analytical Challenges</strong></h4><p>Phthalocyanines present several analytical difficulties:</p><h5><strong>Aggregation</strong></h5><p>Aggregation complicates both spectroscopic and chromatographic measurements.</p><h5><strong>Limited Solubility</strong></h5><p>Poor solubility can hinder sample preparation and analytical reproducibility.</p><h5><strong>Surface Adsorption</strong></h5><p>The compounds may adsorb onto instrument surfaces or chromatographic columns, resulting in:</p><ul><li>Peak tailing</li><li>Signal loss</li><li>Reduced quantitative accuracy</li></ul><p>Careful solvent selection and concentration control are therefore essential.</p><h4><strong>Major Research Challenges</strong></h4><p>The most difficult aspect of the project was maintaining consistent experimental conditions while accounting for aggregation effects.</p><p>A key challenge involved distinguishing:</p><ul><li>True chemical degradation</li><li>Spectral changes caused by aggregation</li><li>Solvent-induced spectral variations</li></ul><p>Achieving reproducible results across different compounds and solvent systems required careful experimental control and extensive troubleshooting.</p><h4><strong>Advice for Undergraduate Researchers</strong></h4><p>Drawing from her own experience as a sophomore undergraduate researcher, Chopra offered several recommendations:</p><h5><strong>Focus on Fundamentals</strong></h5><p>Strong understanding of spectroscopy and physical chemistry is essential.</p><h5><strong>Understand the Instrumentation</strong></h5><p>Learning why instruments behave as they do is more valuable than simply collecting data.</p><h5><strong>Be Patient</strong></h5><p>Research frequently involves troubleshooting and unexpected outcomes.</p><h5><strong>Stay Persistent</strong></h5><p>Success often depends on perseverance and careful interpretation rather than immediate results.</p><h4><strong>Broader Significance</strong></h4><p>Chopra emphasized that photostability studies extend beyond academic curiosity.</p><p>Understanding how phthalocyanines degrade under illumination directly affects their suitability for biomedical applications such as photodynamic therapy. Improved photostability can enhance treatment effectiveness while reducing the formation of potentially harmful degradation products.</p><p>Consequently, investigations into degradation pathways have important implications for both material design and patient safety.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4><p>This study demonstrates how relatively subtle structural modifications—such as changing the central metal ion or fluorination pattern—can influence the photostability of phthalocyanines. Through UV-Vis monitoring of Q-band behavior, the researchers showed that solvent environment and molecular aggregation significantly affect degradation behavior. Future work incorporating LC-MS, HRMS, and MS/MS analysis could provide deeper insight into degradation pathways and guide the design of more robust photosensitive materials for biomedical and technological applications.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></section></div></div><blockquote><p><strong>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</strong></p></blockquote><blockquote><h4><strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</strong></h4><p>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!</p><p>You can find <strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast </strong>in podcast apps:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185"><strong>Apple podcast</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography"><strong>podscan</strong></a></li></ul><p>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos"><strong>YouTube channel</strong></a></p></blockquote>

UV–Vis vs LC–MS: Studying Light-Induced Degradation in Phthalocyanines

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Organomation, founded in 1959, designs and manufactures high-quality nitrogen evaporators and extraction systems. Known for innovation and durability, their lab instruments are used globally for efficient sample preparation with strong customer support.

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Tosoh Bioscience

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Agilent Technologies

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Phenomenex

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Waters Corporation

<p><strong>PFAS &amp; Our Planet is a webinar series on PFAS testing in environmental samples, food and food contact materials, textiles and other materials. Alongside the laboratory and regulatory lens, the series addresses the broader planetary impact of PFAS, including their persistence and movement through water, soil, air, food systems, and materials. It brings together what laboratories and industry need to understand now: where PFAS rules are heading, which sample types are under increasing focus, what needs to be measured, and how those needs translate into method selection, workflow setup, and result reporting.</strong></p><h4><strong>Webinar Series Details</strong></h4><ul><li>One registration to attend the full three-part series</li><li>Questions for experts in advance and/or live Q&amp;A</li><li>Access to recorded sessions provided</li></ul><h4><strong>Who Should Attend:</strong>&nbsp;</h4><p>Environmental and water testing laboratories, food testing laboratories, food contact material and packaging laboratories, textile and materials testing laboratories, contract testing laboratories, public sector and regulatory laboratories, manufacturers of food, packaging, textiles, and consumer goods, quality, product safety, regulatory affairs, and sustainability functions, and research laboratories working on PFAS analysis.</p><h4><strong>Recommended for:&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Analytical chemists, laboratory managers, QA/QC managers, regulatory affairs managers, food safety and product safety managers, environmental scientists, packaging and food contact materials specialists, textile and materials testing leads, sustainability and product stewardship managers, validation and method development scientists, and technical leaders in contract, public sector, and research laboratories.</p><h4><strong>Regulatory context covered:&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>EU and U.S. PFAS developments, food contact and packaging measures, environmental monitoring frameworks, OEKO-TEX requirements for textiles and materials, Singapore’s food and water surveillance activity, India’s draft PFAS-related packaging amendment, and emerging movement in parts of Southeast Asia like Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Philippines.</p><h3><strong>Food and Food Contact Materials</strong></h3><p><strong>PFAS in food systems is under greater scrutiny due to both environmental transfer into food and migration from food contact materials. This session will cover major regulatory reference points including the EU food contact materials framework, the EU plastics regulation, the newer EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, and recent U.S. FDA action on PFAS food-contact uses. Regional framing will also include Singapore’s active PFAS food surveillance and testing capability and India’s draft FSSAI packaging amendment on PFAS in food contact materials, showing how the direction of travel is becoming clearer in this part of the world.</strong></p><p>The technical section will cover food and packaging workflows from extraction and cleanup to targeted LC/MS/MS for non-volatile PFAS, broader screening where required, contamination control for low-level work, and reporting formats suited to product review and cross-border supply chains. For Southeast Asia, the session will also note that movement is emerging in markets such as Thailand and Vietnam, even where the regulatory picture is still developing.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presnter: </strong>Thomas Gude, Ph.D. (Founder, Thomas Gude GmbH, President, Swiss Society for Food Chemistry, President, AOAC Europe Section)</p><p><strong>Presnter:&nbsp;</strong>Chris Fouracre, Ph.D. (Product Specialist, Agilent Technologies, Australia)</p></blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: PFAS & Our Planet: Food and Food Contact Materials

PFAS & Our Planet: Food and Food Contact Materials

PFAS in food webinar: regulations, LC-MS/MS workflows, contamination control, and global compliance for food and packaging analysis.

<p><strong>As peptide-based therapeutics continue to expand, understanding and controlling aggregation behavior has become essential for ensuring drug safety and efficacy. This webinar provides a focused exploration of peptide aggregation mechanisms and how Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) can be applied to characterize these critical quality attributes. Attendees will be introduced to the separation principles behind SEC and learn how Biozen dSEC‑1 can improve peptide aggregate detection and quantification. Real-world applications will cover aggregation profiles of key GLP‑1 receptor agonists including semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide.</strong></p><h5><strong>Key Learning Points</strong></h5><ul><li>Learn about the fundamentals of peptide aggregation</li><li>Find the separation mechanism of Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC)</li><li>Identify the key features and advantages of the Biozen dSEC‑1 column</li><li>Discuss the use of Biozen dSEC-1 for aggregate analysis of GLP-1 agonists (Semaglutide, Liraglutide, and Tirzepatide)</li></ul><h5><strong>Who Should Attend</strong></h5><ul><li>Any LC users working with or interested in analyzing peptide therapeutics by HPLC. &nbsp;</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:</strong> Lucia Geis Asteggiante (Senior Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)</p><p>Lucia is a Senior Technical Specialist that has recently joined Phenomenex’s Global Technical Team. She has a broad experience in the field of Analytical Chemistry with a particular focus on LC chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Lucia comes from a strong academic and regulatory background with experiences ranging from method development and analysis of small molecules to large protein complexes. She gained her Ph.D. at the University of Maryland - College Park, USA and did her post-doctoral work at the University of Oxford, UK. During her time as a researcher, she has authored/co-authored 23 scientific publications and 2 book chapters.</p></blockquote>

Phenomenex: Reliable GLP-1 Aggregate Analysis Using Biozen dSEC

Reliable GLP-1 Aggregate Analysis Using Biozen dSEC

This webinar provides an exploration of peptide aggregation mechanisms and how SEC can be applied to characterize these critical quality attributes.

<p><strong>As lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based therapeutics diversify and regulatory expectations for complex nucleic acid products mature, analytical strategies must evolve. Modern LNP characterization now requires integrated workflows that can simultaneously assess particle size, quantify payload, and detect critical impurities.</strong></p><p>In this SelectScience® webinar, Dr. Mojca Tajnik Sbaizero, a specialist with 10 years of experience in downstream processing for viral and non‑viral delivery, will be joined by Tristan Kovačič, who leads formulation development for non‑viral nucleic acid delivery at Sartorius BIA Separations. Together, they will demonstrate how emerging chromatographic platforms enable multi‑parameter LNP characterization and support robust, scalable analytical strategies across diverse delivery systems. They will also show how these same approaches help generate functional, uniform LNP particles for final drug product development.</p><p>As LNP complexity increases, these experts will outline the growing need to separate distinct particle subpopulations and explain how advanced chromatographic separations enhance consistency, safety, and overall product understanding, ultimately strengthening progress in drug development.</p><h4><strong>Who should attend?</strong></h4><ul><li>Professionals in biopharmaceuticals</li><li>Formulation Scientists</li><li>Healthcare Professionals</li><li>Research and Manufacturing Scientists</li></ul><h4><strong>What will this webinar cover?</strong></h4><ul><li>Chromatographic solutions for LNP drug products across both analytical and preparative scales.</li><li>Practical case studies demonstrating innovative chromatographic technologies applied to multiple LNP formulations.</li><li>How emerging chromatographic strategies enable the separation and characterization of LNP subpopulations.</li><li>How these advances support safer, more consistent, and regulatory-ready LNP therapeutics.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:&nbsp;</strong>Dr. Mojca Tajnik Sbaizero (Head of Product-Application Area, Sartorius BIA Separations)</p><p>Dr. Mojca Tajnik Sbaizero is Head of Product–Application Area at Sartorius BIA Separations. She is a biotechnologist with a PhD in Biomedicine from the University of Ljubljana. During her PhD and post-doctoral academic work in the UK and Italy, her research focused on pre‑mRNA processing and therapeutic approaches for genetic diseases involving alternative splicing.</p><p>Since joining Sartorius BIA Separations in 2016, she has specialized in downstream processing of viral and non‑viral delivery vectors. She is the author of several scientific publications and a patent in this field, supervises graduate students, and leads the Virus and Nanoparticle Innovation group.</p><p><strong>Speaker:&nbsp;</strong>Tristan Kovačič (Project Manager, Sartorius BIA Separations)</p><p>Tristan Kovačič is a Project Manager at Sartorius BIA Separations, responsible for the development of novel methods for analytics, purification and formulation of non viral delivery of nucleic acids. He has experience in small molecule synthesis and large molecule analytics and formulation, and is passionate about the development of novel pharmaceuticals. He holds an MSci from Imperial College London.</p><p><strong>Moderator: </strong>Olivia Long (Editorial Team, SelectScience)</p><p>As a Science Editor specializing in pharmaceutical and applied research, Olivia Long brings a strong background in experimental biology and scientific communication. She holds a B.Sc. in Pharmacology from the University of Southampton and an M.Sc. in Neuroscience from the University of Sussex, where she investigated neuro‑oncology drug‑resistance pathways using patient‑derived cell models.</p><p>Her broader laboratory experience spans R&amp;D hygiene testing, controlled environment entomology workflows, and protocol development, giving her a practical understanding of diverse analytical and research environments. She is dedicated to translating complex science into clear, engaging content for researchers and industry professionals.&nbsp;</p></blockquote>

Select Science: Revealing hidden LNP subpopulations with high‑resolution chromatographic techniques

Revealing hidden LNP subpopulations with high‑resolution chromatographic techniques

How emerging chromatographic platforms enable multi‑parameter LNP characterization

Revealing hidden LNP subpopulations

<p><strong>PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a diverse class of anthropogenic compounds that have become a major public health concern. Their wide range of structures and frequent presence in laboratory materials create unique analytical challenges. These challenges are especially pronounced for ultra‑short‑chain PFAS, whose high polarity, limited retention on conventional reversed‑phase columns, and tendency to coelute with matrix components make them particularly difficult to separate and quantify.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>In this webinar, we will discuss key considerations for selecting an LC separation technique and choosing appropriate consumables—along with strategies to address the chromatographic complexities of ultra‑short‑chain PFAS—to help streamline PFAS analysis.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker: </strong>Emily Parry, Ph.D.</p><p>Emily Parry holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry from the University of California, Davis, where she studied how wastewater treatment transforms environmental contaminants. After completing her degree, she began her career conducting research at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Public Health Institute. In 2018, she joined Agilent Technologies as an application scientist focused on small‑molecule analysis using LC‑QTOF and LC‑TQ, specializing in environmental applications. In 2026, she transitioned to Agilent’s LC columns group, where she supports customers and applications in small‑molecule separations. Over the years, she has developed deep expertise in analytical methods for measuring small molecules across diverse sample types.</p></blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Navigating PFAS Complexity: Addressing the Unique Chromatographic Challenges of Ultra‑Short‑Chain PFAS

Navigating PFAS Complexity: Addressing the Unique Chromatographic Challenges of Ultra‑Short‑Chain PFAS

Key considerations for selecting an LC separation technique and choosing appropriate consumables.

Chromatographic Challenges of Ultra‑Short‑Chain PFAS

<p><strong>Environmental labs are facing increasing pressure to address ultrashort-chain PFAS as regulatory scrutiny accelerates and begins to influence current testing priorities. Many still lack clarity on when these compounds matter, how evolving EPA direction and European regulations apply, and how to manage analytical trade-offs.</strong></p><p>This webinar explores real-world measurement challenges and introduces a practical decision framework to support confident, fit-for-purpose strategies. Attendees will gain insight into aligning methods with specific analytical goals, improving reliability while avoiding one-size-fits-all workflows.</p><h4><strong>Attend this webinar to:</strong></h4><ul><li>Understand why ultrashort-chain PFAS are becoming increasingly relevant in environmental analysis</li><li>Recognize how EPA direction and current European regulations may influence USC PFAS testing priorities</li><li>Identify the main analytical and workflow challenges in measuring USC PFAS with confidence</li><li>Apply a practical decision framework to distinguish between screening, quantitation, and compliance-driven needs</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker: </strong>Ivan Huang (Small Molecules Analytical Columns Product Manager, Agilent Technologies)</p></blockquote>

Technology Networks: Ultrashort-Chain PFAS: Practical Guidance for Testing Labs

Ultrashort-Chain PFAS: Practical Guidance for Testing Labs

Understand why ultrashort-chain PFAS are becoming increasingly relevant in environmental analysis

<h4><strong>Reduce Measurement Errors and Improve Confidence in pH Results</strong></h4><p><strong>This webinar covers practical approaches to improving pH measurement accuracy in environmental testing, with a focus on avoiding common errors that lead to proficiency testing failures.</strong></p><p>pH is one of the most commonly measured - and most frequently failed -parameters in environmental testing. With tight proficiency testing acceptance limits and strong temperature dependence, even small measurement errors can lead to unacceptable results. This webinar provides a practical, end to end overview of pH measurement, with a focus on improving confidence, consistency, and proficiency testing performance.</p><p>Throughout the presentation, we connect theory to practice with actionable tips that can be applied immediately in the laboratory. Whether you are troubleshooting a recent pH failure or looking to strengthen routine measurement practices, this webinar is designed to help laboratories “get pH right” and improve long term measurement reliability</p><h4><strong>What you will learn:</strong></h4><ul><li>Understand pH fundamentals and regulatory proficiency testing requirements.</li><li>Apply best practices for accurate pH measurement, calibration, and quality control.</li><li>Maintain and troubleshoot pH probes to ensure reliable performance.</li></ul><h4><strong>Who should attend</strong></h4><ul><li>Analytical scientists</li><li>Laboratory managers</li><li>Quality assurance managers</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:&nbsp;</strong>Christy Abbas, PhD (Sr. Product Marketing Manager, Waters ERA)</p><p>Christy has been with Waters ERA for six and a half years. Her career spans roles at an instrument manufacturer, a biopharmaceutical laboratory, and a mining company. She earned her PhD in Applied Chemistry from the Colorado School of Mines.</p><p>Throughout her career, Christy has supported the nuclear, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries, as well as academia. Drawing on her background in analytical chemistry, product development, marketing, and sales, she is focused on expanding Waters ERA’s product portfolio to better meet evolving customer needs.</p></blockquote>

Getting pH Right

Understand pH fundamentals and regulatory proficiency testing requirements.

<p><strong>Abbie Breton - Applications Development Manager at Tosoh Bioscience, will present the next edition of Tosoh Tuesday, a webinar series held by Chromatography Experts. Carsten-René Arlt, Application Scientist - Process Instruments at Tosoh Bioscience, will introduce a novel use case for continuous downstream processing in mAb manufacturing. Carsten-René will demonstrate how DSP professionals can overcome common equipment and operational limitations by integrating two fully-automated chromatographic steps within a single 8-column system using the Octave™ multi-column chromatography (MCC) platform.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Participants will also learn about how the dual-step setup, along with next-gen protein A and salt-tolerant polishing resins, supports the practical adoption of intensified, end-to-end mAb purification.</p><p>After the webinar, ask your questions during the live Q&amp;A session.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: Abbie Breton </strong>(Applications Development Manager at Tosoh Bioscience)</p><p><strong>Presenter: Carsten-René Arlt </strong>(Application Scientist - Process Instruments at Tosoh Bioscience)</p></blockquote>

Tosoh Bioscience: Integrated and Intensified Downstream Processing on a Single Device

Integrated and Intensified Downstream Processing on a Single Device

How Tosoh Bioscience enables intensified mAb purification using Octave™ multi-column chromatography and automated dual-step downstream processing workflows.

Integrated and Intensified Downstream Processing

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div><p><strong>Standard microbiological screening only detects viable bacteria, leaving heat-stable emetic toxins unquantified. Cereulide survives sterilization and remains in food long after Bacillus cereus has been destroyed. This surveillance gap became visible during the 2025–2026 infant formula recalls, when contaminated arachidonic acid (ARA) oil passed standard assays simply because no living organism was present.</strong></p><p>This webinar details an LC-MS/MS protocol developed specifically for these dietary ingredients, with repeatability below 9% and spike recoveries from 87% to 103%. It establishes the analytical confidence needed for proactive risk assessment of specialty ingredients historically absent from routine monitoring.</p><h5><strong>By attending this webinar, you will:</strong></h5><ul><li>See how an LC-MS/MS method reaches a 0.05 µg/kg limit of quantitation for cereulide across infant formula, ARA oil, and dairy products</li><li>Examine the validation parameters that confirm the method holds across powders, oils, and emulsions where conventional sample prep breaks down</li><li>Understand how the method aligns with EFSA recommendations and the established Acute Reference Dose for cereulide</li></ul><h5><strong>Who should attend?</strong></h5><ul><li>This webinar is ideal for food safety and quality assurance professionals, analytical chemists, and microbiologists working in the food, dairy, and infant nutrition industries.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Dr. Ming Gao (Senior Research Chemist at Mérieux NutriSciences)</p><p>Dr. Ming Gao is a Senior Research Chemist at Mérieux NutriSciences, where he has been a key member of the R&amp;D team (now RDI) in Crete, IL since 2015. His expertise lies in method development and validation using LC-MS, HPLC, GC, and GC-MS platforms. His recent achievements include the development of advanced analytical methods for detecting emetic toxins and PFAS via LC-MS/MS, carotene and asparagine via HPLC, and ethylene/propylene oxide via GC-MS/MS. Dr. Gao has been an active member of AOAC International since April 2016 and joined the AOAC PFAS Working Group in December 2022. He currently leads several projects, ensuring their efficient and timely execution. To date, Dr. Gao has authored one book chapter, one patent, and 19 peer-reviewed journal articles, with publications in JACS, PNAS, and JAOAC.</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

SeparationScience: Connecting Microbiology and Toxicology: LC-MS/MS Methods for Cereulide Quantitation in Food Matrices

Connecting Microbiology and Toxicology: LC-MS/MS Methods for Cereulide Quantitation in Food Matrices

Discover LC-MS/MS method for cereulide analysis in infant formula, ARA oil, and dairy products.

LC-MS/MS for Cereulide Quantitation in Food Matrices

<h3><strong>Bringing laboratory automation to life with Andrew+ and OneLab</strong></h3><p style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:&quot;Segoe UI&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, SegoeUI, Frutiger, &quot;Frutiger Linotype&quot;, &quot;Dejavu Sans&quot;, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;line-height:initial;text-align:start;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;">This webinar series explores how Andrew+ automated liquid handling and OneLab workflow software support consistent, traceable and efficient laboratory operations. Through application‑focused episodes, you will see how automation can be successfully integrated into everyday laboratory workflows, from method development to routine and regulated environments, supported by customer experiences and testimonials.</p><p><span style="color:#212121;"><strong>Episode 3 – Pharma Workflows</strong></span></p><h4><span style="color:#212121;"><strong>Overview</strong></span></h4><p>Pharmaceutical laboratories require efficient, consistent and compliant workflows. In this episode, we show how automation can be implemented across multistep sample preparation processes to reduce variability and improve laboratory efficiency, supported by <strong>customer experiences from pharmaceutical environments.</strong></p><h4><span style="color:#212121;"><strong>Key highlights</strong></span></h4><ul><li>Reduce analyst-to-analyst variability in pharmaceutical sample preparation</li><li>Automate workflows ranging from basic liquid handling to filtration, extraction and magnetic bead protocols</li><li>Support data integrity and compliance through centralised workflow management</li></ul><blockquote><h4><span style="color:#212121;"><strong>Speakers</strong></span></h4><p><strong>Tobias Langrock</strong> (Senior Application Specialist Chemistry, Europe - Waters Corporation)</p><p>During his time as a PhD student Tobias discovered his passion for LC and LC-MS/MS and has not lost it since. Joining Waters in 2008 was the perfect opportunity to expand his understanding and expertise in chromatography and mass spectrometry. Since then, he has been involved with a very wide range of instruments and applications, whether small or large molecules, reversed phase LC, IEX or SEC, SFC or GPC. His focus is always on the customers and their daily chromatographic challenges.</p><p><strong>Customer testimonials: Regeneron Ireland</strong></p><p>Regeneron Ireland is part of a global pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and manufacture of innovative medicines.</p><p>In this episode, the company shares its experience implementing automated liquid handling to support multistep pharmaceutical sample preparation workflows. The testimonial highlights how automation helps reduce analyst‑to‑analyst variability, minimise manual input and improve overall laboratory efficiency in a process development environment.</p></blockquote><h5><strong>Reserve Your Spot Today!</strong></h5>

Transform Your Daily Lab Operations with Automation - Pharma Workflows

Waters webinar on automated pharmaceutical workflows, sample prep efficiency, and reduced analyst-to-analyst variability.

Transform Daily Lab Operations with Automation - Pharma

<h3><strong>Getting Data In and Out of Empower Software - Basic Steps&nbsp;</strong></h3><p>In this Coffee Break session, we’ll explore how to create and work with export methods in Empower Software.&nbsp;</p><p>There are many situations where raw data, results, or reports need to be exported from Empower to other applications such as transferring information into a LIMS.&nbsp;</p><p>Export Methods provide a straightforward and reliable way to support these data exchange needs.&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>What you’ll learn:&nbsp;</strong></h4><ul><li>Core concepts of Export Methods&nbsp;</li><li>How to export raw data, results, and reports&nbsp;</li><li>Secure transfer of Empower data into NuGenesis for Excel workflows&nbsp;</li></ul><p>This session is ideal for users looking to understand the essentials of data export from Empower in a practical, easy to apply way.&nbsp;</p><p>Prepare a coffee and attend!</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Ralf Schröder (Informatics Market Development Manager)</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Carsten Fischer (Informatics Product Marketing, EMEA)</p></blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Informatics series #32 Empower Data Exchange - Core Features

Informatics series #32 Empower Data Exchange - Core Features

Learn the essentials of data export from Empower Software. Discover how to create export methods for secure data transfer into LIMS and NuGenesis workflows

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