Visit the LabRulez booth at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/871">analytica 2026</a> in Munich, 24. - 27. March 2026! You can find us in Hall A1, Booth A1.506. At the booth, you will be able to explore live demonstrations of how the LabRulez portals work and see selected analytical instruments from our pre-owned marketplace section.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Lab_Rulez_at_Analytica_2026_Floor_plan_55e1057e03.jpg" alt="LabRulez at Analytica 2026: Hall A1 Floor Plan and Booth Location" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Lab_Rulez_at_Analytica_2026_Floor_plan_55e1057e03.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1516" height="881"><h3>Would you like to learn how the LabRulez portals work?</h3>➡︎ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/">LabRulezLCMS</a> ➡︎ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/">LabRulezGCMS</a> ➡︎ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/">LabRulezICPMS</a><ul><li>A unique online solution for your marketing</li><li>A targeted audience from the analytical chemistry community</li><li>Modern technologies and a unique concept</li><li>Design optimized for most smart devices – PC, mobile, and tablet</li><li>Advanced statistical tools fully available to users</li></ul><h3>Services Offered</h3><h4>News + Company Updates</h4><ul><li>Publish news related to your instrumentation, applications, services, events, job openings, and more</li><li>News is shared both on our portals and across our social media channels</li></ul><h4>Library – All Documents in One Place</h4><ul><li>Applications, posters, presentations, technical articles, brochures, specifications</li><li>Fast and advanced search capabilities</li><li>Over 32,000 documents currently available in our database</li></ul><h4>Webinars</h4><ul><li>Upcoming and on-demand webinars from the field of analytical chemistry</li><li>More than 5,500 webinars covering chromatography, mass spectrometry, and spectroscopy</li></ul><h4>Careers</h4><ul><li>Targeted job listings in analytical chemistry</li><li>Clear filtering by specialization or location</li><li>Increased visibility for job postings</li></ul><h4>Companies</h4><ul><li>Company profile with key information and contacts</li><li>Integration of all your activities on our portal: News, Library documents, Webinars, Upcoming Events, Careers, and mentions by partners or customers</li><li>Connection to your Products listed on LabRulez portals</li></ul><h4>Products and Services</h4><ul><li>Comprehensive overview of instrumental techniques and services</li><li>Targeting the analytical chemistry community and customers in the growing online environment</li></ul><h4>Marketplace</h4><ul><li>Buying and selling pre-owned analytical equipment</li><li>We purchase analytical instrumentation of all brands and ages</li><li>Sell your equipment through LabRulez</li><li>Request and purchase complete systems, modules, or spare parts with warranty and service</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Lab_Rulez_at_analytica_2026_bazar_7edf4a0872.jpg" alt="LabRulez at analytica 2026" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Lab_Rulez_at_analytica_2026_bazar_7edf4a0872.jpg 88w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="2844"><h3>What Will Be on Display at Our Booth?</h3>Come and explore selected spare parts and modules from our marketplace section. These include both new, tested, and pre-owned items.<h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/bazaar">LabRulezLCMS Marketplace</a></h4>Spare parts for LC/MS:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=378">Vacuum turbo pumps for LC/MS</a></li></ul>Spare parts for HPLC:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=397">Degassers for HPLC/UHPLC</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=368&amp;search=valve">Automatic valves for HPLC</a></li><li>HPLC components for Agilent 1100, 1200, and 1260 Infinity II series</li></ul>Consumables:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=377">HPLC lamps</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=48">HPLC columns</a></li></ul><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/bazaar">LabRulezGCMS Marketplace</a></h4>Spare parts for GC/MS:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=367&amp;search=turbo">Turbo pumps for GC/MS</a></li></ul>Spare parts for GC:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=366&amp;search=EPC">EPC modules</a></li></ul>Sample injection<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/bazaar/432">Autosampler 7693A for GC</a></li></ul>Consumables:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/bazaar?category=7">GC columns </a>and selected accessories</li></ul>

LabRulez at analytica 2026

🎤Alex BrodyIn this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, we sit down with Alex Brody, an organic chemist at Aqua America, to discuss the rigorous analytical methods required for regulated drinking water testing.Alex walks us through the multi-step PFAS detection process using EPA Method 537.1, including extraction, nitrogen blowdown concentration, and LC-MS analysis. He explains why sample preparation and quality control are critical for achieving trace-level detection—and why these methods can't be rushed or simplified, even with new technologies available.We also explore taste and odor investigations, disinfection byproducts, and volatile organic compounds, plus the surprising reality of why regulated labs move slowly when adopting new instrumentation. You'll learn about the quality control checkpoints, peer review processes, and the misconceptions surrounding analytical turnaround times in compliance labs.<h5>Topics Covered:</h5><ul><li>Role of organic chemistry in regulated drinking water labs</li><li>EPA compliance requirements and regulatory bodies (EPA, PA-DEP)</li><li>PFAS detection using Method 537.1 and LC-MS</li><li>The critical importance of nitrogen blowdown sample concentration</li><li>Taste and odor analysis: MIB, Geosmin, and unknown compound identification</li><li>Why regulated methods evolve slowly (validation timelines, approval processes)</li><li>Quality control procedures: calibration checks, matrix spikes, surrogate standards, internal standards</li><li>Automated sample preparation and lab efficiency</li><li>Future PFAS regulations and Method 533 expansion</li></ul><h5>Ideal For:</h5><ul><li>Analytical chemists and environmental lab professionals</li><li>Water utilities and compliance officers</li><li>Chromatography practitioners interested in regulated workflows</li><li>Anyone curious about how drinking water safety is ensured</li></ul><h2>Video Transcription</h2><h3>Ensuring Safe Drinking Water Through Advanced Analytical Chemistry</h3><h4>Insights from a Regulated Water Testing Laboratory</h4>Analytical laboratories responsible for regulated drinking water testing operate under strict compliance frameworks to ensure the delivery of safe and reliable water supplies. In this interview, Alex, an organic chemist at Aqua America, outlines the scope of analytical work conducted in a modern water quality laboratory. The team primarily focuses on the determination of taste- and odor-causing compounds, disinfection byproducts, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These analyses rely heavily on GC-MS and LC-MS instrumentation, supported by rigorous maintenance programs to ensure continuous operational performance and data reliability.<h4>Regulatory Compliance and Quality Control in Drinking Water Analysis</h4>Operating as a regulated drinking water laboratory requires adherence to stringent requirements established by agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state-level regulatory bodies. Compliance is driven by extensive quality control protocols integrated into every analytical batch. Typical workflows include calibration verification, matrix spike recovery assessments, internal standard monitoring, and surrogate performance checks. Notably, analytical batches are often limited in sample number to accommodate a substantial proportion of quality control samples, reflecting the critical importance of data defensibility in regulatory reporting.One common misconception is the perceived speed at which results can be delivered. In reality, comprehensive sample preparation, including extraction procedures and validation steps, can extend turnaround times to a full working day or longer. Additionally, validated regulatory workflows impose limitations on the rapid adoption of new analytical technologies, as method modifications must undergo formal evaluation and approval before implementation.<h4>Analytical Strategies for Taste and Odor Investigations</h4>Taste and odor events represent a significant operational challenge for water utilities. Standard targeted methods are routinely applied for compounds such as 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin, which are commonly associated with earthy or musty sensory characteristics. When targeted analysis does not reveal the source, laboratories employ broad-scan GC-MS screening combined with spectral library interpretation to identify potential causative compounds. In some cases, sensory evaluation panels complement instrumental analysis, providing preliminary insight into potential treatment-related or environmental influences affecting water quality.<h4>PFAS Monitoring: Methodological Complexity and Trace-Level Sensitivity</h4>PFAS determination represents a rapidly evolving priority in drinking water monitoring. The laboratory currently applies EPA Method 537.1, with efforts underway to expand capabilities through certification for Method 533, thereby broadening analyte coverage. Analytical workflows typically involve solid-phase extraction followed by solvent evaporation using nitrogen-assisted blow-down techniques to achieve the trace-level sensitivity required for regulatory compliance. This concentration step is essential because PFAS compounds remain non-volatile under controlled evaporation conditions, enabling enhanced detection performance upon reconstitution and LC-MS analysis.<h4>Future Directions in Drinking Water Analytics</h4>Looking ahead, the primary technological driver in regulated water analysis is the demand for increasingly lower detection limits and expanded compound coverage. While regulatory frameworks can slow methodological innovation, laboratories continue to pursue efficiency improvements, such as automated sample preparation systems and optimized analytical workflows. These advances support the growing need to process high sample volumes while maintaining the stringent data quality standards required for public health protection.Ultimately, the work performed in regulated drinking water laboratories represents a critical intersection of analytical chemistry, environmental monitoring, and public safety. Continuous methodological refinement, coupled with advances in mass spectrometry and sample preparation technologies, will play a central role in addressing emerging contaminants and ensuring long-term water quality assurance.<blockquote>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</blockquote><blockquote><h4>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</h4>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!You can find Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast in podcast apps:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL">Spotify</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185">Apple podcast</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography">podscan</a></li></ul>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos">YouTube channel</a></blockquote>

Regulated Drinking Water Testing: PFAS Detection, Sample Prep & Real Lab Insights

Anna Vanluchene&nbsp;from UCT Prague’s&nbsp;Department of Chemical Engineering has received a&nbsp;prestigious start-up grant from the Dagmar Procházková Fund. However, she did not receive funding right away. In this interview, she describes how she developed ten versions of her&nbsp;Illuminating Flow&nbsp;project idea (combining photocatalysis with flow reactors for pharmaceutical synthesis). She explains why she considers perseverance to be crucial when applying for grants, how international experience has influenced her approach to team management, and how her research can reduce the chemical industry’s&nbsp;dependence on fossil fuels and imports from China.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_2_5b7d63b8e9.jpg" alt="VŠCHT Prague/Tomáš Balický: I waited two years for a start-up grant and wrote ten versions of my project idea" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_2_5b7d63b8e9.jpg 127w," sizes="100vw" width="1128" height="1387"><h5>What did the Dagmar Procházková Fund grant mean to you?</h5>I&nbsp;consider it to be a&nbsp;great success. It is the first injection of funding that will allow me to ensure full independence for my research endeavour, to start my own research group, and to fund students so I&nbsp;can get started properly.<h5>What have been your previous experiences with grants?</h5>During my doctorate, a cotutelle (international doctorate under dual supervision), I&nbsp;was funded by a&nbsp;grant from the French government. Then I&nbsp;worked at the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (CAS) and received a&nbsp;Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship to go abroad. The idea for my now-funded project was developed about two years ago and, since then, I&nbsp;have gradually developed and adapted the idea for various grant calls. I&nbsp;submitted about ten different versions of the proposal. I&nbsp;did not receive a&nbsp;grant from the Dagmar Procházková Fund last year, but this year, my application was successful.<h5>This probably requires a&nbsp;great deal of patience and perseverance.</h5>Certainly, because the success rates for most grants have been declining for some time. But as a&nbsp;motivational example, I&nbsp;will tell the story of Timothy Noel, a&nbsp;Belgian professor of chemistry living in the Netherlands. He applied for the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) grant, which is among the most sought-after in Europe, seven times. But no failure deterred him and eventually he succeeded and opened the door to potentially massive grant funding. He was already one of the world’s&nbsp;top scientists in the field at that time and openly described his journey on his blog <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.noelresearchgroup.com/2022/03/17/my-personal-story-to-obtain-an-erc-grant-7-submissions-4-interviews-and-6-heartbreaks/">blog</a>.<h5>What advice does this convey to other grant applicants and early career researchers?</h5>Start early, read a&nbsp;lot, don’t&nbsp;give up, and—most importantly—apply repeatedly. Learn from rejections and overcome possible frustration from failures. Read blogs and books by successful people, where you will find not only the glorious results of their work, but also the hardships they faced over their entire journeys. Of course, building your team and laboratory is impossible without finances. I&nbsp;myself still hope that I&nbsp;will be able to receive even bigger grants in the future.<h5>How has your international experience influenced your scientific approach?</h5>A&nbsp;lot and on several levels. Different laboratories teach you how to do&nbsp;things differently. You gain varied experience about how different institutions function. You see other people’s&nbsp;positive motivations, their ability to be ambitious without negativity, their involvement in institutional matters, their openness to cooperation with companies (e.g., tech transfers, spin-offs). The most important thing is to broaden your horizons. I&nbsp;see going abroad as a&nbsp;necessity. What I&nbsp;have taken away the most is drive, great support, and the idea that scientific output is not just about metrics, but also about dedication to one’s&nbsp;topic.<h5>What is your Illuminating Flow: Transport Phenomena in Photocatalysis about, in layperson’s&nbsp;terms, and how is it unique?</h5>Most of today’s&nbsp;chemical industry is still based on thermal processes and fossil fuels. Photochemistry enables electrification, where the energy source is photons delivered by LEDs, which can generate electricity from renewable sources. Current research focuses mainly on chemical reactions and their mechanisms, but as a&nbsp;chemical engineer, I&nbsp;focus on designing processes and reactors suitable for industrial use. In batch reactors, light fades rapidly with distance from a&nbsp;source, so much of a&nbsp;reaction mixture is not illuminated. Flow reactors solve this problem, but they bring new challenges such as working with solid catalysts and subsequently scaling up production and achieving higher production rates of the desired chemicals at a&nbsp;given scale.One can imagine a&nbsp;transparent tube with a&nbsp;catalyst on the walls, upon which light shines and through which reactants flow. This project has a&nbsp;unique emphasis on engineering solutions and overall process efficiency.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_3_b978abf25c.jpg" alt="VŠCHT Prague/Tomáš Balický: I waited two years for a start-up grant and wrote ten versions of my project idea" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_3_b978abf25c.jpg 241w," sizes="100vw" width="1228" height="799"><h5>So, were you inspired by a&nbsp;gap in the market to connect photocatalysis with transport phenomena?</h5>Exactly. I&nbsp;combine my areas of expertise: microfluidics, photocatalytic degradation of organic substances (CAS), and synthesis (MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship). The idea itself is not new, and pharmaceutical companies are very interested in “greener” photochemistry, but in practice, there is often a&nbsp;lack of appropriate engineering solutions and apparatus for industrial use.<h5>What are the practical applications of your work and what substances are you focusing on?</h5>Mainly on pharmaceuticals and on the synthesis of so-called fine chemicals, which are often the building blocks for the production of pharmaceuticals. There is also a&nbsp;geopolitical dimension to this, i.e. less dependence on imports from China and sustainable synthesis in Europe where it makes economic sense.<h5>And what chemicals are you specifically talking about?</h5>For example, building blocks for advanced synthesis, compounds prepared by trifluoromethylation reactions, or products of oxidation reactions with singlet oxygen. At the same time, we focus on reactions that are, in the classical design process, less safe or technologically demanding, where new approaches, such as photochemistry in flow reactors, could be safer and have better process control. Of course, this is not a&nbsp;universal solution for all types of reactions.<h5>The goal of this project?</h5>I&nbsp;plan to start a&nbsp;fully functional laboratory and research team, create high-quality experimental data on selected molecules and based on them, try to build cooperation with industrial partners. Without data, it is impossible to come to companies with just an idea. Within three years, I&nbsp;would like to have results that can be realistically presented and further developed.<h5>What are the main challenges in transport phenomena during photocatalysis?</h5>The methodology for repeatability of experiments in photochemistry is relatively demanding and there are unforeseen obstacles in building apparatus. Also, the scale-up from microliters to a&nbsp;larger scale.<h5>What methodology will you use, and how big are the microreactors and their flow rates?</h5>I&nbsp;have two different directions in methodological design. The first direction involves microreactors the size of a&nbsp;laboratory slide. You make a&nbsp;structure using a&nbsp;laser, and then you have to cast it and make a&nbsp;microreactor. This allows you to quickly adjust the geometry of the reactor. This method is, of course, not applicable in the commercial setting, but it is ideal for studying transport phenomena and precise measurements.The second direction involves reactors that are flow cells. These are already larger, approximately 15 x 15 centimetres, and their flow rates are in the order of millilitres per hour. This is the initial scale that we will further increase during the project.<h5>There is a&nbsp;big difference between a&nbsp;flow rate of microlitres per hour and industrial needs. Will it not work differently in reality?</h5>Our research will focus on studying the phenomena themselves for now, and scaling will be addressed later. In addition, we will combine the experimental data obtained with computer simulations that will help design suitable conditions for a&nbsp;larger scale. For some high-value fine chemicals, these scales, combined with continuous operation or parallelization of reactors, may already be practically usable.<h5>What catalysts will you use and how will you attach them to the reactor walls?</h5>I&nbsp;am focusing on heterogeneous photocatalysis, and we will mainly use graphitic carbon nitride and its more advanced modifications. These are semiconductor materials that can be synthesized relatively easily and are suitable for immobilization on glass reactor walls. A&nbsp;key part of this project is the creation of a&nbsp;stable catalytic layer for long-term flow-through operations. To increase the contact of reactants with the catalyst, we will also consider multiphase modes, for example, gas bubbling, in order to disrupt the otherwise laminar flow.<h5>Why did you choose this field and the Department of Chemical Engineering?</h5>During my postdoc in Belgium, the department had an opening for an Assistant Professor position that caught my attention and I&nbsp;applied for it. I&nbsp;did my undergraduate, graduate, and initial doctoral studies here, and I&nbsp;love the department. I&nbsp;have a&nbsp;Bachelor’s&nbsp;degree in Chemistry.<h5>Are you collaborating with anyone?</h5>We collaborate with BUT Brno focusing on creating layers and immobilizing catalysts on glass, as well as with the Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. And as for organic synthesis, we are connected with Ghent University via postdoc internships. At the same time, my colleague Viola Tokárová and I&nbsp;received a&nbsp;Czech Science Foundation grant in cooperation with BUT Brno and Masaryk University, with our part of the project focusing on the use of flow reactors for photochemical reactions and testing the antibacterial properties of photocatalytic materials. And I&nbsp;am writing other grant proposals in which I&nbsp;am trying to build new collaborations.<h5>What does the creation of an independent research group at UCT Prague look like?</h5>I&nbsp;started by renovating the premises that were assigned to me and gradually building my team. It is important for research work to have Ph.D. students; I&nbsp;have already hired one and we will recruit more. In addition to building the group, I&nbsp;will engage in securing further funding for the group, so I&nbsp;will be writing more grant proposals. It is important to think far enough in advance when it comes to prospective funding for a&nbsp;research group.<h5>What type of students are you looking for?</h5>The laboratory and team I&nbsp;are building will be very multidisciplinary, just like the area I&nbsp;am working on. That is why I&nbsp;am looking for students who are attracted to true multidisciplinary research, those who, for example, have knowledge of engineering, but who don’t&nbsp;mind a&nbsp;little bit of pure chemistry. One student in their own right does not have to (and cannot) know every subject, so I&nbsp;will ideally have a&nbsp;team consisting of different people with different research backgrounds. Motivated, DIY-type students who would rather enthusiastically build or invent something themselves than conduct repetitive measurements. Organic or analytical chemists will also find their place here. If this topic is interesting to students in any way, they can definitely contact me. I&nbsp;am also open to interdepartmental cooperation with other UCT Prague Faculties.<h5>How would you describe your path to photocatalysis/chemical engineering?</h5>Studying Chemistry as an undergrad gave me a&nbsp;broad perspective, but I&nbsp;was gradually narrowing my focus and eventually chose engineering. Chemical engineering intrigued me with its logic and was the easiest for me to grasp at the time. But I&nbsp;have always enjoyed working on projects more than the studies themselves. Even during my Bachelor studies, I&nbsp;really enjoyed and was interested in the Professor Štěpánek Group’s&nbsp;projects, where I&nbsp;was doing something completely different than I&nbsp;do&nbsp;now. I&nbsp;only got into photochemistry during my time at CAS and then, during my postdoctoral fellowship, I&nbsp;devoted myself to electrochemistry. My current focus is, thus, a&nbsp;natural interlinking of all these areas. Consequentially, I&nbsp;developed an awareness of the necessity to become independent and return to the department with my own, different research agenda, which, in my opinion, is an important and correct basis for establishing my own research group.<h5>What is the biggest challenge of this project for you?</h5>The transition from being a&nbsp;postdoc to a&nbsp;leadership position is a&nbsp;big change for me and I&nbsp;think it is not talked about enough. It means a&nbsp;shift from my own experimental work to leading a&nbsp;team, planning and delegating tasks, and motivating students. From a&nbsp;practical point of view, one of the main challenges is the transfer of reactions from the microscale to functional systems, the construction of reactors, the immobilization of catalysts, and generally confirming that this direction makes sense in the long term and that it has future potential.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_1_66ac267e06.jpg" alt="VŠCHT Prague/Tomáš Balický: I waited two years for a start-up grant and wrote ten versions of my project idea" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_1_66ac267e06.jpg 155w," sizes="100vw" width="830" height="839">

I waited two years for a start-up grant and wrote ten versions of my project idea

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The University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague is a natural centre of first-rate study and research in the area of chemistry in Czechia and is one of the country's largest educational and research institutions focused on technical chemistry, chemical and biochemical technologies, material and chemical engineering, food chemistry, and environmental studies.

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This session will explore detectors commonly used in polymer analysis (RID, UV, MALS, Viscometer), emphasizing their specific applications based on polymer types (Branched, Linear, high Mw, low Mw).We will discuss their roles in Mw determination, Quantitation, Viscosity measurement, and size and shape determination etc.&nbsp;<blockquote>Presenter: Ansuman Mahato (Product Specialist Liquid Phase Separations, Agilent Technologies)Ansuman has been a Product Specialist at Agilent Technologies for 14 years, working with the pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, food, and chemicals industries. Based in Waldbronn, Germany, the manufacturing site for Agilent’s chromatography solutions, he helps make labs more efficient and compliant and has rich experience with techniques like HPLC, UHPLC, GPC/SEC, Prep LC, and 2D-LC.Ansuman is also skilled in polymer analysis using advanced tools like viscometry and MALS. He has published many papers in international journals and is a popular speaker for his practical insights and innovative solutions.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: HPLC Beginner Webinar Series

GPC/SEC Detector Selection

This session will explore detectors commonly used in polymer analysis (RID, UV, MALS, Viscometer).

When developing an LC method, there are various factors that can be tested to achieve the desired resolution and symmetry of the analytes.In this webinar we will discuss the various factors and give tips on developing a robust method.<blockquote>Presenter: Laura Montis (Product Specialist Liquid Phase Separations, Agilent)Laura began her carrier in the Liquid Chromatography over 15 years ago. After experiencing the pharmaceutical world in an analytical development lab, she went on to work with preparative chromatography and gained experience with Supercritical Fluid Chromatography prior to moving onto special HPLC applications, like 2DLC and Online LC.Throughout her career, Laura has held several positions, including application chemist, trainer, sales specialist, and marketing business development. She is currently Product Specialist for liquid phase chromatography systems within the International Distributor Organization in EMEA at Agilent Technologies.Laura studied analytical chemistry and holds a master’s degree from University of Lyon in France.</blockquote>

Method Development in HPLC

In this webinar we will discuss the various factors and give tips on developing a robust HPLC method.

<div data-lineheight="1.5">Food analysis is crucial for consumer safety, authenticity, and pollutant detection. Benchmark analytical methods use complex protocols and organic solvents, and more sustainable alternatives are to be sought out. A recent trend in analytical chemistry leverages raw data from experiments (e.g., chromatographic profiles, spectra) as sample fingerprints, analyzed with multivariate tools to predict characteristics (e.g., origin, composition) and identify adulterations. These approaches reduce analyses, lab work, and resource use, offering greener, more cost-effective alternatives.The webinar will show how to combine the two aims, sustainability and data maximization, using an aqueous colloidal system, developing AF4-DAD-MALS-dRI-FLD platforms to separate and characterize components from food matrices:</div><ul><li data-lineheight="1.5">Red wine profiling and in-depth analysis of output data can highlight particulate complexity, explain sensory feedback, and lead to cultivar grouping.</li><li data-lineheight="1.5">Milk analysis and multivariate elaboration of fractograms enabled single-run discrimination of factors like thermal treatment, fat content, and even the manufacturing plant’s impact on colloidal content.</li></ul>These AF4 method are fast, uses minimal sample preparation, avoid chemical treatments, offering a greener, faster and possibly cheaper alternative. The FFF approach can enhance food quality control and fraud detection processes and is adaptable to other colloidal food samples. Additionally, it underscores the need to increase multivariate analysis in data from FFF platforms.<h4>Key Learning Objectives:</h4><ul><li data-lineheight="1.5">Tackle native sample handling</li><li data-lineheight="1.5">Understanding data extraction from multidetection profiling</li><li data-lineheight="1.5">Rationalizing multivariate analysis of FFF data</li></ul><h4>Who Should Attend:</h4><ul><li data-lineheight="1.5">Laboratory managers</li><li data-lineheight="1.5">Chromatographers</li><li data-lineheight="1.5">Scientist in the Food &amp; beverage industry</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Valentina Marassi, Ph.D. (University of Bologna, byFlow srl)Dr. Marassi is Tenure-Track Researcher and Assistant Professor in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Bologna. She graduated with a B.S. in chemistry, a Master’s in Organic Chemistry and completed a PhD in Analytical Chemistry in the same Institution. Her core research involves separation science and profiling-multidetection applied to nano-bio samples, and developing FFF-chemometrics strategies to model and understand colloidal profiles.Presenter: Prof. Andrea Zattoni (University of Bologna, byFlow srl)Andrea Zattoni joined the University of Bologna in 2006 and is currently an Associate Professor. He holds an M.S. in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences from the University of Bologna with a research focus on separation science. His main research interests include the fundamental and instrumental development of field-flow fractionation and its combination with highly sensitive and selective detection techniques.Presenter: Udayabagya (Bud) Halim (Waters | Wyatt Technology)Bud Halim is a senior marketing analyst at Wyatt Technology. He holds a B.S. and Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the UCLA. Bud started his career as an adjunct professor where he taught courses such as Biochem, Analytical, and Physical Chemistr. Prior to joining Wyatt Technology, Bud worked in the scientific instrumentation field as an applications scientist for three years. His experience spans the characterization of batteries, semiconductors, and the stability of biologics, LNPs, and viral vectors.</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Colloidal Fingerprints of Food and Beverages with multidetector AF4-MALS

Colloidal Fingerprints of Food and Beverages with multidetector AF4-MALS

How to combine sustainability and data maximization, using an aqueous colloidal system, developing AF4-DAD-MALS-dRI-FLD platforms.

Fingerprints of Food and Beverages with AF4-MALS

With an understanding of selectivity, and using a variety of chromatographic data, we discuss phase design principles and how it is possible to introduce functionality to enhance selectivity through different mechanisms such as hydrophobicity, π-π, dipole-dipole and shape selectivity interactions.This webinar is the second part in a three-part series by Gemma Lo, called "A Systematic UHPLC / HPLC Method Development Strategy with Complementary Stationary Phases to Maximize Selectivity and Resolution."Each part is about 20min long.Presenter: Gemma Lo

MAC MOD Analytical: Utilizing Stationary Phase Design in Method Development

Utilizing Stationary Phase Design in Method Development

We discuss phase design principles and how it is possible to introduce functionality to enhance selectivity through different mechanisms.

This course is designed to introduce those familiar with analytical-scale HPLC to capillary (or “nano”) liquid chromatography. Although both techniques are based on the same fundamental principles, capillary LC delivers a number of distinct advantages with appropriate use.Commercial instrument options, as well as the basics of preparing your own capillary LC columns, will be described. Because one of the most prominent uses of capillary LC is its coupling to mass spectrometry for complex biological sample analysis, special attention will be given to this important area. Both academic and industrial researchers will be able to apply the information gained through this course to successfully use this essential technique.After completing this course, participants will be able to:<ul><li>Understand the differences between analytical and capillary scale LC</li><li>Describe the fundamentals of capillary LC column preparation</li><li>Determine the best detection modes for a given application</li><li>Explain the advantages of coupling capillary LC with mass spectrometry and how to approach method development using capillary LC-MS</li><li>Identify best practices for the use of capillary LC to solve analytical challenges</li></ul><h5>Who Should Attend?</h5>Scientists, chemists, analytical researchers, lab directors and managers, VPs and directors of QC/QA, lab owners<blockquote>Presenter: Dr. James Grinias (Professor, Department of Chemistry &amp; Biochemistry, Rowan University)James Grinias is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry &amp; Biochemistry at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, USA. Dr. Grinias has a number of research interests focused on chemical separations and microfluidics, both at the fundamental level and for the analysis of biological systems. He is the recipient of the 2021 American Chemical Society Satinder Ahuja Award for Young Investigators in Separation Science and the 2022 LCGC Emerging Leader in Chromatography. At Rowan, he teaches courses in general, analytical, and bioanalytical chemistry while also conducting research on UHPLC column performance and instrument miniaturization.Presenter: Greg Ward (CEO, Axcend)Greg Ward serves as the CEO of Axcend, renowned for its portable high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems. Greg has over 30 years of experience in the technology and scientific instrumentation sectors. Before joining Axcend, Greg held technical and marketing roles at Hewlett Packard and Agilent Technologies. His leadership at Axcend has been pivotal in advancing the development and commercialization of the Axcend Focus LC®, a compact and eco-friendly HPLC system that has revolutionized the field by offering customers portability, ease of use, and reduced operational costs. Axcend has made significant strides in making high-quality chromatographic analysis accessible and convenient for various industries, including pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, and chemical manufacturing. Greg’s vision and dedication continue to push the boundaries of scientific analysis, making him a key leader in the field of compact liquid chromatography.</blockquote>

Separation Science: Introduction to Compact Liquid Chromatography

Introduction to Compact Liquid Chromatography

This course is designed to introduce those familiar with analytical-scale HPLC to capillary (or “nano”) liquid chromatography. 

<h5>Who Should Attend:</h5><ul><li>Any HPLC scientists beginning with method development&nbsp;or working with small molecules in pharmaceutical labs &nbsp;</li></ul><h5>Key Learning Points:</h5><ul><li>Learn about selectivity benefits of phenyl phases during reversed-phase HPLC</li><li>Review mobile-phase optimization when using a phenyl column</li><li>Examine a thorough comparison of different phenyl phases with a C18 phase</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Zachary Woodward (Senior Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)Zachary Woodward is a Senior Technical Specialist with Phenomenex, Inc, assisting laboratories with method development in the bio-pharma, environmental, and food industries. &nbsp;Zachary spent his formative years developing HPLC and GC methods with a pharmaceutical lab in Albany, NY, after which he developed HPLC and SPE methods in the clinical setting here in Southern California. &nbsp;Zachary received his B.Sci. in Chemistry from the College of William and Mary, was awarded his Master’s in Chemistry at San Diego State University, and is happy to speak with you today!</blockquote>

How to Choose a Phenyl Phase

Learn about selectivity benefits of phenyl phases during reversed-phase HPLC. Review mobile-phase optimization when using a phenyl column.

Key Learning Points:<ul><li>Gain a comprehensive understanding of solvent miscibility and recognize its significance</li><li>Develop an in-depth comprehension of how to properly solvent switch a column, and the potential consequences associated with incorrect procedures</li><li>Familiarize yourself with a standardized protocol for transitioning an LC column from one solvent system to another, ensuring a seamless solvent switch</li></ul>Who Should Attend:&nbsp;Any LC users who are looking to understand the factors that can impact a systems backpressure and how to mitigate potential backpressure problems.<blockquote>Presenter: Koen Askamp (Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)I am from the Netherlands, studied Molecular Life Sciences at Wageningen University (Netherlands), majoring in immunology. Analytical Chemistry was one of my favorite courses – who doesn’t love solving puzzles?I like drumming, scuba diving, motorcycle-riding, and this past winter I learned how to ski (a little)! &nbsp;</blockquote>

LC Pressure 101

Familiarize yourself with a standardized protocol for transitioning an LC column from one solvent system to another, ensuring a seamless solvent switch.

<div><div dir="" aria-atomic="true">Quality control (QC) labs today require instruments that can accurately and reproducibly tackle a broad range of applications in a way that is reliable and compliance ready.Join us for an interactive educational session where we explore how the expansion of liquid chromatography (LC) detection can significantly enhance the capabilities and possibilities in QC analyses. See how the addition of PDA detection in an integrated, next-generation HPLC system, elevates QC labs to achieve:<ul><li>Enhanced analytical capabilities: Discover how the use of columns with smaller particle sizes facilitates seamless method adjustment or scaling on the Alliance iS HPLC System.</li><li>Wide application range: Suitable for a broad range of compounds due to its versatile wavelength range.</li><li>Method migration support: Tools to support moving methods from other HPLC systems, ensuring comparable results.</li><li>Data integrity: Provides reliable and reproducible results crucial for regulatory compliance and quality control.</li></ul>Introducing the Alliance iS HPLC SystemThe Alliance iS HPLC system is the first-of-its-kind LC system that brings intuitive simplicity and performance to routine analyses. Initially impressing pharmaceutical QC lab teams with its integrated TUV detector, it has evolved to serve QC biopharma labs with the Alliance iS Bio HPLC System, featuring MaxPeak High Performance Surfaces (HPS) Technology.Now, with the latest addition of the integrated PDA detector, the Alliance iS HPLC System enters a whole new arena of applications.Next-Level UV Analysis for QC Labs<ul><li>3D spectral data acquisition wavelength: Capable of recording multiple 2D channels and 3D spectrum.</li><li>Versatile PDA detector: Applicable to any UV-based HPLC method with an wavelength range of 190-800 nm, allowing for the exploration and tracking of multiple peaks of interest with various lambda max.</li><li>Peak purity analysis: Conduct peak purity analysis through Empower Chromatography Data System (CDS).</li><li>Peak identification and confirmation: Identify or confirm peaks by individual spectrum, a key step in assay, impurity, and ID pharmaceutical methods.</li></ul>Case Studies<ul><li>Scaling a method from the Alliance iS HPLC System with PDA Detector: Learn how to scale an HPLC method to 2.5 um particle column on the Alliance iS HPLC System with PDA detector, taking advantage of pressure range for shorter run times and lower solvent consumption.</li><li>Method migration of a USP monograph to the Alliance iS HPLC System with PDA Detector: Understand impact of instrument characteristics on method migration or transfer, and how to successfully move your method from different vendor systems to the Alliance iS HPLC System with PDA Detector.</li></ul>Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to leverage the latest advancements in LC detection to enhance your QC lab's capabilities and efficiency.<blockquote>Presenter: Patrick Flanagan (Principal Product Marketing Manager, QA/QC, Waters Corporation)</blockquote><div><blockquote>Patrick Flanagan is a Principal Product Marketing Manager in Waters’ QA/QC Division, where he has worked for over six years. He currently is responsible for product marketing and product management activities for Waters’ next generation HPLC systems.He received his bachelor’s in science degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Biochemistry and worked for 15 years as a formulation scientist.Patrick began his career in Waters’ product management department responsible for optical detection, multi-dimensional systems, the Alliance HPLC System, Arc Premier System, Arc HPLC System, and the new Alliance iS HPLC System. His recent work has been focused on the development of innovative new products for pharmaceutical QA/QC departments.</blockquote><blockquote>Presenter: Lise Gauthier (Principal Evaluation Scientist, Waters Corporation)Lise Gauthier is Principal Scientist within the QA/QC Business Strategy group at Waters Corporation in Milford, MA. Prior to joining Waters in 2014, Lise worked in the pharmaceutical industry holding within Quality Assurance and Drug Discovery. Her current role at Waters includes system validation and evaluation of competitive systemsPresenter: Amanda Dlugasch (Senior Scientist, Waters Corporation)Amanda Dlugasch is a Senior Scientist in the QA/QC Strategy and Growth Department at Waters Corporation in Milford, MA. She received her B.A. in Chemistry from Manhattanville College and her M.S. in Chemistry from Sacred Heart University. She started at Waters Corporation in the Instrument Evaluation group developing qualification protocols for newly released products. Upon transferring to the QA/QC Strategy and Growth Department, her initial focus was to evaluate and provide application and training material for the release of ACQUITY Arc UHPLC System. She studied how LC instrument design and LC system characteristics influence chromatography when transferring, scaling, and modernizing methods. Currently, she is working on evaluating the Alliance iS HPLC System.</blockquote></div></div></div>

Waters: Expanding Capabilities in QC Analyses with Advanced LC Detection

Expanding Capabilities in QC Analyses with Advanced LC Detection

Explore how the expansion of liquid chromatography (LC) detection can significantly enhance the capabilities and possibilities in QC analyses. 

Analyses with Advanced LC Detection

As CHO-based processes for recombinant proteins continue to have increased cell densities and titers, the need for advancement in clarification technologies is of importance to enable manufacturing scalability. A novel technology, anion exchange (AEX) fiber chromatography, aims to address this challenge and has proven to be scalable up to large commercial manufacturing. This approach combines the ease of filter-like flowthrough operation and scalability, as well as the separation precision of chromatography.Join Dr. Masa Nakamura, Senior Application Development Specialist, Solventum, as he showcases a new clarification platform strategy that can offer seamless implementation and deployment from discovery to clinical and commercial manufacturing. It can also provide consistent and high-quality clarified fluid to enhance commercialization productivity.Key learning objectives<ul><li>Learn about the application of synthetic fiber chromatography to the clarification unit operation</li><li>Explore a novel approach to harvest and clarification in CHO processes</li><li>Understand options to overcome scale up challenges and to reduce soluble impurities during clarification</li></ul>Who should attend?Scientists, Engineers, and Heads of process development, manufacturing, MSAT, and CMC from biopharmaceutical organizations focused on recombinant protein production in CHO expression systems.Certificate of attendanceAll webinar participants can request a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary, for continuing education purposes<blockquote>Presenter: Masa Nakamura, PhD (Senior Application Development Specialist, Solventum, Bioprocessing Filtration)</blockquote><div><blockquote>Dr. Masa Nakamura, Senior Application Development Specialist for Solventum, is responsible for developing new products and applications for biopharmaceutical clarification and purification processes, including the development of fiber chromatography products. He has over 25 years of bioseparation and bioengineering experience in academic and industry. He received his BS in Chemical Engineering and PhD in Biochemical Engineering from the University of Tokyo, Japan.Moderator: Matilde Marques (Life Sciences Assistant Editor, SelectScience)</blockquote></div>

SelectScience: Scalable chromatographic clarification platform for mAb manufacturing in CHO systems 

Scalable chromatographic clarification platform for mAb manufacturing in CHO systems 

A new clarification platform strategy that can offer seamless implementation and deployment from discovery to clinical and commercial manufacturing.

Chromatographic platform for mAb manufacturing in CHO

This webinar will delve into advanced optimization strategies for carbohydrate analysis using High-Performance Anion-Exchange Chromatography with Pulsed Amperometric Detection (HPAE-PAD) to help you master carbohydrate analysis.The session will focus on practical approaches to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of your carbohydrate analysis, leading to streamlined workflows, reduced analysis times, and increased overall productivity in the laboratory. Attendees will benefit from expert insights on how to implement these optimizations effectively, ultimately achieving superior analytical performance and more reliable results in carbohydrate analysis.<blockquote>Presenter: Detlef Jensen, PhD (Field application Sr. Expert, EFSI, EMEA, Thermo Fisher Scientific)Detlef studied Chemistry at the Technical University of Berlin and was awarded his Ph.D. from the Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry in 1989, supervised by Professor Steudel. He started his career as a product specialist for ion chromatography in Germany at Dionex GmbH in 1990. Throughout his professional life, he was accountable for various products and product lines, mainly chromatography, data systems, and spectrometry. After several national and international managerial positions, he now supports users and colleagues at Thermo Fisher Scientific in EMEA as a leading expert in developing and supporting modern separation processes in various scenarios. He is also involved in cooperation with national and international standardization bodies and research institutes. Even after more than 35 years of concentrated experience, he is still astonished and attracted by the possibilities of modern separation techniques, stationary phases, and detection methods. The wise combination of chemical fundamentals of modern separation technology, modern hardware, and data technology to solve complex analytical puzzles still fascinates him.Presenter: Wai-Chi Man (Product Marketing Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)Wai-Chi has specialized in ion chromatography (IC) since 1989, with over 36 years of experience in analytical chemistry in a wide variety of techniques and industries. Her work at Thermo Fisher Scientific has supported a wide range of customers from various industries, providing IC support in method development, troubleshooting, sample preparation, training, seminars, events, and workshops.</blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Leveraging HPAE-PAD for Optimal Lab Results

Leveraging HPAE-PAD for Optimal Lab Results

Optimization strategies for carbohydrate analysis using High-Performance Anion-Exchange Chromatography with Pulsed Amperometric Detection (HPAE-PAD)

LCMS webinars focusing on HPLC - page 18