Scientists at IOCB Prague are uncovering new details of gene transcription. They have identified a previously unknown molecular mechanism by which the transcription of genetic information from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into ribonucleic acid (RNA) can be initiated. The researchers focused on a specific class of molecules known as alarmones, which are found in cells across a wide range of organisms and whose levels often increase under conditions of cellular stress. The results were published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature Chemical Biology.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_bc2bfffa6c.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague/Tomáš Belloň: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: Dr. Hana Cahová, head of the Chemical Biology of Nucleic Acids research group." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_bc2bfffa6c.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1335"><div>Molecules of ribonucleic acid can carry a variety of chemical modifications at one end, known as caps. In eukaryotic organisms, including human cells, the best-known cap plays an important role in RNA stability and in regulating its subsequent fate. In recent years, however, it has become clear that alternative, non-canonical RNA caps also exist, although their formation and the mechanisms by which they are attached to RNA remain only partially understood. These include alarmone caps, formed by dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules, that protect cellular RNA at moments when the cell is under threat.In their study, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cahova.group.uochb.cz/en">Dr. Hana Cahová</a> and colleagues examined bacterial RNA polymerase and investigated how this enzyme can initiate transcription using dinucleoside polyphosphates (NpNs) instead of the standard RNA building blocks. For the first time, the scientists described, at the atomic level, how RNA bearing an alarmone cap can be generated directly at the initiation of gene transcription. They also observed that NpNs bind through a different type of base pairing than is typically observed.The work was significantly shaped by Valentina Serianni from Hana Cahová’s team, who demonstrated the ability of dinucleoside polyphosphates to initiate gene transcription, and by Jana Škerlová, who focused on the structural analysis of RNA polymerase. Using cryogenic electron microscopy data, she showed how dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules bind within the active site of RNA polymerase – that is, the core of the enzyme where genetic information is transcribed. Together, their findings help to elucidate the processes that accompany the transcription of genetic information from DNA to RNA.Hana Cahová adds: “We’re describing something that truly occurs in cells and that we’re now able to observe directly at the level of individual molecules. This allows us to answer fundamental questions about cellular processes, such as how cells adapt to stress. RNA plays a central role in this, as it carries the cascade of information underlying any cellular response – for example, to threatening conditions caused by nutrient deprivation or temperature shock.”<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_2_0fe88ff9e9.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague/Tomáš Belloň: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: Dr. Tomáš Kouba, head of the Cryogenic Electron Microscopy core facility." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_2_0fe88ff9e9.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1335"><div>Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was central to the project. This part of the work was led by Dr. Tomáš Kouba, one of the authors of the study. “Cryogenic electron microscopy allows us to freeze biological molecules in a state very close to their natural form and then determine their three-dimensional structure. This makes it possible to look directly into the active centers of enzymes and observe their function down to the atomic level,” he explains.Last year, IOCB Prague opened a new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cryoem.group.uochb.cz/en">cryo-EM center</a> that is unique within the Czech research environment. State-of-the-art cryogenic electron microscopes are housed in a specially designed building and enable the study of biological processes with exceptional structural precision.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_3_4d881e7a58.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: This work shows how NpnNs initiate bacterial transcription. Cryo-EM reveals how nucleobases pair with the template: one in canonical and one in reverse Watson–Crick mode, providing a structural basis for their function as non-canonical RNA caps." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_3_4d881e7a58.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1077"><blockquote><h4>The Original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-025-02134-5">Molecular insight into 5′ RNA capping with NpnNs by bacterial RNA polymerase</a></h4>Valentina M. Serianni, Jana Škerlová, Anna Knopp Dubánková, Anton Škríba, Hana Šváchová, Tereza Vučková, Anatolij Filimoněnko, Milan Fábry, Pavlína Řezáčová, Tomáš Kouba &amp; Hana Cahova&nbsp;Nat. Chem. Biol. 21 (2026)<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-025-02134-5">https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-025-02134-5</a><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote><h4>Abstract</h4>RNA capped with dinucleoside polyphosphates has been discovered in bacteria and eukaryotes only recently. The likely mechanism of this specific capping involves direct incorporation of dinucleoside polyphosphates by RNA polymerase as noncanonical initiating nucleotides. However, how these compounds bind into the active site of RNA polymerase during transcription initiation is unknown. Here, we explored transcription initiation in vitro, using a series of DNA templates in combination with dinucleoside polyphosphates and model RNA polymerase from Thermus thermophilus. We observed that the transcription start site can vary on the basis of the compatibility of the specific template and dinucleoside polyphosphate. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of transcription initiation complexes with dinucleoside polyphosphates revealed that both nucleobase moieties can pair with the DNA template. The first encoded nucleotide pairs in a canonical Watson–Crick manner, whereas the second nucleobase pairs noncanonically in a reverse Watson–Crick manner. Our work provides a structural explanation of how dinucleoside polyphosphates initiate RNA transcription.</div></div>

Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription

Food adulteration is a phenomenon with a long history that has gained increasing importance in recent years due to the globalization of food supply chains and strong economic pressures. Whether it involves diluting olive oil with cheaper oils, adding sugar to honey, or the hidden use of substitutes in protein supplements, the result is a loss of consumer trust and, in some cases, a potential risk to health. Analytical chemistry plays a key role in this area by providing methods and technologies capable of identifying and quantifying target compounds as well as unwanted impurities in a wide range of food matrices.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_Praha_Falsovani_potravin_a_jak_ho_odhali_analyticka_chemie_6912db5492.jpg" alt="Watrex: Food Adulteration and How It Is Revealed by Analytical Chemistry" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_Praha_Falsovani_potravin_a_jak_ho_odhali_analyticka_chemie_6912db5492.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="900"><h4>The Role of Chromatography in Forensic Food Analysis</h4>Chromatography, particularly liquid chromatography (HPLC), is one of the most effective analytical tools for separating complex mixtures of molecules. It enables:<ul><li>qualitative identification of individual components in a sample,</li><li>quantitative determination of their concentrations,</li><li>detection of impurities and unexpected components that may indicate adulteration.</li></ul>In practice, HPLC is often combined with various types of detectors (UV/VIS, DAD, refractive index detectors) or with other techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry) to increase selectivity and sensitivity.<h4>Isocratic vs. Gradient Elution</h4>In the analysis of food samples, chromatographic methods are selected according to the analytical goal:<ul><li>Isocratic HPLC uses a constant mobile phase composition throughout the analysis. It is simple, robust, and ideal for routine determinations of well-defined target analytes (e.g., sugars or vitamins).</li><li>Gradient HPLC changes the mobile phase composition during separation, enabling better resolution of complex mixtures with a wide range of polarities (e.g., peptides or phenolic compounds).</li></ul>Gradient methods are particularly useful when analytes have very different properties and high separation efficiency is required.<h4>Watrex Praha and the Contribution of Modern Systems to Food Analysis</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky_HPLCsystemy">Watrex Praha, s.r.o.</a> is one of the leading Czech manufacturers and distributors of liquid chromatography systems and instruments, with a long tradition dating back to 1990. The company has successfully transformed from a distributor into a manufacturer of its own HPLC and related technologies, focusing on modular, robust systems suitable even for demanding analytical tasks.Their <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?manufacturerItems=93&amp;search=streamline">Streamline™ product line</a> includes several HPLC system concepts suitable for food analysis:<ul><li>Isocratic HPLC system – a simple yet precise configuration with a single pump, column thermostat, and UV/VIS detector; suitable for routine determination of known analytes (e.g., basic carbohydrates, food additives).</li><li>Binary gradient HPLC system – equipped with two pumps enabling mobile phase gradient formation, which enhances separation performance for complex mixtures (e.g., phenolic profiles of wine, components of aromatic extracts).</li><li>GPC/SEC system (Gel Permeation / Size Exclusion Chromatography) – a specialized solution for the determination of macromolecules and polymers, also relevant for the analysis of high-molecular-weight components in foods (e.g., polysaccharides).</li></ul><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_catalog_2024_ba97395f92.pdf">Product catalogue HERE</a></blockquote>Thanks to the modular nature of these systems, analysts can easily adapt the configuration to a specific analytical problem, from simple routine analyses to complex characterization of food samples.<h4>Practical Examples of Adulteration Revealed by HPLC</h4><ul><li>Detection of olive oil dilution: HPLC can separate and quantify characteristic triacylglycerols and fatty acids; unusual patterns indicate the presence of cheaper oils.</li><li>Estimation of sugar addition in honey: Isocratic HPLC with a refractive index detector can determine sugar profiles (glucose, fructose, sucrose), revealing dilution or the addition of sugar syrups.</li><li>Identification of aromatic adulterants in wine: Gradient HPLC with a PDA detector can reveal phenolic and aromatic profiles that are altered by the addition of synthetic compounds.</li></ul><h4>Conclusion</h4>Food adulteration remains a current issue that requires reliable and sensitive analytical methods. Liquid chromatography, and in particular modern HPLC systems, represent one of the most powerful tools for detecting unwanted additives, impurities, and unexpected components in complex food samples. Manufacturers such as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky_HPLCsystemy">Watrex Praha</a> provide flexible chromatographic platforms covering a wide range of analytical tasks from simple isocratic to advanced gradient and GPC/SEC applications thereby supporting analysts in ensuring food quality and consumer protection.<blockquote>Did you find this article interesting? Follow <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky_HPLCsystemy">Watrex Praha</a> on their social media (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/watrex/?viewAsMember=true">LinkedIn</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.facebook.com/WatrexPrague">Facebook</a>) for more engaging topics.</blockquote>

Food Adulteration and How It Is Revealed by Analytical Chemistry

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Subhoja Chakraborty from the University of Central Florida, whose cutting-edge research targets the global challenge of malaria drug resistance. Dr. Chakraborty shares her journey from structure-based drug design during her PhD to her recent collaborative work repurposing human kinase inhibitors as rapid, selective antimalarials against drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains.<h4>In this episode, you'll learn:</h4><ul><li>How structure-guided approaches reveal potential drug targets, including cysteine proteases like falcipain-2, and kinases implicated in malaria's complex life cycle.</li><li>The power of repurposing kinase inhibitors originally developed for cancer and other diseases, focusing on compound 12, which blocks hemozoin formation and protein kinase 6—key steps in parasite survival.</li><li>Lab techniques such as affinity, gel filtration, and size exclusion chromatography for recombinant protein purification—and how troubleshooting is crucial for high-yield, stable complexes.</li><li>Advances in mass spectrometry for characterizing protein interactions, validating drug targets, and mapping molecular pathways pivotal to malaria therapeutics.</li><li>Tips and lessons for new researchers facing the challenges of sample preparation, complex protocols, and working as part of a collaborative team.</li></ul>Dr. Chakraborty’s insights bridge the gap between basic science and translational drug discovery, offering hope for more effective, targeted malaria treatments in a world where resistance to frontline therapies threatens millions.<h4>Referenced Papers:</h4><ul><li>"Plasmodium falciparum protein kinase 6 and hemozoin formation are inhibited by a type II human kinase inhibitor exhibiting antimalarial activity" (Cell Chemical Biology, 2025)</li><li>"New insights of falcipain 2 structure from Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain" (BBRC, 2022)</li><li>"Structure-Based Optimization of Protease−Inhibitor Interactions to Enhance Specificity of Human Stefin‑A against Falcipain‑2 from the Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 Strain" (Biochemistry, 2023)</li></ul>If you’re a student, scientist, or simply passionate about advances in infectious disease research, this episode offers actionable insights, inspiring advice, and a front-row seat to innovation in combating malaria.<h3>Video Transcription</h3><h4>From Structural Biology to Drug Discovery: Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry in Malaria Research</h4><h5>Introduction</h5>In this discussion, Subhoja shares insights into her research journey, focusing on malaria drug discovery and the role of modern analytical techniques in biological and biomedical research. The conversation is aimed primarily at undergraduate students and early-career researchers interested in chemistry, biotechnology, and life sciences.<h5>Research Focus: Malaria Drug Discovery and Kinase Targets</h5>Subhoja is currently involved in malaria drug discovery research at the University of Central Florida, where she has been working since beginning her postdoctoral position two years ago. Her earlier PhD research focused on structure-based drug design in malaria, using a combination of in silico approaches, recombinant protein expression, and X-ray crystallography to determine precise three-dimensional structures of target proteins and their inhibitors.This structural perspective provided a foundation for her current work, which centers on drug discovery through compound screening and repurposing. A recent publication from her laboratory explores the use of repurposed mammalian CDK-like kinase inhibitors as potential antimalarial agents. While such kinase inhibitors are well known in cancer and cardiovascular research, their application to malaria targets represents a novel and promising approach.Kinases are attractive drug targets because of their central role in cell signaling and growth pathways. By targeting specific kinases involved in different stages of the malaria parasite life cycle—whether asexual growth, gametocytogenesis, or differentiation—it may be possible to significantly inhibit parasite growth and progression.<h5>Chromatography in Protein Expression and Purification Workflows</h5>Chromatography plays a critical role throughout Subhoja’s research. Her experience spans from basic chromatography techniques during her early training to advanced protein purification workflows using affinity chromatography, gel filtration (size exclusion chromatography), and ion exchange chromatography.Recombinant proteins are routinely purified using affinity resins such as nickel or cobalt, followed by further purification to remove contaminants. Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) enables compact, stepwise purification workflows suitable for producing proteins for in vitro assays.A recurring challenge in this process is the expression of high-molecular-weight proteins, which often accumulate in insoluble fractions or inclusion bodies. Careful selection of expression vectors, host systems, and induction conditions is therefore essential to maximize yield and solubility.<h5>Integrating Size Exclusion Chromatography into the Workflow</h5>Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is typically used after affinity purification to further improve protein purity. Following elution with imidazole or glutathione, desalting is required to prevent buffer components from interfering with downstream assays. This is often achieved using desalting columns such as G-25 or PD-10.To remove lower-molecular-weight contaminants, finer SEC media—such as Superdex or Sephacryl columns—are employed. Concentration steps using molecular-weight cut-off filters are then applied to obtain the desired protein concentration for functional studies.These iterative purification and troubleshooting steps are a routine part of protein biochemistry and reflect the importance of methodical optimization and careful validation.<h5>The Role of Mass Spectrometry in Biomolecular Characterization</h5>Mass spectrometry is a key analytical tool in Subhoja’s research pipeline, particularly for target identification and validation. In both malaria and cancer research, MS is used alongside chromatography, immunoprecipitation, and pull-down assays to study protein interactions and molecular recognition events.Affinity-based mass spectrometry enables the identification of binding partners and interactors, whether studying proteins, long non-coding RNAs, or protein complexes. Techniques such as native MS, tandem affinity purification, and proximity labeling (e.g., TurboID-based workflows) provide deeper insights into molecular networks and signaling pathways.These approaches are essential for understanding how candidate drug targets function within complex biological systems.<h5>Sample Preparation Challenges in Biological Research</h5>Sample preparation remains one of the most challenging aspects of biological experimentation. Whole-cell lysates contain proteases, nucleases, and other components that can rapidly degrade target molecules. Preventing degradation requires minimizing preparation time, maintaining low temperatures, and using appropriate inhibitor cocktails.Reproducibility is also critical: biological experiments require multiple replicates, and variability is often unavoidable. Careful handling, protocol optimization, and continuous troubleshooting are essential to ensure reliable results, whether preparing samples for chromatography, mass spectrometry, sequencing, or immunoprecipitation.<h5>Advances in Chromatography and MS for Malaria Research</h5>Modern advances in chromatography and mass spectrometry significantly enhance malaria research by enabling precise target identification, quantification, and functional characterization. Drug discovery workflows begin with construct design and recombinant expression, followed by purification and interaction studies.In malaria research, stage-specific parasite biology requires careful extraction and analysis of proteins from different life cycle stages. Tandem affinity MS, immunoprecipitation, and in vivo validation studies help confirm target relevance and therapeutic potential.Recent work on repurposed kinase inhibitors has shown promising results, including inhibition of hemozoin formation—a key detoxification pathway for the malaria parasite—highlighting the potential of such compounds for further development.<h5>Malaria, Drug Resistance, and Global Impact</h5>Malaria remains a major global health burden, with over 600,000 deaths annually and widespread drug resistance complicating treatment. Artemisinin resistance, particularly associated with mutations in the K13 propeller domain, has driven the search for new targets and therapies.During her PhD, Subhoja focused on falcipain-2, a cysteine protease involved in hemoglobin degradation within the parasite. This pathway is critical for parasite survival and has emerged as a promising drug target. Her work revealed that falcipain-2 operates within a larger protein complex responsible for hemoglobin processing and amino acid release.Understanding these molecular mechanisms is essential for developing robust, stage-specific antimalarial strategies.<h5>Advice for Early-Career Researchers</h5>For researchers just starting out, Subhoja emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience. Working directly with cells, lysates, and analytical tools is essential for truly understanding experimental systems. Failure is an inherent part of research, and perseverance is key.Motivation, teamwork, careful sample handling, and thorough preparation all contribute to long-term success. Reading extensively, critically evaluating one’s own work, and appreciating incremental progress are vital aspects of a sustainable research career.Every successful experiment—no matter how small—represents meaningful progress and contributes to the broader goals of science and medicine.<h5>Closing Remarks</h5>The discussion highlights how interdisciplinary approaches combining chromatography, mass spectrometry, structural biology, and biochemistry are driving advances in malaria drug discovery. Through careful experimental design, analytical rigor, and collaborative teamwork, researchers can address complex biological challenges and contribute to global health solutions.<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>

Affinity, Gel Filtration, Size Exclusion Chromatography: Repurposing Kinase Inhibitors for Malaria

Article

Product

Video

Scientists

Food

Interview

Science and research

The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague) is a leading scientific institution in the Czech Republic, recognized internationally. Its primary mission is basic research in the fields of chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, organic and material oriented chemistry, chemistry of natural compounds, biochemistry and molecular biology, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. 

Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences

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.

Organomation

WATREX Prague is the distributor and producer of HPLC techniques in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Main Chromatografic and Related Techniques Supported: LC, GPC, IC, IEC, Automated SPE, LC Columns and special column packings, LC method development, Software development, Laboratory Robots.

Watrex Praha

Metrohm

Restek Corporation

Business Review Webinars

NACRW

Karl Fischer (KF) titration is an industry standard method for measuring water content in all types of substances. However, for various reasons some substances are not suitable for a direct Karl Fischer titration:
<ul>
<li>They release their water only slowly</li>
<li>The water is released at high temperature only</li>
<li>The substances are poorly soluble in KF solvents</li>
<li>undergo side reactions with KF reagents</li>
<li>They contaminate the titration cell or the electrodes</li>
</ul>
By using the KF oven method, the above-mentioned problems can be avoided. This makes the KF oven method a perfect solution for the analysis of difficult samples.
By viewing this webinar you will learn…
<ul>
<li>how to handle liquid samples and water standards correctly</li>
<li>how to analyze difficult samples</li>
<li>how to properly prepare your titration system with the KF oven</li>
<li>how to prepare your sample</li>
<li>how to select the optimal heating temperature</li>
<li>which reagents and which water standards you should use to obtain accurate results</li>
</ul>
After viewing this webinar you will know how to perform accurate titrations using the Karl Fischer oven method. Additionally, the speakers will reveal tips and tricks to help you in the daily routine. The webinar will finish with a live Q&amp;A session.
This webinar will be moderated by Allison Reiter, Offering Management Lead – Honeywell Research Chemicals.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Roman Neufeld (Senior Research Scientist, Honeywell)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Roman joined Honeywell in 2017 as an Application Chemist, providing support to a global customer base on technical queries and application development for Karl Fischer titration. Since 2018, he has expanded his role to include development of new and innovative Hydranal reagents to stay ahead of market needs.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Michael Margreth (Sr. Product Specialist, Karl Fischer Titration, Metrohm)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Michael Margreth studied chemistry at the University of Applied Science in Muttenz, Switzerland. He joined Metrohm in 2005 as an application specialist and gained titration experience in the application laboratory. Since 2008 he mainly focuses on Karl Fischer titration and the determination of water.
</blockquote>

Metrohm: Tips and tricks for Karl Fischer water determination using the oven method

Tips and tricks for Karl Fischer water determination using the oven method

After viewing this webinar you will know how to perform accurate titrations using the Karl Fischer oven method. 

Tips and tricks for Karl Fischer water determination

Reference standards are essential in chromatography to ensure the correct identification of the sample components and the accuracy of quantitation.
In this one-hour presentation, we will explore the definitions and certifications that can impact selection and use of reference standards. Additionally, we’ll review the techniques and documentation required to prepare reproducible and reliable reference standards.
<ul>
<li>Learn what certified reference materials (CRMs) are and why you need them.</li>
<li>Explore the quality controls needed to consistently ensure accurate reference standards.</li>
<li>Understand secondary source standards and how to obtain them.</li>
</ul>

Restek: Building a Rock-Solid Analytical Foundation with Certified Reference Materials (CRMs)

Building a Rock-Solid Analytical Foundation with Certified Reference Materials (CRMs)

<h3>Building a strong foundation for your analytical workflow</h3>
Your results are only as accurate as your reference. Within Pharma QC, whether you are performing dissolution testing or releasing finished goods, having accurate, reliable and fully characterized Reference Materials is critical. This webinar will provide viewers with an overview of key concepts relating to Reference Materials.
With a multitude of suppliers serving the industry – both compendial and commercial – there are myriad choices of Reference Materials available for a quality control laboratory. We will discuss how different quality grades are “fit for purpose,” best practices in Reference Material production, and what to look for in a Reference Material Certificate of Analysis.
We will also discuss a novel concept: fully characterized Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) qualified against compendial standards. These CRMs are designed to replace a laboratories in-house working standards and pair with a laboratory’s primary Reference Standards to form a strong, well-characterized and fully traceable Reference Material foundation.
<h3>Key Learning Objectives</h3>
<ul>
<li>Understand how different Reference Material quality grades are fit-to-purpose</li>
<li>Provide key concepts in Reference Material manufacture and characterization</li>
<li>Detail Certificate of Analysis (CoA) key attributes that will be common across sources</li>
</ul>
<h3>Audience</h3>
<ul>
<li>Laboratory Directors</li>
<li>Pharmaceutical Quality Control (QC) Managers</li>
<li>Pharmaceutical Quality Control (QC) technicians</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Michael Hurst (Product Manager - Reference Materials)
</blockquote>

Pixabay/Mizianitka: Reference Materials in Pharma QC

MilliporeSigma - Reference Materials in Pharma QC

<h5>Unlocking the Mystery of Pesticides CRM Stability for Food Analysis</h5>
There is a growing global need for pesticide residues testing in a wide variety of food commodities. In response to this need, testing laboratories must develop versatile analytical methods and workflows in order to produce scientifically sound results which ensure the safety of our food. One of the many challenges faced by food chemists is acquiring suitable pesticide certified reference materials (CRMs) to calibrate analytical equipment, monitor method performance and confirm the identity and concentration of hundreds of pesticide residues in food samples. Questions regarding the stability of pesticide CRMs abound among users and there’s a need to educate and inform the community. CRM producers invest considerable resources to ensure the stability of their products. The authors will present proper CRM handling and storage practices as guidance to ensure stability based on the results of several multiresidue pesticide stability studies. The results of three pesticide mix stability studies will be shown demonstrating what can be expected after pesticide mix ampulesare opened and stored for use, and also when mixed togetherto prepare 200+ compound multi-residue mixesfor routine LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS laboratory analysis. 
<blockquote>
Presenter: Joe Konschnik (Business Development Manager, Food &amp; Agriculture Market, RESTEK Corporation, Bellefonte, PA, USA)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
As RESTEK’s Business Development Manager for the global Food &amp; Agriculture market Joe applies his 37 years of analytical chemistry experience toward identifying market needs, new technologies, product opportunities and overseeing technical content development for new workflow solutions. Prior to RESTEK Joe spent 19 years working for some ofthe nation’s largest environmental testing laboratory companies as a bench chemist and in technical and laboratory operations senior management roles. Joe has been an invited speaker on sampling and analytical chemistry topics globally. He serves in volunteer leadership roles for the Independent Laboratories Institute (ILI), the American Council of Independent Labs (ACIL)’sFood Sciences Section and AOAC International. Joe is also an active member of NACRW and AOCS
</blockquote>
<h5>Guide to Reference Material use in Trace Level Analysis</h5>
The analysis of contaminants and residues in human and animal foods presents special challenges due to the large numbers of analytes with varied chemical properties being analyzed at low concentrations in a single method. In addition, a singlemulti-residue method may be utilized to screen a wide variety of complex food, dietary supplement and environmental matrices for compliance with strict regulatory requirements. Recognizing these challenges, the Reference Materials Working Group of the North American Chemical Residue Workshop is developing a best practices guide for understanding and effectively using reference materials specific to complex trace level analysis. This presentation will introduce the guide and provide an overview of the content.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jo Marie Cook (former Bureau Chief, Chemical Residue Labs, Florida Department of Agriculture)
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JoMarie Cook is recently retired from the Florida Department of Agriculture where she served as Bureau Chief of the Chemical Residue Laboratories.She also has been a member of the NACRW Organizing Committee for over twenty years and serves on the Board ofDirectors. She has a degree in chemistry from Michigan State University.
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NACRW: Unlocking the Mystery of Pesticides CRM Stability for Food Analysis and Guide to Reference Material use in Trace Level Analysis

Unlocking the Mystery of Pesticides CRM Stability for Food Analysis and Guide to Reference Material use in Trace Level Analysis

Reference standards must perform at a consistent level each and every time you use them. Variations in analyte concentration can disrupt analyses, impede your lab’s workflow, and lead to wasted time and money. Restek’s Certificates of Analysis offer comprehensive information to help you understand the composition, proper storage conditions, and method of shipment for your reference standard.
In this presentation, we’ll explain the terms given on the certificate, discuss when you might need to apply uncertainty values, and clarify why we provide them. We’ll also explore how to safely store and properly prepare your reference standards for use along with what else you need to keep in mind to ensure the long-term integrity of your standards.
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Presenter: Jaap de Zeeuw (Gas Chromatography Specialist, Restek)
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Jaap is a world-renowned chromatographer with over 40 years of experience, including 27 years with Varian/Chrompack focusing on industrial analysis challenges. For his 1979 graduation from The Institute for Higher Education, specialized in chemistry, Jaap authored a paper titled &quot;The Challenge of Coating Flexible Fused Silica Capillary Columns&quot; and has since distinguished himself as an authority on the subject. Directly involved with the creation of numerous chemically bonded columns, including the first bonded PEG column and the stabilized PLOT columns widely used in the petrochemical arena, Restek’s international GC specialist has helped develop new techniques, such as fast GC-MS using vacuum GC technology, and has filed two patents for his work. Based out of the Netherlands, Jaap celebrates 10 years with Restek. Jaap is extensively published and regularly travels internationally to share his knowledge.
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LCMS webinars focusing on Chemicals & Standards - page 2