<p><strong>Professor Michaela Rumlová, head of a research group of the National Institute of Virology and Bacteriology at UCT Prague (and Vice-Rector for doctoral studies), holder of a licensed patent &nbsp;for antiretroviral testing assays, and recipient of the Czech Science Foundation’s President’s Award for HIV research, has also become the principal investigator of the bilateral INTER-EXCELLENCE II project “</strong><i><strong>Cellular factors regulating the export and packaging of unspliced ​​retroviral RNA</strong></i><strong>”, starting this year. In this interview, she explains how retroviruses such as HIV “hack” the cell in order to export their own genome from the nucleus into the cytoplasm, and then to the site where it is specifically packaged into nascent viral particles, a key step in viral replication. Her team is collaborating with the NIH (National Institutes of Health) and Rockefeller University to elucidate mechanisms that may help reveal new vulnerable points in the retrovirus replication cycle while simultaneously clarifying related cellular processes.</strong></p><h5><strong>Could you describe your project and its main objectives?</strong></h5><p>Retroviruses, such as HIV, are viruses that carry genetic information in the form of RNA; however, after entering a cell, they are able to reverse transcribe it into DNA and integrate it into the host genome. In order to replicate, they must transport their genetic information—in the form of unspliced RNA—from the nucleus into the cytosol. There, it serves both as a template for the production of viral proteins and as the genome of new viral particles. This is highly unusual, as the cell very carefully controls which RNA molecules are allowed to leave the nucleus. Normal protein-coding cellular RNAs, known as messenger RNAs (mRNAs), must undergo splicing—a processing step in which certain segments are removed—before being exported. When this process fails, mRNA that retains these segments is held back in the nucleus as part of quality control and subsequently degraded. Retroviruses have managed to outwit this cellular control machinery, allowing their unspliced RNA to pass into the cytoplasm.</p><p>Our project focuses on identifying the cellular proteins that assist retroviruses in this step and on the mechanism by which protein complexes bound to viral RNA are remodelled during RNA transport. The goal is to understand how the virus uses cellular mechanisms to its advantage and how this pathway is linked to the subsequent fate of the RNA, i.e. to its translation and packaging into new viral particles.</p><h5><strong>Why is this export of unspliced ​​RNA so important for retroviral replication?</strong></h5><p>Because this RNA has a dual role for the virus. On the one hand, it serves as a template for synthesizing viral proteins in the cytoplasm; on the other, it represents the genetic material itself, which must be packaged into new viral particles. The virus must package its RNA genome in its unspliced form, as only this RNA contains essential sequences without which further viral replication would be impossible.</p><p><strong>Simply put: </strong>the virus needs to get a complete copy of its genetic instructions out of the nucleus. Once the viral RNA is in the cytoplasm, it can be used as a template for synthesizing viral proteins; and a portion of these RNA molecules is then selected and packaged into a new particle as a genome. We are interested in how the virus forces the cell to allow viral RNA that is, from the cell’s perspective, “unfinished,” that is unspliced, to leave the nucleus. We are also investigating how the cell and the virus together - albeit unintentionally from the cell’s perspective - determine which RNA molecule will be translated into proteins and which will be packaged as the genome. This is one of the key, yet still not fully understood, steps of retroviral replication.</p><h5><strong>What do you think it was about your project that impressed the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports’ jury the most?</strong></h5><p>I believe the decisive factor was a combination of several elements. First, the reviewers were primarily interested in the scientific problem itself. We are investigating a mechanism that is essential for retroviruses, but still not sufficiently understood, which may also have broader implications for the regulation of cellular processes. In addition, the quality of the team, our strong collaboration with the<strong> NIH </strong>and <strong>Rockefeller University</strong>, and the use of modern methods that will allow us to track viral RNA in great detail also played a role. It was also important that the project has clear objectives and a realistic plan.</p><h5><strong>How will this research contribute to the development of new treatments for retroviral infections?</strong></h5><p>It is important to say that this is primarily basic research. Rather than developing a new drug directly, we are trying to understand, at the molecular level, the step that the virus cannot do without. Only when we fully understand the mechanism of these cellular processes and identify the essential factors for the export of unspliced ​​RNA and how they function, will we be able to better determine which interactions or mechanisms represent potentially vulnerable points. Similar mechanisms associated with the export of unspliced ​​mRNA also appear in some diseases, such as cancer, so I &nbsp;see the benefit of our research mainly in that it will refine our understanding of these pathological processes in the cell, and retroviruses help us do so. Therefore, our work on retroviruses not only shows us how the virus works, but also how the cell itself works.</p><h5><strong>What responsibilities does your UCT Prague team have? How does the collaboration with your American partners work?</strong></h5><p>At UCT Prague, we are conducting the project’s primary experimental work. Our research involves cell cultures, viral models, and various biochemical techniques ranging from immunochemistry to microscopy that allow us to track viral RNA and identify its cellular partners. In collaboration with colleagues from <strong>NIH, Frederick</strong>, we are developing single-particle tracking methods to observe viral RNA movement in living cells across both space and time. Furthermore, we are working with colleagues from <strong>Rockefeller University to employ iCLIP </strong>methods for the precise mapping of protein-binding sites on RNA. Both collaborations are valuable to us, because they are not just about data sharing, but also about the transfer of expertise and detailed know-how.</p><h5><strong>Who else is collaborating on the project?</strong></h5><p>At UCT Prague, we collaborate closely with the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology. Externally, we work with colleagues from the Institute of<strong> Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS (IOCB Prague)</strong> and the <strong>Central European Institute of Technology in Brno (CEITEC)</strong>. Our research naturally necessitates the integration of diverse fields of expertise; it requires combining virology, cell biology, and biochemistry with advanced imaging and modern approaches to study RNA-protein interactions. This is exactly what makes our project capable of addressing complex questions that a single laboratory cannot tackle on its own.</p><h5><strong>Are there plans to continue the project? Have you brought on new collaborators, and are you looking to welcome new colleagues to the team?</strong></h5><p>Yes, definitely. In basic research, it often happens that one answered question opens up several more. High-quality, properly interpreted data provide a foundation you can build on — and that is what moves scientists forward. It is already clear that the topic of retroviral RNA export and packaging has broader implications and may reveal more general principles of how RNA functions within the cell. We also hope the project will be attractive to students, as it connects classical molecular biology, biochemistry, and virology with cutting-edge biotechnological methods. Students are already involved in the project as part of their bachelor’s and master’s theses.</p><h5><strong>What was the personal turning point that motivated you to pursue a long-term investigation into retroviral particles?</strong></h5><p>I first encountered retroviruses in the early 1990s during my diploma thesis, when I was working at IOCB Prague on HIV-1 protease inhibitors. At that time, AIDS could not yet be effectively treated, and retrovirus research had a completely different dimension. From the very beginning, I was fascinated by how such a relatively small and simple virus can outsmart evolutionarily highly optimized cellular processes and turn them to its own advantage. And that has never stopped fascinating me. From a scientific point of view, retroviruses are remarkable; just consider one of their enzymes, reverse transcriptase, without which no diagnostic or research laboratory in the world could function today. Without it, it would be impossible to diagnose RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2, influenza, or HIV using RT-PCR tests, or, for example to produce recombinant human proteins in bacterial cells.</p>

Tracking unspliced RNA: Professor Rumlová studies how retroviruses “hack” cells

<p><strong>High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) remains one of the most widely used analytical techniques for separating, identifying, and quantifying compounds in complex mixtures. Successful HPLC method development depends not only on selecting the correct column and optimizing the mobile phase composition, but also on choosing the appropriate detector. Even a perfectly optimized chromatographic separation provides little value if the detection system cannot properly capture and interpret the analytes of interest.</strong></p><p>In many ways, the detector acts as the <i><strong>“vision system</strong></i>” of the chromatograph. It converts separated compounds into measurable electronic signals, allowing analysts to identify components and determine their concentrations. The choice of detector therefore has a major impact on sensitivity, selectivity, robustness, and the overall quality of analytical data.</p><p>This article provides an overview of the most common HPLC detection techniques, discusses their strengths and limitations, and outlines the most important criteria to consider when selecting a detector for a specific analytical task.</p><h3><strong>HPLC Detection Technologies</strong></h3><p>HPLC detectors are typically divided into two major categories:</p><ol><li>Specific detectors (solute-property detectors)</li><li>Bulk property detectors</li></ol><p>Specific detectors respond to a particular chemical or physical property of the analyte. Ideally, their signal is largely unaffected by changes in mobile phase composition. Common examples include UV/Vis detectors, fluorescence detectors, and mass spectrometers.</p><p>Bulk property detectors, on the other hand, measure differences between the pure mobile phase and the mobile phase containing analytes. These detectors are considered more universal because they respond to properties shared by many compounds. Refractive index detectors are among the best-known examples, alongside conductivity and light-scattering detectors.</p><p>Both detector categories have important advantages depending on the application, sample type, and analytical goals.</p><h3><strong>Common Detector Types Used in HPLC</strong></h3><p>A wide variety of detectors are available for HPLC systems, ranging from highly universal devices to extremely selective and sensitive technologies.</p><p>Common detector options include:</p><ul><li>UV/Vis detectors</li><li>Diode array detectors (DAD/PDA)</li><li>Fluorescence detectors</li><li>Refractive index detectors (RID)</li><li>Conductivity detectors</li><li>Evaporative light scattering detectors (ELSD)</li><li>Charged aerosol detectors (CAD)</li><li>Mass spectrometry detectors (MS)</li></ul><p>Each technology offers a different balance of sensitivity, selectivity, robustness, operational complexity, and cost.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Detector_overview_with_characteristics_Graphic_by_KNAUER_84b0dd30b1.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Detector overview with characteristics. Graphic by KNAUER." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Detector_overview_with_characteristics_Graphic_by_KNAUER_84b0dd30b1.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1293" height="596"></p><h3><strong>Selecting the Right HPLC Detector</strong></h3><p>There is no universally ideal detector for all HPLC applications. The best choice depends on several factors, including analyte chemistry, matrix complexity, required detection limits, and instrument compatibility.</p><p>Careful detector selection is essential for obtaining reliable and meaningful analytical results.</p><p>The following considerations can help guide the selection process.</p><h4><strong>1. Chemical and Physical Properties of the Analytes</strong></h4><p>The chemical nature of the compounds being analyzed is one of the most important selection criteria.</p><p><strong>Questions to consider include:</strong></p><ul><li>Do the analytes contain chromophores?</li><li>Are the compounds naturally fluorescent?</li><li>What is their polarity?</li><li>What is their molecular weight?</li><li>Are they volatile or non-volatile?</li></ul><p>Compounds containing UV-active groups are often well suited for UV/Vis detection, while fluorescent molecules can benefit from the high sensitivity of fluorescence detectors. Non-UV-active compounds may require universal detection approaches such as CAD, ELSD, or mass spectrometry.</p><h4><strong>2. Required Sensitivity</strong></h4><p>Detector sensitivity determines the minimum concentration that can be reliably detected and quantified.</p><p>Routine quality control analyses often rely on UV/Vis detectors because they provide sufficient sensitivity for many applications while remaining relatively simple and cost-effective. However, trace-level analysis or highly complex matrices may require more advanced technologies such as:</p><ul><li>Fluorescence detection</li><li>Charged aerosol detection</li><li>Mass spectrometry</li></ul><p>These techniques offer significantly lower detection limits and greater analytical specificity.</p><h4><strong>3. Detector Linearity</strong></h4><p>Linearity describes how well detector response correlates with analyte concentration across a defined range.</p><p>A detector with strong linearity ensures accurate quantification and simplifies calibration procedures. Poor linearity can introduce quantification errors, especially when analyzing samples across broad concentration ranges.</p><h4><strong>4. Dynamic Range</strong></h4><p>Dynamic range refers to the concentration interval over which the detector can reliably measure analytes.</p><p>Applications involving samples with highly variable concentrations require detectors capable of maintaining accurate response over a broad range. A wide dynamic range reduces the need for repeated dilutions or multiple analytical runs.</p><h4><strong>5. Selectivity</strong></h4><p>Selectivity defines the detector’s ability to distinguish target analytes from other matrix components.</p><p>This factor becomes particularly important for complex samples containing many interfering substances. Highly selective detectors reduce the risk of overlapping signals and false positives.</p><p>Mass spectrometry is often advantageous when dealing with unknown compounds or highly complicated sample matrices because it provides structural information in addition to quantitative data.</p><h4><strong>6. Budget Considerations</strong></h4><p>Detector cost is another practical factor that laboratories must evaluate.</p><p>UV/Vis and refractive index detectors are generally among the more economical choices, making them attractive for routine analyses and standard applications.</p><p>More sophisticated technologies such as fluorescence detection, CAD, or mass spectrometry typically require:</p><ul><li>Higher initial investment</li><li>Additional maintenance</li><li>More complex infrastructure</li><li>Greater operational expertise</li></ul><p>However, the overall value of the detector should always be considered in relation to analytical performance requirements and long-term application needs.</p><h4><strong>7. Instrument and Mobile Phase Compatibility</strong></h4><p>The selected detector must be compatible with the operational conditions of the HPLC system.</p><p>Important parameters include:</p><ul><li>Flow rate range</li><li>Pressure limitations</li><li>Mobile phase composition</li><li>Solvent compatibility</li></ul><p>Some detectors are highly sensitive to mobile phase composition or gradient changes, while others tolerate a broader range of operating conditions.</p><p>Ensuring proper compatibility helps prevent baseline instability, signal interference, and reduced detector performance.</p><h4><strong>8. Destructive vs. Non-Destructive Detection</strong></h4><p>Another important consideration is whether the analytical workflow involves only detection or also preparative purification.</p><p>Non-destructive detectors allow collected fractions to remain intact after detection, which is highly beneficial for preparative chromatography and purification workflows.</p><p>Destructive detectors, by contrast, consume or alter the sample during measurement and are therefore more suitable for analytical applications where sample recovery is not required.</p><h4><strong>9. Reliability and Ease of Operation</strong></h4><p>Practical usability is often just as important as analytical performance.</p><p>Some detectors are designed for straightforward plug-and-play operation, while others require:</p><ul><li>Frequent calibration</li><li>Specialized maintenance</li><li>Dedicated gas supplies</li><li>Vacuum systems</li><li>Advanced operator expertise</li></ul><p>Laboratories should evaluate the available technical support, user experience, and maintenance capabilities before implementing more sophisticated detection technologies.</p><p>Reliable operation and manageable maintenance requirements can significantly improve laboratory productivity and reduce downtime.</p><p>Choosing the correct HPLC detector starts with understanding both the sample and the analytical objective. Rather than selecting a detector simply because it is available, laboratories should ensure that the technology aligns with the chemistry of the analytes, required performance characteristics, and workflow demands.</p><p>In many cases, combining multiple detectors within a single HPLC system can provide even greater analytical insight by delivering complementary information from the same chromatographic separation.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Flow_scheme_for_detector_selection_Graphic_by_KNAUER_486004045f.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Flow scheme for detector selection. Graphic by KNAUER." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Flow_scheme_for_detector_selection_Graphic_by_KNAUER_486004045f.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1316" height="808"></p><p>Interested in learning more? Future articles will explore individual HPLC detection techniques in greater detail, including their operating principles, application areas, and practical advantages for different analytical workflows.</p>

A comprehensive guide for selecting the appropriate HPLC detector

News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 20, 2026

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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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Based in Berlin, KNAUER is a medium-sized, owner-managed company that has been serving the sciences since 1962. We develop and manufacture scientific instruments of superior quality for liquid chromatography, including: Analytical HPLC/UHPLC, Preparative HPLC, Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC), Multi-column chromatography/Simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography. High pressure dosing, in-line detection systems, and osmometry are additional business areas.

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<p><strong>Discover how modern Listeria monitoring solutions can support faster, more reliable food and environmental testing, and help elevate your laboratory’s efficiency and confidence in results.</strong></p><p>Listeria remains one of the most challenging pathogens for the food industry due to its ability to persist in production environments and survive under conditions that inhibit many other bacteria, including refrigeration and high-salt processing. Its association with severe illness and food recalls places ongoing pressure on manufacturers and laboratories to detect contamination quickly and reliably across both food and environmental samples.</p><p>This webinar will explore how Listeria monitoring solutions are evolving to meet these demands, particularly for laboratories balancing speed, cost and operational complexity. Traditional culture methods can delay critical decisions, while PCR and ELISA often require significant capital investment, infrastructure changes and specialist training, creating barriers for low to medium-throughput operations.</p><p>Using <strong>Solus NanoFast™</strong> Listeria as a practical example, the session will demonstrate how alternatives to culture, <strong>PCR, and ELISA</strong> can support next-day detection through simplified workflows that reduce training requirements and infrastructure changes. The discussion will also highlight how automated result interpretation and digital data management can improve consistency, traceability and audit readiness.</p><h4><strong>During the session, you will learn how to:</strong></h4><ul><li>Address common challenges in food and environmental Listeria monitoring</li><li>Evaluate cost-effective alternatives to culture, PCR, and ELISA for low to medium-throughput testing (up to ~50 samples/day)</li><li>Improve turnaround times without increasing workflow complexity</li><li>Support audit readiness through objective results and digital traceability</li><li>Align Listeria testing strategies with operational and regulatory requirements</li></ul><p>Whether you’re overseeing environmental monitoring or finished product testing, this session will deliver practical insights to optimise Listeria testing workflows for efficiency, consistency and confidence in results. Don’t miss this opportunity to streamline your approach to food and environmental Listeria monitoring.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Nathan Welch, Product Manager at PerkinElmer (Solus)</p><p>Nathan Welch brings over 25 years of expertise in food safety and quality assurance to the stage. His career spans diverse roles that have shaped his deep understanding of the industry. Starting with two years in a food testing contract laboratory, Nathan advanced into nine years specializing in culture media testing at Oxoid/Thermo Fisher, where he honed his technical and analytical skills.</p><p>He later transitioned into technical support at Thermo Fisher, providing critical guidance to clients and teams, before moving into product management, a role he has been in for the past 13 years, including nine years at Thermo Fisher and four years at Solus.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Jean-Paul Anthony, Application Scientist at PerkinElmer (Solus)</p><p>J-P Anthony is the Applications Scientist for Solus/PerkinElmer contributing to training in the techniques and equipment for food pathogen testing. Prior to this he was a Senior Developmental Scientist and created many aspects of the enzyme and luminescent-based immunoassays including bacterial broth development from the time of the company’s inception in 2009. He trained in Immunology and Pharmacology at the University of Strathclyde before obtaining a PhD in novel drug discovery to combat protozoan parasitical infections at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.&nbsp;</p></blockquote>

New Food Magazine: Rethinking Listeria monitoring: faster, simpler solutions for food safety & environmental testing

Rethinking Listeria monitoring: faster, simpler solutions for food safety & environmental testing

How Listeria monitoring solutions are evolving to meet these demands, particularly for laboratories balancing speed, cost and operational complexity.

Listeria monitoring for food safety & environmental testing

<div><p><strong>Smarter Bioanalysis: Driving Consistency and Efficiency in Today’s Labs Discovery and regulated bioanalysis labs strive for simplicity, consistency, robustness and operational efficiency to maximize impact and resource utilization. Optimizing every step of the bioanalytical workflow is key to developing assays that perform consistently over time. As therapeutic modalities continue to evolve, so do the needs of bioanalytical laboratories.</strong></p><p>In this webinar, Dr. Basile Khara from Alderley Analytical (now a part of Synexa Life Sciences) shares his experiences on how out-of-the-box performance of detergent-free OligoWorks™ SPE Microplate Kit, combined with a robust analytical platform like the Xevo TQ Absolute XR Mass Spectrometer and waters_connect for quantitation software simplifies bioanalytical workflows.</p><h4><strong>What you’ll walk away with</strong></h4><ul><li>How OligoWorks™ SPE Microplate Kit simplifies oligonucleotide sample preparation</li><li>The implications of having a robust analytical platform that shows consistent performance even after 30,000 injections or protein precipitated plasma</li><li>A simplified, compliant ready informatics platform can streamline data review and help you get to decisions faster</li></ul><h4><strong>Who should attend?</strong></h4><p>This webinar is designed for you if you are a Research Associate, Scientist, Director, or Lab Manager in pharma, biopharma, biotech, or CROs involved in bioanalysis.</p><p>Don't miss it.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dr. Basile Khara (Principal Scientist, Alderly Analytical (Part of Synexa Life Sciences))</p><p>Basile Khara is currently the Principal Scientist in the method development team at Alderley Analytical situated in Macclesfield U.K, part of Synexa Life Science Ltd. His leading role focuses on the design and validation of novel LC-MS bioanalysis methods that specifically target chemical entities such as oligonucleotides, proteins and conjugated peptides.</p><p>Overall, he has accumulated over ten years’ worth of LC-MS quantification and characterization experience in pre-clinical drug discovery and clinical bioanalysis, along with a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Manchester.</p></blockquote></div>

Waters Corporation: Bioanalysis simplified – A case study with Basile Khara

Bioanalysis simplified – A case study with Basile Khara

How OligoWorks™ SPE Microplate Kit simplifies oligonucleotide sample preparation.

Bioanalysis simplified – A case study

<div><p><strong>As demand for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs continues to grow, ensuring these products meet regulatory standards while delivering fast, reliable results is critical. Traditional amino acid analysis (AAA) workflows offer valuable quantitative insights into bioprocess conditions during production but are often time-consuming and complex.</strong></p><p>In this webinar we will introduce a streamlined, microwave-assisted UPLC approach designed to rapidly hydrolyze, label, and identify GLP-1 analogs using the Waters AccQ·Tag Ultra Chemistry Kit. Discover how this turnkey solution expedites amino acid analysis while maintaining accuracy and reliability in conjunction with Empower™ Chromatography Data System (CDS) workflows.</p><h4><strong>Why this webinar matters</strong></h4><ul><li>Learn how to accurately assess GLP- 1 analog composition and quantification using AAA workflows.</li><li>Understand the benefits of rapid derivatization and the simplicity of AccQ·Tag Ultra Chemistry Kits.</li><li>Discover how Empower™ Chromatography Data System (CDS) minimizes errors through automated workflows and custom fields</li></ul><p>This webinar is designed for scientists and managers in Quality Control who work with the analysis or testing of critical quality attributes (CQAs) of peptides, proteins, and especially GLP‑1 analogs.</p><p><i>Don't miss it.</i></p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Duanduan Han, Ph.D. (Senior Scientist, Waters Corporation)</p><p>Duanduan Han, Ph.D., is a Senior Scientist at Waters Corporation in Milford, MA. Her work has focused on LC/MS method development and troubleshooting, impurity profiling, raw material screening of GLP-1s, lipid nanoparticles, surfactants, oligonucleotides, mAbs, and other biologic drug products.</p><p>She received her Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Texas A&amp;M University.</p><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Tim Anderson, Ph.D. (Senior Product Manager, Waters Corporation)</p><p>Tim Anderson, Ph.D., has received advanced degrees in Analytical Chemistry and Food Science related to extraction and MS analysis of proteins at Iowa State University. He has industry experience with large manufacturing product analysis and fit-for-use testing.</p><p>Tim has been at Waters working with consumables for 3 years and is Senior Product Manager for AccQ·Tag Ultra solutions.</p></blockquote></div>

Rapid Analysis of GLP-1 Analogs Using Pre-Column Derivatization

Discover microwave-assisted UPLC amino acid analysis workflow for accurate GLP-1 analog characterization using AccQ·Tag Ultra chemistry and Empower CDS.

GLP-1 Analogs analyis by Pre-Column Derivatization

<h4><strong>Food Safety Webinar Series: When Food Meets the Lab</strong></h4><p><strong>Food testing in the region still revolves around “legacy” contaminants that decide release, rejection, and recall discussions - veterinary drug residues, pesticide residues and fumigants, and toxic elements including species-sensitive forms, in different food matrices. This 3-part series is built for audiences where regulatory expectations reference Codex-based frameworks, country-specific legislative guidelines, and import/export-market requirements that influence testing scope, reporting limits, and confirmation criteria. Each webinar focuses on the analytical factors that drive outcomes: matrix effects and co-extractives, trace-level quantitation, transition/ion-ratio checks, interference control, and reportable result logic.</strong></p><p>Keynote expert speakers will set the regulatory context, give a glimpse of the current trends, and future implications. Agilent workflow segments map these needs to sample preparation nuances, LC-MS/MS for multi-class residues, GC-MS/MS and headspace GC for residue/fumigant markers, and ICP-MS plus LC-ICP-MS for heavy metals and speciation, including QC structures and data review patterns used in high-throughput labs, to name a few.</p><h5><strong>Webinar Series Details</strong></h5><ul><li>Register once to attend the complete 3-part series</li><li>Submit your questions beforehand</li><li>Access recorded sessions anytime within one year</li><li>Certificate of attendance will be provided to all attendees</li></ul><h4><strong>Part 2: Pesticide Residues &amp; Fumigants Edition</strong></h4><p>Pesticide residue testing is shaped by Codex/EU-aligned expectations that frequently drive import decisions, while fumigant markers remain high-scrutiny topics for ingredients and finished foods, especially in spice, grain, seed, and produce supply chains. This webinar connects the regulatory context to method choices and result interpretation: broad-scope multi-residue coverage versus matrix complexity, QuEChERS-based extraction and cleanup, split-platform workflows (LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS). For fumigants, the focus includes sample handling for volatility, targeted measurement approaches for ethylene oxide/2-CE and phosphine-related testing where relevant, and reporting pitfalls that trigger disputes.&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Dr. Vandana Tripathy (Principal Scientist &amp; Network Coordinator, AINP on Pesticide Residues, ICAR-IARI; FSSAI Scientific Panel on Pesticide Residues, India)</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Dr. Yu-Feng Zhang (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Singapore)</p></blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Food Safety Webinar Series: When Food Meets the Lab

Pesticide Residues & Fumigants Edition

Webinar on pesticide residues and fumigants: LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, QuEChERS workflows and Codex/EU-aligned regulatory reporting.

<h4><strong>Scalable workflows are no longer a nice‑to‑have in proteomics, they’re essential.</strong></h4><p>In this upcoming webinar series, we explore how standardized, automated proteomics workflows are enabling reproducible results at scale—from discovery to translational and applied research. Hear directly from experts and users as they share practical insights on building robust, high‑throughput workflows that keep pace with growing sample volumes, increasing complexity, and real‑world laboratory demands.</p><p>Join us to learn how scalable proteomics workflows are moving from promise to practice.</p><h5><strong>Automated Mag-Net Enrichment Unlocks Deep and Cost-Effective LC-MS Plasma Proteomics</strong></h5><ul><li>Salla Keskitalo, PhD, LSRI Director Viikki Proteomics Unit, University of Helsinki</li></ul><p>Plasma is an ideal material for proteomics due to its diverse protein content reflecting physiological and pathological states, and its compatibility with minimally invasive sampling. Deep proteomic profiling of plasma is limited by high-abundant proteins that mask the detection of low-abundant proteins. To overcome this, we compared five plasma protein enrichment methods, Mag-Net, ENRICHplus, ENRICHiST, EasySep, and EXONET, against neat plasma using LC-MS proteomics. All five methods substantially increased protein identifications, with Mag-Net, ENRICHplus, EasySep, and EXONET yielding up to 4200 proteins per sample, over 7-fold more than neat plasma, using a 44-minute gradient on the Evosep One and data-independent acquisition on the timsTOF Pro 2. These methods enriched extracellular vesicle-associated proteins while effectively depleting high-abundant proteins. To further enhance performance and scalability, we optimized the Mag-Net protocol by increasing the plasma-to-bead ratio and automated the workflow, including Evotip loading, on the Biomek i5 liquid handler. The automated Mag-Net, combined with the Orbitrap Astral mass spectrometer, yielded up to 4500 proteins per sample with a throughput of 100 samples per day. The automated Mag-Net enrichment strategy enables affordable, scalable, high-throughput LC-MS plasma proteomics, supporting biomarker discovery across large cohorts.</p><h5><strong>Topic to be announced</strong></h5><ul><li>Joachim Smollich, PhD Student, Faculty of Biology, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann institute of science</li></ul>

Evosep: Scalable Workflows for standardized proteomics

Scalable Workflows for standardized proteomics

Join us to learn how scalable proteomics workflows are moving from promise to practice.

<h5><strong>In this webinar, you will learn:</strong></h5><ul><li>How the regulatory landscape is evolving to support sustainable approaches with respect to 3Rs in biosafety testing</li><li>How a roadmap can be employed to drive replacement, reduction and refinement of the use of animals in quality control testing&nbsp;</li><li>How the introduction of sustainable, alternative methods can help to drive reduced timelines for cell line characterization&nbsp;</li><li>About recently published data supporting the use of Next Generation Sequencing for replacing in vivo testing for adventitious virus detection</li></ul><h5><strong>Detailed description:</strong></h5><p>With many technological advances in biologics safety testing, non-animal alternatives to classical animal tests have been developed, providing a foundation for a growing number of regulatory changes, which in turn provide a supportive framework for a 3Rs (replace, reduce, refine) approach in biologics safety testing.</p><p>In this webinar, we review the regulatory landscape and explore an approach to developing 3Rs roadmaps. We present recently published data demonstrating the value of next generation sequencing (NGS) as a replacement for in vivo testing for adventitious viruses, and discuss implementing the latest technologies, including NGS, in a faster cell line characterization package.&nbsp;</p><p><i>An on-demand version of this webinar will be available after the live event using the same link. Register now and access the webinar at your convenience.</i></p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Sarah Sheridan, PhD (Senior Technical Consultant)</p><p>Dr Sarah Sheridan, Senior Technical Consultant at our company, provides scientific, technical and regulatory consultancy within the BioReliance® Biosafety Testing business. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in the biotech industry, Dr Sheridan provides biosafety testing consultancy for the company’s global client base to support pre-clinical to commercial phase biosafety testing of client manufactured products spanning monoclonal antibodies to vaccines and novel gene therapies. Dr Sheridan has a Ph.D. in Veterinary Virology from the University of Cambridge, UK and a B.Sc. Honours degree in Life Science.</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Anna Woodward, PhD (Technical Consultant)</p><p>Anna Woodward joined the organization in 2019 and has 20 years’ experience providing technical support to developers and manufacturers of small molecules and biologics. In her current role as a Technical Consultant, Anna supports the BioReliance® services portfolio and works closely with clients and internal colleagues to provide scientific and regulatory guidance on biosafety testing packages. Anna holds a PhD in cell biology from the University of Dundee, Scotland.</p></blockquote>

Merck: Innovate and Accelerate: Leveraging 3Rs for Superior Cell Line Characterization

Innovate and Accelerate: Leveraging 3Rs for Superior Cell Line Characterization

In this webinar, we review the regulatory landscape and explore an approach to developing 3Rs roadmaps. 

3Rs for Superior Cell Line Characterization

<h4><strong>Key Learning Points</strong></h4><ul><li>Understand how SLE and SPE work and how they are different from each other.</li><li>Evaluate the advantages and limitations of each method for various matrices.</li><li>Select the appropriate technique for analyte chemistry and target sensitivity.</li></ul><h4><strong>Who Should Attend</strong></h4><ul><li>LC or LC‑MS users evaluating or optimizing sample prep workflows.</li><li>Analysts working with challenging biological or environmental matrices.</li><li>Scientists who are unsure when to apply SLE vs. SPE for maximum recovery and cleanliness.</li><li>Method developers seeking to improve robustness, throughput, or reproducibility.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:</strong> Grace Guo &nbsp;(Senior Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)</p><p>Grace Guo graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Master’s degree in Material Science and Engineering. She joined Phenomenex Technical Team in 2017 providing technical support globally. With more than 9 years of experience in SPE, HPLC and GC, she delivered 90+ seminars and webinars globally covering food and environmental, clinical, pharma and biopharma industry.</p></blockquote>

Phenomenex: Extraction Face-Off: Choosing Between SLE and SPE

Extraction Face-Off: Choosing Between SLE and SPE

Understand how SLE and SPE work and how they are different from each other.

Choosing Between SLE and SPE

<p><strong>This webinar explores how potential PFAS contamination can sporadically enter the analytical workflow from sample preparation through the LC chromatography system. Fluoropolymer‑based components and inadequately screened consumables frequently introduce background PFAS that can lead to false positives. While regulatory methods emphasize the importance of clean materials and rigorous blank testing to ensure PFAS‑free workflows, practical mitigation strategies can help identify potential contamination sources and outline best practices to prevent them. These strategies include using PFAS‑specialized products to support a comprehensive workflow contamination‑control approach.</strong></p><h4><strong>Key Learning Points</strong></h4><ul><li>Identify and avoid potential sources for sporadic PFAS contamination in the PFAS workflow.</li><li>Learn how to apply best practices for sample preparation and analytical instrumentation.</li><li>Gain insight into products that support effective management of PFAS contamination.</li></ul><h4><strong>Who Should Attend</strong></h4><ul><li>Any analytical professionals who are beginning or expanding their work with PFAS by LC-MS/MS across both regulated and non-regulated methods and who are navigating background contamination, method sensitivity demands, and the practical challenges of troubleshooting persistent PFAS interferences.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:</strong> Maryam Sayeed (Product Manager, Phenomenex)</p><p>Maryam Sayeed is a Product Manager at Phenomenex and has been with the company for three years. She focuses on expanding solutions for chromatography products and consumables designed for the food and environmental markets. Her work also includes supporting products that address challenges associated with PFAS analysis and background contamination at low detection limits. Prior to joining Phenomenex, Maryam spent nine years in the food and beverage industry, gaining extensive hands on experience with HPLC analysis. She holds an MS in Biology with a specialization in Biochemistry.</p></blockquote>

Phenomenex: Strategies to Mitigate Sporadic PFAS Contamination in Analytical Workflows

Strategies to Mitigate Sporadic PFAS Contamination in Analytical Workflows

Webinar on PFAS contamination in LC-MS workflows—learn sources, prevention strategies, and best practices for accurate low-level PFAS analysis.

Mitigate Sporadic PFAS Contamination in Analytical Workflows

<p><strong>PFAS contamination in food is an emerging analytical and regulatory challenge, especially as testing expands beyond water into complex food and animal protein matrices. In this webinar, Waters and PromoChrom experts will present practical, largely automated workflows designed to improve robustness, efficiency, and data quality in PFAS food analysis.</strong></p><p>Using real-world examples such as eggs and other animal proteins, the session will explore sample preparation strategies tailored to matrix complexity and throughput needs. Attendees will see how pressurized solvent extraction, SPE cleanup, and QuEChERS-based approaches can be combined with automation to streamline workflows while maintaining sensitivity and reproducibility.</p><p>The session will also highlight how labs can prepare for evolving regulations and growing analytical demands in PFAS food testing.</p><h4><strong>Key Learning Objectives:</strong></h4><ul><li>Understand the current and emerging PFAS testing requirements for food and how to position your lab for compliance</li><li>Compare pressurized solvent extraction, SPE cleanup, and QueChERS approaches to find the right fit for your throughput needs</li><li>Learn which workflow steps benefit most from automation and how to maintain reproducibility at scale</li><li>Discover best practices for ensuring robust, defensible results across different food types</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:&nbsp;</strong>MJ Madden (Technical Support Manager and Project Manager, PromoChrom Technologies)<br><br><strong>Speaker:&nbsp;</strong>Margot Lee (Senior Scientist, Waters Corporation)</p></blockquote>

Technology Networks: Episode 3: PFAS in Food – Addressing Contamination in the Food Supply Chain

Episode 3: PFAS in Food – Addressing Contamination in the Food Supply Chain

Understand the current and emerging PFAS testing requirements for food and how to position your lab for compliance

Addressing Contamination in the Food Supply Chain

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div><p><strong>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of synthetic compounds valued for their chemical stability and resistance to water and oil. Widely used in industrial processes, firefighting foams, and consumer products, PFAS have become persistent contaminants in both industrial and municipal waste streams. As a result, wastewater utilities and industrial dischargers face increasing pressure to detect and manage PFAS in wastewater and biosolids.</strong></p><p>These matrices are highly variable, ranging from liquid influent and effluent with suspended solids to partially or fully dried biosolids. This variability can significantly impact extraction efficiency, reproducibility, and overall method robustness.</p><p>In this webinar, we will explore key strategies laboratories use to overcome matrix challenges, including advanced sample preparation, isotope dilution with extracted internal standards, and improved chromatographic separation.</p><p>Understanding matrix complexity is essential for producing reliable data. Depending on the sample, additional steps may be required to meet state reporting limits or project-specific data quality objectives. Join us to learn how robust analytical approaches can deliver confident results, even in the most challenging wastewater and biosolid samples.</p><h5><strong>By attending this webinar, you will:</strong></h5><ul><li>Gain a clear understanding of how sample matrix variability impacts PFAS analysis in wastewater and biosolids, and the key factors that influence data quality.&nbsp;</li><li>Learn practical strategies, including sample preparation and analytical techniques, to improve robustness and reproducibility.&nbsp;</li><li>Receive guidance on producing defensible results that meet regulatory and project-specific requirements.</li></ul><h5><strong>Who should attend?</strong></h5><ul><li>Environmental and commercial testing laboratories performing PFAS analysis</li><li>Wastewater utilities and municipal laboratories managing PFAS compliance</li><li>Industrial facilities and consultants responsible for PFAS monitoring and treatment&nbsp;</li><li>Regulatory agencies and researchers focused on environmental contaminants and water quality</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Sarah Choyke, PhD (Technical Director, Eurofins Environment Testing, Denver, Colorado, USA)</p><p>Sarah Choyke brings over a decade of experience in environmental analysis with expertise in LC-HRMS, LC-MS/MS, and method development for contaminants of emerging concern, including PFAS, flame retardants, and personal care products. She has extensive experience analysing PFAS at industrial and AFFF impacted sites using targeted and nontargeted analysis. Dr Choyke has nine peer-reviewed research articles and over a dozen conference presentations. In her role as Technical Director, she is expanding the PFAS capabilities in Denver and upgrading analytical techniques to help improve efficiency.</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

SeparationScience: Testing PFAS in Biosolids: From Sample Preparation to Interference Separation

Testing PFAS in Biosolids: From Sample Preparation to Interference Separation

Learn how robust analytical approaches can deliver confident results, even in the most challenging wastewater and biosolid samples.

LCMS webinars focusing on Sample prep - page 2