<h3>1. What exactly is a “source” in mass spectrometry?</h3>Whether you’re running LC-MS, imaging-MS, or native-MS, the ion source is where molecules leave the chromatograph, capillary, or sample stage and become charged gas-phase particles that the mass spectrometer can detect. The source you choose governs the kinds of compounds you’ll see, the flow rates you can use, and the robustness you can expect from run to run.Sources fall into two broad families:<ul><li>Vacuum ionization: Electron ionization (EI), fast-atom bombardment (FAB), and traditional MALDI create ions inside the instrument’s evacuated housing.</li><li>Atmospheric-pressure ionization (API): Electrospray (ESI), atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI), atmospheric-pressure photo-ionization (APPI), and today’s atmospheric-pressure MALDI (AP-MALDI) generate ions in open air and then guide them through an interface into vacuum.</li></ul><blockquote>Learn more about Ionization methods here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/industrial/mass-spectrometry/mass-spectrometry-learning-center/mass-spectrometry-technology-overview/ionization-source-technology-overview.html">Ionization Source Technology Overview | Thermo Fisher Scientific – US</a></blockquote><h3>2. Why electrospray changed the game</h3>In 1988 John B. Fenn demonstrated that a fine, high-voltage spray could coax intact proteins into the gas phase (see figure). The work earned a share of the 2002 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Because electrospray produces multiply charged ions, large biomolecules fit within the m/z window of modern analyzers. That single insight opened the door to:<ul><li>Bottom-up and top-down proteomics</li><li>Metabolomics and lipidomics</li><li>Native MS of protein complexes and antibodies</li><li>Targeted quantitation in clinical and environmental labs</li></ul>ESI also adapts to nearly any flow- from nanoliters to milliliters- via variants like nanoESI, capillaryESI, and heated ESI (HESI).<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Electrospray_101_What_to_Know_About_LC_MS_Sources_and_a_First_Look_at_Optispray_2_eadef535f2.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Electrospray 101: What to Know About LC-MS Sources – and a First Look at Optispray: Basic principle of electrospray ionization. A high-voltage needle forms a fine spray of charged droplets that shrink through solvent evaporation, releasing gas-phase ions for mass spectrometry." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Electrospray_101_What_to_Know_About_LC_MS_Sources_and_a_First_Look_at_Optispray_2_eadef535f2.jpg 237w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="675"><h3>3. Putting ESI sources to work on a Thermo Scientific platform</h3>If you have ever run a proteomics experiment on Thermo Scientific mass spectrometry solution, you have already handled at least two ESI sources:<ul><li>Thermo Scientific OptaMax NG ion source or Thermo Scientific OptaMax Plus ion source with the Thermo Scientific Heated Electrospray Ionization (HESI-II) Probe – easy installation into the MS face, this robust family of sources, paired with adaptable HESI-II probes, supports a wide range of flow rates from 1 – 2,000 µL/min, providing flexibility for various applications. Most proteomics laboratories use it for calibrations or quick QC injections: direct-infuse a Pierce FlexMix solution through the HESI probe and the instrument can calibrate to sub-ppm accuracy</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/2464">Thermo Scientific EASY-spray source</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/2463">Thermo Scientific NanoSpray Flex ion source</a> – once calibration is complete, the OptaMax ion source comes off and a low-flow source goes on. Thermo Scientific EASY-Spray HPLC columns combine LC column, liquid junction, and emitter in a single finger-tight connection, eliminiating dead volume and manual x-axis alignment. The NanoSpray Flex offers emitter and geometry control, providing flexibility for method development when custom configurations are needed.</li></ul>In a routine bottom-up proteomics run, you might equilibrate an EASY-Spray column on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/398">Thermo Scientific Vanquish Neo UHPLC</a>, calibrate the mass spectrometer using the OptaMax NG ion source fitted with HESI-II probe, then swap to an EASY-spray source loaded with your nanoLC column, and finally acquire a 30-minute DIA gradient on an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1959">Orbitrap Astral Zoom mass spectrometer</a> - never touching the mass spectrometer itself, only exchanging the front-end source.<h3>4. Alternate source spotlight: Native MS with static nano-spray</h3>Electrospray isn’t limited to peptide gradients. In native MS the goal is to perform mass analysis on intact, non-denatured molecules- virus capsids, ribosomal subunits, even 10 MDa gene-therapy assemblies- without the salts and organic solvents required by LC. Here the workhorse is static nano-spray: load &lt;5 uL of volatile, salt-stripped buffer into a pre-conductive tip, let capillary action deliver a &lt; 50 nL/min plume straight into the MS inlet, and- because the analyte never touches a column- fragile complexes stay together long enough for high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis. The Nanospray Flex ion source with the Offline Nano Electrospray kit makes difficult-to-analyze native applications compatible with state of the art mass spectrometry. For example, it is often coupled with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/560">Thermo Scientific Q Exactive UHMR mass spectrometer</a> and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/748">Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Ascend Structural Biology Tribrid mass spectrometer</a>. Static nano-spray highlights how choosing the right ion source- and the right accessories- opens new analytical spaces.<h3>5. Pain points in low-flow ESI- and why they matter</h3>Nano- and capillary-flow ESI deliver exquisite sensitivity but can frustrate even experienced users:<ul><li>Manual emitter alignment is operator-dependent</li><li>Dead volume between column, junction, and emitter broadens peak</li><li>Emitter wear forces frequent replacements and re-tuning</li></ul>For large-scale studies and labs with constant mass spectrometry up-time, that variability translates into lost samples, inconsistent quantitation, and extra QC overhead<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Electrospray_101_What_to_Know_About_LC_MS_Sources_and_a_First_Look_at_Optispray_3_35fab1de4d.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Electrospray 101: What to Know About LC-MS Sources – and a First Look at Optispray" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Electrospray_101_What_to_Know_About_LC_MS_Sources_and_a_First_Look_at_Optispray_3_35fab1de4d.jpg 216w," sizes="100vw" width="768" height="555"><h3>6. Enter breaking technology: The Thermo Scientific OptiSpray Technology provides&nbsp;automated nano- and capillary-flow success</h3>Unveiled at ASMS 2025, the OptiSpray technology- including the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/2465">Thermo Scientific OptiSpray ion source</a> and Thermo Scientific OptiSpray cartridge- tackles these challenges head-on:<ul><li>Motorized 3D alignment runs a “quick” (&lt;3 minute) or “full” optimization routine that centers the spray plume on the inlet- no rulers, no guesswork, same result no matter who is installing the column.</li><li>Easy installation with cartridge-based consumables with integrated column, junction and emitter in a single unit. Choose the Thermo Scientific EASY-Spray PepMap Neo UHPLC column or Thermo Scientific μPAC Neo HPLC Columns- just click in the cartridge, pull the handle down, click once, and you are plumbed.</li><li>Emitter options for capillary or nanoflow two emitters—one that is tapered and is designed for capillary flow rates, and one that is pulled and is designed for nanoflow rates.</li><li>Visualization of emitter and spray provides confidence in spray stability and visualization of spray disturbances.</li><li>Platform compatibility The OptiSpray ion source docks directly on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?search=Astral+">Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Astral MS series</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?search=Tribrid+">Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Tribrid MS series</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?search=Exploris">Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris MS series</a>, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1958">Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Excedion Pro MS</a>, and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1149">Thermo Scientific Stellar MS</a>, and pairs seamlessly with Thermo Scientific FAIMS Pro Duo interface- the automated alignment finds the emitter’s “sweet spot” in front of FAIMS Pro Duo interface for you.</li><li>Wide flow window (50 nl – 10 uL/min) means one source covers discovery DIA at 300 nl/min and high-throughput PRM at a few uL/min.</li><li>Proven robustness Early robustness data show &gt;2,000 HeLa digest injections with &lt;10% CV in peptide identifications.</li></ul>How OptiSpray technology helps: automated emitter alignment levels the playing field between new and experienced users, cutting out training time and human-introduced variability. Further, the sealed cartridge prevents carry-over and dead-volume inconsistencies. The result is reproducible, low-flow data, batch after batch, lab after lab, no matter who installs the column.<h3>7. Take home messages</h3><ul><li>Ion sources are the gatekeepers of detection. Choosing vacuum vs atmospheric- and within API, ESI vs APCI/APPI- dictates what you can detect.</li><li>Electrospray is the backbone of omics. Multiply charged ions bring biomolecules into reach of high-resolution mass analyzes, earning a Nobel nod and dominating modern workflows.</li><li>OptiSpray streamlines low-flow operation by automating emitter positioning and eliminating manual alignment, enabling consistent, high-sensitivity data across users and experiments.</li></ul><blockquote>Questions about fitting the right source to your application? Contact us or explore the ASMS 2025 resource hub for application notes, workflow posters, and customer testimonials.Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#MassSpectrometry #IonSources #Electrospray #OptiSpray #Proteomics #Metabolomics #Lipidomics #ESI</blockquote>

Electrospray 101: What to Know About LC-MS Sources – and a First Look at Optispray

<h4>Traceability in the 19th century&nbsp;</h4>Once a dairymaid bought one kilo of flour from the local shop. Next day she returned to sell one kilo of butter to the shopkeeper. He then complained that 50 grams of the kilo were missing.&nbsp;<blockquote>Oh that is odd, the dairymaid said, to get the correct weight I used the kilo of flour you sold to me yesterday to weigh the butter!&nbsp;</blockquote><h4>Traceability today&nbsp;</h4>Traceability is the ability to trace, for example, the ancestors of a person or the origin of a product. The word can be derived from the Latin tractus = drawn or the verb trahere = to draw.&nbsp;Traceability can refer to documentation (e.g. a sampling procedure), a laboratory, analyst or method. But as in ISO/IEC 17025, this leaflet deals with traceability of measurement results. That is, measurement results have to be traceable to the metrological1 references used. To be specific, we use the term metrological traceability.&nbsp;<blockquote>The current VIM2 definition of metrological traceability is: property of a measurement result whereby the result can be related to a reference through a documented unbroken chain of calibrations each contributing to the measurement uncertainty2&nbsp;</blockquote><h4>The references&nbsp;</h4>Ideally the references should be the values of national and international standards expressed in SI units. The traceability is realised through chains of calibrations, the traceability chain. For temperature and many other physical quantities such as mass and time, the traceability is easily established.&nbsp;In addition, in chemistry the working standards are substances with defined purity, solutions of pure substances and matrix reference materials.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_2_b809be57bc.jpg" alt="Douglas Hasbun: An “analyst” not knowing the traceability of his/her values for volume, time, mass, calibration solution concentration and temperature." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_2_b809be57bc.jpg 157w," sizes="100vw" width="852" height="847"><h4>Temperature example - Traceability to SI&nbsp;</h4>The temperature of a sample can be traced back through a chain of calibrations to the reference, an SI traceable value of temperature at 0 °C.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_3_9933347331.jpg" alt="Douglas Hasbun: Temperature example - Traceability to SI" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_3_9933347331.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="926" height="432"><h4>Example – Mercury in tuna fish&nbsp;</h4>A measurement result (mass fraction) obtained for mercury in a tuna fish sample is 4.03 ± 0.11 mg/kg. The result is reported as total Hg on dry weight basis (105 ºC, 12 h determined on a separate sample portion) and the measurement uncertainty is reported with a 95 % level of confidence (coverage factor, k=2). In this case mercury was determined with a mercury analyser (cold vapour atomic spectroscopy) after a microwave digestion.&nbsp;The samples are weighed on a balance with a calibration certificate relating the weight measured to the SI unit of mass (kg).&nbsp;The acid digest is diluted in a volumetric flask where the manufacturer documents the traceability of the volume of the flask to a national standard.&nbsp;The calibration curve was prepared using a CRM (certified reference material) – a mercury standard with a certificate stating a quantity value of 0.998 ± 0.005 mg/L (k=2) and with traceability to pure mercury.&nbsp;The method is validated using an appropriate matrix CRM with a total mercury mass fraction of 1.97 ± 0.04 mg/kg (k=2). The purpose of the validation is to check the method performance.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_4_1ef2bc4b97.jpg" alt="Douglas Hasbun: An “analyst” knowing the traceability of his/her values for volume, time, mass, calibration solution concentration and temperature" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_4_1ef2bc4b97.jpg 119w," sizes="100vw" width="808" height="1062"><h4>How can a laboratory demonstrate metrological traceability?&nbsp;</h4>The evidence required by the laboratory to demonstrate traceability for the mercury result is shown below:&nbsp;<ol><li>concentration of the Hg solution – a certificate for the CRM solution;&nbsp;</li><li>mass of sample – calibration certificate for the balance;&nbsp;</li><li>volume of volumetric flask – calibration certificate of the manufacturer;&nbsp;</li><li>drying temperature – calibration of oven temperature;&nbsp;</li><li>digestion conditions – calibration of e.g. temperature;&nbsp;</li><li>drying time – ordinary clock or stopwatch&nbsp;</li></ol>Point 1 would need special attention to assure the quality and traceability for the calibration standard. Traceability for points 2, 3 and 6 is easily achieved with adequate uncertainty using commercial equipment.&nbsp;Points 4 and 5 need additional attention by the lab.&nbsp;The use of the matrix CRM in the method validation is vital but not part of the traceability chain, since it is not used for calibration. If this CRM is used for recovery correction it should be part of the traceability chain.&nbsp;<h4>Measurement quality&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Method validation demonstrates that the method (set of conditions) used in a particular laboratory at a certain time was fit for purpose and all significant effects were identified.&nbsp;</li><li>Calibration of critical equipment completes the metrological traceability chains.</li><li>Measurement uncertainty is estimated from the method validation and the traceability.&nbsp;</li><li>Quality control (internal and external) assures that the measurement results (including uncertainty) are of the same quality as at the time of validation.</li></ul><h4>Conclusion</h4>The traceability of a measurement result refers to metrological traceability as defined by VIM. It relates the result to SI units or other agreed standards/references.&nbsp;Traceability is essential for comparability of results and is a requirement of ISO/IEC 17025. Traceability is easily achieved following good laboratory practice.

Metrological Traceability of Analytical Results

Scientific conferences are defined not only by the quality of the research presented but also by the expertise and vision of their invited speakers. RAFA 2026 brings together internationally recognized scientists from academia, industry, and regulatory organizations to address some of today's most pressing challenges in food analysis and food safety. Their lectures will explore cutting-edge analytical techniques, emerging contaminants, food authenticity, artificial intelligence, high-resolution mass spectrometry, allergen risk assessment, PFAS, microplastics, mycotoxins, and many other topics shaping the future of food analysis. This overview introduces the distinguished invited speakers and the scientific highlights they will present at RAFA 2026.<h3>Registration</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/">Register to attend RAFA 2026!</a></blockquote><h4>Registration Fees</h4><ul><li>Regular registration (Until 30 September, 2026): € 855</li><li>Late registration (From 1 October, 2026): € 955</li><li>Student rate* (From 1 July, 2026): € 605</li></ul>* The proof of student status (e.g. copy of a student identify card) is requested as an attachment of the registration form.<h5>The regular registration fee will include:</h5><ul><li>Attendance at all scientific sessions, workshops, seminars, vendor seminars and other satellite events</li><li>Access to the poster and exhibition area</li><li>Conference kit (name badge, conference bag, conference documents, certificate of participation, certificate of presentation on request)</li><li>Final programme</li><li>E-Book of Abstracts</li><li>Coffee breaks</li><li>Buffet luncheons</li><li>Welcome drink</li></ul>In the registration form you can register free of charge for the welcome drink and you can also order ticket(s) for the conference dinner (€ 85).Please note that your registration is firm when your payment has been received.<h3>Abstract submission</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/">Submit your ABSTRACT HERE!</a>In order to submit an abstract, you must first register to attend RAFA 2026. After registration you will receive an access to the Member section where you can submit your abstract(s).</blockquote>&nbsp;After successful submission of your abstract you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt of submitted abstract via e-mail. If it will not be delivered within a few minutes after submission of your abstract please check at first your spam box-mail and then contact us at RAFA2026@vscht.cz.<h4>Important notice:</h4><blockquote>1 registered participant can submit no more than 2 abstracts.</blockquote>To apply for a young scientist’s oral presentation, as an indication please respect the rule that you should be born in 1991 or later.The text of the abstract should be limited to 3000 characters including spaces. Tables and pictures are not allowed.<h3>Program</h3><h4>Invited Speakers</h4><h5>It takes a small step to fake food but a giant leap to authenticate</h5><ul><li>Nicolai Zederkopff Ballin from Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency, Glostrup, Denmark.</li></ul>It takes a small step to fake food but a giant leap to authenticate”: Exploring unresolved issues in food authentication. Food authentication includes not just analytical chemistry, but also nomenclature, validation procedures and reporting of results. These aspects have attracted increasing focus, but setting limits in food authentication has been largely absent. It is therefore time to discuss how to set maximum tolerable levels to enable consistent and comparable results in food authentication.<h5>Unravelling the mysteries of modified mycotoxins</h5><ul><li>Franz Berthiller from BOKU University, Vienna, Austria</li></ul>Modified mycotoxins are altered forms of mycotoxins, mainly formed by living plants on the field. They are not regulated, yet may contribute to toxicity. The presentations focuses on metabolites of fumonisin B1 and ochratoxin A, formed by maize plants.<h5>From bitter to better: Fixing off-flavors in plant proteins</h5><ul><li>Corinna Dawid from Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany</li></ul>Uncovering the chemistry behind flavor: the presentation explores how Sensomics and NMR interaction studies reveal the complex interplay between aroma compounds, taste perception, and the polymer matrix in wine.<h5>Imaging food: the power and the limits of seeing molecules in food</h5><ul><li>Laura Righetti from Wageningen University &amp; Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands</li></ul>Imaging techniques enable ‘seeing’ molecules in food and elucidating mechanisms of accumulation and transformation, e.g. during processing. However, their application to food and contaminants remains limited. This talk discusses both instrumental constraints and future opportunities.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/RAFA_Laura_Righetti_e7bdda9942.jpg" alt="RAFA: Laura Righetti" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_RAFA_Laura_Righetti_e7bdda9942.jpg 157w," sizes="100vw" width="900" height="895"><h5>Analysis of critical vitamins: novel structures and novel sources</h5><ul><li>Michael Rychlik Lab from Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany</li></ul>Growing population and dietary shifts lead to inadequate intake of folate, B6, and B12. The presentation introduces novel analytical methods (stable isotope dilution assays), identifies new sources, and assesses risks of certain dietary patterns.<h5>Sample-to-solution approaches for natural toxin analysis at the point of need</h5><ul><li>Gert Salentijn from Wageningen University &amp; Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands</li></ul>Taking analysis out of the lab is not trivial. Going beyond merely translating procedures from the lab to an out-of-lab setting, it requires a fundamentally different perspective on how we develop and deploy the tools to provide information at the point-of-need. In this, both the envisioned test, as well as the envisioned user are critical, and all the steps, from sample to solution, need to be considered.<h5>EFSA’s rapid risk assessment of cereulide in infants</h5><ul><li>Hans Steinkellner from European Food Safety Authority, Parma, Italy</li></ul>The EU has established procedures for rapid risk assessment in urgent situations. EFSA’s assessment of cereulide in infants demonstrated its ability to provide robust scientific support within a short timeframe during a crisis.<h5>Comprehensive strategies to unmask masked mycotoxins: from food matrix to gut microbiota</h5><ul><li>Milena Stranska from University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czechia</li></ul>The lecture will address non-extractable modified mycotoxins and their biological relevance. Bioaccessibility will be assessed using in vitro digestion models with diverse fecal microbiota (toddlers, children, adults) and bioavailability using Caco-2-based intestinal models. High-resolution mass spectrometry will reveal biotransformation pathways and cellular metabolism of free and modified mycotoxins.<h5>Food allergen risk assessment: Past, present, future</h5><ul><li>Ben Remington from Remington Consulting Group B.V., Utrecht, the Netherlands &amp; University of Nebraska, USA</li></ul>Food allergy and allergen management are global public health issues, and consumer protection depends on transparent and trustworthy labelling. While 30 years of scientific advances show that low level exposures, or reference doses, are unlikely to trigger reactions in most allergic individuals, harmonized and globally aligned regulations are still needed to promote consistent allergen risk assessment and labelling decisions. This presentation will discuss the landscape of allergen risk assessment, global policy developments, current research and future needs in the area.<h5>Unmasking hidden adulteration in honey: Strategies for detecting and characterizing honeys produced from sugar-fed colonies</h5><ul><li>Oscar Nuñez Burcio from University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain</li></ul>From hive to jar, not all honey tells the same story. This presentation addresses hidden adulteration associated with sugar-fed bee colonies, highlighting implications for authenticity, production practices, and the need for a more precise characterization of honey to ensure consumer trust.<h5>Analytical and toxicological methods for safety of food contact materials</h5><ul><li>Erich Leitner from Graz University of Technology, Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Graz, Austria</li></ul>Food packaging plays a critical role in protecting and preserving food throughout the supply chain. All packaging materials intended to come into contact with food must comply with strict EU safety rules. Due to increased complexity of packaging solutions, lowering legal limits and increasing numbers of target compounds, we also have to adapt the strategies used to verify and guarantee the safety of these materials.<h5>Data-driven strategies to reduce complexity in non-target HRMS analysis of food samples</h5><ul><li>Anneli Kruve from Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden</li></ul>LC/HRMS based non-target screening can detect hundreds to thousands of chemical features in complex food and environmental samples. Investigating all of these in detail is practically impossible, so which ones to focus on? Novel computational tools developed in computational mass spectrometry allow predicting the toxicity and concentration of the detected chemical features even if these have not yet been fully structurally elucidated. Combining these predictions enables us to focus on the chemical features possessing high risk.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/RAFA_Anneli_Kruve_5119012e5d.jpg" alt="RAFA: Anneli Kruve" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_RAFA_Anneli_Kruve_5119012e5d.jpg 155w," sizes="100vw" width="899" height="900"><h5>Role of AI in the identification of emerging food systems risks</h5><ul><li>Ákos Bernard Jóźwiak from Syreon Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary</li></ul>AI-assisted evidence synthesis – spanning curated scientific evidence, exposome data, and network analysis – is the backbone of next-generation emerging chemical food safety risk identification, enabling earlier signals and more resilient surveillance systems.<h5>Challenges of microplastics analysis in the context of food safety</h5><ul><li>Dorte Herzke from Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway</li></ul>Food and food packaging are major sources of micro- and nanoplastic exposure. Plastics used in processing, storage, and packaging can release particles through heat, abrasion, and degradation. Small particles below 2 µm may cross gut barriers and carry chemicals, highlighting the need for robust and sensitive measurement methods.<h5>Never-ending analytical challenges in PFAS analysis of food</h5><ul><li>Darina Dvořáková from University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czechia</li></ul>Exploring and monitoring PFAS in food requires advanced strategies. Combining targeted, suspect, and non-target HRMS analysis, determination of total fluorine and sum parameters, and novel sensors provides new insights into PFAS occurrence and supports food safety monitoring.<h5>An overview of the latest scientific knowledge on process contaminants in food for appropriate risk management measures</h5><ul><li>Thierry Delatour from Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland.</li></ul>Recent scientific findings related to acrylamide and furans formation, occurrence and analytical methods in food provide important insights for risk management.

Invited Speakers at RAFA 2026 Symposium

Article

Product

Events

Academy

Scientists

RAFA provides an overview of contemporary trends in ANALYTICAL & BIOANALYTICAL STRATEGIES IN FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY CONTROL and discusses CHALLENGES / NOVEL APPROACHES IN FOOD AND NATURAL PRODUCTS ANALYSIS.

Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA)

A unique company dedicated to serving science helping our customers drive productivity and accelerate results. Through our premier brands – Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Eurachem is a European network promoting international traceability of chemical measurements and good analytical practice. It provides expert guidance, supports method validation, uncertainty evaluation, proficiency testing, and facilitates discussion on technical and policy issues in analytical quality.

Eurachem

Tosoh Bioscience

Separation Science

Axcend

Agilent Technologies

Technology Networks

SelectScience

C&EN

Evosep Biosystems

Waters Corporation

<ul>
<li>Wait what?! Who knew!? There are so many things that a mass spec can do.
</li>
<li>I&#39;ve used it for years, yes this may be true.
</li>
<li>I&#39;ve processed some samples, more than a few.
</li>
<li>But between me and you, I had no idea all the things it could do!
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<li>From sample prep to separation, you just won&#39;t believe…
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<li>All of the tips and tricks we have up our sleeve.
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<li>So, take a few minutes, about 15 should do.
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<li>And learn all the things your mass spec can do.
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SureMass, a novel data format for high resolution mass analyzers, offers better analysis speed and mass accuracy - even for high concentration or complex samples. This data format is derived from profile data and adapts to changes in experimental conditions to enhance obscured peaks, extend linear dynamic range, improve batch analysis speeds, and maintain trace detection with repeatability. These SureMass capabilities allow users to view quality peaks, fast and with accuracy. In this webinar SureMass conversion will be shown and examples of its speed and improved mass accuracy will be shared.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Cathyrin Simmermaker (LC/MS Applications Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Cate Simmermaker is an LC/MS Applications Engineer with Agilent Technologies working primarily with high-resolution mass spectrometry in small molecule analysis. Cate has worked in applications including metabolomics, food safety, and forensics on Q-TOF and QQQ platforms. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Chemistry from the University of the Pacific and received a Master’s in Biochemistry from San Francisco State University.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: SureMass: Fast, Accurate, and Reproducible Data Processing

SureMass: Fast, Accurate, and Reproducible Data Processing

In this webinar SureMass conversion will be shown and examples of its speed and improved mass accuracy will be shared.

Three Webinars and a Roundtable with Experts from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Metrohm &amp; Mettler Toledo
A Week Dedicated to Karl Fischer Titration!
Karl Fischer titration is still the most used, most accurate, and fastest method to determine water content in all kinds of sample matrices. This titration week covers different aspects that need to be considered when determining the water content in products, raw materials, and other substances. Experts from the life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Metrohm AG, and Mettler Toledo will present and discuss different steps of the Karl Fischer titration process and how to improve it. Learnings include:
<ul>
<li>Karl Fischer titration process and tips for how to improve it</li>
<li>Karl Fischer oven method and its advantages</li>
<li>Reference materials to use for titer determination, instrument check, and result verification</li>
<li>Parameters needed to validate a Karl Fischer titration application</li>
<li>News and future aspects of Karl Fischer titration</li>
</ul>
<h3>How to Achieve Accurate Water Content Results with Karl Fischer Titration</h3>
Transparent and accurate analysis results are an important prerequisite for meeting your customers&#39; quality expectations on products, raw materials and processes. A central analytical parameter is the water content. Water can influence stability, durability, permeability, or consistency of materials, or the energy consumption, yield, and safety in production processes. Therefore, exact water determination is necessary in a wide variety of industries. The Karl Fischer titration method is still the most used, fastest, and most precise method for measuring water content to get accurate, transparent, and comparable results. By attending this presentation, you will learn:
<ul>
<li>The difference between Volumetry and Coulometry</li>
<li>How to improve your Karl Fischer titration process</li>
<li>The key quality assurance requirement</li>
<li>How to perform an accurate titer determination</li>
<li>Tips to avoid failures</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Bettina Straub-Jubb (Product manager &amp; Lead Expert for Titration at the life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany)
</blockquote>

Separation Science: How to Achieve Accurate Water Content Results with Karl Fischer Titration

How to Achieve Accurate Water Content Results with Karl Fischer Titration

Topics: The difference between Volumetry and Coulometry, How to improve your Karl Fischer titration process, The key quality assurance requirement ...

Accurate Water Content Results with Karl Fischer Titration

Three Webinars and a Roundtable with Experts from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Metrohm &amp; Mettler Toledo
A Week Dedicated to Karl Fischer Titration!
Karl Fischer titration is still the most used, most accurate, and fastest method to determine water content in all kinds of sample matrices. This titration week covers different aspects that need to be considered when determining the water content in products, raw materials, and other substances. Experts from the life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Metrohm AG, and Mettler Toledo will present and discuss different steps of the Karl Fischer titration process and how to improve it. Learnings include:
<ul>
<li>Karl Fischer titration process and tips for how to improve it</li>
<li>Karl Fischer oven method and its advantages</li>
<li>Reference materials to use for titer determination, instrument check, and result verification</li>
<li>Parameters needed to validate a Karl Fischer titration application</li>
<li>News and future aspects of Karl Fischer titration</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Karl Fischer Oven Method – Step by Step</h3>
arl Fischer (KF) titration is a standard method for the water content determination in all types of substances. However, for various reasons, some substances are not suitable for a direct Karl Fischer titration. These reasons include that they undergo side reaction with KF reagents; they contaminate the titration cell and/or the electrodes; the substances are poorly soluble in alcohol; they release their water only slowly; or the water is released at high temperatures only. These problems can be avoided by using the oven method. This makes the KF oven method the perfect solution for the analysis of difficult samples. By attending this presentation, you will learn:
<ul>
<li>The principle of the oven method</li>
<li>How to properly prepare your titration system with an oven</li>
<li>How to prepare your sample</li>
<li>How to select the optimal oven temperature</li>
</ul>
After viewing this webinar, you will know how to perform accurate sample measurements using the oven method.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Michael Margreth (Application Specialist - Karl Fischer Titration and Water Determination, Metrohm)
</blockquote>

The Karl Fischer Oven Method – Step by Step

After viewing this webinar, you will know how to perform accurate sample measurements using the oven method.

Digital transformation is a journey driven by the desire to fundamentally improve laboratory working practices by leveraging the latest advances in technology. Whether it be a need to eliminate errors, operate more efficiently, or reach confident results faster, laboratories are focusing more than ever on software.
Designed as a scalable solution for modern, dynamic (often cloud-based) environments, the Thermo Scientific™ Ardia™ Platform brings together chromatography and mass spectrometry, connecting data and instruments, helping scientists get closer to the truth. In this webinar, discover how you can reap the benefits of a connected platform to maximize instrument utilization, streamline lab and data management, and realize true efficiency gains.
Key learning objectives
<ul>
<li>Discover how you can enable wider collaboration within your business</li>
<li>Learn how you can access, monitor and schedule instruments from a single location</li>
<li>Find out how you simplify data storage and expedite review</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
<ul>
<li>Lab managers</li>
<li>Principle scientists</li>
<li>Technical specialists</li>
<li>MS users</li>
<li>IT managers</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Peter Zipfell (Product Marketing Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
For the past 22 years, Peter Zipfell has worked extensively with chromatography hardware and software transitioning from LC-MS method development through HPLC technical support to chromatography data systems. He joined Thermo Fisher Scientific over 13 years ago and more recently became involved as the lead for Ardia platform product marketing. His focus has always been to support Thermo Fisher customers by delivering software solutions across multiple industries to enable them to improve their current workflows and increase productivity.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Kevin Schauer (Product Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Kevin Schauer is a molecular biologist by training and has been working with chromatography and mass spectrometry instrumentation for over 10 years. He joined Thermo Fisher Scientific five years ago as a field applications scientist where he worked with customers to better leverage the capabilities of the mass spectrometry instrumentation for their life science research. He transitioned to the Ardia platform product management team several years ago where he now works to produce software that allows users to operate more efficiently and get their work done faster.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Georgina Wynne Hughes (Editorial Team, SelectScience)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Georgina studied at Birmingham University where she gained a BSc in Biomedical Science, and an MSc by Research in Cancer and Genomic Sciences, which focused on defective autophagy in rare neurodegenerative diseases. As a member of the Editorial team, she now plays an integral role in shaping the content on SelectScience.
</blockquote>

SelectScience: Take control of your data and instruments: Your journey starts here

Take control of your data and instruments: Your journey starts here

The Thermo Scientific Ardia Platform brings together chromatography and mass spectrometry, connecting data and instruments.

Take control of your data and instruments: Your journey

Identifying fentanyl analogs and other novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in the recreational drug market poses a significant analytical challenge for forensic toxicology laboratories.
In this webinar, two expert speakers will showcase how accurate mass diagnostic fragments of fentanyl and other analogs can be utilized to identify new fentanyl analog biomarkers. They will demonstrate the efficiency and simplicity of SCIEX Molecule Profiler software as a comprehensive and user-friendly platform for identifying novel metabolites, precursors and impurities of emerging drugs.
Attend this webinar to learn about:
<ul>
<li>The challenges associated with the identification of fentanyl analogs and other NPS emerging on the recreational drug market</li>
<li>The use of accurate mass diagnostic fragments for the identification of drug biomarkers</li>
<li>The streamlined process of identifying drug biomarkers using diagnostic fragment screening with SCIEX Molecule Profiler software</li>
<li>The benefits of this approach for the identification of novel metabolites, precursors and impurities of emerging new drugs</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Aaron Stella (R&amp;D Scientist, SCIEX)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Karl Oetjen (Senior Scientist, Technical Marketing, SCIEX)
</blockquote>

Uncovering Novel Psychoactive Substance Biomarkers Using Diagnostic Fragment Screening

We will showcase how accurate mass diagnostic fragments of fentanyl and other analogs can be utilized to identify new fentanyl analog biomarkers.

NPS Biomarkers Using Diagnostic Fragment Screening

Purification is critical to many scientific workflows. Compounds of interest are rarely found to be the right purity in their native state. Join Waters and Virscidian for this 6-part webinar series to learn the basics of purification and application of purification principles for more advanced workflows.
<h3>PART 2 | Basics of Supercritical Fluid Chromatography Purification</h3>
Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) is an effective and green technique to isolate a compound(s) of interest from a mixture. SFC utilizes liquid CO2 to quickly isolate compounds while minimizing the efforts required to dry the collected fraction. In this module, we will discuss factors involved in SFC purification. 
Learning Objectives: 
<ul>
<li>Understand how to use SFC purification</li>
<li>Make informed decisions on method optimization</li>
<li>Understand impact of decisions made during purification on larger workflow</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Andrew Leightner (Market Development Manager – Americas Field Marketing, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Andy Leightner has over 10 years of experience serving the pharma market from contract research organizations. He specialized in method development and validation leveraging LC, GC, and mass spectrometry to meet complex client needs. He supports pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical discovery and development in the Americas for Waters Corporation. Andy received a bachelors degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Basics of Supercritical Fluid Chromatography Purification

Basics of Supercritical Fluid Chromatography Purification

We will discuss factors involved in SFC purification.

We are eagerly looking forward to this year’s ASMS, the biggest annual congregation of scientists working on mass spectrometry. This year the conference is held in Houston, Texas and we cannot wait to meet you and share our latest projects with you.
You can find us throughout the week at our orange Evosep corner at booth #712, where we would be thrilled to connect with you and exchange information about your ongoing research. Furthermore, we are delighted to introduce you to new advancements of our technology, and additionally, we will also host our User Meeting, Breakfast Seminar and Hospitality Suite, where we guarantee that this year’s special theme will exceed your expectations!
<h5>ASMS 2023 Posters:</h5>
TP 642 – Next-generation biotyping of microorganisms for assessment of antibiotics resistance and virulence factors
TP 152 – A complete, automated end-to-end workflow for high-throughput therapeutic drug monitoring using Evosep MRM
TP 566 – High throughput quantification of biologics PTM state by peptide mapping using refocussing chromatography and ZenoTOF mass spectrometry
WP 655 – Pipetting-free single cell analysis with the label-free proteoCHIP and the Evotip adapter for high sensitivity proteomics on the timsTOF SCP
TP 156 – High-throughput end-to-end automated Evosep-MRM workflow for the quantification of glycated albumin in diabetes
ThP 421 – A complete and automated end-to-end sample preparation strategy for high-throughput and standardized proteomics with high sensitivity
WP 656 – Pushing the boundaries for robust and high-throughput single cell analysis with Whisper Flow technology powered by dia-PASEF

EVOSEP: ASMS 2023 highlights: Automating end-to-end workflows

ASMS 2023 highlights: Automating end-to-end workflows

Get an overview of all the highlights of Evosep at ASMS 2023, including new research, talks and much more from the conference!

Axcend Focus LC Free Webinar

What's New in HPLC?

Axcend Focus LC Free Webinar by Axcend team.

GPC/SEC is the go-to technique for determining the molecular weight distribution of synthetic and natural polymers and for comparing batch to batch quality. Specific criteria should be considered when developing or optimizing your method to ensure the success of the application: 
<ul>
<li>Why determining molecular weight is important</li>
<li>Key parameters for solvent and column selection</li>
<li>Column type options, their features, and benefits</li>
<li>Importance of polymer standards selection and calibrating</li>
<li>Modes of Detection and expanding the information for your polymer</li>
</ul>
Practical steps, helpful product information, and application examples will be provided to assist you with selecting the best GPC/SEC solution for your polymer sample. 
Key Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>How to select the best GPC/SEC solution for your polymer sample</li>
<li>Learn practical tips and tricks to optimize your GPC/SEC workflow</li>
<li>Best practices for polymer analysis</li>
</ul>
Who Should Attend:
<ul>
<li>Chromatographers interested in polymer analysis</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jean Lane (Applications Engineer, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jeff Huber (Contributing Editor, C&amp;EN Media Group)
</blockquote>

C&EN: Have You Got the Chromatography Tools You Need for Polymer Analysis?

Have You Got the Chromatography Tools You Need for Polymer Analysis?

Practical steps, helpful product information, and application examples will be provided to assist you with selecting the best GPC/SEC solution.

Chromatography Tools You Need for Polymer Analysis

Christian Rohrer, Director of Sales &amp; Support – EMEA at Tosoh Bioscience GmbH, will present the next edition of Tosoh Tuesday, a webinar series held by Chromatography Experts.
The talk introduced various chromatographic methods applied in protein purification such as protein A and L affinity chromatography for antibody-derived molecules, chelate affinity for proteins expressed with His-tag, and ion exchange as a versatile first step for protein purification.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Christian Rohrer (Director of Sales &amp; Support)
</blockquote>

Tosoh Bioscience: Tosoh Tuesday - Unlocking the Secrets of Recombinant Protein Purification: A Beginner's Guide