Microplastics and Nanomaterials: Understanding Emerging Contaminants in Environmental Testing

🎤Matthew BolinoHow do the hidden carbohydrate structures on your favorite protein powders shape the gut microbiome? &nbsp;In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, Matthew Bolino, M.S., from the University of Nevada, Reno, breaks down his latest research on N‑glycans from common dietary proteins (whey, egg white, soy, and pea) and how their structural diversity influences microbial fermentation and short‑chain fatty acid production.Bolino explains what N‑glycans are, why they behave like fiber in the gut, and how his team isolates and characterizes them using ethanol washes, enzymatic release (PNGase F and gut‑derived endoglycosidases), and advanced MALDI‑TOF and HILIC‑QTOF workflows. &nbsp;He also discusses his 2025 work comparing synthetic versus bovine whey N‑glycomes and mapping N‑glycan profiles across dietary protein sources, revealing how glycan architecture can reshape community diversity in in vitro fecal fermentations.Geared toward undergraduate and early‑career analytical chemists, this conversation dives into practical mass spec trade‑offs (MALDI vs QTOF vs LC/GC), real‑world troubleshooting in glycomics labs, and how microbiome‑targeted therapeutics and “symbiotic” designs may emerge from pairing specific microbes with preferred glycan structures. &nbsp;Bolino closes with career advice on building biomolecular analysis skills, understanding instrumentation fundamentals, and entering the rapidly growing field of glycomics and microbiome research.<h3>Video Transcription</h3><h4>Introduction</h4>Glycomics has emerged as a rapidly developing field within biomolecular science, expanding our understanding of post-translational modifications beyond well-known processes such as phosphorylation. Among these modifications, protein glycosylation—the covalent attachment of carbohydrate structures to proteins—plays a critical role in biological function, molecular recognition, and cellular communication.This discussion focuses on N-glycans, a class of structurally complex carbohydrates linked to proteins, and their occurrence in common dietary protein sources such as whey, egg white, soy, and pea protein. Particular emphasis is placed on their structural diversity, analytical workflows, and emerging relevance in gut microbiome research.<h4>Fundamentals of N-Glycans</h4>N-glycans are oligosaccharide structures covalently attached to proteins via nitrogen atoms, typically at asparagine residues. They represent one of the two major classes of protein glycosylation, alongside O-glycans.These glycans are characterized by:<ul><li>High structural diversity, arising from variations in monosaccharide composition and linkage patterns</li><li>Large size, typically comprising 7–15 monosaccharide units</li><li>Complex branching architectures, leading to a vast number of possible configurations</li></ul>Common monosaccharide components include:<ul><li>Mannose</li><li>Galactose</li><li>N-acetylglucosamine</li><li>N-acetylgalactosamine</li><li>Sialic acids</li></ul>Unlike free carbohydrates present in foods (e.g., glucose, lactose), N-glycans are protein-bound, which significantly influences their biological behavior.<h4>Biological Function and Dietary Relevance</h4>N-glycans play multiple roles in biological systems, including:<ul><li>Modulation of protein stability</li><li>Regulation of protein trafficking and localization</li><li>Facilitation of cell–cell communication and immune recognition</li></ul>They are particularly abundant on membrane and surface proteins, where they contribute to molecular signaling processes.From a dietary perspective, N-glycans exhibit unique behavior. Due to their size and protein-bound nature, they are not readily digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Instead, they can reach the colon, where they may function analogously to dietary fiber, interacting with the gut microbiota.<h4>Research Motivation</h4>The investigation of N-glycans in dietary proteins was initially driven by interest in protein nutrition and supplementation, particularly in the context of muscle growth and protein quality. However, this focus expanded upon recognition of the importance of glycosylation in biological systems.The field of glycomics offers:<ul><li>Extensive structural variability, enabling diverse biological functions</li><li>Relevance in disease mechanisms, including cancer, where glycosylation patterns can influence immune evasion</li><li>Opportunities to explore diet–microbiome interactions</li></ul>This combination of nutritional, biochemical, and biomedical relevance makes N-glycan research particularly compelling.<h4>Experimental Workflow for N-Glycan Analysis</h4>The analysis of N-glycans requires a multi-step workflow due to their covalent attachment to proteins.<h5>1. Protein Purification</h5>Dietary protein samples often contain:<ul><li>Free sugars</li><li>Lipids</li><li>Other matrix components</li></ul>To isolate glycoproteins:<ul><li>Cold ethanol precipitation is used to remove free carbohydrates</li><li>Multiple washing steps ensure removal of residual sugars</li><li>A phenol–sulfuric acid assay is applied to confirm the absence of free sugars</li></ul><h5>2. Enzymatic Release of N-Glycans</h5>N-glycans are enzymatically cleaved from proteins using:<ul><li>PNGase F (Peptide-N-Glycosidase F)</li></ul>This enzyme:<ul><li>Specifically cleaves the glycan from the protein backbone</li><li>Preserves the intact glycan structure</li></ul>Alternative approaches using gut-derived enzymes are being explored to improve accessibility and yield.<h5>3. Glycan Purification and Labeling</h5>Following release:<ul><li>Glycans are purified from the protein matrix</li><li>Chemical labeling is performed (e.g., 2-AA or procainamide tagging)</li></ul>Labeling enhances:<ul><li>Detection sensitivity</li><li>Chromatographic behavior</li></ul><h5>4. Analytical Techniques</h5>Two primary analytical platforms are employed:<ul><li>MALDI-TOF MS<ul><li>High sensitivity</li><li>Broad structural coverage</li></ul></li><li>HILIC-LC-MS<ul><li>Improved reproducibility</li><li>Enhanced chromatographic separation</li></ul></li></ul>These approaches provide semi-quantitative data, where signal intensity reflects relative abundance rather than absolute concentration.<h4>Analytical Challenges</h4>Several challenges are associated with N-glycan analysis:<h5>Low Abundance</h5><ul><li>Dietary proteins typically contain only 1–2% glycan content by weight</li><li>This limits yield and complicates downstream applications</li></ul><h5>Sample Preparation Complexity</h5><ul><li>Extensive purification is required to eliminate free sugars</li><li>Contamination risks must be carefully managed</li></ul><h5>Instrumentation Trade-Offs</h5><ul><li>Different analytical platforms offer complementary advantages</li><li>No single technique provides complete structural and quantitative information</li></ul><h4>Differences Between Plant and Animal N-Glycans</h4>Comparative analysis reveals distinct differences in glycan composition:<h5>Plant-Derived Proteins (e.g., soy, pea)</h5><ul><li>Predominantly high-mannose structures</li><li>Lower monosaccharide diversity</li><li>Simpler glycan architectures</li></ul><h5>Animal-Derived Proteins (e.g., whey, egg white)</h5><ul><li>Greater structural complexity</li><li>Inclusion of diverse monosaccharides (e.g., sialic acids)</li><li>More elaborate branching patterns</li></ul>These differences have important implications for biological function and microbial interactions.<h4>Implications for Gut Microbiome Research</h4>N-glycans represent a potential class of prebiotic substrates that can influence gut microbiota composition and activity.Key findings suggest:<ul><li>Structural diversity of glycans affects microbial utilization patterns</li><li>More complex glycans may promote greater microbiome diversity</li><li>Specific glycan structures may selectively stimulate beneficial microbes</li></ul>This has led to growing interest in:<ul><li>Synbiotic strategies, combining microbes with preferred substrates</li><li>Tailored dietary interventions to enhance metabolic outputs, such as short-chain fatty acids</li></ul><h4>Methodological Considerations</h4>A critical insight from this work is the importance of understanding analytical trade-offs:<ul><li>MALDI-TOF MS provides broader detection of glycan structures</li><li>LC-MS approaches offer greater reproducibility</li></ul>No single technique is universally optimal; instead, method selection should be guided by the specific research question.<h4>Conclusion</h4>N-glycans in dietary proteins represent a complex and biologically significant class of biomolecules with implications spanning nutrition, microbiology, and disease research. Advances in analytical methodologies continue to improve our ability to characterize these structures, despite challenges related to low abundance and structural diversity.A deeper understanding of N-glycan composition and function may enable the development of targeted nutritional strategies and microbiome-based therapeutics, highlighting the growing importance of glycomics in modern life sciences.<blockquote>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</blockquote><blockquote><h4>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</h4>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!You can find Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast in podcast apps:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL">Spotify</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185">Apple podcast</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography">podscan</a></li></ul>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos">YouTube channel</a></blockquote>

N‑Glycans, Whey Protein, and the Gut Microbiome: Mass Spec Insights with Matthew Bolino

<div><div><div>Our immune system is incredibly powerful: among other things, it can recognize and destroy cancer cells. But tumors can be just as effective at avoiding detection – they build “invisibility shields” to protect themselves from attack.</div></div><div>One breakthrough in cancer therapy has been immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), drugs that reactivate immune T cells and help them fight tumors again. However, only about 20–50% of patients respond well to this treatment. Researchers are therefore seeking alternative therapeutic strategies. A small and well-known molecule called adenosine plays a key role in these efforts.When tumor cells are stressed or dying, they release ATP, which is normally a signal that something is wrong in the tissue. But in the tumor microenvironment, ATP gets rapidly broken down by two enzymes, CD39 and CD73. Released adenosine acts like a chemical “calm-down” signal, binds to immune cells (T cells, NK cells, and others), and tells them to slow down, reducing their ability to kill cancer cells. Targeting CD73 therefore represents a promising strategy for developing new cancer treatments.</div><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Nove_latky_mohou_podporit_imunitni_system_v_boji_s_rakovinou_88c5e82cd5.jpeg" alt="IOCB Prague: Development of potent inhibitors to boost the immune system's ability to fight cancer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Nove_latky_mohou_podporit_imunitni_system_v_boji_s_rakovinou_88c5e82cd5.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="661" height="363">At IOCB Prague, interdisciplinary teams led by Jan Řezáč, Jan Konvalinka, and Michal Hocek used a newly developed high-throughput screening method to test over 5,000 compounds, identifying two ribonucleoside derivatives as promising CD73 inhibitors.The scientists then improved the compounds’ activity by carefully modifying the ribonucleoside scaffold with bulky (het)aryl groups. Further optimization improved the pharmacokinetic properties of these compounds, yielding inhibitors with low clearance, long half-life, high solubility, and strong selectivity over related enzymes such as CD39.In cellular experiments, the compounds reduced adenosine production in cancer cells, restored T cell activation, and showed no toxicity toward human fibroblasts. The most active compound showed a single-digit picomolar inhibition constant (Ki).These findings establish a strong foundation for further in vivo efficacy and combination studies, which will explore the therapeutic potential of this novel inhibitor class.<blockquote><h4>The Original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsptsci.5c00707">Potent Competitive Inhibitors of Ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73) based on 6-(Het)aryl-7-deazapurine Ribonucleoside 5′-O-Bisphosphonates</a></h4>Ugnė Šinkevičiu̅tė, Magdalena Šímová, Radek Staník, Lenka Poštová Slavětínská, Kristýna Blažková, Pavel Šácha, Martin Lepšík, Jan Řezáč, Jan Konvalinka, Tereza Ormsby, Michal Tichý, Michal HocekACS Pharmacol. Transl. Sci. 2026, 9, 1, 191–213<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsptsci.5c00707">https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsptsci.5c00707</a><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote><h4>Abstract</h4>CD73 generates immunosuppressive adenosine in the tumor microenvironment and is a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. We have designed and systematically studied diverse 2-substituted 7-deazapurine ribonucleoside 5′-O-bisphosphonates bearing a variety of (het)aryl groups at position 6 and discovered their highly potent and selective CD73 inhibition activity. The most active compounds (with single-digit picomolar Ki) contained bicyclic (het)aryl groups at position 6 in combination with chlorine at position 2. Further optimization of pharmacokinetic properties identified inhibitors with low clearance, long half-life, high solubility, and excellent selectivity over CD39 and NTPDase3. They effectively suppressed adenosine formation in MDA-MB-231 cells, rescued CD8+ T cell activation, and were nontoxic to human fibroblasts. Overall, their profile compares favorably with AB680, a CD73 inhibitor currently in phase I/II clinical trials.</div>

Development of potent inhibitors to boost the immune system's ability to fight cancer

Article

Video

Scientists

Environment

Scientific article

Interview

Science and research

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

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

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

Organomation

Agilent Technologies

Technology Networks

Phenomenex

SelectScience

Waters Corporation

In this virtual Ask Me Anything session we are offering you a chance to delve into the fascinating world of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances).
We are honored to present Dr. Carol Kwiatkowski, a distinguished science and policy senior associate from Green Science Policy, as our esteemed guest.
Dr. Kwiatkowski will be your guide, providing expert insights and answering all your questions about PFAS. From its profound health and environmental concerns to the ever-evolving landscape of regulations, restrictions, and detection techniques. No question is off limits! 
During this session, you can expect to:
<ul>
<li>Engage in a Live Q&amp;A: Seize the opportunity to directly interact with Dr. Kwiatkowski, posing your most thought-provoking questions, and receive real-time, well-informed answers.
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<li>Gain Expert Perspectives: Immerse yourself in a vibrant exchange of ideas, as Dr. Kwiatkowski shares her profound insights on questions posed by fellow participants.
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</ul>
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Presenter: Dr. Carol Kwiatkowski (Adjunct Assistant Professor, North Carolina State University)
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Technology Networks: Ask Me Anything: PFAS

Ask Me Anything: PFAS

Delve into the fascinating world of PFAS.

Many labs are faced with an ever-increasing sample load and changing regulations, plus the need to analyze increasingly complex data, while instrumentation and resources remain at a steady level.
As a consequence, instrument throughput and uptime are critical factors to maintain competitiveness and productivity. You need instruments that have evolved into complete solutions for meeting your current and future challenges.
You can meet your challenges with the new Agilent Revident quadrupole time-of-flight LC/MS system (LC/Q-TOF) and Agilent 6495 triple quadrupole LC/MS (LC/TQ). Their easy-to-use onboard intelligence, harmonized operation, and complete workflow capabilities let you look beyond instrumentation and expand your lab’s potential. So, you can focus on what inspires you and meet every challenge that comes your way.
What&#39;s in it for you?
<ul>
<li>Discover Next-Gen Instruments: Witness the intelligent Agilent Revident quadrupole time-of-flight LC/MS system (LC/Q-TOF) and the Agilent 6495 triple quadrupole LC/MS (LC/TQ). These are more than instruments – they&#39;re your keys to unmatched data precision and analysis.
</li>
<li>Elevate Your Lab&#39;s Potential: Say goodbye to outdated methods and welcome complete intelligent workflows. Picture a lab where time-consuming tasks are streamlined, complex data analysis becomes seamless, and your team can focus on what truly matters.
</li>
<li>Ignite Your Curiosity: Curious minds create transformative science. Learn from industry experts as they dive deep into the realm of instrument intelligence, AI-based tuning, and instrument telemetry. Gain insights into how you can maximize efficiency and enhance the capabilities of your lab.
</li>
</ul>
Who Should Attend? 
<ul>
<li>Lab Managers: Lead your lab into a new era of efficiency and productivity.
</li>
<li>Principle Investigators: Fuel your research with cutting-edge technology and insights.
</li>
<li>Senior Scientists: Stay ahead of the curve by harnessing the power of intelligent instrumentation.
</li>
</ul>

Agilent Technologies: LCMS Intelligence Unveiled - Shaping Futuristic Labs

LCMS Intelligence Unveiled - Shaping Futuristic Labs

Agilent Revident quadrupole time-of-flight LC/MS system (LC/Q-TOF) and Agilent 6495 triple quadrupole LC/MS (LC/TQ).

N-nitrosamines are potential carcinogenic impurities that can pose a risk to human health when exposed over an extended period.
Whilst global regulations are evolving, where there is risk of N-nitrosamine formation in drug products, analytical testing is still necessary. With this continues a requirement for customized and optimized sample extraction, chromatographic separation, and often flexible mass spectrometry acquisition, supporting a range of regulatory set threshold limits, for both small and complex N-nitrosamines.
Small and complex N-nitrosamines (NDSRI) present common challenges, such as extraction efficiency and robust detection, whether quantification is to the trace level or to higher limits of sensitivity. Specific challenges also arise, such as minimizing low mass interference for small N-nitrosamines or managing structural similarities to the API and isomeric separation for NDSRIs. Minimizing contamination and N-nitrosamine formation during sample preparation is always critical.
In this webinar, Dr. Padmakar Wagh, Associate Director: Applications at Waters Corporation and Hugo Cortés, a senior specialist in mass spectrometry at Waters Corporation, will demonstrate strategies for developing robust quantification assays for both small N-nitrosamines and NDSRI in drug products. They will address the typical challenges encountered for both types of N-nitrosamines, and will include practical examples of quality method development and take-away method development strategies from Waters laboratories.
Key learning objectives
<ul>
<li>Understand the common and specific challenges in developing quantitation methods for small and complex (NDSRI) N-nitrosamines
</li>
<li>Discover new strategies for optimizing the sensitivity of N-nitrosamines detection in drug products by LC-MS
</li>
<li>Learn how to manage selectivity challenges in sample extraction and chromatography separation of small and complex N-nitrosamines
</li>
<li>Explore tools to increase efficiency and confidence in N-nitrosamines method development
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
Analytical development laboratories and QC laboratories in the innovative and generic pharmaceutical industry, contract testing, and contract manufacturing to the pharmaceutical industry, laboratory managers, and senior scientists.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Padmakar Wagh (Waters Corporation)
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<blockquote>
Dr. Padmakar Wagh has been working in his present role as Associate Director: Applications at Waters Corporation for the past 6 years. He has been responsible for managing Waters demo labs across India and has been actively involved in developing various applications including nitrosamines. Before joining Waters, he worked at various pharmaceutical companies in analytical research and development. He has a PhD in chromatography and is passionate about solving analytical challenges. He is also one of the founder members of a charitable hospital which serves the needy in the rural areas of India.
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Presenter: Hugo Cortés (Waters Corporation)
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<blockquote>
Hugo Cortés is a senior specialist in mass spectrometry at Waters Corporation, a position he has held for 11 years. He attended the National Polytechnic Institute College of Biomedical Sciences in Mexico where he studied biochemical engineering. He has worked in analytical development in pharmaceutical, environmental, food safety, natural products research, metabolomics and toxicological analysis areas with Waters products for 20 years. He has participated in the development of methods for the analysis of nitrosamine together with regulatory entities in Mexico for four years.
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Presenter: Ellen Simms (Assistant Editor, SelectScience)
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Ellen studied biological sciences at the University of the West of England, UK, before completing a master&#39;s in epidemiology from the University of Bristol. As a member of the Editorial team, she now plays an integral role in shaping the content on SelectScience.
</blockquote>

SelectScience: Optimized method development strategies for the quantification of small and complex N-nitrosamines impurities

Optimized method development strategies for the quantification of small and complex N-nitrosamines impurities

Strategies for developing robust quantification assays for both small N-nitrosamines and NDSRI in drug products.

Optimized method development strategies

The increased production demand for oligonucleotides has led to a need for faster characterization tools that ensure product quality and designated effect.
Join Dr. Thomas Walker, LC/MS Applications Scientist at Agilent Technologies, as he presents a complete, automated, high-throughput workflow for characterization, data processing, and report generation for oligonucleotides. Explore how the RapidFire 400 enables mass spec data acquisition of oligo samples in less than 15 seconds per sample.
Key learning objectives
<ul>
<li>Understand RapidFire’s utility in high throughput applications
</li>
<li>Discover how BioConfirm software is used to analyze oligo data
</li>
<li>Explore how BioMS Reviewer simplifies report generation and data presentation
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
<ul>
<li>Anyone interested in mass spectrometry analysis of oligos and high-throughput mass spectrometry</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Thomas E. Walker, PhD (LC/MS Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Thomas Walker graduated from Texas A&amp;M University where he specialized in mass spectrometry instrumentation design and application development. He works at the Agilent Lexington, MA site as an LC/MS Application Scientist specializing in protein and oligo applications using TOF, QTOF, IM-QTOF, and RapidFire. He has also contributed to the implementation of a complete, automated workflow for oligo impurity analysis using RapidFire-MS.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jemima Arnold (Editorial Assistant, SelectScience)
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<blockquote>
Jemima studied Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Bristol, UK, and as a member of the Editorial team, she now plays an integral role in shaping the content on SelectScience.
</blockquote>

LabRulez/AI: Oligonucleotide Screening By Automated High-Throughput Mass Spec: Maximizing Speed and Confidence

Oligonucleotide Screening By Automated High-Throughput Mass Spec: Maximizing Speed and Confidence

Complete, automated, high-throughput workflow for characterization, data processing, and report generation for oligonucleotides.

Maximizing Speed and Confidence

<h4>Accelerate time to outcome and achieve efficiency in your laboratory</h4>
Contaminations can enter the food-chain at various stages. This has led to more rigorous regulations for the testing of contaminants in exported, imported, and domestic food and beverages.
In this webinar series, we will discuss how our latest solutions meet industry demands, such as high throughput, enhanced sensitivity requirements, increased accuracy, and compliance.
<h4>Episode 2: Solving challenges in the determination of pyrrolizidine alkaloids via LC-MS/MS and LC-IM-HRMS</h4>
With the increasing demand for food and more rigorous regulations, there is more pressure for laboratories to operate efficient, sensitive, and selective analysis methods.
Amongst various food toxins, analysis of plant alkaloids is a prerequisite nowadays. This of course, presents multiple challenges for testing laboratories.
During this session we will discuss:
<ul>
<li>Can critical pairs of isomers of Pyrrolizidine alkaloids be chromatographically separated?
</li>
<li>What efficient clean-up strategies can be utilized to remove matrix co-extractives?
</li>
<li>Can techniques like ion mobility be utilized to separate isomers?
</li>
</ul>
Join us for the food safety webinar series, where you can gain insights from industry experts and ask your questions in our live Q&amp;A session. We are really looking forward to discussing this topic further with you.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Nicola Dreolin (Senior Scientist and Product Manager, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Nicola Dreolin is a Senior Scientist and Product Manager at Waters. Nicola is specialised in method development for a variety of applications in food, environmental and life sciences. During the past five years, he was involved in different research projects regarding metabolomics, ion mobility and direct-mass spectrometry. Before joining Waters, Nicola worked as an Analytical Scientist at Elements, where he developed targeted and screening methods for the analysis of extractables and leachables, pharmaceuticals, tobacco and agrochemicals.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Laura Carbonell Rozas (Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Almeria (Spain))
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Laura Carbonell Rozas is a Postdoctoral researcher at the University of Almeria (Spain), within the research group “Analytical Chemistry of Contaminants”. Over the past seven years, Laura has been working on developing novel strategies for the determination of a wide range of food and environmental contaminants, including mycotoxins and alkaloids. In her research, Laura also pioneered the investigation of “greener” alternatives to conventional sample preparation methods. She obtained her PhD in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Granada (Spain) and she has worked with multiple international organisations, including LABERCA (France), CONICET (Argentina), and the University of Parma (Italy).
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Solving challenges in the determination of pyrrolizidine alkaloids via LC-MS/MS and LC-IM-HRMS

Solving challenges in the determination of pyrrolizidine alkaloids via LC-MS/MS and LC-IM-HRMS

How our latest solutions meet industry demands, such as high throughput, enhanced sensitivity requirements, increased accuracy, and compliance.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids via LC-MS/MS and LC-IM-HRMS

<h4>Accelerate time to outcome and achieve efficiency in your laboratory</h4>
Contaminations can enter the food-chain at various stages. This has led to more rigorous regulations for the testing of contaminants in exported, imported, and domestic food and beverages.
In this webinar series, we will discuss how our latest solutions meet industry demands, such as high throughput, enhanced sensitivity requirements, increased accuracy, and compliance.
<h4>Episode 1: Sample preparation strategies and greener alternatives for multi-mycotoxins determination via LC-MS/MS</h4>
The 1st episode is dedicated to the multi-mycotoxins analysis. Here, the focus will be on the modern workflow, with particular focus on combining as many mycotoxins together to increase the efficiency of your laboratory.
During this session we will discuss:
<ul>
<li>Sample extraction options for multi-mycotoxins analysis
</li>
<li>Why efficient sample clean-up is needed?
</li>
<li>How can you minimize contamination and carryover?
</li>
</ul>
At the end of the episode, we will also ask the expert Laura Carbonell Rozas to share insights about her work in natural toxins testing.
Join us for the food safety webinar series, we are really looking forward to answering your questions in our live Q&amp;A session and discussing this topic further with you.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Nicola Dreolin (Senior Scientist and Product Manager, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Nicola Dreolin is a Senior Scientist and Product Manager at Waters. Nicola is specialised in method development for a variety of applications in food, environmental and life sciences. During the past five years, he was involved in different research projects regarding metabolomics, ion mobility and direct-mass spectrometry. Before joining Waters, Nicola worked as an Analytical Scientist at Elements, where he developed targeted and screening methods for the analysis of extractables and leachables, pharmaceuticals, tobacco and agrochemicals.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Laura Carbonell Rozas (Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Almeria (Spain))
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Laura Carbonell Rozas is a Postdoctoral researcher at the University of Almeria (Spain), within the research group “Analytical Chemistry of Contaminants”. Over the past seven years, Laura has been working on developing novel strategies for the determination of a wide range of food and environmental contaminants, including mycotoxins and alkaloids. In her research, Laura also pioneered the investigation of “greener” alternatives to conventional sample preparation methods. She obtained her PhD in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Granada (Spain) and she has worked with multiple international organisations, including LABERCA (France), CONICET (Argentina), and the University of Parma (Italy).
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Janitha De-Alwis (JD) (Principal F&amp;E Market Development Manager, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Janitha De-Alwis (known as JD) is an applications chemist in the European demo lab, based in Wilmslow, UK. His main role focuses on application development work for the food and environmental sector. JD takes great pride in speaking to, and advising, many food and environmental customers. His position requires him to be reactive and proactive to the changes in the food industry, such as changing regulations, topical issues and food safety risks.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Sample preparation strategies and greener alternatives for multi-mycotoxins determination via LC-MS/MS

Sample preparation strategies and greener alternatives for multi-mycotoxins determination via LC-MS/MS

Sample preparation strategies and greener alternatives

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also referred to as ‘forever chemicals’, are an increasing concern since they accumulate in the environment and may have some deleterious effects on human health.
In this webinar, Dr. Estelle Riche, Global Application Specialist from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, will discuss the importance of reagent water quality in trace analyses of PFAS by LC-MS/MS. Dr. Riche will show data on the efficiency of a lab water purification system at removing traces of PFAS from tap water and delivering ultrapure water suitable for sensitive PFAS testing. This webinar will also offer guidance on how to select an optimal water purification solution for these analyses, including tips on how to prevent water contamination for optimal experimental results.
Key learning objectives
<ul>
<li>Understand the role of reagent water in PFAS analyses by LC-MS/MS
</li>
<li>Discover how water purification technologies play a role in PFAS removal
</li>
<li>Learn how to select the best water purification solution to suit your lab’s needs
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
<ul>
<li>Any scientist analyzing or planning to analyze PFAS
</li>
<li>Lab managers and anyone using or maintaining lab water purification systems
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Estelle Riche, PhD (Global Application Specialist, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Estelle Riche holds an engineering degree in chemistry from ESCOM in France and a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of North Carolina (UNC) in the USA. She started her career as a Professor at UNC, then joined Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany eighteen years ago. She is currently Global Application Specialist for Lab Water Solutions and her responsibilities include understanding the potential impact of water quality on the results of laboratory analyses.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Carrie Haslam (SelectScience)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Carrie Haslam is an Associate Editor at SelectScience, playing a key role in content production and specializing in Materials Science, Alzheimer’s disease and Clinical Diagnostics. Carrie completed a Ph.D. from The University of Plymouth, where she developed graphene-based biosensors for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
</blockquote>

SelectScience: Is your lab water pure enough for sensitive PFAS analyses?

Is your lab water pure enough for sensitive PFAS analyses?

The importance of reagent water quality in trace analyses of PFAS by LC-MS/MS.

The development and expansion of analytical methods for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food is essential for the continued monitoring of the United States (US) food supply and assessments of dietary intake.
In March of 2022, the European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) for halogenated persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Feed and Food released a guidance document covering priority PFAS of interest, including analytical method parameters and limits of quantification (LOQs). As a result, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began method extension work to incorporate ten new additional analytes to method C-010.02 including long chain perfluorosulfonic acids, fluorotelomer sulfonates, and perfluorooctane sulfonamide. In December of 2022, The European Union published Commission Regulation 2022/2388, establishing maximum levels for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) in certain foodstuffs, primarily fish, molluscs, crustaceans, and eggs. As a result, the FDA method was evaluated for performance in reaching EU required LOQs for both compliance and monitoring purposes. The FDA method was found to be able to reach all required LOQs for analytes in matrices with established maximum levels and with further method modifications, required LOQs could be met in fruits, vegetables, and milk.
Key Learning Points:
<ul>
<li>Understand the FDA’s approach for PFAS LOQs in various food matrices
</li>
<li>Learn about the EU reference lab guidance for PFAS in foods and how the FDA is taking a similar approach to food safety
</li>
<li>Take a deep dive into which PFAS are designated targets and which are being monitored for screening
</li>
</ul>
Who Should Attend:
<ul>
<li>Any scientists, lab analysts, food safety advocates, food manufacturers or anyone interested in food safety.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Susan Genualdi Ph.D. (Research Chemist, Food and Drug Administration)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Susan Genualdi is currently a Research Chemist in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at the Food and Drug Administration. Her research over the last 12 years has focused on developing methods for the analysis of direct and indirect food additives in food and food packaging and for the last 6 years has focused on PFAS analysis in foods. Prior to her work at the FDA, she received her PhD in Analytical Chemistry at Oregon State University and was a postdoctoral fellow at Environment Canada.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Richard F. Jack Ph.D. (Global Market Development Manager, Phenomenex)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Richard F. Jack, Ph.D. Richard is the Global Market Development manager for the environmental and food markets at Phenomenex corporation. He has over 18 yrs. experience with chromatography and mass spectrometry for the environmental, semiconductor, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Richard is a former EPA Scientific Advisor for the EPA’s panel on Hydraulic Fracturing, a coauthor for EPA 557 and 557.1 along with ASTM D8001 and updates to D4327 and D6919 methods. He is currently the Second Vice Chairman for the ASTM D19 subcommittee on water analysis. Richard received his Ph.D. in biochemistry and anaerobic microbiology from Virginia Tech University and Master’s in ecology from the University of Tennessee.
</blockquote>

Phenomenex: FDA’s Analytical Method for PFAS Detection

FDA’s Analytical Method for PFAS Detection

Understand the FDA’s approach for PFAS LOQs in various food matrices.

Typical PFAS methods include 18 to 40 individual legacy, short to long chain PFAS compounds. However, as the long chain PFAS have been phased out of industrial uses, they were replaced by short and ultra-short chain versions with similar chemistries, environmental persistence, and toxicological impact. As we continue to assess PFAS impacts in the environment, methods for identifying and quantifying the short and ultra-short chain PFAS are also needed.
Chromatography methods using common reverse phase columns, however, do not retain the ultra-short chain PFAS, so these are not usually included in the current quantitative methods.
We will explore how we can take advantage of the mixed mode chemistry of PFAS molecules to routinely detect and quantify a broad scope of PFAS, including the ultra-short chains to legacy long chain versions, all detected in a single injection, using mixed mode reverse phase and anion exchange separation column chemistries.
<h3>Key Learning Topics:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Improved workflow for a wide range of PFAS compounds</li>
<li>Mixed mode separations using a reverse phase and anion exchange column</li>
<li>Improved analyte identification and data quality</li>
<li>Addressing instrument contamination</li>
</ul>
<h5>Who should attend?</h5>
<ul>
<li>PFAS Program Managers</li>
<li>Laboratory Managers</li>
<li>Scientists</li>
<li>Quality Assurance Managers</li>
</ul>
For more information please contact Jenifer_Lewis@Waters.com or Ravali_Alagandula@Waters.com
<blockquote>
Presenter: Kari Organtini, PhD (Principal Scientist, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Kari Organtini is a Principal Scientist at Waters Corporation and has been with the company for six years. She received her PhD from Penn State University in 2015 studying the occurrence of dioxins and furans in fire debris and their implications to first responder health. At Waters, Kari is part of the food and environmental applications team. During her career, Kari has developed applications using both LC and GC techniques for a variety of applications ranging from pesticides to persistent organic pollutants. She is currently the scientific lead for developing PFAS applications at Waters.
</blockquote>

LabRulez/AI: To Isolation and Beyond: A New Mixed Mode Column Approach for PFAS Chromatography

To Isolation and Beyond: A New Mixed Mode Column Approach for PFAS Chromatography

We will explore how we can take advantage of the mixed mode chemistry of PFAS molecules to routinely detect and quantify a broad scope of PFAS.

A New Mixed Mode Column Approach for PFAS Chromatography

Whether you are analyzing for food contaminants such as PFAS or pesticide residues, screening for food adulteration in tea, or profiling the flavor of alternative proteins, trusted answers is critical in food testing. Agilent keeps you at the forefront of the latest trends in food testing – so you can deliver the highest quality and value to your customers. Join us in this webinar series as food testing experts from all over the world talk share their robust and reliable workflow solutions to meet the challenges in food safety, authenticity, and quality testing. These experts have allotted ample time for discussion so share your thoughts and bring in your questions!
The webcast will take the audience through the suite of analytical techniques that were utilized to obtain a comprehensive picture of the presence of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in selected Canadian food packaging used for fast foods. The levels and profiles of PFAS in the samples can provide valuable information on the sources of these chemicals, especially polymeric ones.
Key Learning Objectives/What attendees will learn:
<ul>
<li>Methodological approach for the analysis of PFAS in packaging materials
</li>
<li>PFAS profiles provide information on sources
</li>
<li>Implications for regulatory purposes
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Marta Venier, PhD (Assistant Professor, Paul O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Marta Venier is an environmental chemist and Assistant Professor at the Paul O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. In her research she employs analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry techniques to study the fate, transport, and behavior of persistent organic pollutants including both legacy and emerging pollutants in the indoor and outdoor environment and in consumer products. Since November 2019, she has been leading the Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network (IADN), a monitoring program funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: PFAS in Fast Food Packaging

PFAS in Fast Food Packaging

The suite of analytical techniques that were utilized to obtain a picture of the presence of PFAS in selected Canadian food packaging used for fast foods.

LCMS webinars focusing on LC/QQQ - page 21