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

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

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

Food Adulteration and How It Is Revealed by Analytical Chemistry

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Subhoja Chakraborty from the University of Central Florida, whose cutting-edge research targets the global challenge of malaria drug resistance. Dr. Chakraborty shares her journey from structure-based drug design during her PhD to her recent collaborative work repurposing human kinase inhibitors as rapid, selective antimalarials against drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains.<h4>In this episode, you'll learn:</h4><ul><li>How structure-guided approaches reveal potential drug targets, including cysteine proteases like falcipain-2, and kinases implicated in malaria's complex life cycle.</li><li>The power of repurposing kinase inhibitors originally developed for cancer and other diseases, focusing on compound 12, which blocks hemozoin formation and protein kinase 6—key steps in parasite survival.</li><li>Lab techniques such as affinity, gel filtration, and size exclusion chromatography for recombinant protein purification—and how troubleshooting is crucial for high-yield, stable complexes.</li><li>Advances in mass spectrometry for characterizing protein interactions, validating drug targets, and mapping molecular pathways pivotal to malaria therapeutics.</li><li>Tips and lessons for new researchers facing the challenges of sample preparation, complex protocols, and working as part of a collaborative team.</li></ul>Dr. Chakraborty’s insights bridge the gap between basic science and translational drug discovery, offering hope for more effective, targeted malaria treatments in a world where resistance to frontline therapies threatens millions.<h4>Referenced Papers:</h4><ul><li>"Plasmodium falciparum protein kinase 6 and hemozoin formation are inhibited by a type II human kinase inhibitor exhibiting antimalarial activity" (Cell Chemical Biology, 2025)</li><li>"New insights of falcipain 2 structure from Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain" (BBRC, 2022)</li><li>"Structure-Based Optimization of Protease−Inhibitor Interactions to Enhance Specificity of Human Stefin‑A against Falcipain‑2 from the Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 Strain" (Biochemistry, 2023)</li></ul>If you’re a student, scientist, or simply passionate about advances in infectious disease research, this episode offers actionable insights, inspiring advice, and a front-row seat to innovation in combating malaria.<h3>Video Transcription</h3><h4>From Structural Biology to Drug Discovery: Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry in Malaria Research</h4><h5>Introduction</h5>In this discussion, Subhoja shares insights into her research journey, focusing on malaria drug discovery and the role of modern analytical techniques in biological and biomedical research. The conversation is aimed primarily at undergraduate students and early-career researchers interested in chemistry, biotechnology, and life sciences.<h5>Research Focus: Malaria Drug Discovery and Kinase Targets</h5>Subhoja is currently involved in malaria drug discovery research at the University of Central Florida, where she has been working since beginning her postdoctoral position two years ago. Her earlier PhD research focused on structure-based drug design in malaria, using a combination of in silico approaches, recombinant protein expression, and X-ray crystallography to determine precise three-dimensional structures of target proteins and their inhibitors.This structural perspective provided a foundation for her current work, which centers on drug discovery through compound screening and repurposing. A recent publication from her laboratory explores the use of repurposed mammalian CDK-like kinase inhibitors as potential antimalarial agents. While such kinase inhibitors are well known in cancer and cardiovascular research, their application to malaria targets represents a novel and promising approach.Kinases are attractive drug targets because of their central role in cell signaling and growth pathways. By targeting specific kinases involved in different stages of the malaria parasite life cycle—whether asexual growth, gametocytogenesis, or differentiation—it may be possible to significantly inhibit parasite growth and progression.<h5>Chromatography in Protein Expression and Purification Workflows</h5>Chromatography plays a critical role throughout Subhoja’s research. Her experience spans from basic chromatography techniques during her early training to advanced protein purification workflows using affinity chromatography, gel filtration (size exclusion chromatography), and ion exchange chromatography.Recombinant proteins are routinely purified using affinity resins such as nickel or cobalt, followed by further purification to remove contaminants. Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) enables compact, stepwise purification workflows suitable for producing proteins for in vitro assays.A recurring challenge in this process is the expression of high-molecular-weight proteins, which often accumulate in insoluble fractions or inclusion bodies. Careful selection of expression vectors, host systems, and induction conditions is therefore essential to maximize yield and solubility.<h5>Integrating Size Exclusion Chromatography into the Workflow</h5>Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is typically used after affinity purification to further improve protein purity. Following elution with imidazole or glutathione, desalting is required to prevent buffer components from interfering with downstream assays. This is often achieved using desalting columns such as G-25 or PD-10.To remove lower-molecular-weight contaminants, finer SEC media—such as Superdex or Sephacryl columns—are employed. Concentration steps using molecular-weight cut-off filters are then applied to obtain the desired protein concentration for functional studies.These iterative purification and troubleshooting steps are a routine part of protein biochemistry and reflect the importance of methodical optimization and careful validation.<h5>The Role of Mass Spectrometry in Biomolecular Characterization</h5>Mass spectrometry is a key analytical tool in Subhoja’s research pipeline, particularly for target identification and validation. In both malaria and cancer research, MS is used alongside chromatography, immunoprecipitation, and pull-down assays to study protein interactions and molecular recognition events.Affinity-based mass spectrometry enables the identification of binding partners and interactors, whether studying proteins, long non-coding RNAs, or protein complexes. Techniques such as native MS, tandem affinity purification, and proximity labeling (e.g., TurboID-based workflows) provide deeper insights into molecular networks and signaling pathways.These approaches are essential for understanding how candidate drug targets function within complex biological systems.<h5>Sample Preparation Challenges in Biological Research</h5>Sample preparation remains one of the most challenging aspects of biological experimentation. Whole-cell lysates contain proteases, nucleases, and other components that can rapidly degrade target molecules. Preventing degradation requires minimizing preparation time, maintaining low temperatures, and using appropriate inhibitor cocktails.Reproducibility is also critical: biological experiments require multiple replicates, and variability is often unavoidable. Careful handling, protocol optimization, and continuous troubleshooting are essential to ensure reliable results, whether preparing samples for chromatography, mass spectrometry, sequencing, or immunoprecipitation.<h5>Advances in Chromatography and MS for Malaria Research</h5>Modern advances in chromatography and mass spectrometry significantly enhance malaria research by enabling precise target identification, quantification, and functional characterization. Drug discovery workflows begin with construct design and recombinant expression, followed by purification and interaction studies.In malaria research, stage-specific parasite biology requires careful extraction and analysis of proteins from different life cycle stages. Tandem affinity MS, immunoprecipitation, and in vivo validation studies help confirm target relevance and therapeutic potential.Recent work on repurposed kinase inhibitors has shown promising results, including inhibition of hemozoin formation—a key detoxification pathway for the malaria parasite—highlighting the potential of such compounds for further development.<h5>Malaria, Drug Resistance, and Global Impact</h5>Malaria remains a major global health burden, with over 600,000 deaths annually and widespread drug resistance complicating treatment. Artemisinin resistance, particularly associated with mutations in the K13 propeller domain, has driven the search for new targets and therapies.During her PhD, Subhoja focused on falcipain-2, a cysteine protease involved in hemoglobin degradation within the parasite. This pathway is critical for parasite survival and has emerged as a promising drug target. Her work revealed that falcipain-2 operates within a larger protein complex responsible for hemoglobin processing and amino acid release.Understanding these molecular mechanisms is essential for developing robust, stage-specific antimalarial strategies.<h5>Advice for Early-Career Researchers</h5>For researchers just starting out, Subhoja emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience. Working directly with cells, lysates, and analytical tools is essential for truly understanding experimental systems. Failure is an inherent part of research, and perseverance is key.Motivation, teamwork, careful sample handling, and thorough preparation all contribute to long-term success. Reading extensively, critically evaluating one’s own work, and appreciating incremental progress are vital aspects of a sustainable research career.Every successful experiment—no matter how small—represents meaningful progress and contributes to the broader goals of science and medicine.<h5>Closing Remarks</h5>The discussion highlights how interdisciplinary approaches combining chromatography, mass spectrometry, structural biology, and biochemistry are driving advances in malaria drug discovery. Through careful experimental design, analytical rigor, and collaborative teamwork, researchers can address complex biological challenges and contribute to global health solutions.<blockquote>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</blockquote><blockquote><h4>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</h4>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!You can find Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast in podcast apps:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL">Spotify</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185">Apple podcast</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography">podscan</a></li></ul>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos">YouTube channel</a></blockquote>

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

Article

Product

Video

Scientists

Food

Interview

Science and research

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

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

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

Organomation

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

Watrex Praha

Agilent Technologies

Phenomenex

Waters Corporation

Forensic Toxicology laboratories analyze a variety of samples which contain impurities. These impurities can lead to puzzling data, dirty instrumentation and interferences if not removed properly. Waters has a series of sample preparation materials to ensure that your samples are clean for injection into your LCMS instrument. It is important to select the appropriate sample preparation technique based off your matrix type, analytes of interest, and level of selectivity. Solid phase extraction (SPE) provides the highest level of selectivity and Waters Oasis HLB products use a water-wettable sorbent leading to high, consistent recoveries for acidic, basic, and neutral compounds in fewer steps. The Oasis product line offers benefits in reduced matrix effects, consistency, instrument up time and column lifetimes, as well as improved assay performance and low variability.
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Why do we perform Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) in a forensic toxicology workflow? </li>
<li>How can Waters Oasis SPE products improve my sample recoveries? </li>
<li>How can matrix interferences affect my data if not removed? </li>
<li>How do I know my SPE method was successful?</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Sarah Olive (Clinical and Forensic Account Manager, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Sarah Olive is currently a Clinical and Forensic Account Manager in the Waters Clinical Business Unit. Her LCMS career began as a Forensic Toxicologist in the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s office. Previously, she worked as an LCMS Application Specialist assisting laboratories to develop and implement their methods in the Forensic, Clinical, Biopharma, and Environmental markets.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Improve Sample Cleanup in Fewer Steps using Waters Oasis Sample Preparation Products in a Forensic Toxicology Laboratory

Improve Sample Cleanup in Fewer Steps using Waters Oasis Sample Preparation Products in a Forensic Toxicology Laboratory

The Oasis product line offers benefits in reduced matrix effects, consistency, instrument uptime and column lifetimes.

Waters Oasis Sample Preparation in Forensic Toxicology

Key Learning Points:
<ul>
<li>Learn how to approach analyzing for PFAS, it is not rocket science like they made it out to be</li>
<li>Become aware of Sporadic PFAS Contamination</li>
<li>Understand how to identify false positives</li>
<li>Require all analysis quality control and samples to be analyzed in replicates to identify false positives</li>
</ul>
Who Should Attend:
<ul>
<li>Anyone who is new or has used Quechers and needs to have an update and an insight on Quechers method</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Duilio Romanello (Senior Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Duilio Romanello graduated with his Bachelors of Science in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology from University of Bologna. Duilio then joined Phenomenex in 2008 as an Inside Technical Sales Consultant becoming Team Leader in Italy for GC/SPE in 2010 and then for the Environmental &amp; Food Team. Since 2016 he has been covering the role of Account Manager for the South of Italy working remotely and acting as GC Specialist. Since November 2023 he is Senior Technical Specialist for the Technical team at Phenomenex.
</blockquote>

Phenomenex: Quechers 101: Background and Updates

Quechers 101: Background and Updates

Learn how to approach analyzing for PFAS, it is not rocket science like they made it out to be

Overview:
Nitrosamines – the current state of play
<ul>
<li>Background.</li>
<li>Potential Sources of Nitrosamines.</li>
<li>Practical Challenges for N-Nitrosamine Analysis.</li>
<li>Sample Preparation Approach for Analysis of N-Nitrosamines in Drug Products.</li>
</ul>
Key Learning:
<ul>
<li>A New SPE Method for for Simultaneous Quantification of 13 N-Nitrosamines in Various Drug Products</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Heiko Behr (Senior Business Development Manager, Phenomenex)
</blockquote>

Phenomenex: New SPE Method for Simultaneous Quantification of 13 N-Nitrosamines in Various Drug Products

New SPE Method for Simultaneous Quantification of 13 N-Nitrosamines in Various Drug Products

Sample Preparation Approach for Analysis of N-Nitrosamines in Drug Products.

New SPE Method for 13 N-Nitrosamines in Drug Products

Key Learning Points:
<ul>
<li>Understand the benefit of using SPE than other sample preparation techniques </li>
<li>Learn the basic protocol for SPE method and separation modes</li>
<li>Dig into reverse phase SPE typical protocol, and solid phase extraction media</li>
</ul>
Who Should Attend:
Anyone beginning with solid phase extraction (SPE) technique, or anyone struggling with method sensitivity
<blockquote>
Presenter: Grace Guo (Senior Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Grace Guo graduated from the Johns Hopkins University with a Master’s degree in Material Science and Engineering. She joined Phenomenex Technical Team in 2017 providing technical support globally. With more than 8 years of experience on SPE, HPLC and GC, she delivered 50+ seminars and webinars globally covering food and environmental, clinical, pharma and biopharma industry. 
</blockquote>

Phenomenex: Solid Phase Extraction Introduction and Theory

Solid Phase Extraction Introduction and Theory

Understand the benefit of using SPE than other sample preparation techniques.

As public awareness and regulations regarding PFAS contamination continue to expand, so does the overall volume of sampling and analysis for PFAS. Currently, the routine analytical approach for PFAS analysis is to first prepare/cleanup/concentrate the sample by Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) and then analyze by LC-MS/MS. Sample preparation by SPE is a very time- and cost-intensive process; considering the drastic expansion of PFAS monitoring that is expected to come with future regulation, a new approach is needed to reduce overall project costs and increase the lab’s ability to provide rapid, actionable results.
Pace has developed and validated a ‘direct injection’ approach for PFAS analysis by LC-MS/MS, similar to the protocols described in EPA 8327 and ASTM D8421 &amp; D8535. This new approach has been employed in two field projects, in which the data were used for guidance on boring and sampling for continued project analyses. Comparison data will be presented, showing good agreement between results from SPE methods and this new ‘direct injection’ method.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Stephen Somerville (Technical Director – PFAS, Bio-Sketch)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
As the PFAS Technical Director, Mr. Somerville is responsible for the technical oversight of all the PFAS analysis operations within Pace’s nationwide network of environmental testing laboratories, including 8 PFAS centers of excellence. Mr. Somerville guides the development and implementation of both routine and customized analytical approaches throughout the network. Mr. Somerville is charged with leading efforts toward improving, standardizing, and expanding PFAS analytical services within each PFAS laboratory, as well as providing technical advice to sales, marketing, quality/compliance, project management and analytical teams within Pace.
</blockquote>

Agilent: Effective Use of Method EPA 8327/ASTM D8421/D8535 ‘Direct-Injection’ Techniques to Optimize Rapid TAT and Reduce Overall Project Costs

Effective Use of Method EPA 8327/ASTM D8421/D8535 ‘Direct-Injection’ Techniques to Optimize Rapid TAT and Reduce Overall Project Costs

‘Direct injection’ approach for PFAS analysis by LC-MS/MS, similar to the protocols described in EPA 8327 and ASTM D8421 & D8535.

Effective Use of Method EPA 8327/ASTM D8421/D8535

Who Should Attend:
Anyone new to SPE who wants to get familiar with the basics of SPE method development. Anyone who has a basic understanding of SPE and would like to learn how to improve their extractions. 
Key Learning Points:
<ul>
<li>Understand how to develop SPE methods from start to finish.</li>
<li>Receive general methods to use as starting points.</li>
<li>Learn when and how to optimize SPE methods, and discover new tips and tricks to make SPE method development easier.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Koen Askamp (Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Koen Askamp is a Technical Specialist at Phenomenex. He was awarded his BSc and MSc degrees in Molecular Life Sciences at Wageningen University in the Netherlands and joined Phenomenex in 2020 as Technical Sales Consultant. Koen became part of Phenomenex’s global technical support team in 2022 and assists laboratories in training chromatographers and developing analytical methods. 
</blockquote>

Phenomenex: Solid Phase Extraction Method Development

Solid Phase Extraction Method Development

Learn when and how to optimize SPE methods, and discover new tips and tricks to make SPE method development easier.

<h4>The Waters 2024 Virtual Summer School - An Educational Journey to Master Food &amp; Environmental Analysis</h4>Unlock the full potential of LC-MS techniques with our immersive and educational sessions at the Waters Virtual F&amp;E Late Summer School 2024. From September 24th to 26th, engage with leading experts and discover cutting-edge methods for environmental and food analysis.<h5>Why attend?</h5><ul><li>Comprehensive Learning: Dive deep into advanced LC-MS techniques and gain practical knowledge to enhance your laboratory's analytical capabilities.</li><li>Expert Insights: Learn from industry leaders and gain firsthand experience through detailed modules on chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation.</li><li>Regulatory Compliance: Stay ahead with the latest insights on EU regulations for PFAS analysis in food and water, ensuring your lab meets stringent standards.</li></ul><h3>Episode #5: General Sample Preparation | F&amp;E Summer School - Day 2 - Module 1</h3>Sample preparation is a key aspect in the analytical workflow and heavily determines the quality of the analysis. Solid Phase Extraction is a fundamental sample preparation technique widely used across all areas of analytical chemistry. Whether new to SPE or seeking a refresher, this webinar will introduce the basics of sample preparation and provide practical insights and technical background on the benefits when choosing SPE over another form of sample preparation, especially for analytes in complex matrices, such as the ones often encountered in Food and Environmental analysis. Join us in exploring SPE key parameters and best practices for implementing successful SPE methods. The session will combine PowerPoint slides with videos describing good practices and showing a practical example on the complex analysis of PFAS.Our guest speaker Chiara Sarti from Cranfield University, Bedford UK, will share her research results on the work with new dual layer cartridges to extract PFAS from different environmental samples.<h5>What you'll learn:</h5><ul><li>Understanding SPE fundamentals</li><li>Making SPE simple with water-wettable sorbents</li><li>Verifying successful SPE implementation</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter:&nbsp;Xavier Rodríguez (Business Development Manager Chemistry Group, Southern Europe, Waters)Xavier is part of the European Market Development Team. He works as an Application Specialist with focus on sample prep and has more than 20 years of experience in solving sample prep challenges.Presenter:&nbsp;Chiara Sarti (Ph.D. Student, Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence)</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: The Waters 2024 Virtual Summer School

General Sample Preparation

Join us in exploring SPE key parameters and best practices for implementing successful SPE methods. 

<h4>The Waters 2024 Virtual Summer School - An Educational Journey to Master Food &amp; Environmental Analysis</h4>Unlock the full potential of LC-MS techniques with our immersive and educational sessions at the Waters Virtual F&amp;E Late Summer School 2024. From September 24th to 26th, engage with leading experts and discover cutting-edge methods for environmental and food analysis.<h5>Why attend?</h5><ul><li>Comprehensive Learning: Dive deep into advanced LC-MS techniques and gain practical knowledge to enhance your laboratory's analytical capabilities.</li><li>Expert Insights: Learn from industry leaders and gain firsthand experience through detailed modules on chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation.</li><li>Regulatory Compliance: Stay ahead with the latest insights on EU regulations for PFAS analysis in food and water, ensuring your lab meets stringent standards.</li></ul><h3>Episode #6: Automated Sample Preparation | F&amp;E Summer School - Day 2 - Module 2</h3>This Module builds on the previous one by adding automation to the sample preparation methods. The Andrew+™ pipetting robot offers fully automated liquid handling using electronic pipettes and labware holders called Dominos for a full walk-away automation solution.Creating the connected laboratory, Andrew+ is part of the OneLab™ ecosystem, executing laboratory protocols designed in OneLab software. This flexible architecture enables you to effortlessly transition from laborious manual pipetting procedures to error-free, fully-robotized lab workflows – without any knowledge of programming, laboratory robotics or automation engineering. and explains processes the Andrew+ pipetting robot can take over in your lab.The European Union has adopted Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/1431 to monitor PFAS in fruits, vegetables, milk and baby food. To achieve quantification at lowest levels of PFAS in food matrices, sample preparation is required which comprise of many pipetting steps and can be time-consuming and error prone. We will demonstrate an automate workflow for the analysis of PFAS in milk using a pipetting robot and stacked dual-phase SPE cartridges to meet EU 2022/1431 levels.<h5>What you'll learn:</h5>Possibilities to automat liquid handling processes in LC and LC-MS e.g.<ul><li>Serial dilution</li><li>Calibration curve</li><li>Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter:&nbsp;Xavier Rodríguez (Business Development Manager Chemistry Group, Southern Europe, Waters)Xavier is part of the European Market Development Team. He works as an Application Specialist with focus on sample prep and has more than 20 years of experience in solving sample prep challenges.Presenter:&nbsp;Daniel Ng PhD (Principal Scientist, Waters Corporation)Daniel Ng received his PhD from the University of Manchester in mass spectrometry proteomics. He worked for 5 years at the Waters mass spectrometry headquarters in Wilmslow, UK, as a service support development engineer specializing in mass spectrometry instrumentation. In 2019, he took up a new role as a principal scientist at the International Food and Water Research Centre (Waters) in Singapore focusing on using advanced instrumentation to answer analytical challenges in the food and water industry. Since 2023, Daniel has lead the Food, Environmental and Material Science Analytical Professional Service team in the Asia-Pacific Region, developing analytical solutions to meet key challenges that customers face.</blockquote>

Automated Sample Preparation

The Andrew+™ pipetting robot offers fully automated liquid handling using electronic pipettes and labware holders.

<h4>Key Learning Points:</h4><ul><li>Identify the common challenges associated with solid phase extraction methods &nbsp;</li><li>Understand and troubleshoot the recovery, contamination and reproducibility issues &nbsp;</li><li>Learn how to find and apply solutions to develop robust and reproducible extraction methods for their sample preparation needs</li></ul><h4>Who Should Attend:</h4><ul><li>Any scientists who wants to learn about solid phase extraction and it’s associated challenges, common troubleshooting steps and solutions to develop robust and reproducible extraction methods for their sample preparation needs</li></ul><blockquote>Presnter: Namrata Saxena (Technical Manager, Phenomenex)Namrata is the Technical Manager for the Asia-Pacific region in Phenomenex and is based in Sydney, Australia. As a member of the global technical team, she is responsible for assisting external customers as well as internal marketing and sales teams of Phenomenex for multifarious technical queries. She specifically support company’s bio-products portfolio through external and internal seminars/webinars, trainings and also contribute in biologics related technical content creation.Before joining Phenomenex she had worked as a Product Specialist and spent several years in stationary phase chemistry, column manufacturing and method development groups in a German company Bischoff Chromatography GmbH.Namrata has a post graduate degree with specialization in Analytical Chemistry. Her competence and focus lies in biotherapeutics characterization through liquid chromatography, antibodies and oligonucleotide chemistry, gene therapy and new bio-therapeutic modalities.</blockquote>

Phenomenex: Solid Phase Extraction Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

Solid Phase Extraction Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

Identify the common challenges associated with solid phase extraction methods.

Measurement of FT4 and FT3 is typically performed by immunoassay, however these can be prone to suffer from interferences and a lack of selectivity. Currently, the accepted gold standard for the measurement of FT4 and FT3 is using equilibrium dialysis (ED) and combined with the use of LC-MS/MS can overcome the issues with immunoassay in the measurement of FT4 and FT3. However, the equilibrium dialysis procedure can be quite time consuming and often being performed overnight.Here, we describe a simple clinical research method to perform ED using a commercially available device followed by sample preparation by solid phase extraction (SPE) and UPLC-MS/MS analysis using the Waters™ ACQUITY™ UPLC and analytically sensitive Xevo™ TQ Absolute Mass Spectrometer for clinical research. Data analysis and review has been simplified with the use of the waters_connect™ with QUAN Review Software. This has allowed for the complete workflow including equilibrium dialysis to be performed within a typical working day.Simplified Equilibrium Dialysis for the UPLC-MS/MS Analysis of Free Testosterone (FT) for Clinical ResearchHistorically, the measurement of free testosterone in human serum has presented a challenge for laboratory scientists, with such a large portion bound and the complexity and time involved in “gold standard” equilibrium dialysis. With a simple, fast, workflow combined with the analytical sensitivity afforded by the Waters Xevo™ TQ Absolute Mass Spectrometer, a newly developed, precise, accurate and selective clinical research method will be presented.<blockquote>Presenter: Robert Wardle (Senior Clinical Scientist, Waters Corporation)Robert Wardle is currently a Senior Scientist employed at Waters Corporation in Wilmslow, UK, performing research and development of applications and products for Clinical Research. His primary area of research is vitamins and in particular vitamin D metabolites, steroid hormones and in-depth knowledge of offline and online automation.Robert joined Waters in 2010 as a Clinical Validation Scientist, playing a key role in verification activities for the MassTrak XE Immunosuppressants kit available in the EU. He moved into his current role as a Senior Scientist in 2013, where he developed clinical research methods for a range of applications including vitamin D metabolites, estrogens, a large panel of steroid hormones and more recently this application on free T4 and free T3.Presenter: Stephen Balloch (Senior Clinical Scientist, Waters Corporation)Stephen Balloch graduated from the University of York (UK) with a Master’s degree in Chemistry, which included a strong focus on analytical chemistry. Subsequently he worked as a laboratory scientist in a GLP compliant research facility, progressing to Study Director. And, since 2010, he has been part of the clinical team at Waters (Wilmslow, UK). His principal focus has been on the development and validation of bioanalytical methods according to CLSI guidelines, with a focus on therapeutic drug monitoring. Additionally, he has supported newborn screening, vitamin and steroid analysis, including this clinical research method for free testosterone</blockquote>

Free Testosterone and Free T3/T4

Simplified Equilibrium Dialysis and SPE Method for the UPLC™-MS/MS Analysis of Free Thyroxine (FT4) and Triiodothyronine (FT3) for Clinical Research.

LCMS webinars focusing on SPE - page 3