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

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

News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 20, 2026

<p><strong>🎤Lindsay Repka&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Lindsay Repka is a chemistry professor at Middlebury College whose research explores photoredox chemistry, catalyst stability, and visible-light-driven transformations. Her lab emphasizes both mechanistic insight and hands-on student training in advanced analytical instrumentation.</strong></p><p>In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, we sit down with Lindsay Repka to discuss how LC-MS and GC-MS transformed her lab’s approach to photoredox chemistry.</p><p>What began as a project to develop a visible-light photocrosslinking handle unexpectedly led to a major discovery: the solvent (DMF) was reacting with the photocatalyst itself. Using high-resolution LC-MS, Lindsay’s team observed multiple solvent adducts forming — sometimes with complete catalyst consumption. That discovery reshaped their research direction.</p><p>This episode is a rare deep dive into both LC-MS and GC-MS within the same research project, showing how chromatography-driven insight can turn unexpected degradation into productive new reactivity.</p><p><strong>If you work in:</strong></p><ul><li>Photoredox chemistry</li><li>Reaction optimization</li><li>Mass spectrometry method development</li><li>Catalyst screening</li><li>Academic synthetic chemistry</li></ul><p>…this conversation will resonate.</p><h4><strong>Key Topics Covered</strong></h4><ul><li>Photocatalyst stability in DMF, DCE, and MeCN</li><li>Demethylation under mild visible-light conditions</li><li>High-resolution Q-TOF LC-MS quantitation</li><li>Internal standard methodology in GC-MS</li><li>Signal-to-noise improvement using extracted ion chromatograms</li><li>Reaction reproducibility and quality control strategy</li></ul><h3><strong>Video Transcription</strong></h3><p>In this interview, Lindsay Repka discusses the role of photoredox chemistry in method development, photocrosslinking, solvent activation, catalyst stability, and the use of LC-MS and GC-MS to understand reaction pathways.</p><h4><strong>What is photoredox chemistry?</strong></h4><p>Photoredox chemistry uses light to activate a photocatalyst, which can either donate or accept an electron from a substrate. This generates radical species that can undergo new types of reactivity.</p><p>Repka explains that one of the key advantages of photoredox chemistry is its ability to operate under mild conditions, often using visible light. This makes it attractive for sensitive molecules and biological systems, including potential applications in drug release, live-cell chemistry, and drug development.</p><h4><strong>Photocrosslinking and drug-target interactions</strong></h4><p>Repka’s group initially aimed to develop visible-light photocrosslinking methods to study drug interactions with biological targets. Photocrosslinking can covalently link a drug to its target, making it easier to identify the biological target of a compound.</p><p>Traditional photocrosslinking often uses UV light, but visible light offers milder and more biologically compatible conditions.</p><h4><strong>From photocrosslinking to solvent activation</strong></h4><p>The project shifted direction when the desired photocrosslinking reactions gave very low yields. Instead of reacting with amino acids as intended, the radical intermediate mainly reacted with itself.</p><p>The team explored different solvents to stabilize the radical, but found that some solvents, such as DMF, were not inert. Instead, the solvent reacted with the photocatalyst or radical species, revealing unexpected solvent activation chemistry.</p><h4><strong>Why LC-MS was critical</strong></h4><p>LC-MS became essential because the reaction mixtures were too complex and low-yielding for NMR or GC-MS. High-resolution LC-MS allowed the team to detect minor products, identify photocatalyst modifications, and observe solvent addition products with high confidence.</p><p>Repka emphasizes that LC-MS was both a qualitative and quantitative tool. It was used quantitatively to measure how much photocatalyst remained after light exposure, and qualitatively to identify degradation products and new reactivity pathways.</p><h4><strong>Photocatalyst stability workflow</strong></h4><p>The team developed a systematic workflow to evaluate photocatalyst stability under light exposure. Because catalyst degradation was time-sensitive, reproducibility required strict control of experimental conditions.</p><p>Key steps included using a glove box, commercial deoxygenated solvents, accurate weighing on a microbalance, controlled light exposure in a photoreactor, and temperature control with a chiller. These precautions helped reduce day-to-day variability and enabled reproducible measurements of catalyst remaining.</p><h4><strong>Quantifying catalyst remaining by LC-MS</strong></h4><p>Calibration curves were prepared using pure photocatalyst solutions and LC-MS ion areas. The team worked in the nanomolar range to maintain linearity.</p><p>Instead of relying only on total ion chromatograms, they used extracted ion chromatograms (EICs) to improve signal-to-noise for the photocatalyst signal. Baseline subtraction was also applied to reduce noise and improve quantitation at low concentrations.</p><p>Calibration curves and quality control samples were prepared and measured on the same day as the reaction samples, because LC-MS signal intensity can vary significantly from day to day.</p><h4><strong>Why GC-MS was used later</strong></h4><p>For demethylation studies, the group moved to GC-MS because the substrates and products were small and volatile enough for gas chromatography. GC-MS was better suited for rapidly screening many reaction conditions, including different photocatalysts, solvents, and oxidants.</p><p>Instead of generating full calibration curves for every experiment, the team used an internal standard to streamline analysis and determine percent conversion based on relative response factors.</p><h4><strong>Practical lessons from the project</strong></h4><p>Repka highlights the importance of careful sample preparation, especially when working with very small quantities of photocatalysts. A high-quality microbalance, stable granite platform, antistatic tools, and aluminum weigh boats improved weighing accuracy and reproducibility.</p><p>She also argues that mass spectrometry should be a standard part of photoredox method development because it can reveal minor products, support reaction optimization, and provide insights that may be difficult or impossible to obtain by NMR alone.</p><h4><strong>Final perspective</strong></h4><p>Beyond the chemistry, Repka emphasizes the importance of student training and mentoring. For her, research is not only about discovering new reactivity but also about giving students practical experience, helping them develop independence, and preparing them for future scientific careers.</p><blockquote><p><strong>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.</strong></p></blockquote><blockquote><h4><strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</strong></h4><p>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!</p><p>You can find <strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast </strong>in podcast apps:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185"><strong>Apple podcast</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography"><strong>podscan</strong></a></li></ul><p>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos"><strong>YouTube channel</strong></a></p></blockquote>

Using LC-MS & GC-MS to Decode Photoredox Catalyst Stability

Article

Application

Video

Scientists

Interview

Science and research

The University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague is a natural centre of first-rate study and research in the area of chemistry in Czechia and is one of the country's largest educational and research institutions focused on technical chemistry, chemical and biochemical technologies, material and chemical engineering, food chemistry, and environmental studies.

UCT Prague

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LabRulez

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

Bruker

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Shimadzu Corporation

Waters Corporation

<p><strong>WEOF is back for 2023, and this time we will do it 100% virtually to allow even more people to participate. But don&#39;t expect to see only some presentations! We have put together for you an interesting agenda with Live Demos, customer talks, and the chance to ask our experts your questions. It will be a great opportunity to learn more about the advancements in oligonucleotide analysis and about the analytical challenges and successes of your peers.</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Join our virtual Live Demos</li>
<li>Hear from other scientists like you about their approaches and experiences</li>
<li>Stay up to date with the latest analytical developments for nucleic acids</li>
</ul>
<p>The agenda will be a mix of talks from the scientific community and Waters presentations. We will discuss current analytical needs and show some Live Demos of LC/MS solutions and software:</p>
<h3><strong>AGENDA</strong></h3>
<h5><strong>10:00 Welcome and Short Introduction</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>Speaker:</strong> David Muñoz (Waters Corporation)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>10:05 Waters Live Demo: Impurity Analysis by LC/MS</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>Speaker:</strong> Emma L Harry (Waters Corporation)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>10:25 Customer Talk: Cytiva Sweden AB</strong></h5>
<h5><strong>Analysis of Oligonucleotides using BioAccord LC-MS</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>Speaker:</strong> Filip Bergqvist (Senior Scientist)</li>
</ul>
<p>Topic: intact analysis of oligonucleotides, specifically development/performance with IP-RPC</p>
<h5><strong>10:40 Customer Talk: BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH</strong></h5>
<h5><strong>QC Analytics for mRNA therapies</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>Speaker:</strong> Jonas Sander</li>
</ul>
<p>Topic: How BioNTech has masterdto set up QC analytics for mRNQ therapies and the added value of Waters solutions</p>
<h5><strong>10:55 MaxPeak Premier Technology for Oligonucleotide Analysis</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>Speaker:</strong> Ali Tiss (Waters Corporation)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>11:10 Waters Live Demo: Software</strong></h5>
<h5><strong>CONFIRM &amp; INTACT app</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>Speaker:</strong> Chris Knowles (Waters Corporation)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>11:30 Q&amp;A with Waters</strong></h5>
<p>You ask - our application chemists answer</p>
<h5><strong>11:45 Closing</strong></h5>
<h4><strong>INVITED GUEST SPEAKER</strong></h4>
<h5><strong>Filip Bergqvist</strong> (Senior Scientist, Cytiva Sweden AB)</h5>
<p>Filip is leading bioanalytical activities to support product development and application work for bioprocessing. His main expertise is LC-MS, where he is developing methods for characterization of proteins and nucleic acid therapeutics. </p>
<h5><strong>Dr. Jonas Sander</strong> (BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH)</h5>
<p>(further info will follow soon)</p>
<h4><strong>YOUR WATERS HOSTS</strong></h4>
<h5><strong>David Muñoz</strong> (Principal Biopharma Market Development Manager, Waters Corporation)</h5>
<p>David will be your host for this event. He completed his PhD in Biochemistry at Nottingham Trent University, focused on the effects of toxins on glioma cells. After this he joined Lonza to work as a research and development scientist using different analytical techniques to characterize antibodies and proteins. Later he worked for Thermo Fisher Scientific as applications specialist and Biopharma Expert, and as business development manager in two CDMOs,  focusing on antibodies and viral vector projects. David joined Waters in June 2022 as principal biopharma market development manager.   </p>
<h5><strong>Emma L Harry</strong> (European Applications Laboratory Team Manager, Waters Corporation)</h5>
<p>Emma completed her PhD in Analytical Chemistry at Loughborough University, focused on the development of ion mobility mass spectrometry for complex mixtures.</p>
<p>After her post doctoral research at University of Leicester and having worked as analytical scientist at Hall Analytical, using a variety of analytical techniques, Emma joined Waters in June 2019 as a senior applications chemist in the Demo lab in Wilmslow. In 2021 she was promoted to European applications lab manager.</p>
<h5><strong>Chris Knowles</strong> (Senior Applications Scientist, Waters Corporation)</h5>
<p>Chris is currently working as a Principal Domain Specialist (Applications science) at Waters, having been with the company for 5 years.  He works with the Waters informatics teams to help deliver the waters_connect software applications. His focus has been on the CONFIRM Sequence application.  His background is in Bioprocessing, having worked at FUJIFILM Diasynth Biotechnologies for 3 years as a principal scientist in Mammalian cell culture, following completion of a PhD in mammalian cell line engineering at the University of Aberdeen in 2016.</p>
<h5><strong>Ali Tiss</strong> (Sales Specialist Biopharma Chemistry, Europe South, Waters Corporation)</h5>
<p>Ali completed his Ph.D. in biochemistry and structural biology at the Mediterranean University (CNRS, Marseille, France), where he contributed to the R&amp;D of the anti-obesity drug, Xenical®, developed by Roche Ltd. Then, he spent about 20 years of academic research (France, UK, Kuwait) in biochemistry, liquid chromatography, mass-spectrometry, and proteomics, focusing on detecting and characterizing biomarkers related to human diseases (cancer, diabetes, obesity). Ali joined Waters in October 2021 as a BioPharma and New Modalities Specialist in Chemistry for Southern Europe.</p>


Waters Corporation: Waters European Oligonucleotides Forum 2023

Waters European Oligonucleotides Forum 2023

We have put together for you an interesting agenda with Live Demos, customer talks, and the chance to ask our experts your questions. 

<h3><strong>Part 1: Overview of Agilent Biopharma</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Mike Knierman (Biopharma Workflow Manager, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)</p>
</blockquote>
<h3><strong>Part 2: Analytical Innovations to Speed-up Antibody Characterization</strong></h3>
<p>The characterization biotherapeutics is essential to assess their safety, quality, and efficacy. In this presentation, we show novel technologies that can address the growing demand for comprehensive and faster characterization of multi-specific antibodies. In the first example, Mobile Affinity Selection Chromatography is used to rapidly assess antibody titer and aggregation levels of crude culture filtrate. We take advantage of this method for unbiased analysis of mispaired chains and aggregates directly from culture supernatants obviating a protein A clean-up step. We show fast aggregate and titer molecular structure quantifications without sample preparation can be achieved with multi-sampler overlapped injections, dramatically improving analysis throughput (~ 2.5 min per sample) without carryover. In the second example, mAb digestion process (&gt; 30 min) is accelerated on the surface of microdroplets (&lt;1 ms) (Anal. Chem., 2021, 93, 3997-4005). We show automated microdroplet reactions under native-pH conditions by combining programmed flow injection with a JetStream ionization source. Intact subunit mass analysis and middle-down characterization of antibody subunits are completed every 2 min. (Anal. Chem., 2023, 95, 3340-3348). Finally, we propose droplet reactions every 2-4 seconds per antibody sample using RapidFire BLAZE mode for ultrafast sample introduction and digestion. We envision, that these analytical innovations will enable comprehensive and faster analysis of biotherapeutics.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Harsha Gunawardena, Ph.D. (Senior Scientist, Mass Spectrometry, Janssen Research &amp; Development, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson &amp; Johnson)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Harsha Gunawardena obtained his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Purdue University and a Master of Science degree in Analytical Chemistry from University of North Carolina. He was a post-doctoral fellow at the Lineberger comprehensive cancer center, UNC school of medicine where his research focused on refining quantitative platforms for large-scale clinical proteomics and proteogenomic analysis. He was a co-investigator for the NCI clinical proteomics tumor analysis consortium (CPTAC), the ENCODE consortium. His industry career as scientist started at Bayer Health Care providing mass spectrometry and bioanalytical support of plasma-based therapeutics. He later worked at Amgen applying proteomics methods to support biomarker programs and discovery programs in oncology and inflammation. In his current role at Janssen R&amp;D, Johnson &amp; Johnson, he supports discovery early development programs that span several therapeutic modalities.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3><strong>Part 3: Towards the Absolute Quantitation of the Human Proteome: Next Generation of Absolute Protein Quantitation in Biological Matrixes; Higher Multiplexicity While Faster, Robust and Sensitive</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Christoph Borchers, Ph.D. (Professor, Department Oncology, McGill University; CSO, MRM Proteomics)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Professor in the Department of Oncology at McGill University, and holds the Segal Chair in Molecular Oncology. His research involves proteomics and metabolomics technologies for clinical diagnostics and structural proteomics. He is also head of a newly established Omics laboratory for personalized medicine and health at Skoltech, Moscow, Russia.</p>
</blockquote>


Accelerating Analysis in the BioPharma Laboratory

Overview of Agilent Biopharma. Analytical Innovations to Speed-up Antibody Characterization. Absolute Protein Quantitation in Biological Matrixes.

<p><strong>Recent technological advancements have greatly expanded the options for high-quality mass spectrometry equipment. With significant progress in GC-MS, LC-MS, and gas generators, critical analyses can now be conducted with enhanced effectiveness and efficiency.</strong></p>
<p>Join our technical webinar to gain a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge MS equipment and the latest innovations in utilizing hydrogen as a carrier gas. Discover the advancements, including Agilent&#39;s quadrupole time-of-flight LC-MS and PEAK Scientific&#39;s nitrogen gas generator, designed to optimize competitiveness and productivity in your analytical workflows.</p>
<h5>Attend this webinar to:</h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>Learn about why there is a huge drive to switch to hydrogen as a carrier gas for GC</strong></li>
<li><strong>Discover how to achieve time-saving efficiencies and meet future challenges with instrument intelligence using the latest quadrupole time-of-flight LC-MS</strong></li>
<li><strong>Understand how a gas generator can save you time and money as well as improve your lab’s sustainability</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>1. Novel Mass Spectrometry Technologies Expand Future of Biomarker Discovery Research</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Diane Turner (Director and Senior Consultant, Anthias Consulting Ltd)</li>
</ul>
<p>Gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instruments are used for a wide variety of critical analyses and presents a topic of growing importance as the industry collectively moves away from helium as a carrier gas due to availability and pricing to suitable alternatives such as hydrogen.</p>
<p>In this webinar, Dr. Diane Turner from Anthias Consulting Ltd will focus on the innovations around using hydrogen as a carrier gas and explore the associated benefits as well as address the challenges involved.</p>
<h5>In his talk, she will cover:</h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>Why there is a huge drive to switch to hydrogen as a carrier gas for GC</strong></li>
<li><strong>The associated benefits and negatives of using hydrogen</strong></li>
<li><strong>A ‘to do’ list of parameters to re-optimize when switching to hydrogen</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>2. Be Ready for Future Challenges With an Intelligent LC-MS Solution</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Christian Klein (Product Manager LC/Q-TOF and IM-QTOF, Agilent Technologies)</li>
</ul>
<p>Many labs are faced with an ever-increasing sample load, while instrumentation and resources remain at a steady level. As a consequence, instrument throughput and uptime are critical factors to maintain competitiveness and productivity.</p>
<p>In this webinar, Dr. Christian Klein will show how you can meet these challenges with the newest time-of-flight LC-MS from Agilent. See examples of complete workflows demonstrating performance, robustness and throughput for food safety screening applications.</p>
<h5>In his talk, he will cover:</h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>Time-saving efficiencies and meeting future challenges with instrument intelligence</strong></li>
<li><strong>How to implement end-to-end workflows for food safety to produce meaningful results</strong></li>
<li><strong>How to identify and quickly assess compounds in question</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>3. How Can a Gas Generator Benefit Your Lab?</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Petra Gierga (Product Manager, PEAK Scientific)</li>
</ul>
<p>Labs face challenges every day and lab gas should not be one of these problems. On-site gas generators play a pivotal role in helping labs to streamline workflows while providing high-quality gas for LC-MS analysis.</p>
<p>In this webinar, Petra Gierga from PEAK Scientific will be discussing the benefits a gas generator can provide your lab over cylinders, dewars or bulk supply. Removing the need for repeated cylinder deliveries, cylinder contracts, manual handling and changing of cylinders – an in-house gas generator can reduce costs, increase productivity and improve your lab’s sustainability efforts.</p>
<h5>In this talk, she will cover:</h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>How a gas generator can save you time</strong></li>
<li><strong>The economic benefits of using a gas generator</strong></li>
<li><strong>The advantages a gas generator has for your labs workflows and long-term sustainability goals</strong></li>
</ul>


Technology Networks: Breaking the Boundaries: The Latest Innovations in Mass Spectrometry

Breaking the Boundaries: The Latest Innovations in Mass Spectrometry

Technical webinar: overview of cutting-edge MS equipment and the latest innovations in utilizing H2 as a carrier gas, LC/Q-TOF or N2 gas generators.

The Latest Innovations in Mass Spectrometry

<p><strong>This meeting covers the latest trends and techniques to meet current water and environmental testing demands for emerging contaminants and evolving regulations. Our guest speakers from the water industry and environmental research and testing laboratories will share their expertise on their latest work, analytical workflows, and automation.</strong></p>
<p>Join us and discover valuable insights to maximise testing productivity and instrument uptime, simplify workflows and standardise data workup.</p>
<h3><strong>June 27 (Day 1) Emerging contaminants</strong></h3>
<p>This session will explore PFAS, microplastics, untargeted screening, automation and sample preparation.</p>
<p>Attend the whole day or selected presentations only.</p>
<h5><strong>10:00</strong> Online access opens (Streaming begins 09:30 BST/10:30 CEST)</h5>
<h5><strong>10:30 Opening of the event, welcome and introduction</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Jeff Stubbs (Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>10:50 Screening of unknowns using Thermo Scientific Orbitrap MS and Thermo Scientific Compound Discoverer software</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Janine Elliot (Scottish Environment Protection Agency)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>11:20 Biotoxins, seafood safety and mass spectrometry</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Ben Maskrey (Centre of Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>11:50 Determination of microplastics with pyrolysis and GC-MS</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Michael Soll (Frontier Lab Europe)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>12:20</strong> Break</h5>
<h5><strong>12:40 What combustion ion chromatography sum parameter analysis can do for the analysis of PFAS</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Lewis Mark (A1-envirosciences Limited)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>13:10 Use of Thermo Scientific Exploris 120 Orbitrap HRAM-LC-MS for the analysis of 47 PFAS compounds in UK waters</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: John Quick (ALS Environmental Ltd.)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>13:40 Workshop - new untargeted PFAS analysis workflow capabilities within Compound Discoverer software</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Frans Schoutsen (Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>14:10</strong> Break</h5>
<h5><strong>15:10 Starting your voyage into PFAS? Tools and protocols to succeed</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Ed George (Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>16:10 Workshop - new approaches in performing automation by GC (and LC)</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dan Carrier (Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>16:30</strong> Closing of the live streaming event</h5>


Thermo Scientific: Water & Environmental Analysis User Meeting - Day 1

Water & Environmental Analysis User Meeting - Day 1

Streaming live from our Demo Centre in Hemel Hempstead | Join the complete event or the presentations of your choice only.

<p><strong>This meeting covers the latest trends and techniques to meet current water and environmental testing demands for emerging contaminants and evolving regulations. Our guest speakers from the water industry and environmental research and testing laboratories will share their expertise on their latest work, analytical workflows, and automation.</strong></p>
<p>Join us and discover valuable insights to maximise testing productivity and instrument uptime, simplify workflows and standardise data workup.</p>
<h3><strong>June 28 (Day 2) – Evolving regulations</strong></h3>
<p>This session will explore disinfection by-products, haloacetic acids, heavy metals, volatiles/semi-volatiles analysis.</p>
<p>Attend the whole day or selected presentations only.</p>
<h5><strong>10:00</strong> Online access opens (Streaming begins 09:30 BST/10:30 CEST)</h5>
<h5><strong>10:30 Opening of the event, welcome and introduction</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Ed George (Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>10:50 Beyond compliance - use of the Orbitrap Exploris 120 HRAM-LC-MS for the monitoring of catchments</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Mark Collins (Northern Ireland Water)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>11:20 Utilizing IC-MS/MS for the analysis of halo acetic acids and disinfection by products in drinking water</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Chris Pegg (Anglian Water)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>11:50 GC-MS analysis of environmental samples using automated sample preparation</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: John Quick (ALS Environmental Ltd.)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>12:20</strong> Break</h5>
<h5><strong>12:40 Development of an ion chromatography method with EC and MS detection for the analysis of bromide and the disinfection by products bromate, chlorate and chlorite</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Joseph Scott (Affinity Water)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>13:10 High throughput nutrients analysis - developing methodologies for environmental and wastewater matrices</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Red Godwin (Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>13:40 Performing the analysis of trace metals in environmental samples via ICP and ICP-MS</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Trudy McMurray (Northern Ireland Environment Agency)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>14:15</strong> Closing of the live streaming event</h5>


Thermo Scientific: Water & Environmental Analysis User Meeting - Day 2

Water & Environmental Analysis User Meeting - Day 2

<p><strong>High resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) has gained importance for broad screening in forensic toxicology laboratories with the emergence and constant evolution of novel psychoactive substances.</strong></p>
<p>The Xevo G3 QTof from Waters is the latest generation of high performance QTof technology and includes many enhancements that improve performance and system robustness. </p>
<p>Among others, ion optics have been improved to enhance the detection of labile drugs such as amphetamines resulting in significantly higher sensitivity. This presentation aims to highlight some of the developments and enhancements that have been made to the recently launched Xevo G3 QTof.</p>
<p>Also detailed in the presentation will be a comparison study conducted between the outgoing Xevo G2-XS QTof with the Xevo G3 QTof, by means of system setup, data generated e.g., richness of information e.g., detection accuracy and analytical sensitivity.</p>
<p>Learning objectives – what you will learn:  </p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Fundamentals of high resolution mass spectrometry</strong></li>
<li><strong>Enhancements made to the recently launched Xevo G3</strong></li>
<li><strong>QTof Comparison data discussion</strong></li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong>  Nayan. S. Mistry (Senior Application Scientist, Forensics, Research &amp; Development, Waters Corporation, Waters Corporation)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Nayan Mistry is a Senior Application Scientist at Waters Corporation. Nayan joined Waters in 2009 and is part of a global team dedicated to performing research and development of applications and analytical solutions for Forensic Toxicology. </p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Nayan’s key focus is on toxicology screening and he has expertise with both nominal mass and accurate mass-based screening using UNIFI and Waters_Connect application software. Nayan plays a key role in the development of these solutions and in the expansion of associated libraries. Currently Nayan is playing a key role in the development and support of the recently launched Xevo G3 QTof mass spectrometer in addition to other responsibilities for the nominal mass applications. His favourite aspect of the role is customer support - Nayan is greatly involved in global on-site customer support and training and has presented his work at conferences worldwide.</p>
</blockquote>


Waters Corporation: High Resolution MSE Toxicology Screening using the Waters Xevo G3 QTof

High Resolution MSE Toxicology Screening using the Waters Xevo G3 QTof

This presentation aims to highlight some of the developments and enhancements that have been made to the recently launched Xevo G3 QTof.

HR MSE Toxicology Screening using the Waters Xevo G3 QTof

<p><strong>Join us for this exciting new demo series where we take you into our application laboratories to see the SELECT SERIES MRT in Action and explore different workflows from the beginning to the end. Register now for the demo series and see for yourself how MRT can expand the possibilities in your research.</strong></p>
<p>We kickstart the series with an overview and demonstration of the technology and highlight the unique benefits when high mass resolution and sub-ppm accuracy combine with the speed of Time-Of-Flight.  </p>
<p>Join us to see how to run samples, experience the latest software for data acquisition, visualization, and interpretation. Register now for this event and see for yourself how MRT can expand the possibilities in your research.</p>
<p>The session will conclude with a live Q&amp;A where members of the Waters Discovery MS portfolio science team will be on hand to answer all of your questions. </p>
<p>Why Should You Attend?</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Learn about the operation of the novel SELECT SERIES MRT technology and see it in Action!</strong></li>
<li><strong>Find out about the unique capabilities of this instrument and how the different acquisition modes can be applied to measure complex samples.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Discover the benefits and flexibility of this technology for a wide range of applications including small and large molecule LC-MS and Imaging.</strong></li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Martin Palmer (Principal Consulting Scientist, MS Discovery Program, Waters Corporation)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Martin Palmer is a Principal Scientist in the Discovery Mass Spectrometry team at Waters Corporation. He has over 20 years’ experience at Waters, most recently leading the scientific contribution required for the evaluation, development and commercialization of new MS technologies including the SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS and MRT.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Martin collaborates extensively with customers to ensure their analytical challenges are understood and addressed by the next generation of high resolution mass spectrometers.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Martin received his Ph.D. in Mass Spectrometry from Sheffield Hallam University, UK (1999). His scientific work has aided the commercialisation of over 10 mass spectrometers, resulted in over 30 publications and two patents.</p>
</blockquote>


Explore What’s Possible with MRT – Uncompromised Performance

Join us to see how to run samples, experience the latest software for data acquisition, visualization, and interpretation.

<p><strong>Introducing midia-PASEF®, a groundbreaking DIA scan mode utilizing overlapping quadrupole windows for comprehensive ion analysis.</strong></p>
<p>In this webinar, you’ll discover how midia-PASEF offers precise precursor m/z determination, automated processing with the MIDIAID pipeline and supports library-free DIA analyses. You’ll also learn how you can rapidly identify over 40 unique peptides per second for de novo sequencing with highly specific MS/MS spectra and discover the real-world applications of this technology within the proteomics field.</p>
<p>Attend this webinar to: </p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Learn how midia-PASEF® maximizes data quality, enabling fast peptide identification and library-free DIA analyses</strong></li>
<li><strong>Explore the automated MIDIAID pipeline that streamlines processing with peak detection algorithms and machine learning</strong></li>
<li><strong>Discover how you can obtain specific MS/MS spectra for de novo sequencing and seamless searching</strong></li>
<li><strong>See real-world applications: Gain insights into midiaPASEF’s uses in proteomics research, from characterizing the complex immunopeptidome to advancing targeted therapies</strong></li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dr. Stefan Tenzer (Professor for Immunopeptidomics, University Medical Center, Mainz)</p>
</blockquote>


Bruker Daltonics: Maximizing Information Content in Data-Independent Acquisition Using midia-PASEF

Maximizing Information Content in Data-Independent Acquisition Using midia-PASEF

How midia-PASEF offers precise precursor m/z determination, automated processing with the MIDIAID pipeline and supports library-free DIA analyses.

Data-Independent Acquisition Using midia-PASEF

<p><strong>The main goal of metabolic profiling is to understand the metabolic changes that occur in response to specific stimuli, such as diseases, environmental factors, drugs, or genetic modifications.</strong></p>
<p>By comparing the metabolic profiles of healthy and diseased samples, researchers can identify unique metabolic signatures associated with specific conditions.</p>
<p>These biomarkers can be potentially valuable for the early detection of disease, monitoring treatment response, and understanding disease mechanisms. In this webinar Dr. Gómez-Romero at the NPC, London, discusses how they undertake large scale metabolic phenotyping studies and the opportunities and challenges they face. </p>
<p>This webinar focuses on:</p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>What is metabolic phenotyping?</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>The workflow for large-scale LC/MS based metabolomic</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Experimental design for untargeted biomarker discovery</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Key learning objectives:</p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>The importance of study design in large-scale metabolomic phenotyping</strong> </p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>How platform stability increases confidence in results</strong> </p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>How to maximize metabolomic phenotyping data from LC/MS experiments</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Who should attend:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Scientists in academia, industry, core research laboratories and biomedical research</p>
</li>
<li><p>Researchers undertaking metabolomic and lipidomic experiments particularly those conducting large scale experiments</p>
</li>
<li><p>Anyone with an interest in mass spectrometry who wants to learn more</p>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dr María Gómez- Romero (Mass Spectrometry and Chromatography Manager, MRC-NIHR National Phenome Centre, Imperial College London, UK)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>As LC-MS platform lead in the National Phenome Centre (NPC) at Imperial College London (ICL), Maria oversees the application of mature LC-MS methods and technologies to collaborative projects, ensuring timely completion of the ongoing project deliverables. Her primary research interest focuses on the development, validation and application of profiling and targeted UHPLC-MS methodologies in metabolic phenotyping for the analysis of biological samples (e.g. urine, blood products, faecal and tissue extracts, cells,) with epidemiological and clinical applications.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Maria studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Granada (UGR, Spain) completing her final year design project in University College London. Upon completing her BSc she undertook an MSc in Chemistry and Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry at UGR. In 2011 she started working at ICL as a research associate until 2017, when she joined NPC.</p>
</blockquote>


Waters Corporation: ASMS 2023: Metabolic profiling, mass spectrometry and the National Phenome Centre

ASMS 2023: Metabolic profiling, mass spectrometry and the National Phenome Centre

How to undertake large scale metabolic phenotyping studies and the opportunities and challenges you face.

ASMS 2023: Metabolic profiling, mass spectrometry

<p><strong>This webinar introduces an analytical method that utilizes ion-exchange chromatography to separate and analyze oligonucleotides of different lengths.</strong></p>
<p>The primary focus is on eliminating impurities that are produced during the synthesis process. The method incorporates an inert ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography system, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and automated data analysis software. These components work together to facilitate efficient oligonucleotide development and quality control. The results emphasize the challenges associated with metal-based methods and propose a metal-free approach for precise quantification. Additionally, a high-resolution ion-pair reversed-phase LC-MS system is presented for accurate separation and mass analysis of oligonucleotides. The developed method also offers sensitive, precise, and reproducible results, making it an invaluable tool for various scientific fields, including therapeutic oligonucleotide-based drug development and quality control.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Mridul Mandal, Ph.D.</p>
</blockquote>


Shimadzu: Oligonucleotide Analysis by LC and LC and LC-MS

Oligonucleotide Analysis by LC and LC and LC-MS

Analytical method that utilizes ion-exchange chromatography to separate and analyze oligonucleotides of different lengths.

LCMS webinars focusing on LC/HRMS - page 38