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 “Cellular factors regulating the export and packaging of unspliced ​​retroviral RNA”, 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.<h5>Could you describe your project and its main objectives?</h5>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.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.<h5>Why is this export of unspliced ​​RNA so important for retroviral replication?</h5>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.Simply put: 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.<h5>What do you think it was about your project that impressed the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports’ jury the most?</h5>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 NIH and Rockefeller University, 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.<h5>How will this research contribute to the development of new treatments for retroviral infections?</h5>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.<h5>What responsibilities does your UCT Prague team have? How does the collaboration with your American partners work?</h5>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 NIH, Frederick, 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 Rockefeller University to employ iCLIP 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.<h5>Who else is collaborating on the project?</h5>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 Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the CAS (IOCB Prague) and the Central European Institute of Technology in Brno (CEITEC). 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.<h5>Are there plans to continue the project? Have you brought on new collaborators, and are you looking to welcome new colleagues to the team?</h5>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.<h5>What was the personal turning point that motivated you to pursue a long-term investigation into retroviral particles?</h5>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.

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

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

A comprehensive guide for selecting the appropriate HPLC detector

News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 20, 2026

Article

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Application

Academy

Scientists

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

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

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

KNAUER

Agilent Technologies

Shimadzu Corporation

<h3>This presentation will cover:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Some introspection</li>
<li>How you view your analytical system</li>
<li>MS and MS/MS 101</li>
<li>Anatomy of an LC system</li>
<li>Is mass spec &#39;just a detector&#39;?</li>
<li>Anatomy of an LC-MS(MS) system</li>
<li>Low vs High resolution method development</li>
<li>Advantages and disadvantages of LC-MS(MS)</li>
<li>HPLC vs LC-MS(MS) method development</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Stephen Brookes (LC/MS Technical Sales Specialist, Shimadzu UK Limited)
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: LC-MS(MS) Method Development: HPLC vs LC-MS(MS) Method Development

LC-MS(MS) Method Development: HPLC vs LC-MS(MS) Method Development

Like many things, chromatography skills are built over time by reading, learning from colleagues, personal experiences, etc.
In this seminar, we’ll share with you some of the things we in tech support often send customers to help them build their chromatography knowledge.
Topics covered will include;
<ul>
<li>What to consider when scaling up or down in column size
</li>
<li>What to do when your column gets dirty
</li>
<li>Mobile phase considerations, including how you make it
</li>
<li>The role your instrument can play
</li>
</ul>
Whether you’re a seasoned chromatographer or new to LC, there’s always something to learn.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Rita Steed (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Rita Steed began supporting the LC column line for Agilent in 1999. As a Chromatography Specialist (first with Chromatography, Inc., then directly for Agilent), Rita worked on-site with researchers in Pharmaceutical and other industries presenting technical seminars and assisting researchers with troubleshooting and method development. Rita has over 20 years of Chromatography experience in the Biotechnology, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical industries. She has held positions in Research, Sales, and Technical Service. Rita has earned degrees in Microbiology and Life Sciences/Biochemistry. In her current position, she is an inside Application Engineer supporting LC columns.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Things You May Not Know or May Have Forgotten

Things You May Not Know or May Have Forgotten

Build your HPLC chromatography knowledge.

In most HPLC separations there is a wanted interaction of the sample with a chromatography packing.
When doing GPC/SEC separations, that is not the case. GPC/SEC is a noninteractive technique that separates samples based on their size in solution and not on their chemistry. This presentation will cover the common questions that should be asked when developing a robust and reproducible GPC/SEC method.
Topics will include:
<ul>
<li>Sample type: protein vs polymer
</li>
<li>Solvent Selection and its importance
</li>
<li>Column Choices &amp; how to choose correctly
</li>
<li>Calibrants
</li>
<li>Detector &amp; Instrument Considerations
</li>
</ul>
As we discuss each topic area we’ll look at examples and provide valuable tips that can help you achieve long term reproducible and reliable results.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jean Lane (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jean has been employed with Agilent since Nov 2010 in technical and applications support and has a primary role supporting Agilent’s full line of LC columns and consumables, which also includes support for Agilent’s GPC/SEC product line. She came to Agilent thru acquisition of Varian and the former Polymer Laboratories. Jean has 20 plus years of technical and applications support for both HPLC and GPC consumable products. In addition to practical chromatography experience in the laboratory, she has had many, many years in her technical role involving customer support providing assistance and troubleshooting for customer chromatography issues.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: From Proteins to Polymers – GPC-SEC: Understanding Column Selection and Method Considerations for Your Sample

From Proteins to Polymers – GPC-SEC: Understanding Column Selection and Method Considerations for Your Sample

Common questions that should be asked when developing a robust and reproducible GPC/SEC method.

Understanding Column Selection and Method Considerations

When developing HPLC methods, isocratic and gradient methods offer different advantages. Knowing how to choose between the two types of methods is important for efficient method development.
In this talk we will look at how a scouting gradient can help determine whether an isocratic or gradient method is the best choice. The strengths of each will be discussed. They can help determine which to choose when conditions reasonably allow for a choice.
Lastly, we will briefly discuss how a scouting gradient can be used to optimize the conditions of an analytical gradient.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Paul Altiero (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Paul Altiero is an Applications Engineer located at the Agilent Little Falls site in Wilmington, DE. Prior to coming to Agilent in 2009, Paul worked in the pharmaceutical industry performing LCMS bioanalysis supporting Drug Discovery DMPK. While at Agilent, Paul has been a field service engineer for LCMS as well as the integrating program manager for the RapidFire high throughput LCMS system. In his current role Paul’s responsibilities include technical support and application assistance for LCMS consumables.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Isocratic vs. Gradient: Making the Call

Isocratic vs. Gradient: Making the Call

How a scouting gradient can help determine whether an isocratic or gradient method is the best choice.

HPLC Isocratic vs. Gradient: Making the Call

With the addition of MS detection to HPLC analyses, certain considerations must be made in selecting columns and conditions.
In this seminar we will:
<ul>
<li>Discuss the fundamentals and applications of various LC/MS techniques.
</li>
<li>Look at column choices and mobile phase selection for LC separations as well as for MS sensitivity
</li>
<li>Address specific challenges to LC/MS analyses, such as interferences and ion suppression, will be addressed.
</li>
<li>The importance of sample preparation in minimizing problems with interferences will also be covered.
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Mark Powell (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Mark Powell is an Applications Engineer located at Agilent’s Little Falls site in Wilmington, DE. Before joining Agilent in 2011, Mark worked in the pharmaceutical industry synthesizing, purifying and analyzing drug candidates. He provides applications assistance and technical support for Agilent’s HPLC columns and consumables.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Making LC Methods MS Friendly

Making LC Methods MS Friendly

With the addition of MS detection to HPLC analyses, certain considerations must be made in selecting columns and conditions.

How the chromatographic process works is not magic.
It is described by a few key parameters, such as resolution, retention factor, and selectivity. Understanding the equations that define these parameters can make them less intimidating.
In this talk we will discuss:
<ul>
<li>What they are and where they come from
</li>
<li>Their importance
</li>
<li>The effect they have on our chromatography
</li>
<li>When they don’t matter
</li>
</ul>
A better grasp of this key information helps make the separation work for us.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Bill Champion (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Demystifying the Chromatographic Process

Demystifying the Chromatographic Process

How the chromatographic process works is not magic.

Developing reversed-phase chromatographic methods can often be both more efficient and made better by use of a systematic approach rather than a “random walk”.
Combining simple experimental design with chromatographic understanding can help us better understand how the chromatographic parameters affect the separation.
In this talk, we will discuss the use of simple experimental design to optimize our method development and how it can:
<ul>
<li>Help make the method more robust</li>
<li>Help us understand and predict chromatographic behavior</li>
<li>Make it possible to know which parameters are really important</li>
</ul>
Most of these experiments can be set up to run in a simple overnight sequence.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Bill Champion (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Systematic Approach vs. Random Walk - Improving the Efficiency of Method Development and Optimization

Systematic Approach vs. Random Walk - Improving the Efficiency of Method Development and Optimization

Use of simple experimental design to optimize our method development.

HPLC Method Development and Optimization Basics

Whether you develop HPLC methods, run QC samples or perform contract analyses, longer analysis times cost more and FAST LC columns can help you reduce those costs.
In this seminar we will look at:
<ul>
<li>Easy-to-follow steps for converting existing methods
</li>
<li>Developing new, faster methods on existing equipment
</li>
<li>System improvements and adjustments, like flow path connections and detector acquisition rates that can help you get the best performance with your existing system.
</li>
</ul>
We’ll also discuss when and why to consider an enhanced UHPLC systems.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Rita Steed (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Rita Steed began supporting the LC column line for Agilent in 1999. As a Chromatography Specialist (first with Chromatography, Inc., then directly for Agilent), Rita worked on-site with researchers in Pharmaceutical and other industries presenting technical seminars and assisting researchers with troubleshooting and method development. Rita has over 20 years of Chromatography experience in the Biotechnology, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical industries. She has held positions in Research, Sales, and Technical Service. Rita has earned degrees in Microbiology and Life Sciences/Biochemistry. In her current position, she is an inside Application Engineer supporting LC columns.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: High Resolution Fast LC - Easier Than You Think with Simple Changes

High Resolution Fast LC - Easier Than You Think with Simple Changes

Developing new, faster methods on existing HPLC equipment.

Easier Than You Think with Simple Changes

Operating an HPLC can be overwhelming to a new user.
There are many pitfalls or “gotchas”. Even the issue of what tubing and fittings are compatible and which are not can be a serious impediment to successfully operating the HPLC.
In this talk, we will discuss:
<ul>
<li>The importance of connections
</li>
<li>Mobile Phase considerations
<ul>
<li>Quality
</li>
<li>Preventing microbial growth
</li>
<li>Sample/solvent compatibility
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Column Characteristics; Their importance and limitations
</li>
<li>The importance of sample prep
</li>
</ul>
Avoiding these pitfalls can help you achieve long-term, reliable results.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Rita Steed (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Rita Steed began supporting the LC column line for Agilent in 1999. As a Chromatography Specialist (first with Chromatography, Inc., then directly for Agilent), Rita worked on-site with researchers in Pharmaceutical and other industries presenting technical seminars and assisting researchers with troubleshooting and method development. Rita has over 20 years of Chromatography experience in the Biotechnology, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical industries. She has held positions in Research, Sales, and Technical Service. Rita has earned degrees in Microbiology and Life Sciences/Biochemistry. In her current position, she is an inside Application Engineer supporting LC columns.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: New to HPLC? Tips for Avoiding Beginner Pitfalls

New to HPLC? Tips for Avoiding Beginner Pitfalls

What tubing and fittings are compatible and which are not can be a serious impediment to successfully operating the HPLC.

GPC/SEC, Gel Permeation Chromatography or Size Exclusion Chromatography, is a non-interactive chromatographic technique that separates analytes based on their size in solution.
It is often used in laboratories for determination of a polymers&#39; molecular weight distribution but has many other uses.
In this talk we will:
<ul>
<li>Review GPC theory
</li>
<li>Discuss why molecular weight distribution is important
</li>
<li>Look at the different types of columns and their uses
</li>
<li>Cover key column selection criteria
</li>
<li>Show how key parameters like concentration, particle size, and injection volume can affect your separation
</li>
</ul>
We will also look at examples of common mistakes and pitfalls relating to solvent choice, calibration standards, and combining columns in series.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jean Lane (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jean has been employed with Agilent since Nov 2010 in technical and applications support and has a primary role supporting Agilent’s full line of LC columns and consumables, which also includes support for Agilent’s GPC/SEC product line. She came to Agilent thru acquisition of Varian and the former Polymer Laboratories. Jean has 20 plus years of technical and applications support for both HPLC and GPC consumable products. In addition to practical chromatography experience in the laboratory, she has had many, many years in her technical role involving customer support providing assistance and troubleshooting for customer chromatography issues.
</blockquote>

LCMS webinars focusing on Academy/Principles - page 40