Microplastics and Nanomaterials: Understanding Emerging Contaminants in Environmental Testing

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

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

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

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

Article

Video

Scientists

Environment

Scientific article

Interview

Science and research

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

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

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

Organomation

Separation Science

Agilent Technologies

Shimadzu Corporation

SCIEX

Waters Corporation

<h3>Solving Problems That Matter - a Waters webinar series featuring USP speakers</h3><h4>Episode 9: Nitrosamines</h4>When present in pharmaceutical products, nitrosamine impurities - a probable carcinogen - can disrupt drug supply chains and lead to shortages resulting from product recalls and withdrawals.Join our panelists Naiffer Romero from the USP and Marian Twohig from Waters Corporation as they address analytical challenges in the detection and control of nitrosamines and Nitrosamine Drug-Substance Related Impurities (NDSRIs).Key learning objectives:<ul><li>Understand the current analytical challenges associated with the detection and control of nitrosamine impurities. Explore fit-for-purpose and compliant-ready LC-MS-MS solutions for the cGMP laboratory.</li></ul>Who should attend:<ul><li>Pharmaceutical scientists involved with the detection and control of nitrosamines impurities</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Naiffer Romero, MSc, MPH (Principal Scientist - Scientific Affairs, US Pharmacopeia)</blockquote><blockquote>Naiffer has more than 20 years of pharmaceutical industry experience. In his 13+ years tenure with USP, he has served several roles: Lead scientist in the dosage form performance laboratory, reference standard development team, Manager in charge of LATAM Compendial engagement and education, responsible for stakeholders and national regulatory bodies engagement. Naiffer is also a certified USP Education instructor. Most recently, Naiffer joined USP's Scientific Affairs performance cell, where he leads scientific outreach and engagement for LATAM &amp; U.S. on key national health priority topics. His combined pharmaceutical expertise includes Analytical Development, salt and polymorph selection, Development of dissolution methods, IVIVC modeling, and impurity analytical strategy. Naiffer also serves as a member of USP's Nitrosamine Steering Committee and community host to 'Nitrosamine Exchange,' a knowledge community in All-things Nitrosamine. Naiffer also liaises technical discussion on pharmacopeial collaboration, including international meetings of World Pharmacopeias (part of WHO).</blockquote><blockquote>Presenter: Marian Twohig, Ph.D. (Consultant Scientist, Waters Corporation)</blockquote><blockquote>Marian has over 20 years of experience supporting quantitative and qualitative applications in the pharmaceutical, food and environmental and materials science industries. She works as a Consultant Scientist for Waters Corporation where she has previously held several Senior Scientist positions. Currently, the focus of Marian’s work is in the development of quantitative analytical methods to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical industry. She is particularly interested in chromatographic separations and the application of combining low- and high-resolution mass spectral data with other chemical information for identification of unknown chemical entities. Marian holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland.</blockquote><blockquote>Moderator: Isabelle Vu Trieu (Pharmaceutical Market Development Manager, Americas, Waters Corporation)</blockquote><blockquote>Isabelle is a business development professional dedicated to delivering benefits to analytical scientists in the life sciences industry. With over 20 years of experience in providing chromatography and mass spectrometry solutions, Isabelle is particularly interested in helping pharmaceutical scientists achieve the data quality and integrity needed to drive decisions for drug quality, safety and efficacy. Isabelle joined Waters in 2009 and currently manages the development of the pharmaceutical market in the Americas. She holds Masters’ degrees in Chemistry from Columbia University and the University Claude Bernard in Lyon, France as well as a Chemical Engineering degree from Ecole Supérieure de Chimie Physique Electronique in Lyon, France.</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Solving Problems That Matter - a Waters webinar series featuring USP speakers

Nitrosamines

This webinar will address analytical challenges in the detection and control of nitrosamines and Nitrosamine Drug-Substance Related Impurities (NDSRIs).

<h4>Virtual event: Pharma conclave series 2024</h4>SCIEX offers the platform for the experts to take the stage and drive technological progressWelcome to Pharma conclave series 2024 – where our customers’ expertise meets innovation, transforming your knowledge and empowering you to revolutionize your work processes. Join us in discovering techniques that will enhance your skills to accelerate your daily operations in the development of new drugs.From the research of new markers to the drug development moving into non and GLP bioanalysis. Confidently plan your next lab expansion with the knowledge gained from industry leaders and pioneers.<ul><li>May 16 Event 1: Pharma omics</li><li>September 17 Event 2: Impurities</li><li>October 23-24 Event 3: Pharma</li></ul>10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CET<h3>Event 3: Pharma</h3>The pharma connectionFrom discovery to QA/QC. All the process to bring a new treatment to the patients is following a path to connect the different stages until the magic happens.Join to see how the scientists are generating the needed tricks to connect the initial though with the final formulation.<h3>Day 1</h3><h5>10:00 - 10:30 - Metabolomics screening kits for use in clinical trials</h5><ul><li>Heike Wiese, Nuvisan</li></ul><h5>10:30 – 11:00&nbsp;- Sphingolipid biomarkers in neurodegenerative drug development</h5><ul><li>Jose Carlos Gonzalez, AMSbiopharma</li></ul><h5>11:00 – 11:30 - Parallel setup of a series of micro LC methods, coupled with the low-resolution mass spec (API7500) for &nbsp;TG2 inhibitors</h5><ul><li>Davide Massari and Chiara Olmi, ERBC Group</li></ul><h5>11:30 – 12:00&nbsp;- PFAS analysis and mass spectrometry: Beyond environmental, food and packaging. What about cosmetic and pharmaceutical products?</h5><ul><li>Emiliano De Dominicis, Merieux</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Bruno Manadas, PhD</blockquote><blockquote>Dr Manadas is a prominent Cell Biology researcher at CNC-UC since 2017. With expertise in biochemistry, psychology, and biotechnology, he's authored 130+ publications and led multiple projects. As head of CNC's Mass Spectrometry node and Associate Editor for Frontiers, he's contributed significantly to neuroscience and psychiatry. Bruno's research focuses on cell biology mechanisms, translational biomarker research, and MS-based approaches for studying protein oxidation. He played a pivotal role in establishing the hospital biobank and teaches at the Portuguese Catholic University.</blockquote><blockquote>Presenter: Dorte Bekker-Jensen</blockquote><blockquote>Dorte is heading the Applications Development team in Proteomics Research at Evosep. She has long-term experience within proteomics and has focused on technology development by developing simple and automated workflows for high-throughput applications.</blockquote><blockquote>Presenter: Stefan Ledinger</blockquote><blockquote>Stefan has 20 years of experience in the life sciences and diagnostic industries. For the last dozen years, he has been serving various functions within biocrates life sciences ag. Most recently, he has been responsible for the market development for metabolomics solutions in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. He currently serves as Global Head of Sales. Stefan holds degrees in business administration and bioengineering, combining commercial know-how with a passion for science.</blockquote><blockquote>Presenter: Markus Langsdorf</blockquote><blockquote>Markus has 14 years of experience in life sciences industries. As he joined biocrates in 2010, he worked for 11 years as application support specialist for biocrates’ metabolomics profiling solutions. 3 years ago he changed his position withing the company to his new function as product manager. Markus studied chemistry and graduated with a PhD in Analytical Chemistry.</blockquote>

Pharma conclave series 2024: Pharma (Day1)

From discovery to QA/QC. The process to bring a new treatment to the patients.

This webinar is about single quad mass detectors. We will look at the development of single quads together and highlight the possibilities offered by today's single quads and how they support the user.The aim of the webinar is to show users how they can easily add mass-selective confirmation to their HPLC-UV methods. In other words: achieve greater security without more complexity.<blockquote>Presenter: Shaun Pritchard (Product Specialist Liquid Phase Separations, Agilent Technologies)Shaun Pritchard is a Product Specialist for separation products at Agilent Technologies covering the UK and Ireland. He started his career in 1989 working at a large Pharmaceutical company holding a number of roles, this is where he became passionate about HPLC finally in 1998 he took the leap to leave the lab and move to the commercial side of things and has had a number of roles within the industry until 2017 he joined Agilent.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: HPLC Beginner Webinar Series

Single Quad mass detection II

We will look at the development of single quads together and highlight the possibilities offered by today's single quads and how they support the user.

This webinar will guide you through optimizing your Q-TOF for superior data quality by selecting the most suitable tune mode for your samples.You will learn about the different optimisation workflows available within MassHunter Acquisition, including how to optimise Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) methods for new compounds. We will also review key tools for creating and editing worklists, and discuss the benefits of Intelligent Reflex tools, demonstrating how they can be effectively implemented in your workflows.This webinar is designed to enhance your understanding and application of MassHunter Acquisition, ensuring you can achieve optimal performance in your analytical processes.<blockquote>Presenter: Day Powell (Field Application Specialist, Agilent Technologies)Day has worked for Agilent as an Environmental Application Specialist for over a year, before this he worked for United Utilities (UU) as a Technical Specialist responsible for developing new methodologies for both LC/MS and GC/MS applications. Day has worked with PFAS for several years and helped UU to UKAS accredit a novel method for 47 PFAS in drinking water using direct injection to address the latest DWI regulations. Presenter: Jonathan Spencer (Application Specialist, Agilent Technologies)Jonathan studied BSc Natural Sciences at the University of Nottingham and later went on to Sheffield Hallam University to study a MSc in Forensic Science.Following graduation, he spent 2 years as a Confirmatory Analyst in an anti-doping and forensic toxicology lab, before joining Agilent as an LC/MS Applications Scientist. At Agilent, he focuses on small molecule applications using LC/TQ and LC/Q-TOF in fields of like food, forensic and environmental analysis.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: MassHunter Masterclass Months

MassHunter Acquisition for LC/TQ and MRM Method Optimisation

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the various aspects of MassHunter Acquisition for Liquid Chromatography/Triple Quadrupole (LC/TQ) systems.

As the therapeutic potential of RNA expands beyond COVID vaccines, new mRNA drug candidates for personalized cancer treatments and CRISPR sgRNA complexes are emerging, offering solutions for genetic disorders and epigenetic modulation. Recent advancements in RNA analysis provide critical insights into drug design, stability, purity, and molecular integrity. To analyze larger therapeutic RNAs by LC-MS, they must be broken down into smaller fragments. Novel RNA endonucleases, high-purity mobile phase reagents, and integrated data processing workflows now simplify and automate these tasks, making LC-MS assays more accessible. These innovations lower the adoption barrier for LC-MS, accelerating the development and market readiness of RNA-based therapeutics. Waters is at the forefront of advancing RNA therapy development with innovative analytical tools and workflows designed for rapid and precise sequence confirmation and modification mapping. This webinar will feature insights from Quality Assistance a leading European Contract Research Organisation (CRO) offering a range of services including mRNA and CRISPR sgRNA testing. In this discussion, Quality Assistance will highlight their implementation of Waters' latest RNA solutions and discuss the analytical benefits these new tools have provided. &nbsp;In this webinar you will learn: <ul><li>A comprehensive set of tools for LC-MS analysis of large RNA molecules, including enzymes, reagents, and informatics tools</li><li>Novel digestion protocols with new RNases for identity, purity, and modification mapping</li><li>Method considerations for sgRNA and mRNA digestion and data analysis</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Dr. Thomas Menneteau (R&amp;D Scientist, Quality Assistance)Dr. Thomas Menneteau studied at the Université Paul Sabatier in Toulouse, France and defended his thesis on the characterization of proteasome complexes by mass spectrometry in Dr Schiltz lab. He joined Dr. Thalassinos &amp; Prof. Tabrizi labs at University College London as a postdoc to study DNA repair complexes involved in Huntington disease by native mass spectrometry and crosslinking-MS. He joined Quality Assistance in 2021 as a R&amp;D Scientist and he is involved in the development of LC-MS method for the analysis of biomolecules (proteins, mRNA, …).Presenter: Christian Reidy (Principal Product Manager, Waters Corporation)Christian Reidy is a Principal Product Manager at Waters Corporation, specializing in analytical solutions for cell and gene therapy applications including HILIC, AEX, novel enzymes, standards, and reagents. With over a decade of experience in analytical chemistry, including project management and chemistry account management, Christian supports the advancement and commercialization of innovative products that empower researchers and pharmaceutical companies to advance RNA development.</blockquote>

Waters: Analyzing mRNA and sgRNA with Advanced Enzymes, Mass Spectrometry, and Informatics

Analyzing mRNA and sgRNA with Advanced Enzymes, Mass Spectrometry, and Informatics

Analyzing mRNA and sgRNA

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.

Host cell proteins (HCPs) are proteins that are produced by the host cells used in the production of biopharmaceuticals. These proteins can be impurities in the final product and due to their potential to adversely impact product safety and efficacy, HCP levels must be monitored and controlled in drug products and are strictly regulated.By employing advanced analytical techniques, biopharmaceutical companies can effectively monitor and control HCP levels, ensuring the production of safe and effective therapeutic products. Join us in this unique webinar where experts from Industry, pharmacopeia and Agilent will share insights on latest advancements on HCP analysis.Key learnings:<ul><li>Best practices for sample preparation, MS data acquisition, data analysis and reporting</li><li>Orthogonality of MS and traditional methods</li><li>USP approach for HCP reference materials to support identification and quantitation of HCPs</li><li>New advancements in detection and sensitivity</li><li>Process and analytical controls for host cell impurities</li><li>LC/MS based HCP identification approaches</li><li>Mandates on host specific HCP assays</li><li>and more</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Dr. Annu Uppal (Director - Scientific Affairs &amp; Strategy, U.S. Pharmacopeia - India)Annu Uppal, in her role as Director, Scientific Affairs and Strategy, leads a team of scientists across five regions—North America, EMEA, South Asia, Greater China, and LATAM—to drive and support USPs scientific priorities. Annu leads pivotal initiatives such as USP's Science &amp; Quality Framework and Knowledge Hubs for Multi-Attribute Methods, highlighting her dedication to advancing standards and scientific progress.Annu's areas of expertise include glycosylation analysis, MAM, native mode, and host cell protein analysis. She holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Aligarh Muslim University, India and has authored numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters. Annu also serves as faculty for the USP biologics education program on method development and validation.Presenter: Dr. Amarnath Chatterjee (Director and Head Analytical Sciences Biosimilars, Cipla Limited)Dr. Amarnath is a Biophysicist with more than two decades of experience working with peptides and proteins. Post PhD at the prestigious Tata Institute of Fundamental research, Mumbai, he worked at the Scripps Research Institute California, USA in the laboratory of Nobel Laureate Prof. Kurt Wuthrich. He has substantial experience in the regulatory role of Biophysics in the Biopharma industry.Dr. Amarnath leads the biologics development technical operations, providing expert advice on analytical workflows for quality control and characterization of client projects. He strategizes and supports the generation and analysis of physicochemical data under CMC, utilizing various spectrometric and spectroscopic methodologies for product release, regulatory submissions, and process developmentPresenter:&nbsp;Dr. Ashish Pargaonkar (Biopharma Workflow Commercialization Lead, Agilent Technologies)Dr. Ashish Pargaonkar is a Lead for Biopharma Workflow Commercialization team for India and also Manager for Centre of Excellences at Bangalore. A Microbiologist by education with a Ph.D, he holds more than 20 years of experience for Biopharma market applications on Hi Resolution Mass Spectrometry.He has a long record of successful demonstrations and customer engagements on workflows for CQA’s, Intact mass, peptide mapping, HCP and Glycans using Agilent state-of-the art solutions. He has authored ASMS posters on media components and therapeutic peptides. Dr. Ashish has been invited speaker at several conferences and workshops at Biosimilar Congress, ADC 2018, IIT (Mumbai, Delhi), ICT (Mumbai), PSI events.</blockquote>

Agilent: Advancements in Host Cell Protein Analysis

Advancements in Host Cell Protein Analysis

Experts from Industry, pharmacopeia and Agilent will share insights on latest advancements on HCP analysis.

By watching the presentation, you will learn<ul><li>how to develop sensitive and selective LC-MS analysis of organoids</li><li>how to tailor sample preparation procedures to fit the uniqueness of such biosamples</li><li>how to proceed with method validation</li></ul>Event OverviewThis webinar emphasizes the significance of capillary HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry in two parts. The first part discusses Merck's Lipidomics Analytical Platform for mRNA Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Innovation, aiming to study LNP metabolization and predict metabolites for regulatory approval of LNP-based therapeutics.The second part focuses on the use of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) as a powerful tool for studying organoids and organ-on-chip (OoC) models. These models, used as alternatives to animal models, require sensitive analytical tools, and LC-MS methods for proteomics, lipidomics, peptidomics, and drug metabolism studies are being developed and applied for this purpose. The presentation also highlights the advantages of miniaturization of the LC system and on-line analysis for sensitive and automated measurements with minimal sample loss and contamination.What you need to know:Date: 17 October, 2024Start times: Broadcast #1: 17 October - 9 am BST (London) / 10 am CEST (Paris/Berlin) / 1:30 pm IST (New Delhi) / 4 pm SGT (Singapore) Broadcast #2: 17 October - 9 am CDT (Chicago) / 10 am EDT (New York) / 3 pm BST (London) / 4 pm CEST (Paris/Berlin)Duration: Approximately 60 minutes<blockquote>Presenter: Dr. Jasjot Singh (Senior Scientist, Biomolecule Analytics Lab, Central Analytics, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany)Jasjot is a biochemist holding a PhD in LC-MS-based proteomics from the University of Bonn (2022), specializing in molecular biology. He transitioned directly to Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, where he now serves as a senior scientist in the biomolecule analytics lab of Central Analytics. In his current role, Jasjot leads diverse proteomics projects, including biomarker discovery and targeted protein degradation. He focuses on developing customized LC-MS workflows for protein, lipid, and metabolite analytics. His primary goals involve standardizing and automating workflows to enable high-throughput "omics" analysis, as well as optimizing streamlined data analysis pipelines.Presenter: Prof. Steven Ray Wilson (Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Norway)Steven Ray Wilson is a professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo. He is a principal investigator in a center of excellence that focuses on the development and study of organoids/OoCs in the Hybrid Technology Hub. He has close ties to the analytical community, as well as long-term collaborations with medical partners for clinical applications, for example.</blockquote>

Separation Science: Empowering Tomorrow’s Therapeutics with LC-MS Capillary Chromatography

Empowering Tomorrow’s Therapeutics with LC-MS Capillary Chromatography

This webinar emphasizes the significance of capillary HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry.

Therapeutics with LC-MS Capillary Chromatography

Join us for an enlightening Digital Classrooms session focused on the pivotal advancements in mass spectrometry (MS) technology and its applications in personalized health monitoring, early disease detection, and critical care management.This session, led by esteemed experts Dr. Naatasha Isahak and Dr. Abhik Banerjee, Zonal Technical Chief of Apollo Diagnostics' East Zone, will uncover how MS is transforming modern healthcare.Explore how MS technology facilitates the quantification of vitamins, hormones, metabolites, and proteins, providing insights into metabolic health, nutritional status, and organ function. Additionally, through real-world case studies, learn how MS is utilized for rapid diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring in acute conditions, such as sepsis and organ failure.Don’t miss this opportunity to understand the technical aspects of MS-based assays, as well as practical considerations for integrating these tools into clinical workflows for enhanced patient outcomes. Whether you are involved in clinical diagnostics or health management, join us to discover the expanding influence of mass spectrometry in today’s healthcare landscape.<h5>Learning Objectives:</h5><ul><li>Delve into the latest advancements in MS technology and its applications in personalized health monitoring, early disease detection, and critical care management.</li><li>Discover how MS quantifies biomarkers like vitamins, hormones, metabolites, and proteins, and its role in assessing metabolic health, nutritional status, and organ function.</li><li>Gain practical insights into seamlessly integrating MS-based assays into clinical workflows, with real-world case studies demonstrating its effectiveness in rapid diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of acute conditions like sepsis and organ failure.</li><li>Explore a concise overview of Shimadzu's innovative solutions tailored for wellness diagnostics and critical care applications.</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Dr. Abhik Banerjee (Zonal Technical Chief, East Zone, Apollo Diagnostics)Dr. Abhik Banerjee is a highly accomplished pathologist with over 11 years of post-MD pathology experience and more than a decade as a Consultant Pathologist. He currently serves as the Zonal Technical Chief for East Zone at Apollo Diagnostics, overseeing the operations of around 30 laboratories in East India. A specialist in laboratory medicine, pathology, and quality control, Dr. Banerjee has spearheaded the establishment of the first LC-MS/MS (Tandem mass spectrometry) setup in Eastern India at Suraksha Diagnostics, Kolkata. He has held leadership roles such as Lab Director and Chief of Quality at Suraksha Diagnostics' COVID-19 Cell, and was the Nodal Officer for the only CAP-accredited medical laboratory in East India. He has contributed to the field with publications in national journals and received the Dx Leadership Award in 2019. Additionally, Dr. Banerjee is a certified lead assessor for CAP audits, has extensive experience with NABL and ISO 15189 audits, and has been an active speaker and reviewer for medical journals.Presenter: Naatasha Isahak (Market Specialist (Clinical and Forensics), Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)Naatasha Isahak is a Product Specialist for MALDI and Life Sciences Products from Shimadzu Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. She has received her PhD from the University of Sydney (Chemistry) working on surface initiated polymerisation on silica nanoparticles using RAFT polymerisation and bioorthogonal conjugation of peptides using Native Chemical Ligation. She then spent 5 years working on developing platforms for stem cells and organoids characterization that included working with microfluidic devices and helical polymers. Naatasha joined Shimadzu in 2022 to expand her experiences to MALDI characterization on materials and biological samples.</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Wellness Diagnostics And Critical Care

Wellness Diagnostics And Critical Care

We will uncover how MS is transforming modern healthcare.

<div><div>Therapeutic synthetic oligonucleotides represent unique analytical challenges in late-stage development. To meet the stringent regulatory requirements, highly specific and sensitive methods such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) must be used. However, neither chromatography nor mass spectrometry data systems have the capabilities, both in function and in data integrity, for the typical QC analyst end user to run a highly complex method such as purity, assay, and impurity profiling for therapeutic oligos such as anti-sense oligonucleotides.In this presentation, we present a paradigm shift in software with Oligo Analysis Accelerator for OpenLab CDS. This application streamlines the analytical workflow by using a fit-for-purpose user interface while leveraging existing data integrity and compliance architecture within OpenLab CDS.<h4>By attending this webinar, you will:</h4><ul><li>Understand the fundamentals of ion-pair reversed-phase LC/MS for oligonucleotides</li><li>Discover how a single quadrupole detector is used for impurity profiling of anti-sense oligonucleotides</li><li>Learn how fit-for-purpose software for LC/MS analysis in QC lot release can save time and enhance quality</li></ul><h5>Who should attend</h5><ul><li>Analytical chemists interested in cutting-edge software for large molecule late-stage development</li><li>Analytical research and development labs interested in developing robust methods for single-stranded oligo therapeutics</li><li>Process scientists who rely on in-process control purity results to optimize synthesis and purification for oligos</li><li>Quality assurance and quality control personnel supporting oligo testing labs</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Brian Rivera (Software Product Manager, Agilent Technologies)Brian Rivera is a software product manager at Agilent Technologies with 20 years of experience in HPLC analysis of large molecules.</blockquote></div></div>

Separation Sciences: Boost Efficiency in Oligonucleotide QC with Software Designed for the Job

Boost Efficiency in Oligonucleotide QC with Software Designed for the Job

In this presentation, we present a paradigm shift in software with Oligo Analysis Accelerator for OpenLab CDS.

LCMS webinars focusing on LC/MS - page 46