Meeting EU Drinking Water Standards: The Critical Role of Sample Prep in Trace Contaminant Analysis

Although modern agriculture needs to be based on accurate real-time data on soil, plant, and environmental conditions, affordable, sufficiently sensitive, and robust monitoring devices for this purpose are currently missing. According to scientists, low-cost sensors based on new smart materials and printing technologies offer a suitable solution. The results of multidisciplinary research thus far and proposals for the development of these devices have been presented by researchers from Czechia, Great Britain, Spain, and the USA in a review article in the prestigious journal <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-68778-6#Abs1">Nature Communications</a>.“Sensor technologies for monitoring plant health are still in their infancy. Only simple sensors capable of monitoring basic parameters such as pH, soil moisture, or temperature are commonly available on the market. However, if farmers are to face current challenges, including climate change, and ensure sufficient food for humanity, they need much more effective tools that will enable them to monitor, for example, various pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. In our opinion, a suitable solution is a combination of new smart materials and printing for the production of inexpensive, durable, and scalable materials,” said the article’s first author, David Panáček from CATRIN, who worked on the study during his internship at Imperial College London.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Soucasne_senzory_nestaci_Vedci_navrhuji_novou_cestu_ke_sledovani_zdravi_rostlin_b4014952a3.jpg" alt="CATRIN: David Panáček" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Soucasne_senzory_nestaci_Vedci_navrhuji_novou_cestu_ke_sledovani_zdravi_rostlin_b4014952a3.jpg 208w," sizes="100vw" width="1536" height="1152">Sensors for monitoring plant health, for example, lag behind similar devices used in human medicine. According to the authors, advances in materials science, which will enable the development of scalable sensor technologies, play a key role in this potential shift. “Printing techniques, including inkjet printing, screen printing, aerosol printing, 3D printing, and direct laser writing, offer flexible ways to produce flexible sensors, large-area sensors, and sensors integrated directly into plants. The review article summarizes recent advances in printable low-dimensional materials for agricultural sensors, analyzes their physico-chemical properties in relation to sensor performance, and discusses key challenges and future opportunities requiring interdisciplinary integration,” said one of the corresponding authors, Michal Otyepka.The research brought together materials scientists, chemists, biologists, sensing experts, and printing technology specialists. Materials research and the use of graphene-based smart materials were led by scientists from CATRIN at Palacký University and VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava. Plant biologists from CATRIN contributed their knowledge of plant development, their responses to stress conditions, and the monitoring of their properties. Researchers from Imperial College London took care of the electronics, while representatives from<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/companies/36"> CEITEC – VUT</a> focused on printing technologies. The team also included leading experts in sensing from the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Barcelona, and Joseph Wang of the University of California San Diego, the “father of sensing and electrochemistry,” also contributed his extensive knowledge.“This is a groundbreaking study on this topic, which has managed to attract some truly big names in their respective fields. Last but not least, the study demonstrates that interdisciplinarity at CATRIN gives rise to completely new and promising research topics, such as plant sensing and its use for studying plant-environment interactions and smart agriculture,” added another corresponding author, Nuria De Diego.

Current sensors are not good enough. Scientists propose a new way to monitor plant health

In this episode of the Concentrating on Chromatography podcast, host David Oliva interviews Ainslie Chen about her cutting-edge research on hemoglobin variant testing using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HR-MS). Ainslie discusses her novel method for separating and identifying hemoglobin subunits with mass shifts less than 1 Da, overcoming critical limitations in conventional clinical assays.Hear firsthand how her team developed an LC-HR-MS workflow using a C4 reversed-phase column, tackled technical challenges (including why C18 columns fell short), and achieved unprecedented sensitivity for variant detection in both adult and neonatal samples. The conversation touches on the potential of mass spectrometry to revolutionize clinical diagnostics, the importance of reproducibility, barriers to adoption in routine labs, and how teamwork drives scientific innovation.Perfect for analytical chemists, clinical laboratorians, and anyone interested in the future of protein variant analysis, this episode also features Ainslie’s advice for early-career scientists and insights from her first ACS poster presentation.<h4>Key Highlights:</h4><ul><li>Motivation behind improving hemoglobinopathy testing &nbsp;</li><li>Technical advantages of LC-HR-MS over gene sequencing and CE &nbsp;</li><li>The crucial role of the C4 column in resolving challenging samples &nbsp;</li><li>Critical parameters for reproducible LC-HR-MS workflows &nbsp;</li><li>Barriers and outlook for clinical adoption of advanced mass spectrometry &nbsp;</li><li>The value of teamwork and mentorship in scientific research &nbsp;</li><li>Direct insights from recent ACS conference experiences</li></ul><h3>Video transcription</h3>In this interview, Ainslie Chen discusses her research on improving the detection and identification of hemoglobin variants using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The work addresses limitations of conventional hemoglobinopathy testing, which often struggles to resolve very small mass differences between closely related hemoglobin subunits. Because even a single amino-acid substitution can significantly alter hemoglobin structure and function, high analytical resolution is essential for accurate diagnosis of conditions such as anemia and sickle cell disease.Chen explains why her team selected LC-HRMS over established clinical techniques like capillary electrophoresis and gene sequencing. While sequencing offers excellent accuracy, it is time-consuming, costly, and requires extensive sample preparation, making it impractical for routine clinical workflows. Capillary electrophoresis enables subunit separation but lacks the resolving power needed to distinguish variants differing by less than one Dalton. In contrast, high-resolution mass spectrometry provides both structural specificity and sensitivity, enabling confident identification of subtle hemoglobin variants with minimal sample preparation.A key methodological insight from the project was the use of a C4 reversed-phase LC column instead of the more common C18 column. Chen describes how the shorter carbon chain and larger pore size of C4 columns improved protein elution and reduced denaturation, leading to more reproducible separations. Critical parameters for reproducibility included consistent mobile-phase composition (0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile), controlled temperature (60 °C for LC, ~320 °C capillary temperature), and stable chromatographic conditions.Beyond hemoglobin analysis, Chen highlights the broader potential of high-resolution mass spectrometry in proteoform analysis and clinical diagnostics, including emerging applications in cancer detection. She acknowledges current barriers to clinical adoption—such as energy demands and instrument infrastructure—but points to advances like miniaturized mass spectrometers as promising steps toward wider use. The interview concludes with advice for young scientists: don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors, embrace collaboration, and view analytical chemistry as a versatile tool that bridges medicine, biology, environmental science, and beyond.<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>

Unlocking Hemoglobin Variant Detection: LC-HR-MS Breakthrough with Ainslie Chen

Article

Video

Environment

Scientific article

Interview

Science and research

The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) at Palacký University is a cutting-edge scientific hub dedicated to advancing research in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and biomedicine. At its core, CATRIN boasts outstanding scientific teams, featuring international researchers. We emphasize interdisciplinarity, foster global collaborations, and work to translate our research findings into practical applications.

CATRIN

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

Phenomenex

SelectScience

Shimadzu Corporation

Phenomenex has recently launched a unique web series unlike anything they have done before. “Inside the Lab” invites viewers to not only learn from a panel of experts of the related topic, but allows you to ask questions in real time and become a part of the discussion.
You may have attended a <a href="https://www.phenomenex.com/Info/Page/upcoming-webinars">webinar Phenomenex</a> has hosted before, but this will be something different. This series is an opportunity for you to virtually talk face-to-face with the people who design and create Phenomenex products and consider chromatography not just a science, but an art. You’ll be able to ask them anything! But of course, we can only guarantee expertise in chromatography.

Phenomenex: Inside the Lab with Phenomenex - GC

Inside the Lab with Phenomenex - GC

Whether you are an expert chromatographer or new to using (U)HPLC, this seminar will have something for you.
The talk will begin with a very short intro to chromatographic theory and then will be packed full of detailed tips and tricks for getting the most out of your Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC System, with specific examples showing the best tubing configurations and method settings to ensure optimum performance of both the pump and autosamplers. Then a brief overview of column chemistry considerations will be shared, and the discussion will conclude with some practical advice related to optical and mass spectrometry detection.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jade Byrd (Director of Industry Marketing, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jade Byrd has worked with laboratory-driven organizations implementing LC and LC/MS solutions for 13 years, first as an applications chemist and then as a product manager. She joined Agilent in 2014 and has recently become Director of Industry Marketing.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Getting the Most out of Your Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC System

Getting the Most out of Your Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC System

Detailed tips and tricks for getting the most out of your Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC System.

The Most out of Your Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC System

Reversed phase is the most common mode of HPLC but if it’s not working for you, don’t despair, there are other options. Perhaps HILIC, Chiral, IEX, GPC/SEC, Affinity, SFC, or HIC might be better suited to your sample type.
In this seminar, we will look at additional chromatographic techniques and discuss:
<ul>
<li>Mechanism of separation
</li>
<li>Column selection and available chemistries
</li>
<li>Typical method and eluent conditions
</li>
</ul>
Becoming familiar with other modes of chromatography and investigating alternative chemistry options can result in an improved separation or provide additional information for your sample.
<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: There is More to HPLC Than Reversed Phase; Exploring Other Options

There is More to HPLC Than Reversed Phase; Exploring Other Options

There is More to HPLC: Exploring Other Options

Whether your chromatography suddenly changes or you’re not able to reproduce a method from, e.g. a pharmacopeia, isolating the source of the problem can be a challenge.
In this seminar we will develop your troubleshooting skills as we:
Discuss common chromatography problems
<ul>
<li>Pressure
</li>
<li>Peak Shape
</li>
<li>Retention
</li>
<li>Look at how to isolate the problem
</li>
<li>Chemistry related
</li>
<li>Hardware/software
</li>
</ul>
We will also talk about ways to prevent future problems.
<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: What's Wrong With My Chromatography? Is it the Column, Method or Instrument

What's Wrong With My Chromatography? Is it the Column, Method or Instrument

Develop your troubleshooting skills. Common chromatography problems.

What's Wrong With My Chromatography?

A rugged HPLC method is one that produces reproducible analytical results under actual use conditions.
To produce results that are accurate, repeatable, and reproducible an HPLC separation must either be relatively insensitive to small variations in analysis conditions, or those variations must be identified and controlled satisfactorily. This is termed method robustness. It is a required validation criterion for analytical methods submitted to national and international regulatory agencies.
In this presentation we will discuss:
<ul>
<li>Important factors that affect the robustness and ruggedness of HPLC separations
</li>
<li>Describe the importance of and the advantages of considering these factors as part of the method development process
</li>
<li>The development of a robust method is not only cost effective in the long term, but it also increases the likelihood of successful method transfer to other in-house or contract analytical laboratories.
</li>
</ul>
<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: HPLC Separation Robustness and Ruggedness - Variables to Evaluate during Method Development

HPLC Separation Robustness and Ruggedness - Variables to Evaluate during Method Development

Important factors that affect the robustness and ruggedness of HPLC separations.

Variables to Evaluate during Method Development

Whether you’re new to HPLC or have been doing it for years, there are always things we can learn.
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 a successful HPLC separation.
In this talk, we will discuss:
<ul>
<li>The importance of connections
</li>
<li>Mobile phase considerations
</li>
<li>Quality
</li>
<li>Preventing microbial growth
</li>
<li>Sample/solvent compatibility
</li>
<li>Column characteristics; their importance and limitations
</li>
<li>The importance of sample prep
</li>
<li>Avoiding these pitfalls can help you achieve long-term, reliable results.
</li>
</ul>
<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: HPLC - There's a Lot to Learn - Tips for Avoiding Pitfalls

HPLC - There's a Lot to Learn - Tips for Avoiding Pitfalls

Whether you’re new to HPLC or have been doing it for years, there are always things we can learn.

Developing reliable gradient methods is more challenging compared to isocratic methods.
In this seminar we will discuss:
<ul>
<li>Why and when a gradient separation makes sense
</li>
<li>Isocratic vs. gradient
</li>
<li>Sample types
</li>
<li>How to develop a reliable gradient method
</li>
<li>What parameters can maximize gradient resolution
</li>
</ul>
<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: Gradient, Reversed Phase HPLC - The Why, What, When and How

Gradient, Reversed Phase HPLC - The Why, What, When and How

Developing reliable gradient methods is more challenging compared to isocratic methods.

Preventing pressure, peak shape, and retention time problems saves you the time and aggravation of troubleshooting. Join us on a journey through the LC system from the solvent bottles through the detector.
During this free webinar we will make stops to explore:
<ul>
<li>The role your instrument plays
</li>
<li>The benefits of incorporating sample prep into your workflow
</li>
</ul>
The importance of selecting the best column for your analysis Problems can introduce unexpected detours. Plan ahead to insure your sample arrives as expected at its destination.
<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>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Golnar Javadi (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Golnar Javadi is an applications engineer providing online applications assistance and technical support for LC columns and supplies, Sample Preparation products, and Spectroscopy supplies.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Before joining Varian and then Agilent, Golnar worked in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries on method development and quality control. She also taught college level chemistry courses for a few years.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Golnar then joined Varian as a technical support specialist, providing customers with method development assistance and technical support on Sample Preparation (SPE, SLE, and Filtration), HPLC, GC, ToxiLab and DAT. After the Varian-Agilent merger, Golnar joined Agilent Technologies as an Applications Engineer. She provides technical support to customers on Sample Preparation products, Liquid Chromatography columns, and Spectroscopy supplies.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Around the LC System in 45 Slides!

Around the LC System in 45 Slides!

LC system from the solvent bottles through the detector.

Data quality and data integrity are critical in key decisions supporting the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. Regulatory observations in pharmaceutical laboratories routinely cite concerns regarding the suitability of analytical methods, particularly chromatographic methods that require analysts to intervene, adjust or repeat testing.
Inspired by a suite of new ICH guidelines, chromatographers are now managing methods using a lifecycle approach to improve the consistency, ruggedness and quality of separations to enable right-first-time analyses. Development and deployment of these analytical methods to modern, routine-use HPLC platforms mitigates the risk of invalidated data, continually adjusted or manual peak integration, and system suitability failures.
The webinar hosts will examine key challenges faced in the routine analysis laboratory and demonstrate method transfer to the new Waters Arc HPLC System. The Arc HPLC is designed to receive transferred methods seamlessly and run existing HPLC methods with improved robustness and precision over traditional HPLCs, avoiding system suitability failures and the invalidation of results. The Arc family of LC systems, when paired with appropriate column technology and gold standard, compliant-ready Empower Software, combine to offer robust performance in routine analysis, facilitating data review, eliminating burdensome quality or compliance documentation, and improving the overall quality of laboratory data.
<h3>Key learning objectives</h3>
<ul>
<li>Current trends in regulatory observations referencing chromatography analyses</li>
<li>How analytical method performance can be a root cause of data integrity concerns</li>
<li>How new ICH guidelines will influence how chromatographic methods are developed and documented, resulting in more stringent system suitability and reproducibility requirements</li>
<li>How improvements in the performance and ruggedness of HPLC instruments can improve data quality</li>
</ul>
<h3>Who should attend</h3>
<ul>
<li>Pharmaceutical directors, managers and analysts who wish to ensure data quality in the QC/routine analysis laboratory</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Heather Longden (Senior Marketing Manager, Pharmaceutical Intelligence, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
After a number of years in training, supporting and selling Waters Software, Heather&#39;s current role is as a specialist in compliance to e-record regulations, acting as a resource to the global informatics community at Waters and the users of all Waters informatics products. This involves helping design the compliance into Waters informatics products and services, attending and presenting at specialist conferences, keeping up to date on the latest interpretations and amendments to the regulations and disseminating this information to the Waters field and corporate organizations.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Paula Hong, PhD (Principal Consulting Scientist, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Paula Hong is a principal consulting scientist at Waters Corporation in Milford, MA. She received her Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) and began her career as an applications chemist at Waters Corporation over 15 years ago in the area of bioseparations. She has authored numerous journal articles, white papers, and application notes on both LC and SFC techniques. Her more recent work has focused on LC/MS applications, method transfer and method lifecycle management.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Moderator: Finn Price (Editorial Team, SelectScience)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Fionnbhar Price is a member of the SelectScience Editorial Team, who plays a core role in sourcing and publishing content for the site, with a particular focus on the field of applied chemistry. He has an MChem in Chemistry from Cardiff University, UK, and undertook a year in research characterizing bacterial protein.
</blockquote>

Pixabay/Tumisu: Ensuring Data Quality and Addressing Chromatographic Challenges in Routine Pharmaceutical Analysis: Tools for Success

Ensuring Data Quality and Addressing Chromatographic Challenges in Routine Pharmaceutical Analysis: Tools for Success

This session will introduce Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC).
<h3>This session will cover:</h3>
<ul>
<li>How UHPLC can be used to increase efficiency, resolution, sensitivity and throughput</li>
<li>How UHPLC can lessen environmental impact by reducing solvent consumption</li>
</ul>

LCMS webinars focusing on HPLC - page 70