<p><strong>Tasty beer starts with knowing what’s in your hops. Explore how online SPE makes bitter acid analysis in hops faster and more reliable.</strong></p><h4><strong>How can you detect bitter acid profiles quickly, reliably, and more sustainably?</strong></h4><p>For craft brewers and beer lovers alike, a refreshing experience is all about flavor.</p><p>So how can you achieve the desired bitterness in your beer? The answer is not just about the recipe. Finding the right flavor profile starts with the bitter acids present in the starting hops material.</p><div><div><p>Hops (the heart of your favorite beer) are the source of the brew’s distinctive flavor tied to bitterness and aroma.</p><p>At the molecular level, bitterness is driven by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814622016338">α- and β-bitter acids</a>, like humulones and lupulones, whose concentrations determine the final sensory profile of the beer (<strong>Figure 1</strong>).</p><p>Accurately characterizing these compounds in each batch allows brewers to unlock the full potential of every variety of hops.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_How_Bitter_Acid_Analysis_Helps_Brewers_Better_Control_Beer_Flavors_2_6435757c03.jpeg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: How Bitter Acid Analysis Helps Brewers Better Control Beer Flavors: Figure 1. General chemical structure of hop bitter acids." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_How_Bitter_Acid_Analysis_Helps_Brewers_Better_Control_Beer_Flavors_2_6435757c03.jpeg 222w," sizes="100vw" width="700" height="493"></p><p>While conventional analytical methods rely on long, manual sample preparation steps and hazardous solvents, laboratories now strive for greener and more efficient workflows.</p><p>And moving from manual to online sample preparation is one of the easiest ways your lab can reduce waste and — most importantly — improve reliability with automation.</p><h4><strong>Key takeaways</strong></h4><ul><li>Online SPE reduces hands-on work, shortens turnaround time, and supports more sustainable methods by cutting solvent use and eliminating single-use cartridges.</li><li>Automated UHPLC workflows are easier for new users to execute, offering more reproducible quantifications of α- and β-bitter acids in hops.</li><li>Accurate bitter acid profiles help brewers distinguish hop varieties and control flavor with confidence.</li></ul><h4><strong>Comparing offline vs. online solid phase extraction for bitter acid HPLC analysis</strong></h4><p>If you’ve spent long hours in the lab preparing samples for hops analysis, you’re not alone.</p><p>Manual sample preparation often takes the most time in hops analysis, an area where online <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/industrial/chromatography/chromatography-learning-center/chromatography-consumables/sample-prep.html">solid phase extraction</a> (SPE) can make a real difference. Here’s why.</p><p>Manual SPE has a lot of manual steps. Extraction. Cartridge loading. Washing. Elution. And sometimes solvent exchange or reduction. All before your actual analysis begins. This labor-intensive workflow can take up to an hour and depends strongly on operator skillsets, making reproducibility a challenge for new hires.</p><h4><strong>Online SPE analysis provides key benefits like:</strong></h4><ul><li>Hands-off workflow free of cartridges, manifolds, or vacuum steps.</li><li>Column washing and re-equilibration occur in parallel with separation.</li><li>SPE step is complete in just two minutes.</li><li>Minimizes operator-dependent variability.</li><li>Uses less than 8 mL of solvent.</li></ul><p>Let’s explore what this technique looks like in practice.</p><h4><strong>Online SPE for analyzing α- and β-bitter acids in hops standard solutions.</strong></h4><p>Changing your sample preparation from manual to automated isn’t complicated. With the right tools you can fully integrate online SPE with your UHPLC system (<strong>Figure 2</strong>).</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_How_Bitter_Acid_Analysis_Helps_Brewers_Better_Control_Beer_Flavors_3_4fb14243b4.jpeg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: How Bitter Acid Analysis Helps Brewers Better Control Beer Flavors: Figure 2. Schematic workflow for the determination of bitter acids in hops. The process involves clean up and instrumental analysis using the Thermo Scientific Vanquish Online SPE UHPLC System." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_How_Bitter_Acid_Analysis_Helps_Brewers_Better_Control_Beer_Flavors_3_4fb14243b4.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="700" height="323"></p><h4><strong>The process for analyzing a hops standard solution is straightforward:</strong></h4><ol><li>First, extract hop samples with ethanol (a greener alternative to toluene or diethyl ether in conventional methods).</li><li>Inject the extract directly into your instrument for analysis. Bitter acids retain<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1970"><strong> on the SPE column</strong></a> while matrix interferences that can comprise quantitation are removed.</li><li>Next, backflush the SPE column to transfer the analytes to the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/423"><strong> analytical column </strong></a>for separation. While this separation is taking place, the SPE column is washed and re-equilibrated in parallel, keeping the total run time to 15 minutes, with the separation of all six major bitter acids in a single analysis (<strong>Figure 3</strong>).</li></ol><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_How_Bitter_Acid_Analysis_Helps_Brewers_Better_Control_Beer_Flavors_4_1e47405e3c.jpeg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: How Bitter Acid Analysis Helps Brewers Better Control Beer Flavors: Figure 3. UV chromatogram of hop bitter acids in standard solution (1-cohumulone, 2-humulone, 3-adhumulone, 4-colupulone, 5-lupulone, 6-adlupulone)." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_How_Bitter_Acid_Analysis_Helps_Brewers_Better_Control_Beer_Flavors_4_1e47405e3c.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="700" height="347"></p><h4><strong>Online SPE for analyzing α- and β-bitter acids in real hops samples</strong></h4><p>Analytical labs need methods that are accurate and reliable for brewers to develop distinct and reproducible flavor profiles across batches.</p><p>To assess the applicability of online SPE UHPLC methods for hops analysis, we analyzed bitter acid profiles from four species — Sultana, Barbe Rouge, Azacca, and Sabro.</p><p>The concentration of α-acids dominated all samples, while each hops species exhibited distinct profiles in terms of α-acid and β-acid content, making them suitable for different brewing strategies (<strong>Figure 4</strong>).</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_How_Bitter_Acid_Analysis_Helps_Brewers_Better_Control_Beer_Flavors_5_3a179217db.jpeg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: How Bitter Acid Analysis Helps Brewers Better Control Beer Flavors: Figure 4. Bitter acid profiles in four different hop species, error bars display SD (n=6). To check method consistency, we measured each hops extract six times. Variation between measurements was low, with relative standard deviation below 3.5 % across all hops species." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_How_Bitter_Acid_Analysis_Helps_Brewers_Better_Control_Beer_Flavors_5_3a179217db.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="700" height="410"></p><ul><li>For testing labs, this process translates into a workflow that is easy to run, fast, and delivers reliable results without added complexity.</li><li>For craft brewers, reliability means clear, trustworthy insights into hops bitter acid profiles, for better hop selection and more precise control of bitterness and flavor in your beer.</li></ul><h4><strong>From carefully procured samples to tasty sips</strong></h4><p>Efficient UHPLC workflows support faster results, less solvent use, and reliable bitterness data for brewers. And online SPE turns those advantages into practical, day-to-day benefits for brewers and labs alike.</p><ul><li>Less hands-on skills required for lab analysts</li><li>Faster results from labs to brewers</li><li>A more sustainable way to work</li><li>Clear insights into hops flavor</li></ul><p>To learn more about the method and see the full application data, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/cn_004238_hplc_vanquish_online_spe_bitter_acids_hops_cn004238_na_en_587a5d300b.pdf"><strong>check out our application note today</strong></a>.</p><h4><strong>FAQs</strong></h4><div><div><h5><strong>What are the key compounds in hops analyzed by HPLC?</strong></h5><p>Bitter acids, namely α-acids and β-acids, especially the six major bitter acids (humulones and lupulones) that define hop bitterness and are required for quality control and brewing decisions.</p></div><div><h5><strong>What column types are recommended for hop acid separations?</strong></h5><p>Classical C18 Silica columns are ideal for bitter acids separation. UHPLC compatible columns with particle size ≤ 2 µm boost analysis with higher flow rate, thus shorter analysis time and solvent consumption.</p></div><div><h5><strong>What’s the best workflow for hops analysis?</strong></h5><p>A typical workflow for hop analysis consists of three main steps: extraction of the target compounds, clean-up of co-extracted matrix components, and instrumental analysis by HPLC or UHPLC. To keep this workflow efficient and reproducible, you should minimize manual handling and add in automation when possible. Integrating online SPE into your LC instrument allows sample clean-up to run automatically, reducing hands-on time, solvent use, and variability while delivering faster, more reliable results.</p></div></div><blockquote><p><strong>Visit us on&nbsp;</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/"><strong><u>LinkedIn:</u></strong></a>&nbsp;#UHPLC #Automation</p></blockquote></div></div>

How Bitter Acid Analysis Helps Brewers Better Control Beer Flavors

<p><strong>In the week of June 29, the following webinars await you in the field of liquid phase and especially HPLC and LC/MS.</strong></p><blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinars"><strong>👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</strong></a></h4><p><strong>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database</strong> with over <strong>5 500 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars</strong>.</p></blockquote><h5><strong>1. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Insights from an IC specialist: To be suppressed or not suppressed?</strong></h5><ul><li>Tu, 30.6.2026 09:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6310">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Join Thermo Fisher’s Ask the Experts session to learn how suppressor technology impacts ion chromatography performance, sensitivity, reliability, maintenance, and troubleshooting.</p><h5><strong>2. SCIEX: Advancing Proteomics with ZenoTOF: From Single-Cell Analysis to Plasma Biomarker Discovery</strong></h5><ul><li>Tu, 30.6.2026 11:30 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6311">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Discover how ZenoTOF high-resolution mass spectrometry is accelerating single-cell proteomics and plasma biomarker discovery through enhanced sensitivity, throughput, and automation.</p><h5><strong>3. Agilent Technologies: Measuring Diverse Samples with UV/VIS Spectrometers and Integrating Spheres</strong></h5><ul><li>Tu, 30.6.2026 20:30 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6052">Registration</a></li></ul><p>This webinar will discuss diffuse transmission and reflection UV/VIS measurements, including how to perform measurements with Agilent’s Cary 60 UV/VIS Spectrometer.</p><h5><strong>4. Waters Corporation: Informatics series #33 Tips, Tricks and Best Practices</strong></h5><ul><li>Th, 2.7.2026 11:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6315">Registration</a></li></ul><p>This interactive session revisits essential features, shortcuts, and practical techniques in Empower software that can streamline everyday laboratory work and reduce unnecessary effort.</p><h5><strong>5. Waters Corporation: Unlocking Therapeutic Peptide Characterisation (GLP-1RAs) with Cyclic IMS</strong></h5><ul><li>Th, 2.7.2026 15:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6313">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Discover how cyclic ion mobility spectrometry (cyclic IMS) improves characterization of GLP-1 analogues and therapeutic peptides, supporting development, quality control, and regulatory submissions.</p><h5><strong>6. Agilent Technologies: Spectral Flow Cytometry Masterclass - Session 1</strong></h5><ul><li>Fr, 3.7.2026 07:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6316">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Learn how full-spectrum flow cytometry enables high-dimensional cell analysis. Explore spectral flow technology, experimental design, and applications in immunology, oncology, and vaccine research.</p>

Webinars LabRulezLCMS Week 27/2026

<p><strong>The international standard ISO/IEC 17025 [1] clause 7.7.2 with regards to ensuring the validity of results, requires a laboratory to participate in proficiency testing (PT) and/or to participate in interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs) other than PT. However, no guidance as to what these other ILCs might be, or indeed how they might compare in relation to PT, is provided. This leaflet aims to outline other ILCs available, pointing out some of the limitations as compared to PT.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>There are three major types of ILCs in which a group of laboratories analyses identical portions from a homogeneous, stable test sample, with each type being characterized by its intended purpose [2,3]:</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Interlaboratory_comparisons_other_than_proficiency_testing_2_d9263807fb.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Interlaboratory comparisons other than proficiency testing" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Interlaboratory_comparisons_other_than_proficiency_testing_2_d9263807fb.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1507" height="607"></p><p>A key point is that PT is an ILC that is designed to specifically evaluate the performance of participants, providing them with an infrastructure to monitor and assess the validity of their results. This is not the key purpose of the two other ILCs, and thus depending on their intended purpose they have a number of limitations that laboratories need to be aware of when using them rather than PT. Only proficiency testing should have been conducted in full compliance to the competency standard ISO/IEC 17043 [4].&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Evaluation of measurement procedure performance&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>These ILCs, are designed to assess how a particular measurement procedure performs and whether it is fit for its intended purpose. These ILCs are often referred to as a ‘method performance study’ or a ‘collaborative study’ [2]. Some limitations of using such ILCs for monitoring laboratory performance as an alternative to PT are:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>All participants use the same measurement procedure i.e. the measurement procedure that is being validated. Unless the measurement procedure is being routinely used by the participating laboratory such an ILC will not assess the routine performance of the laboratory using their own routine measurement procedure. Nor does it enable them to compare their performance with other laboratories using alternative measurement procedures.&nbsp;</li><li>The measurement procedure is likely to be new, so participants may not have established stable procedures and quality control, so performance may not reflect routine use.&nbsp;</li><li>The report from such an ILC would not provide information on the performance of the participant, if the statistical model used makes the assumption that all laboratories perform with equal variability.</li><li>The design of the study may require the participants to assess multiple samples and/or to undertake multiple replicate analysis on the test materials. This may not be representative of the routine measurements or tests undertaken by the laboratory.&nbsp;</li><li>The conclusion of the ILC might be that the measurement procedure being assessed is not valid.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Interlaboratory_comparisons_other_than_proficiency_testing_3_a53ecd2f5d.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Interlaboratory comparisons other than proficiency testing" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Interlaboratory_comparisons_other_than_proficiency_testing_3_a53ecd2f5d.jpg 157w," sizes="100vw" width="570" height="566"></p><h4><strong>Characterisation of candidate reference materials&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>These are ILCs that assign a property value to a candidate reference material, usually with a stated measurement uncertainty. These are often referred to as a ‘material certification study’ [2]. Limitations of using such ILCs as an alternative to PT are:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>The analysis of the candidate reference material is likely to require additional care in exercising the routine measurement procedure, such as substantially more replication, and/or may require quite different reporting formats (e.g. all valid replicates instead of a mean result). Thus, such an ILC will not necessarily provide an evaluation of the performance of the laboratory based on the routine use of their measurement procedures.&nbsp;</li><li>The report from such an ILC may include the results from the participating laboratories but would not provide information on the performance of each laboratory.&nbsp;</li><li>Participating laboratories may be required to assess multiple samples and/or to undertake multiple replicate analysis on the candidate reference materials. Thus this may not be representative of the routine measurements or tests undertaken by the laboratory.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4><strong>Other ILCs&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Some other ILCs, whilst not being conducted in full compliance of the requirements of ISO/IEC 17043, may be designed to evaluate participant performance. These would include small ILCs as defined by EA‑2/21 [5] or split sample ILCs i.e. where a portion of a single sample is sent to two or three laboratories. Whilst these ILCs are specifically designed to evaluate participant performance, they may not provide a comprehensive comparison that a PT might provide. In such cases the laboratory needs to evaluate carefully the competence of the organization managing the ILC and the suitability of the service externally provided (ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.6).</p>

Interlaboratory comparisons other than proficiency testing

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Shimadzu Corporation

<p><strong>MALDI-MS is a fast, label-free technology for assays in pharmaceutical R&amp;D and chemical biology. Recently, CeMOS has pioneered MALDI-MS based cell assays for drug profiling and screening, in part in a collaboration with a pharma company.</strong></p>
<p>The first part of the webinar will present examples of MALDI-MS phenotypic and mechanistic cell assays. It will cover the discovery of potential cellular drug response markers, characterization of potent fatty acid synthase inhibitors. </p>
<p>The second part will introduce the use of MALDI-MS instead of radioisotope- or fluorescence-based methods for investigation of cellular drug uptake,  assay automation and evaluation of drug-drug interactions mediated by the transporter OATP2B1. Characterization of this transporter, screening of 300 drugs for inhibition of uptake and IC50 calculation for hit compounds will be presented.</p>
<h3><strong>Key Learning Objectives:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>MALDI MS cell-based assays are a great label-free analytical tool for the investigation of transport processes</li>
<li>Cell- based screening of inhibitors can be achieved by using a pipetting robot combined with the MPP software on the rapifleX</li>
<li>The identification of substrates and especially inhibitors of transport proteins can reveal possible drug-drug interactions</li>
<li>MALDI MS cell assays can help to identify drug response markers, aid compound profiling, and enable future cell-based screening</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Who Should Attend:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Assay development and screening experts in pharmaceutical R&amp;D</li>
<li>Drug safety experts interested in in-vitro profiling of drug-drug interactions</li>
<li>Chemical biologists interested in other, label-free possibilities for analysis of compound action in cells</li>
<li>Mass spectrometry experts with a keen interest in innovative applications of MALDI MS</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Prof. Dr. Carsten Hopf (Professor and Head of CeMOS)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Carsten Hopf is currently professor of bioanalytics and drug discovery at Mannheim Technical University. A trained neurochemist, Carsten obtained his PhD in biochemistry from University of Tübingen in collaboration with the Max-Planck-Institute for Developmental Biology. As an EMBO fellow, he continued his research at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, in Baltimore, USA. From 2001 to 2014, he worked at Cellzome (since 2012 part of GlaxoSmithKline), a leading proteomics-based drug discovery company, eventually serving in its leadership team. Since 2005, he is a professor of bioanalytics, enjoying the best of both worlds by building bridges between academia and industry. Carsten heads the Center for Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy (CeMOS) in Mannheim. He also serves as spokesman for the Pharma/Diagnostics public-private partnership for innovation M2Aind and is the industry liaison for the German Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Melissa Unger, M.Sc (Scientist at CeMOS)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Melissa Unger received a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in biology from Würzburg University, specializing in Human Genetics and Pharmaceutical Biology. Since 2017 she has been a PhD student at CeMOS, and she has just submitted her PhD thesis to Heidelberg University. She has received the Tony B. Award of the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) for her work on MALDI-MS assays of drug uptake and drug-drug interactions.</p>
</blockquote>


Technology Networks: MALDI-MS-based assays for cellular drug action and transport with rapifleX MPP

MALDI-MS-based assays for cellular drug action and transport with rapifleX MPP

<p><strong>We will also offer a practical example, demonstrating how high spatial resolution MALDI-imaging is being used to identify previously unobserved changes in the lipidome of human colon in the context of inflammatory bowel disease, which provides new insights into the mechanisms of this disease.</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: José A. Fernández (Professor, Universidad del País Vasco)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Prof. José A. Fernández obtained his Ph. D. in physical chemistry in 1995 in the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), with a study on reactions of carbene radicals in gas-phase. Then, he moved to Colorado State University, where he worked in the characterization of pre-reactive aggregates using LIF and REMPI techniques. In 2001, he returned to the UPV/EHU, thanks to the prestigious Ramon y Cajal program, created to bring back to the Spanish system of Science and Technology outstanding researchers. Upon incorporation to the UPV/EHU, he started a research line in laser spectroscopy of molecular aggregates in jets, which he latter complemented with experiments in ZEKE-PFI and MW spectroscopy. In 2005 he started a second research line in MALDI-Imaging of lipids. Since then, Prof. Fernandez’s group has produced some important results in this field, and has stablished collaboration with multiple institutions in several countries. He is also president of the Spanish division of Atomic and Molecular Physics.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Nazim Boutaghou (Life Science Product Manager, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Nazim Boutaghou is the Life Science Product Manager at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (SSI). He oversees SSI’s wide portfolio of MALDI instrumentation, including the newly released MALDI Digital Ion Trap. Nazim Boutaghou graduated from a Master in Chemistry with a minor in Biology from the University of Bordeaux 1 (Bordeaux, France) continued with a Master in Business Management from the Bordeaux Institute of Business Administration (IAE). He moved to the US in 2006 to further his knowledge in Analytical Chemistry and Mass Spectrometry, where he joined Dr. Richard Cole’s group at the University of New Orleans. He graduated from his PhD in 2011 and joined Shimadzu in 2013 as an Applications Scientist specialized in MALDI-based analyses.</p>
</blockquote>


Shimadzu ASMS 2020: Mapping Uncharted Territory: MALDI-imaging of Lipids in Tissues 

Mapping Uncharted Territory: MALDI-imaging of Lipids in Tissues 

<p><strong>MALDI mass spectrometry is a technology that allows molecular measurements to be taken directly from tissue surfaces at specified coordinates without requiring antibodies or specialized reagents. This technology is ideally suited to provide molecular information to support and augment pathological decision points. In these experiments, a trained pathologist annotates regions of interest, and mass spectra can be collected directly from those regions. The mass spectrum represents a profile of ions from molecules from discrete locations. This process, called histology-directed mass spectrometry, can be used to augment pathological decision points. By collecting mass spectra from tissues with known pathology, a machine learning classification model can be trained to classify spectra taken from regions of tissue with unknown pathological states.</strong></p>
<p>We will discuss important factors relevant to setting up a clinical assay, including quality control and quality assurance metrics. Finally, we will discuss the performance of our assay for the detection of melanoma from human skin biopsies.</p>
<h3><strong>What you will learn:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Overview of Histology-directed Imaging Mass Spectrometry</li>
<li>Assay development considerations when designing histology-directed IMS experiments                                            </li>
<li>Factors affecting quality control and quality assurance in MALDI-based clinical assays                                                </li>
<li>Case studies of melanoma diagnosed through MALDI IMS and histology-directed IMS</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Who should attend:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Pathologists who are considering mass spectrometry-based assays to study or diagnose disease                                </li>
<li>Mass Spectrometrists who are interested in pursuing diagnostic assays          </li>
<li>Scientists who are interested in quality control and quality assurance in MALDI-based assays</li>
</ul>
<p>For Research Use Only. Not for use in clinical diagnostic procedures.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Jessica L. Moore (Director of Mass Spectrometry, Frontier Diagnostics, LLC)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Jessica Moore entered the field of Imaging Mass Spectrometry at Vanderbilt University, where she performed doctoral research at the National Research Resource for Imaging Mass Spectrometry. She currently serves as the Director of Mass Spectrometry at Frontier Diagnostics, where she develops MALDI-based assays for clinical diagnostics.</p>
</blockquote>


Bruker Daltonics: Classification of Invasive Melanoma by Imaging Mass Spectrometry

Classification of Invasive Melanoma by Imaging Mass Spectrometry

<p><strong>Atmospheric pressure (AP) MALDI is broadly used in the high-throughput mass analysis of lipids, peptides, and small molecule as well as MS imaging (MSI) studies. AP-MALDI is an affordable and quickly mounted addition onto MS instruments operating with electrospray ionization sources. Its clear advantage is easy sample handling at the atmospheric conditions along with the use of semi-volatile matrices that can be important in MSI experiments taking hours of instrument operation.</strong></p>
<p>The AP MALDI source developed by MassTech Inc was hyphenated to Agilent 6545, a high-resolution mass spectrometer. Samples were prepared from peptide standards mixed with alpha-CHCA, a MALDI matrix. Limits of detection for peptides were attained at single fmol or sub-fmol levels. Importantly, the isotopic peak intensities followed closely to their theoretical values. This spectral feature is typically not observed in ion trap or FT-ICR instruments. </p>
<p>AP MALDI MS imaging was demonstrated using tissue-simulating peptide spots. MS imaging experiment typically included an imaging area setup using new Target Next software, data collection using Agilent MS Hunter acquisition software, and data format conversion for using an industry standard imaging visualization software package. MS images with a 30-micron spatial resolution and high S/N ratios for analyte peaks have been demonstrated.</p>
<p>For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Vladimir M. Doroshenko, PhD (Chief Executive Officer, MassTech Inc.)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Physics from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (1982).</li>
<li>Post-doctoral training in Analytical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (1991-1993).</li>
<li>Research Scientist, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD (1994-1997).</li>
<li>Chief Scientist, Science &amp; Engineering Services Inc., Columbia, MD (1997 – 2014).</li>
<li>Chief Executive Officer, MassTech Inc., Columbia, MD, 2014 - present.</li>
<li>Over 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals, 25 patents.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Eugene Moskovets, PhD (Principal Scientist, MassTech Inc.)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>B.S. and M.S. in Physics/Biophysics from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.</li>
<li>Ph.D. in Laser Mass Spectrometry from Institute for Spectroscopy (Moscow, Russia) -1994</li>
<li>Post-doctoral training, George Washington University, Wash DC 1997-98</li>
<li>Senior Scientist, Barnett Institute at Northeastern University, Boston MA, 1999-2007</li>
<li>Principal Scientist, MassTech Inc. (Columbia MD) 2007- present.</li>
<li>Over 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals, over 70 conference presentations. 3 patents.</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Richard Lee (Head of Marketing and Business Development, MassTech Inc.)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>I am 39 years old, worked for SES and now Masstech, Inc. I have been the head of marketing and business development for a little under 2 years. I graduated from William and Mary with a bachelor’s degree in Economics, and have worked extensively in the investment industry, as well as an accountant.</p>
</blockquote>


Agilent Technologies: Characterization of MassTech AP MALDI Source with Agilent 6545 QTOF and 6560 IM-QTOF for MS Imaging

Characterization of MassTech AP MALDI Source with Agilent 6545 QTOF and 6560 IM-QTOF for MS Imaging

<p><strong>Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) combined with tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS) provides a powerful and versatile solution for the molecular characterization of synthetic macromolecules and polymeric materials as well as for imaging the composition and defects of solid polymer surfaces.</strong></p>
<p>The dispersive nature, high mass resolution and sensitivity of the Time-of-Flight mass analysis permit the comprehensive characterization of polymer mixtures and are ideally suitable for monitoring processes that cause even minor mass changes. The MS/MS arrangement allows for elucidation of copolymer sequences and differentiation of polymer architectures, such as macrocyclic vs. linear chains, or variously branched structures. The focusing ability of the laser also allows for the determination of the spatial distributions of analytes or imaging of defects on polymer surfaces. These advantages are further enhanced by interfacing MALDI-MS/MS with Trapped Ion Mobility (TIMS) separation that makes the differentiation of isobars and isomers possible and extends the applicability of MALDI-MS/MS to very complex polymeric mixtures. </p>
<p>These advantages will be demonstrated with the precise structural analysis of a wide variety of synthetic materials, including large and crosslinked polymers and their additives as well as synthetic polymer surfaces.</p>
<h3><strong>Key Learning Objectives</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Learn how to utilize MALDI-MS/MS for precise structural analysis of a wide variety of synthetic materials, including characterization of polymer mixtures and differentiation of polymer architectures</li>
<li>Learn how to utilize MALDI-MS/MS for determination of spatial distributions of analytes or imaging of defects on polymer surfaces</li>
<li>Learn how Trapped Ion Mobility (TIMS) can enhance the capabilities of MALDI-MS/MS even further</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Who Should Attend</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Laboratory managers</li>
<li>Polymer material scientists</li>
<li>Product developers and managers</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Chrys Wesdemiotis (Professor of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Akron)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Moderator: Ann Thayer (Contributing Editor, C&amp;EN Media Group)</strong></p>
</blockquote>


Pixabay/feiern1: MALDI Tandem Mass Spectrometry – the Most Versatile Analytical Tool for Analysis of Polymeric Materials

LCMS webinars focusing on MALDI - page 8