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

Metrohm

Mettler-Toledo

Agilent Technologies

Phenomenex

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Waters Corporation

We invite you to join a hybrid event on October 15th to explore the latest solutions and workflows for overcoming environmental and food contaminant testing challenges.This event will be broadcast live from the laboratory at Thermo Fisher Scientific Customer Solutions Center (CSC) in Paris. You can join in person at one of our many 'satellite' venues worldwide, where we will offer an extended agenda, or participate remotely through the live broadcast.During the live stream broadcast, you will meet our Customer Solution Centre specialist team and leading industry expert, John Quick, as they discuss innovative solutions to meet the ever-evolving testing demands. There will be plenty of time to ask these experts your questions.The following sessions will be streamed all over Europe and beyond:<ul><li>Detecting PFAS in drinking water to meet regulations across Europe – New automated sample preparation high-resolution MS solution to achieve parts per trillion detection limits. Aristide Ganci,&nbsp;Senior Product Application Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific; Valérie Thibert, Senior Product Application Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific; Bénédicte Gauriat, Senior Product Application Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific</li><li>New ready-to-go pesticide residue solution for faster, more confident results Zoe Julian, Product Marketing Specialist, Manager; Bénédicte Gauriat, Senior Product Application Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific; Julie Moriceau, Senior Product Application Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific</li><li>Low-level contaminant testing in environmental water matrices&nbsp;– High-Resolution Accurate Mass GC-MS approach to meet future regulations John Quick, Principal Scientist, ALS Environmental Ltd</li></ul>After the live stream concludes, 'satellite' locations offer a unique program onsite. Take this unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals, or join us to explore, network, and collaborate on your future projects. Scroll below to the venue of your choice to discover the individual agenda.Participation is free of charge, registration is required.For any questions about this event or regarding your registration, please email <a href="mailto:CMDEvents@thermofisher.com">CMDEvents@thermofisher.com</a>.<h3>Preliminary agenda</h3><h5>10:15 Live streaming of this event to ‘satellite’ locations and online audience</h5><h5>10:30 Introduction</h5><ul><li>Jeff Stubbs (Business Development Manager, Environment and Food Safety, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li></ul><h5>10:55 Detecting PFAS in drinking water to meet regulations across Europe - New automated sample preparation high-resolution MS solution to achieve ppt detection limits</h5><ul><li>A Ganci, V Thibert and B Gauriat (Senior Product Application Specialists, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li></ul><h5>11:35 Break</h5><h5>12:05 New ready-to-go pesticide residue solution for faster, more confident results</h5><ul><li>Z Julian, Product Marketing, B Gauriat, and J Moriceau (Senior Product Application Specialists Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li></ul><h5>12:45 Low-level contaminant testing in environmental water matrices – high-resolution GCMS approach to meet future regulations</h5><ul><li>John Quick (Principal Scientist, ALS Environmental Ltd)</li></ul><h5>13:15 Closing comments</h5><h5>13:30 End of live streaming</h5><div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt7" comp-id="B1"><div><div><div><div><div><div><blockquote><h3>How to attend?</h3>3 ways of attending:Customer Solution Centre (in-person event):&nbsp; Join the heart of the event at our Customer Solution Center in Paris, where the main agenda will be hosted and live-streamed worldwide to our ‘Satellite’ locations and our audience.Join a ‘Satellite’ location (in-person event):&nbsp; Our in-person ‘Satellite’ events will broadcast the main agenda live-streamed from our Customer Solution Center in Paris and supplement the day with local presentations, lab tours, or workshops. Take this opportunity to meet your Thermo Fisher representatives and industry experts from the region. Discover the individual agenda for your ‘Satellite’ location of interest.Online attendees (remote):&nbsp; Unable to travel to a ‘Satellite’ event? Not a problem! You can register to attend conveniently online from your desk or anywhere else through the live stream from our Customer Solutions Center in Paris.</blockquote></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Thermo Scientific: Solutions for environmental and food contaminant testing

Solutions for environmental and food contaminant testing

New and advancing workflows to meet and exceed European regulations.

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 for Chromatographers

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.

Dive into the future of Karl Fischer titration in this engaging webinar, where we will unveil the cutting-edge advancements and emerging trends shaping this critical analytical field.This session is specifically designed to highlight the innovative features of the EVA KF Titrators, which represent the forefront of titration technology. We will explore the integration of advanced technologies such as the Fast-Forecasting Amperometric (FFA™) Control Algorithm, which enhances the speed and reliability of water content determination, drastically reducing titration times without compromising result quality. Learn about the advanced drift management techniques that ensure consistent and reliable measurements, critical for industries where accuracy is paramount.Participants will also gain insight into how these technologies are being applied across various sectors, driving improvements in everything from pharmaceuticals to food and chemical manufacturing. The session will cover how the flexibility of the EVA KF titrators enables laboratories to adapt quickly to new regulations and testing requirements, supporting sustained compliance and operational excellence.<h4>Program Overview</h4><ul><li>Technological Innovations: Uncover the cutting-edge advancements in Karl Fischer titration, including the integration of the Fast-Forecasting Amperometric (FFA™) Control Algorithm.</li><li>Precision and Efficiency: Learn about new drift management techniques that enhance the accuracy and reliability of measurements, crucial for industries where precision is paramount.</li><li>Adaptability to Regulations: Explore how EVA KF Titrators' flexibility aids laboratories in swiftly adapting to new regulations and maintaining operational excellence.</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Erik GublerA Global Product Manager at METTER TOLEDO in Switzerland, specializing in analytical instruments. He holds a master's degree in chemistry from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich). He has been an integral part of developing the next generation of automated titrators and software. His chemistry expertise and product insight ensure the continuous advancement and reliability of METTLER TOLEDO’s titrators across various industries.Presenter:&nbsp;Lukas FritscheAn Application Specialist at METTLER TOLEDO in Switzerland, specializing in titration technology. With a Ph.D. in chemistry from ETH Zurich, Lukas plays a pivotal role at METTLER TOLEDO in advancing application development and enhancing instrument capabilities. His work supports the continuous innovation and reliability of the company’s analytical instruments.</blockquote>

Mettler Toledo: The Future of Karl Fischer Titration

The Future of Karl Fischer Titration

The innovative features of the EVA KF Titrators, which represent the forefront of titration technology.

In this webinar, we will present several case studies of how different light scattering techniques can be used for advanced characterization of biopharmaceutical samples.In particular, we will focus on dynamic light scattering (DLS), size-exclusion chromatography coupled to multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS) and real-time multi-angle light scattering (RT-MALS).<h4>Key Takeaways:</h4><ul><li>Learn basics of light scattering techniques &nbsp;</li><li>Distinguish between different light scattering methods – DLS, SLS, SEC-MALS, RT-MALS &nbsp;</li><li>Understand how different light scattering can be used to characterize therapeutic proteins</li></ul><h4>Who should attend:</h4><ul><li>Scientists interested in analytical characterization of biopharmaceuticals using light scattering techniques.</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Hristo L. Svilenov, Ph.D. (Ghent University)Dr. Svilenov is an Associate Professor in Biopharmaceutical Technology. His research interests are in the development, formulation and manufacturing aspects of biotherapeutics. Previously, Dr. Svilenov was a postdoctoral researcher funded by a Peter and Traudl Engelhorn Fellowship at the TU Munich. From 2016 to 2019, Dr. Svilenov did his PhD supported by a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. He defended his doctoral thesis with the highest distinctions in Germany (summa cum laude) and received the AbbVie prize and the Carl-Wilhelm-Scheele of the German Pharmaceutical Society for his work.Presenter:&nbsp;Lorenzo Gentiluomo, Ph.D. (Waters | Wyatt Technology)Lorenzo Gentiluomo, Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Technology and currently concluding an Executive MBA, has several years of experience in drug product development. He has successfully managed the development of 26 biological drug candidates, including 3 BLA projects, during his tenure at Coriolis and Lonza. Lorenzo now serves as Senior Account Sales Manager for Wyatt Technology, overseeing the portfolio in Switzerland, where he applies his deep technical expertise to support and expand the use of advanced analytical solutions in the biopharmaceutical industry.</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Leveraging light scattering techniques for enhanced biotherapeutic characterization and development

Leveraging light scattering techniques for enhanced biotherapeutic characterization and development

How different light scattering techniques can be used for advanced characterization of biopharmaceutical samples.

Leveraging light scattering techniques

Whether you are developing new materials for batteries electrodes, testing full or half cells or working on new electrolytes, electrochemical methods are at the core of your daily activities.&nbsp;In this webinar we will cover theoretical and practical aspects of various electrochemical techniques for battery research and testing. From the most fundamental CC cycling, to more advanced &nbsp;techniques such as galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT), this webinar is meant to help you navigate this field and chose with confidence with techniques are most fit for your research.This webinar is accessible to anyone working in the field of battery, materials research, with or without a background in electrochemistry.<blockquote>Presenter: Thomas Touzalin, PhD.&nbsp;Product Manager at Metrohm Autolab, helping the electrochemistry researchers achieve their goals by providing the right solution for any research problems as well as offering technical support for the Autolab product range.</blockquote>

Metrohm: Electrochemical techniques for battery research and testing

Electrochemical techniques for battery research and testing

Theoretical and practical aspects of various electrochemical techniques for battery research and testing.

<h4>Key Learning Points:</h4><ul><li>Identify the common challenges associated with solid phase extraction methods &nbsp;</li><li>Understand and troubleshoot the recovery, contamination and reproducibility issues &nbsp;</li><li>Learn how to find and apply solutions to develop robust and reproducible extraction methods for their sample preparation needs</li></ul><h4>Who Should Attend:</h4><ul><li>Any scientists who wants to learn about solid phase extraction and it’s associated challenges, common troubleshooting steps and solutions to develop robust and reproducible extraction methods for their sample preparation needs</li></ul><blockquote>Presnter: Namrata Saxena (Technical Manager, Phenomenex)Namrata is the Technical Manager for the Asia-Pacific region in Phenomenex and is based in Sydney, Australia. As a member of the global technical team, she is responsible for assisting external customers as well as internal marketing and sales teams of Phenomenex for multifarious technical queries. She specifically support company’s bio-products portfolio through external and internal seminars/webinars, trainings and also contribute in biologics related technical content creation.Before joining Phenomenex she had worked as a Product Specialist and spent several years in stationary phase chemistry, column manufacturing and method development groups in a German company Bischoff Chromatography GmbH.Namrata has a post graduate degree with specialization in Analytical Chemistry. Her competence and focus lies in biotherapeutics characterization through liquid chromatography, antibodies and oligonucleotide chemistry, gene therapy and new bio-therapeutic modalities.</blockquote>

Phenomenex: Solid Phase Extraction Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

Solid Phase Extraction Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

Identify the common challenges associated with solid phase extraction methods.

Our guest speakers will discuss automation within their lab and how the Andrew+ liquid handling robot has helped streamline their sample preparation workflows for proteomic analysis.Automation is fast becoming a priority for labs who are looking to improve liquid handling pipetting procedures for simple, yet critical, protocols. The automation of liquid handling procedures allows labs to streamline workflows, helping to improve.<ul><li>Reproducibility - Laboratory automation eliminates most human errors resulting in more reliable data and improved productivity.</li><li>Productivity - Andrew+ combines the flexibility of single channel pipetting (0.2 μL to 10 mL) with the higher throughput of multichannel pipetting.</li><li>Health in the Lab - Pipetting requires repetitive movements (of up to 500 times per day for the average user) that can lead to Musculo-skeletal disorders like repetitive strain injury. The use of automated liquid handling reliefs users from this high throughput pipetting burden, helping to improve health within the lab setting.</li></ul><h4>Testimonials from our guest speakers</h4><h5>Dr Harry Whitwell, Imperial College London</h5>Andrew+ has been a huge asset to the group and is used continuously to support routine sample prep from protein assay to digestion, desalting, peptide assay, sample-standardisation, plate formatting and study reference generation, helping to substantially minimise batch-variation. Data from repeated dilution series across months shows excellent reproducibility in pipetting accuracy and stability with inter-assay CV &lt;5% and R2 above 0.99.<h5>Dr Pavel Shliaha, MRC</h5>In our lab, we use automation in attention-heavy workflows, e.g. concentration normalisation and SPE. The main workflows that we are using the Andrew+ is for concentration normalisation for proteomics. We also plan to use it for SPE for proteomics. My favourite things about the Andrew+ robot are as follows: user interface, great technical support, ability to easily switch pipettes, without the necessity for calibration.<h5>Dr Colleen Maxwell, University of Leicester</h5>We previously found it a major challenge to find sample preparation solutions to match the large scale required for our large cohort clinical proteomics studies without compromising on flexibility – we used to rely on laborious protocols requiring manual pipetting steps in small batches, we have found that these are no longer suitable, and are likely to introduce unwanted batch effects over the long term. Andrew+ has revolutionised our workflows, offering versatility beyond standard bottom-up proteomics digestion and clean-up. Andrew+ is such an adaptable system, so has had a transformative impact on all aspects of experimental design, and has been adopted throughout all our bottom-up proteomics workflows at the van Geest Multiomics Facility in the University of Leicester.<blockquote>Presenter:&nbsp;Dr Harry Whitwell (Lecturer and Proteomics Platform Lead, Imperial College London)Dr Harry Whitwell has been proteomic lead at the National Phenome Centre at Imperial College London since June 2020. Alongside this position, he was appointed Lecturer in Proteomics and Integrative Data Analysis in October 2023. Building on funding MRC, EPSRC and BBSRC, he has established a far-reaching facility, supporting projects across the UK. His research focuses on combining multiple analytical modalities to understand disease including mass spec-imaging, proteomics and network-based data analysis techniques.Presenter:&nbsp;Dr Pavel Shliaha (Head of Proteomics and Metabolomics, MRC, Laboratory of Medical Sciences)Dr Pavel Shliaha completed his Ph.D. in proteomics at the laboratory of Professor Kathryn Lilley in Cambridge, UK, focusing on organelle proteomics. He then pursued a postdoctoral project in Professor Ole Jensen's group at the University of Southern Denmark, concentrating on histone PTM profiling and intact protein analysis. Pavel briefly worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center as a postdoc before moving to MSD (New Jersey). Throughout his career, Pavel has been interested in automation and high-throughput sample processing. In particular, he has experience working with Hamilton Star, Opentrons, and Andrew+ systems.Presenter: Dr Colleen Maxwell (Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Leicester)Colleen is a post-doctoral research associate at the Leicester van Geest Multiomics Facility at the University of Leicester. She completed her undergraduate studies in Chemistry at Imperial College London, graduating in 2019. During this time, she spent a year working in a pharmaceutical company, where she gained her initial exposure to analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry. Motivated by her interest in this field, Colleen pursued a PhD at the University of Leicester, focusing on the use of shotgun and targeted proteomics to develop and validate multiplexed biomarker panels for coronary artery disease. After completing her PhD in 2023, she continued her research as a postdoctoral associate, expanding her work to include new projects that integrate deep cardiac MRI phenotyping with proteomics in collaboration with the cardiac imaging team at Leicester. Colleen is passionate about the automation and standardisation of proteomics to ensure highly reproducible and high-throughput biomarker studies in large clinical cohorts</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Streamlined Proteomics with the Power of Andrew+

Streamlined Proteomics with the Power of Andrew+

How the Andrew+ liquid handling robot has helped streamline their sample preparation workflows for proteomic analysis.

This webinar will guide you through optimizing your Q-TOF for superior data quality by selecting the most suitable tune mode for your samples.We will delve into various MS acquisition modes, including MS only, All Ions (QRAI), Auto MS/MS (directed MS/MS; targeted MS/MS), and PRM mode.Learn how to fine-tune method settings to enhance your data quality and achieve the best analytical results. Whether you’re a seasoned user or new to QTOF, this session will provide valuable insights to elevate your mass spectrometry.<blockquote>Presenter: &nbsp;Stefan Schaebler (Application Specialist LC/MS, Agilent Technologies)Stefan completed his PhD in Biology, specializing in LC-MS-based lipidomics and metabolomics. Following his doctoral studies, he joined Agilent Technologies as an LC/MS Application Specialist. In this role, Stefan focuses on small molecule applications using LC-QTOF, with a strong emphasis on software tools and data interpretation.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: MassHunter Masterclass Months

MassHunter Acquisition Q-TOF Part II – Advance Settings

Join us for an in-depth exploration of advanced settings in MassHunter Acquisition for Q-TOF systems.

Novel biotherapeutics, including bispecific and multispecific antibodies (bsAb, msAb), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs), are revolutionizing biomedical therapies yet pose analytical challenges due to their sequence diversity, structural complexity, and susceptibility to various degradation pathways.In this presentation, Ben Niu will showcase how his team has integrated advanced techniques such as automation and machine learning to achieve unprecedented mass spectrometry-focused sample handling capabilities and rapid turnover rates. These approaches deliver unmatched depth and breadth in understanding diverse molecular modalities within a condensed timeline.Who should attend?Scientists who develop novel biotherapeuticsWhat You Will Learn?Overcoming analytical challenges relating to the development of novel biotherapeutics, via utilization of automation and machine learning to achieve unprecedented mass spectrometry-focused sample handling capabilities and rapid turnover rates.<blockquote>Presenter: Ben Niu, PhD (Principal Scientist, Discovery Biotherapeutics, Bristol Myers Squibb)Ben Niu is a Principal Scientist at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), leading a pioneering mass spectrometry team within the Discovery Biotherapeutics department. With over seven years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, Ben specializes in analytical characterization, particularly in mass spectrometry techniques, driving critical insights for drug development. He champions the integration of automation and machine learning to revolutionize analytical workflows.Presenter: Dr. Kelly Broster (Sr Manager, Market Development &amp; Collaborations, Pharma Biopharma, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: High-throughput and automation in novel modalities (msAbs, ADCs, AOCs) screening, characterization, and beyond

High-throughput and automation in novel modalities (msAbs, ADCs, AOCs) screening, characterization, and beyond

Integrated advanced techniques to achieve unprecedented mass spectrometry-focused sample handling capabilities and rapid turnover rates

Automation in novel modalities (msAbs, ADCs, AOCs) screening

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.