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

Mettler-Toledo

Agilent Technologies

Technology Networks

Phenomenex

SelectScience

Waters Corporation

Data management and manual transcription of critical process data remain one of the major challenges and potential sources of errors in the analytical laboratory.
As a lot of the laboratory processes evolve around sample preparation for HPLC or GC, with crucial weighing and preparative steps, this webinar aims to showcase some seamless data management and transfer solutions, from balance to LC. The LabX™ balance software and OpenLab CDS platform can enable various levels of integrated data management, while also improving productivity and offering a high degree of data integrity.
Join the METTLER TOLEDO and Agilent teams for a webinar to understand how you can support digitalized and scalable sample preparation processes for better chromatography results. 
Program Overview
<ul>
<li>Introduction to the digital lab
</li>
<li>Improving analytical sample preparation workflows
</li>
<li>Live demonstration of seamless data transfer options
</li>
<li>Q&amp;A with presenters
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Andrea Brütsch (Head Business Development Initiatives)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Kevin Koelliker (Agilent Technologies, Application Engineer)
</blockquote>

Mettler Toledo: Automated Data Management for LC/GC Workflows

Automated Data Management for LC/GC Workflows

How can you support digitalized and scalable sample preparation processes for better chromatography results.

Join us for an exclusive two-day event where Agilent will showcase cutting-edge biopharma solutions.
The first day of the event we will explore Agilent’s comprehensive portfolio for the spectrum of applications from drug discovery to quality control. Learn more about our cell analysis and genomics expertise and the tools we provide to drive IVT mRNA development, protein therapeutics and cell and gene therapies
The second day will focus on advanced analytical solutions, including HRMS for tRNA sequencing and LC/MS for DNA/RNA analysis. Learn how to scale up oligonucleotide purification with Agilent biocolumns, which enhance the efficiency and accuracy of your processes.
By attending this event you will:
<ul>
<li>Gain insights from Agilent to optimize biotherapeutic workflows, including rigorous quality testing in cGMP environments and handling nucleic acid, vaccines, mAB and protein samples.
</li>
<li>Understand how metabolic analyses can impact CAR cell function and behavior, using cytolytic cell killing assays on the xCELLigence system to develop cell therapy processes and confirm product potency.
</li>
<li>Learn about new techniques in high-resolution LC/MS for analyzing tRNA modifications.
</li>
<li>Discover software tools available for high-resolution MS systems in both research and QA/QC labs.
</li>
<li>Compare analytical and semipreparative LC purification methods for synthetic oligonucleotides, gaining competitive insights into purification strategies.
</li>
</ul>
<h5>Talk 1: Agilent Tools and Technologies to Drive Advancements in Biopharmaceutical Drug Development</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presented by Dr. Hervé Chaulet, Molecular and Biological Research Market Specialist, Agilent Technologies</li>
</ul>
Discovering, developing, and manufacturing biopharmaceuticals requires you to stay abreast of advances in knowledge and improvements in technology while constantly navigating a maze of business and scientific challenges. Agilent can be a trusted partner providing expertise and end-to-end workflows including systems, software, consumables, and services for the spectrum of applications from drug discovery to quality control. Learn more about our cell analysis and genomics expertise and the tools we provide to drive IVT mRNA development, protein therapeutics, and cell and gene therapies.
<h5>Talk 2: Quality Control In IVT mRNA Therapeutics and Vaccine Development Workflow Using The Agilent Fragment Analyzer System</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presented by Dr. Leslie Friedmann, Product Manager, Agilent Technologies</li>
</ul>
Reliable and robust analysis is essential throughout in vitro transcription (IVT) mRNA workflows, providing important quality information to help minimize risk and aid in the production of a consistent product. The Agilent Fragment Analyzer systems can be used for several QC steps at different checkpoints in mRNA vaccine development, providing accurate and precise sizing and integrity analysis. These QC steps are to determine the quality and size of the linearized plasmid, the size and purity of the IVT mRNA, length of the poly(A) tail, and purity of the final mRNA vaccine product.
<h5>Talk 3: Analysis of NIST mAb Reference Material by Parallel SDS-Capillary Electrophoresis</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presented by Dr. Kyle Luttgeharm, Product Manager, Agilent Technologies</li>
</ul>
Monoclonal antibody drug products are complex biomolecules that must be tested for critical quality attributes (CQAs) such as monomeric purity and percent glycosylation. Capillary gel electrophoresis methods have been adopted as the standard method for size heterogeneity characterization, however legacy capillary electrophoresis (CE) methods involve complicated workflows or are cost prohibitive. To address these problems with legacy methods, Agilent has developed a 12-channel, parallel capillary electrophoresis-SDS (CE-SDS) instrument and reagents. The system uses a high-resolution sieving gel, allowing for resolution of mAb species including the non-glycosylated heavy chain and light chain. To demonstrate the capabilities of the ProteoAnalyzer, the NIST mAb was characterized under both reduced and non-reduced conditions and compared to the NIST data sheet.
<h5>Talk 4: Advanced Analytics for Cell Therapy Research, Process Development, and Manufacturing</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presented by Dr. Kelly Kroeger, Science &amp; Technology Advisor, Agilent Technologies</li>
</ul>
With immunology and immune-based therapies rising as a pillar of science and therapeutics, we are seeing a foundational shift from targeting specific proteins and pathways to actually targeting the immune cellular network that resolves and prevents disease. Therefore there is a critical need for cell analysis tools to facilitate understanding of the dynamic nature of the interaction of these cellular networks whether it is in the context of immune cells or immune cells with cancer cells.
To address these new challenges, we at Agilent Technologies have developed a portfolio of cell analysis solutions that provide researchers with more relevant tools to measure living cells, dynamically track them, and model their microenvironments. These next-generation therapies require methods and technologies to enable assessment of real-time cell function, phenotype, and fate. Used together, the Agilent tool bench provides the capability to measure and develop immune cell function more effectively, thus enabling translational researchers and developers to achieve the necessary level of potential therapeutic potency and safety.

Technology Networks: Biopharma Innovations Summit

Biopharma Innovations Summit Day 1

Learn more about our cell analysis and genomics expertise and the tools we provide to drive IVT mRNA development.

In the second part of the stationary phases webinars, we look at other separation modes: IEX, SEC, ligand exchange and HILIC and what we think they are best suited for.<blockquote>Presenter: Cecilia Mazza (Product Specialist, EMEA IDO - Chemistries &amp; Suppliers, Agilent)With more than 20 years of professional experience, Cecilia is presently the Product Specialist for columns and supplies at Agilent. Supporting distributors and laboratory users in the analysis and purification of small and large molecules, for a wide range of LC and GC applications as well as sample preparation.Cecilia holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in US.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: HPLC Beginner Webinar Series

Stationary Phases in HPLC - Part II

We look at other separation modes: IEX, SEC, ligand exchange and HILIC and what we think they are best suited for.

Heightened interest in mRNA therapeutics has accelerated the need for analytical methodologies that facilitate the production of supplies for clinical trials. This webinar will present a concise panel of chromatography-based stability-indicating assays for evaluating thermally stressed in vitro transcribed mRNA as part of a forced degradation study.Our expert speakers will demonstrate the application of these methods to evaluate the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of mRNAs as well as to detect intrinsic process- and product-related impurities.<h4>Key learning objectives</h4><ul><li>Characterization of thermally stressed mRNA using a panel of chromatographic assays</li><li>Implementation of SEC-MALS to confirm transcripts reflect full-length sequence design</li><li>Platform 5’ cap/3’ tail analyses, circumventing antisense probe design</li><li>Design of QC-friendly methods fit for research, release, and comparability testing</li></ul><h4>Who should attend?</h4><ul><li>QC lab technicians or lab assistants.</li><li>Lab managers of development, process development, or QC.</li><li>Directors/Senior directors of development, process development or QC</li><li>VP of Quality; VP of Development or VP of CMC.</li><li>Anyone interested in learning more about light scattering and its applications on mRNA characterization.</li><li>Industry and academic researchers working in gene therapy and biotherapeutics.</li><li>Any scientist in discovery, development, and quality control.</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Jaclyn Cika (Scientist – Protein Biochemistry group, Regeneron)Jaclyn Cika joined the Protein Biochemistry group at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in 2019. She provides late-stage development and commercial support through the biophysical characterization of Regeneron antibody and AAV reference standards. She also oversees the qualification status of various SEC-MALS systems, and is responsible for SEC-MALS method qualification for commercial products. Additionally, she focuses on the biophysical characterization of nucleic acids, primarily using light scattering techniques, for early research and development support.Presenter:&nbsp;James Greco (Regional Account Manager, Wyatt Technology, Waters | Wyatt Technology)James Greco is a Regional Account Manager at Wyatt Technology, bringing over 16 years of experience in the biopharma industry. He has a B.Sc. in Biology from Salve Regina University. He began his career at BMS, where he spent eight years specializing in biophysical characterization. In 2017, he joined Wyatt Technology as a Field Application Scientist, where he supported and provided advanced training to customers across various fields. He later transitioned to his current role as Regional Account Manager.Presenter:&nbsp;Charlie Carter (Life Sciences Editor, SelectScience)</blockquote>

SelectScience: Comprehensive chromatographic assessment of forced degraded in vitro transcribed mRNA

Comprehensive chromatographic assessment of forced degraded in vitro transcribed mRNA

The application of these methods to evaluate the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of mRNAs as well as to detect impurities.

Comprehensive chromatographic assessment of forced

The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food supply chains is a growing concern due to their environmental persistence and potential health risks.As awareness increases, the demand for effective regulations and advanced analytical methods for detecting PFAS in food is critical. In this webinar hosted by Agilent in association with AOAC India Section, we will explore the current PFAS contamination landscape, regulatory frameworks, and the latest analytical solutions.The session will cover PFAS characteristics and the challenges they present to food safety. We will examine global and regional regulations, with a focus on evolving standards in India and the South Asia Pacific region. Also, the webinar will highlight advanced analytical approaches for different food matrices like seafood, eggs, meat, infant formula, packaging material, including sample preparation, instrumentation, and reporting essential for effective PFAS detection. Agilent's robust LC/MS and GC/MS PFAS testing solutions will be showcased along with the Captiva EMR sample preparation kit, demonstrating how they can help food manufacturers, exporters, and regulatory bodies ensure compliance with global standards.<h4>Learning outcomes:</h4><ul><li>Comprehensive understanding of PFAS characteristics and the regulatory landscape across global and regional markets, including India and the South Asia Pacific.</li><li>Advanced analytical techniques for PFAS detection in food, covering sample preparation, instrumentation, and reporting methodologies.</li><li>Practical insights into implementing PFAS testing solutions to ensure compliance with international food safety standards.</li></ul><h4>Who should attend:</h4><ul><li>Food scientists, analytical chemists, regulatory authorities, government lab personnel, industry professionals in food manufacturing, packaging, exporting, R&amp;D scientists, toxicologists, QA/QC analysts and managers, academicians, and researchers focused on PFAS analysis and food safety.</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Dr. Nick Birse (Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK)Nick Birse is a Lecturer in Mass Spectrometry at Queen’s University Belfast, where he focuses on the use of mass spectrometry to solve key food integrity challenges, such as the measurement of chemical contaminants and natural toxins, fingerprinting foods to determine geographic origin and help detect fraud, or simply to measure key quality, flavour and taste attributes, all of which makes foods tastier, healthier and safer for consumers. Nick previously served as a Research Fellow within Prof Chris Elliott’s research group, assisting in the execution of Chris’s 2021 Agilent Thought Leader Award. He holds a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Queen’s University Belfast.Presenter:&nbsp;Dr. Niladri Sekhar Chatterjee (Senior Scientist and DST Inspire Fellow, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, India)Dr. Niladri has more than 10 years of experience in precision measurement of small molecules in food, biological, and environmental matrices. His doctoral research is on pesticide metabolism, and environmental fate in crop, soil, and water. His postdoctoral research is on seafood authentication using high resolution mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and molecular spectroscopy fingerprinting. He currently works as a Senior Scientist in the Biochemistry and Nutrition Division at ICAR Central Institute of Fisheries in Kochi. At CIFT, he has been instrumental in establishing a state-of-the-art analytical chemistry laboratory from scratch which is today one of the National Reference Laboratories. He has received external grants from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) India, National Agricultural Science Fund, and FSSAI. In the NRL, he has developed and validated precision measurement methods for multiclass analysis of pesticides, antibiotic residues, and endocrine disruptors and is actively managing the ISO 17025 accreditation of the laboratory. His research work has resulted in several peer reviewed publications.Presenter:&nbsp;Dr. Lorna De-Leoz (Global Food Segment Director, Agilent Technologies, USA)Lorna De Leoz has nearly 20 years of experience in the food industry. As the Global Food Segment Director, she collaborates with scientists to help develop accurate and reliable testing for food safety, quality, and authenticity. Lorna worked at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the Mass Spectrometry Data Center for seven years. She completed her Ph.D. in Chemistry at University of California, Davis on milk oligosaccharides and glycan biomarkers analyses.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: PFAS in Food Supply Chains: Regulations and Analytical Approaches: in association with AOAC India Section

PFAS in Food Supply Chains: Regulations and Analytical Approaches: in association with AOAC India Section

PFAS characteristics and the challenges they present to food safety.

PFAS in Food Supply Chains: Regulations and Analytical

<h4>The Waters 2024 Virtual Summer School - An Educational Journey to Master Food &amp; Environmental Analysis</h4>Unlock the full potential of LC-MS techniques with our immersive and educational sessions at the Waters Virtual F&amp;E Late Summer School 2024. From September 24th to 26th, engage with leading experts and discover cutting-edge methods for environmental and food analysis.<h5>Why attend?</h5><ul><li>Comprehensive Learning: Dive deep into advanced LC-MS techniques and gain practical knowledge to enhance your laboratory's analytical capabilities.</li><li>Expert Insights: Learn from industry leaders and gain firsthand experience through detailed modules on chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation.</li><li>Regulatory Compliance: Stay ahead with the latest insights on EU regulations for PFAS analysis in food and water, ensuring your lab meets stringent standards.</li></ul><h3>Episode #1: Chromatography - UPLC | F&amp;E Summer School - Day 1 - Module 1</h3>This section will provide an overview of the Waters reference material available to customer to help plan the best columns and chromatographic conditions for their LC-MS methods, using common environmental contaminants as an example. We highlight how to create LC-MS methods using the Acquisition Method Editor (AME) application within waters_connect™. Finally, this section will cover some of the most troubleshooting issues: contaminated blank peaks, poor peak shape, etc, and how to address them.<h5>What you'll learn:</h5><ul><li>Important factors for developing a UPLC method - considering analyte solubility, pKa and partitioning coefficient (Kow)</li><li>Selecting the most appropriate UPLC column for your analytes</li><li>Setting up LC-MS methods in the waters_connectTM console</li><li>Troubleshooting common contamination issues</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Nicole Baumgarten (Sr Sales Applications Chemist, Waters Corporation)Nicole is part of the Customer Success team at Waters with a focus on LC-MS/MS application and sales support. She works in this role for more than 9 years and gained experience in previous roles as analyst for biopharmaceuticals in process controls at Boehringer Ingelheim and research Assistent at Zentrum für Humangenetik und Laboratoriumsmedizin in Munich after finishing a Master of Chemical engineering at Hochschule Fresenius, Idstein.Presenter: Caroline Davis (Sr Sales Applications Chemist, Waters Corporation)</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: The Waters 2024 Virtual Summer School

Chromatography - UPLC

An overview of the Waters reference material available to customer to help plan the best columns and chromatographic conditions for their LC-MS methods.

Chromatography - UPLC 

<h4>The Waters 2024 Virtual Summer School - An Educational Journey to Master Food &amp; Environmental Analysis</h4>Unlock the full potential of LC-MS techniques with our immersive and educational sessions at the Waters Virtual F&amp;E Late Summer School 2024. From September 24th to 26th, engage with leading experts and discover cutting-edge methods for environmental and food analysis.<h5>Why attend?</h5><ul><li>Comprehensive Learning: Dive deep into advanced LC-MS techniques and gain practical knowledge to enhance your laboratory's analytical capabilities.</li><li>Expert Insights: Learn from industry leaders and gain firsthand experience through detailed modules on chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation.</li><li>Regulatory Compliance: Stay ahead with the latest insights on EU regulations for PFAS analysis in food and water, ensuring your lab meets stringent standards.</li></ul><h3>Episode #2: Tandem Quadrupole MS and MS-Method Development | F&amp;E Summer School - Day 1 - Module 2</h3>In this episode it’s all about the tandem quadrupole mass specs and the setup of MS-methods. We will demonstrate, using actual hardware, how simple it is to prevent contamination or clean a system, regardless of whether it’s at the low or high end of the sensitivity spectrum. You will learn valuable tips and tricks about UniSpray, a unique ion source and alternative to ESI.With our new waters_connect for Quantitation software, we will guide you through the different stages of MS-method development. You will learn how straightforward automated compound optimization can be, and how intuitively the new Method Acquisition Editor can be utilized by operators providing a clear structured all in one view of compounds and parameters. Search options make it easy to navigate through large multi-residue methods. And in the end, you are just one click away from the processing method that will be the topic of Episode 4.<h5>What you'll learn:</h5><ul><li>Easy operation and maintenance of Waters TQ-MS systems</li><li>Usage and benefits of UniSpray ion source</li><li>Step by step MS-method development with waters_connect for Quantitation</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter:&nbsp;Benjamin Wuyts, PhD (Senior Solution Support Specialist Europe, Waters Corporation)Benjamin initially joined Waters as an application chemist working in the Belgian demo lab, performing liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry demonstrations, support and training. In 2016 Benjamin became a European application chemist focusing on projects to support emerging applications. Benjamin has been focused over several years in establishing the Waters solution to the analysis of polar anionic pesticides, utilising novel column phases and LC-MS/MS technologies.</blockquote>

Tandem Quadrupole MS and MS-Method Development

In this episode it’s all about the tandem quadrupole mass specs and the setup of MS-methods.

<h4>The Waters 2024 Virtual Summer School - An Educational Journey to Master Food &amp; Environmental Analysis</h4>Unlock the full potential of LC-MS techniques with our immersive and educational sessions at the Waters Virtual F&amp;E Late Summer School 2024. From September 24th to 26th, engage with leading experts and discover cutting-edge methods for environmental and food analysis.<h5>Why attend?</h5><ul><li>Comprehensive Learning: Dive deep into advanced LC-MS techniques and gain practical knowledge to enhance your laboratory's analytical capabilities.</li><li>Expert Insights: Learn from industry leaders and gain firsthand experience through detailed modules on chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation.</li><li>Regulatory Compliance: Stay ahead with the latest insights on EU regulations for PFAS analysis in food and water, ensuring your lab meets stringent standards.</li></ul><h3>Episode #3: Introduction Non-target Screening (NTS) | F&amp;E Summer School - Day 1 - Module 3</h3>Suspect and non-target screening (NTS) are crucial techniques used in various fields, including food analysis, environmental studies, toxicology, and doping analysis. In this overview, we’ll discuss a holistic approach and introduce high-resolution mass spectrometry methods for both Suspect and NTS screening. Topics covered include resolution, accurate mass data, and ion mobility.In an ideal scenario, Suspect screening and non-Target screening are closely interconnected. Prior knowledge about a potential analyte (Suspect) can expedite the non-Target screening process. We’ll briefly explore Suspect screening and how high-resolution mass spectrometry offers identification criteria for confidently identifying suspect compounds.Further, we examine the data gathered for non-target compounds through high-resolution mass spectrometry. In this module we give a concise introduction to the valuable data that can be compiled for assigning structures. In the forthcoming module 4b we will delve into how this data, in conjunction with the tools offered by the waters_connect software, can be conveniently accessed by the user and provide more comprehensive insights.<h5>What you'll learn:</h5><ul><li>What is Screening? (Target/ Suspect &amp; Non-Target Screening)</li><li>Basics of HRMS (Resolution and accurate mass)</li><li>Identification criteria for Targets /Suspects &amp; UNIFI Scientific Library</li><li>Tools for Non-Target Screening</li><li>Short introduction of exemplary instrument types</li><li>Xevo G3 QToF for Routine Screening</li><li>Xevo MRT for Screening with very high-resolution and very high mass accuracy</li><li>Select Series Cyclic IMS for Screening with ion-mobility utilizing CCS-values</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter:&nbsp;Christoph Thomas (Principal Sales Applications Chemist, Waters Corporation)Christoph Thomas is a Principal Sales Applications Chemist from the Central Europe Customer Success Team based in Eschborn, Germany. He has more than 25 years’ experience in the field of Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry and is familiar with several application areas using Quadrupole and Tof instruments. Within the last decade his projects were mainly focused on the waters_connect Screening Solution in food and environmental screening, toxicology screening, metabolite identification and in the field of extractables and leacheables.Presenter:&nbsp;Gunnar Weibchen (Principal MS Sales Dev Specialist, Waters Corporation)Gunnar studied Chemistry and obtained a PhD in Organic and Analytical Chemistry in Hamburg. After working as an Application Chemist in the demo laboratory at Varian, has been with Waters in Sales and Marketing since 2010</blockquote>

Introduction Non-target Screening (NTS)

We’ll discuss a holistic approach and introduce high-resolution mass spectrometry methods for both Suspect and NTS screening.

<h4>The Waters 2024 Virtual Summer School - An Educational Journey to Master Food &amp; Environmental Analysis</h4>Unlock the full potential of LC-MS techniques with our immersive and educational sessions at the Waters Virtual F&amp;E Late Summer School 2024. From September 24th to 26th, engage with leading experts and discover cutting-edge methods for environmental and food analysis.<h5>Why attend?</h5><ul><li>Comprehensive Learning: Dive deep into advanced LC-MS techniques and gain practical knowledge to enhance your laboratory's analytical capabilities.</li><li>Expert Insights: Learn from industry leaders and gain firsthand experience through detailed modules on chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation.</li><li>Regulatory Compliance: Stay ahead with the latest insights on EU regulations for PFAS analysis in food and water, ensuring your lab meets stringent standards.</li></ul><h3>Episode #4: Chromatography - APGC | F&amp;E Summer School - Day 1 - Module 4</h3>Discover the advantages of GC coupled to MS under atmospheric pressure (Atmospheric Pressure GC/ APGC) as a powerful alternative to electron ionization (EI) for GC-MS. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the APGC technology and its operational principles. Explore why APGC offers higher sensitivity, selectivity, and robustness compared to traditional EI methods. Maximize versatility and efficiency by understanding how to achieve both LC and GC capabilities on the same MS system as well as using nitrogen as an alternative carrier gas.<h5>What you'll learn:</h5><ul><li>How APGC works</li><li>Enhanced performance over classic EI-GC</li><li>Ease of use and implementation in the lab</li><li>Usage of nitrogen as GC carrier gas</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter:&nbsp;Frank L. Dorman, PhD, FRSC (Principal Environmental Market Manager, Waters Corporation)Frank Dorman is currently Senior Business Development Manager for Waters focusing on their global environmental business and, concurrently, Associate Professor (adjunct) in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) at Penn State University in University Park, PA. In his role at Waters, Frank manages the research-focused environmental market, external collaborations and also interfaces with R&amp;D for new product development. Prior to Waters, Frank was employed full-time as a tenure-line Faculty member of Penn State and served as a member of the Graduate Faculty in: Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology (BMMB), Chemistry (CHEM) and the Programs in Forensics Science (FRNSC), and Biogeochemistry (BGC). Frank is also a member of the Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis at Penn State. Frank’s scientific interests are in gas and liquid chromatography fundamental characterization, instrumentation and column development, as well and mass spectrometry and atomic spectroscopy as applied to trace analysis in complex sample matrices. This work is directed towards environmental forensics, traditional forensic chemistry and where environmental exposure events may contribute to human disease; an area sometimes referred to as “exposomics”.Prior to joining the faculty at PSU, Frank was at Restek Corporation for 14 years as the Director of Technical Development, and R&amp;D Senior Chemist. During most of this same time, Frank was also an Adjunct Research Professor at Juniata College where he maintained an active undergraduate research program. Prior to that he was at Inchcape Testing Services for 5 years as a Senior Chemist, Organics Section Manager for Sample Preparation and Corporate Methods Development Chemist. As such, Frank has extensive experience in both the Industrial and Academic sectors giving him a relatively rare combination of skills and experience.Presenter:&nbsp;Janitha De-Alwis (Senior Applications Chemist, European Applications Team, Food and Environmental, Waters Corporation)JD has worked in the chromatography industry for over 10 years and has recently joined Waters Corporation as a senior applications chemist. Prior to joining Waters, JD managed a group at a leading food research and contract organisation. Here, JD helped the food, drink and associated industriesproactivelyand reactively in the area of chemical toxins.As a senior applications chemist, JD now develops new applications with Waters technologies and helps customers with their critical analytical challenges.</blockquote>

Chromatography - APGC

Discover the advantages of GC coupled to MS under atmospheric pressure (APGC) as a powerful alternative to electron ionization (EI) for GC-MS.

PFAS testing has become one of the most important topics facing food and environmental laboratories over the last two years.&nbsp;Phenomenex and SCIEX have worked with collaborators to overcome the significant challenges of such analyses, and now offer extremely sensitive and robust LC-MS/MS and sample preparation solutions, with methods and software which are ready to implement.<h4>Key Learning Points</h4><ul><li>Background to PFAS and their regulations</li><li>System Settings and requirements</li><li>Correct HPLC column choice</li><li>Sample Preparation strategies from various matrices</li><li>PFAS as ubiquitous contaminants - Inerting the system</li><li>A sensitive and robust method applicable to water and food sample</li><li>Some insight about designed for PFAS products</li></ul><h4>Who should attend</h4><ul><li>LC/MS or Sample Prep Users, working with several matrices that want to get tips on PFAS method development or on improving their method.</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Jianru Stahl-Zeng, Dr.&nbsp; (Senior Technical Marketing Manager EMEAI, SCIEX)Jianru has been part of SCIEX since 2001. She initially was part of our application Support team and covered not only proteomics but also small molecules applications. Jianru moved to technical marketing and focused on Food and Environmental applications.Since 2018, she is managing the EMEAI technical marketing team and projects. Jianru is also the Global Technical Leader for Food and &nbsp;Environmental application.Presenter:&nbsp;Duilio Romanello (Senior Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)Duilio has been working with Phenomenex since 2008. Since 2010 he has been Product Specialist for the GC and SPE lines and then Account Manager for the South of Italy. Since November 2023 he is covering the role of Senior Technical Specialist.He has acquired experience in the Food and Environmental sectors by collaborating with important companies in the industry and providing technical support for the development of method optimization, guidance on applications and troubleshooting, assistance in choosing columns for HPLC, Gas Chromatography (GC), SFC and SPE.</blockquote>

Phenomenex: Advanced strategies in LC/MS/MS for the clean-up and the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various matrices

Advanced strategies in LC/MS/MS for the clean-up and the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various matrices

Extremely sensitive and robust LC-MS/MS and sample preparation solutions, with methods and software which are ready to implement.

Chromatography - APGC

Biopharma Innovations Summit Day 1

Introduction Non-target Screening (NTS)

Advanced strategies in LC/MS/MS for the clean-up and the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various matrices

Tandem Quadrupole MS and MS-Method Development

Stationary Phases in HPLC - Part II

Chromatography - UPLC

PFAS in Food Supply Chains: Regulations and Analytical Approaches: in association with AOAC India Section

Automated Data Management for LC/GC Workflows

Comprehensive chromatographic assessment of forced degraded in vitro transcribed mRNA

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