Hybrid technology is becoming increasingly important in chromatography and for good reason. Modern analytical laboratories face complex molecules, demanding conditions, and the need for robust, reproducible LC methods. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/kategorie-produktu/chromatography/hplc-columns/gl-sciences-columns/inertsil/inertsil-hybrid-c18/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Inertsil Hybrid-C18 from GL Sciences</a> was developed as a response to this trend, combining the proven quality of the Inertsil series with the new possibilities offered by hybrid organic–inorganic silica materials. Read on to learn what makes hybrid columns unique and what advantages they bring.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_GL_hybrid_uvod_AJ_5b1fd0e166.jpg" alt=" Watrex: Special promotion on new Inertsil Hybrid-C18 columns from Watrex Prague." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_GL_hybrid_uvod_AJ_5b1fd0e166.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="900"><h4>Hybrid Technology: A New Level of Stability&nbsp;</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/kategorie-produktu/chromatography/hplc-columns/gl-sciences-columns/inertsil/inertsil-hybrid-c18/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Inertsil Hybrid-C18</a> is a reversed-phase C18 column engineered with hybrid silica gel that combines inorganic silica with organic components. This construction provides exceptional chemical stability.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_GL_obr_2_afb06cdb89.jpg" alt="Watrex: Hybrid Technology: A New Level of Stability&nbsp;" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_GL_obr_2_afb06cdb89.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="522"><h5>Key Features&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>pH range 1–12 – stable performance under both acidic and basic conditions&nbsp;</li><li>Compatible with LC/MS and LC/MS/MS&nbsp;</li><li>High durability and long lifetime&nbsp;</li><li>Low bleed suitable for sensitive detection&nbsp;</li><li>USP L1 (C18) classification&nbsp;</li></ul>Thanks to these characteristics, the column performs reliably across a wide range of applications where conventional silica-based materials may fail.&nbsp;<blockquote><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/kategorie-produktu/chromatography/hplc-columns/gl-sciences-columns/inertsil/inertsil-hybrid-c18/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">View the full column offering HERE&nbsp;</a></blockquote><h4>A Legacy of Quality: From Silica Synthesis to the Final Column&nbsp;</h4>GL Sciences manufactures Inertsil columns entirely in-house, from the synthesis of the base silica to the final packing. This vertically integrated process, established in 1994, ensures:<ul><li>outstanding quality,&nbsp;</li><li>minimal lot-to-lot variability,&nbsp;</li><li>reliability and consistency across production batches.&nbsp;</li></ul><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/kategorie-produktu/chromatography/hplc-columns/gl-sciences-columns/inertsil/inertsil-hybrid-c18/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Inertsil Hybrid-C18</a> was developed for users who require high durability, a wide operational pH range, and stable performance even under strongly basic conditions.&nbsp;<h4>Impact of pH on Selectivity: Stability Across the Entire pH Range&nbsp;</h4>Changes in mobile-phase pH significantly influence analyte retention and selectivity. With conventional columns, operating outside the optimal pH range often results in degradation, loss of efficiency, or inconsistent retention times.&nbsp;The hybrid material used in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/kategorie-produktu/chromatography/hplc-columns/gl-sciences-columns/inertsil/inertsil-hybrid-c18/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Inertsil Hybrid-C18</a>, however, enables:&nbsp;<ul><li>stable chromatographic performance,&nbsp;</li><li>excellent reproducibility,&nbsp;</li><li>high efficiency even during long-term operation.&nbsp;</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_GL_obr_3_0b5faf00f7.jpg" alt="Watrex: Impact of pH on Selectivity" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_GL_obr_3_0b5faf00f7.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="747"><h4>Exceptional High-pH Durability (pH 11.5)&nbsp;</h4>Basic mobile phases are typically destructive for traditional C18 columns. Hybrid technology significantly improves resistance to alkaline conditions.&nbsp;<h5>Advantages at pH 11.5</h5><ul><li>no loss of theoretical plates&nbsp;</li><li>preserved peak shapes&nbsp;</li><li>no silica dissolution&nbsp;</li><li>reliable separation even during long-term exposure&nbsp;</li></ul>This durability makes it possible to develop methods that would be difficult or impractical to run on conventional silica columns.&nbsp;<h4>Outstanding Lot-to-Lot Reproducibility&nbsp;</h4>Three tested production lots of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/kategorie-produktu/chromatography/hplc-columns/gl-sciences-columns/inertsil/inertsil-hybrid-c18/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Inertsil Hybrid-C18</a> showed virtually identical retention times and peak shapes. As a result:&nbsp;<ul><li>method robustness is ensured&nbsp;</li><li>revalidation when switching lots is unnecessary&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Broad Application Range&nbsp;</h4>The column delivers excellent peak shapes for:&nbsp;<ul><li>basic compounds (without tailing)&nbsp;</li><li>acidic compounds (stable retention)&nbsp;</li><li>metal-coordinating analytes (no unwanted interactions with metal surfaces)&nbsp;</li></ul>This makes it an ideal choice for pharmaceutical, bioanalytical, and chemical laboratories.<h4>Hardware Options&nbsp;</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/kategorie-produktu/chromatography/hplc-columns/gl-sciences-columns/inertsil/inertsil-hybrid-c18/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Inertsil Hybrid-C18</a> is available in:&nbsp;<ul><li>stainless steel (SS) hardware&nbsp;</li><li>bioinert PEEK hardware (ideal for sensitive applications and LC/MS)&nbsp;</li><li>custom dimensions, including preparative formats&nbsp;</li></ul>The wide selection of configurations allows the column to be tailored precisely to the needs of any application.&nbsp;<blockquote><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/paper/32431">Download new brochure HPLC, LC/MS Columns Inertsil Hybrid-C18</a></blockquote><h4>Conclusion: Why Choose Inertsil Hybrid-C18&nbsp;</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/kategorie-produktu/chromatography/hplc-columns/gl-sciences-columns/inertsil/inertsil-hybrid-c18/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Inertsil Hybrid-C18 </a>is a modern column designed for today’s analytical challenges. It offers robustness, versatility, and the long-established reliability appreciated by users of the Inertsil series. If you are considering optimizing existing methods, switching to more durable columns, or upgrading chromatographic performance, now is the perfect time.&nbsp;<blockquote>Watrex Prague has prepared a special offer! Until the end of December 2025, we are offering an exclusive 25% discount&nbsp;on all Inertsil Hybrid-C18 columns.&nbsp;</blockquote>Visit our website <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">www.watrex.com</a> to browse the full range, access technical specifications, and place orders. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. As the official distributor of GL Sciences, we are happy to assist you with product selection and technical support. For a non-binding quotation, contact us at watrex@watrex.com.

Inertsil Hybrid-C18: Stability Across a Wide pH Range

A team of researchers at IOCB Prague headed by Dr. Tomáš Slanina has developed a new method for labeling molecules with fluorescent dyes that surpasses existing approaches in both precision and stability. The new fluorescent label remains covalently bonded to its target molecule and does not fall apart even under demanding conditions inside living cells. This allows scientists to track labeled molecules over long periods with high reliability – an advantage for research in biology, chemistry, and medicine. The study was published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Tomas_Bellon_UOCHB_Dr_Tomas_Slanina_vedouci_vedecke_skupiny_Redoxni_fotochemie_a_Lucie_Salkova_doktorandka_UOCHB_36ca9e4598.jpg" alt="Tomáš Belloň / IOCB Prague: Dr. Tomáš Slanina, head of the Redox Photochemistry research group, and Lucie Šálková, PhD student, IOCB Prague" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Tomas_Bellon_UOCHB_Dr_Tomas_Slanina_vedouci_vedecke_skupiny_Redoxni_fotochemie_a_Lucie_Salkova_doktorandka_UOCHB_36ca9e4598.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1068">Fluorescent labeling of proteins and peptides enables scientists to determine where a molecule is located in a cell and how its behavior changes over time. Current methods, however, have clear limitations. The label often attaches to an unintended site on the molecule, potentially disrupting its structure and, in extreme cases, even its biological function. Moreover, molecules labeled in this way tend to be unstable and can easily unlabel in the cellular environment.“In our work, we applied a highly precise peptide-labeling approach that uses a two-step chemical reaction triggered by light. This allows us to create exceptionally stable fluorescently labeled molecules,” says Tomáš Slanina.The new method from IOCB Prague combines the best features of existing strategies – namely, precision and outstanding molecular stability.Fluorescent labeling proceeds in two steps. First, the dye attaches to the molecule at a precisely defined position. Then, upon exposure to light, the attached label is “glued” in place, converting a temporary bond into a permanent, chemically robust one.“We call the method Stick and Glue!" explains Lucie Šálková, the study’s first author and a PhD student. “Imagine someone dancing with a glow stick. If the stick isn’t activated, you can’t see it and they disappear into the crowd – they might even drop it. But once they snap it and fasten it to their wrist, they won’t lose it, and you can easily spot where they are. Our method works similarly. First, we attach the fluorescent dye, and only after illuminating it with light do we stabilize it – we glue it to the target molecule. From then on, the molecule can be tracked easily without the dye falling off. Unlike other methods, our glow sticks don’t end up scattered on the floor at the end of the night,” she adds.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Banka_s_fluorescencne_znacenym_glutathionem_242a93510b.jpg" alt="IOCB: The photo shows a flask containing fluorescently labeled glutathione. Glutathione is a small tripeptide and one of the most important antioxidants in cells – it helps neutralize free radicals and protects cells from oxidative stress. In our research, it served as a model molecule to test a new labeling method. While glutathione consists of three amino acids, by the end of the project, we were able to label a protein containing 583 amino acids. This sample, therefore, represents an important milestone of the project – the moment we confirmed that our method truly works. The image captures the lyophilization step, during which the peptide is being dried after conjugation. The visible transition from yellow to red color is related to changes in the fluorophore’s environment as the sample dries." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Banka_s_fluorescencne_znacenym_glutathionem_242a93510b.jpg 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="2133">The innovative labeling method developed at IOCB Prague offers a universal, precise, gentle, and permanent way of attaching fluorescent dyes – suitable for small molecules as well as large peptides and proteins. These highly stable labels allow scientists to monitor the movement of selected biomolecules in cells and study their interactions with their environment. The technology expands the possibilities for research in biology, chemistry, and materials science and may contribute to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Angew_Chem_Int_Ed_Engl_2025_Nov_2e15338_figure_1_36885ae230.jpg" alt="Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2025 Nov 2:e15338: Figure 1 - Comparison of different labeling methods: a) iodoacetamide, b) maleimide, and c) MTS and our approach." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Angew_Chem_Int_Ed_Engl_2025_Nov_2e15338_figure_1_36885ae230.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1344" height="375"><blockquote><h4>The original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.202515338">Thiosulfonate-Derived BODIPY “Stick and Glue” Strategy for Fluorescent Thiol Labeling</a></h4>Lucie Šálková, David Dunlop, B. Buse Tütüncü, Dr. Zdeněk Knejzlík, Dr. Tomáš SlaninaAngew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2025 Nov 2:e15338.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202515338">https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202515338</a><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote>

Stick and Glue! Tomáš Slanina and his team introduce a new biomolecule-labeling method for more precise observation of cellular processes

Dive into the world of sample preparation with industry expert Wade Hasenour as he shares invaluable insights on rotary evaporation, centrifugal evaporation, and freeze drying. Learn about the latest advancements, challenges, and future trends in sample prep techniques for chromatography. Discover how to choose the right method for your needs, optimize your workflow, and leverage automation for better results. Whether you're a seasoned chromatographer or just starting out, this video offers essential knowledge to enhance your sample preparation skills and achieve more reliable outcomes in your research.<h3>Video Transcription</h3>Interviewer: Hi Wade, I was hoping you could briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your current role.Wade: Yeah, thanks for having me on here. I currently serve at Genevac as a Regional Sales Manager, and I cover the Midwest, South, and Southeast regions.My career began with a strong foundation in biochemistry. I worked in quality assurance in a lab, then moved into pharmacokinetics and worked in that kind of lab environment as well. After that, I transitioned into a sales role working for Shimadzu, where I specialized in chromatography systems. Later I joined Büchi, where I managed the entire product portfolio. And now I’m at Genevac, where I focus mainly on centrifugal evaporation.Interviewer: As you know, we spend a lot of time here talking about chromatography and mass spectrometry. Today I was hoping we could talk about sample preparation. I’m curious: what are some of the most significant changes or advancements you’ve observed in sample preparation throughout your career?Wade: In sample preparation, the biggest transformation I’ve seen is around robotics and automation. There’s a much stronger focus on it now. Companies are hiring consultants to look at workflows and ask:<ul><li>Where can we improve this?</li><li>How do we make it easier?</li><li>How do we reduce time in production, whether that’s for an API, an oligonucleotide, whatever it may be?</li></ul>The goal is to improve throughput and profitability.While chemists focus on the quality of their work, upper management is pushing for automation and more hands-off approaches. That reduces liability, lowers the chance of people being exposed to hazardous chemicals, and of course, “time is money” for commercial labs and many of our customers.Interviewer: That makes all the sense in the world. I was hoping we could get into sample preparation techniques in general. I’m very familiar with nitrogen blowdown because that’s what Organomation specializes in, but could you walk us through some basic principles of rotary evaporation, centrifugal evaporation, and freeze-drying?Wade: Sure. As a basis, the first thing you need to understand—whether it’s rotary evaporation, centrifugal evaporation, or freeze-drying—is that everything is centered around pressure control.When you reduce the pressure, it becomes easier to evaporate solvents in a more gentle way. All three techniques rely on that, but differ in how much you reduce the pressure and how you apply heat. By controlling pressure, you’re also controlling the effective boiling point and thus the temperature of your sample.With rotary evaporation, the traditional method uses gentle heating via a water bath. Water is a great medium to transfer heat. In terms of efficiency and how well it evaporates, water is an excellent middle ground compared to IR lamps and other heating methods.The rotating flask creates a thin film and large surface area, and the reduced pressure lowers the boiling point so solvents evaporate gently and efficiently. The vapor then goes to a condenser, gets cooled, and ends up in the receiving flask.With centrifugal evaporation, the principle is similar—reduced pressure and heating—but typically the vacuum goes lower. This is especially useful for very temperature-sensitive samples like oligonucleotides, RNA therapeutics, ADCs, peptide linkers, etc.You can, for example, run at around 40 °C at ~8 mbar. You place Falcon tubes or microplates into a rotor and evaporate many samples at once. It’s very high-throughput. Often IR is used for heating, which is gentle but can take longer. The big benefit is that you can process hundreds of samples simultaneously, so per sample, the time can actually be faster than doing them one by one on a rotary evaporator.Both rotary and centrifugal evaporators can dry samples completely and are used at various points in the workflow—synthesis, purification, and formulation.Freeze-drying (lyophilization) is a bit different but still in the same family. You lower the pressure so much that water (or other suitable solvents) goes from solid directly to gas—sublimation—with no liquid phase. This preserves the structure of the sample and is excellent for stability and shelf-life.You can freeze-dry samples in trays, vials, Falcon tubes, flasks, and other formats. The idea is to freeze the sample and then pull off the frozen solvent directly into the gas phase, which is why freezing conditions can strongly influence crystallization and final product characteristics.You often see all three technologies in the same lab: rotary evaporator for synthesis scale-ups or solvent exchange, centrifugal evaporation for high-throughput concentration or dry-down, and freeze-dryers for final formulations and long-term stability.Interviewer: That’s very helpful. It’s always been easy to introduce rotary evaporation as “one sample at a time.” How do you see the transition to centrifugal evaporation in practice?Wade: A common pattern is this: you have a few chemists, each with their own rotary evaporator, doing one or two samples at a time. There’s no serious bottleneck.But once the lab’s throughput increases, they hit that bottleneck—too many samples piling up. That’s when centrifugal evaporation becomes attractive: you can process dozens or hundreds of samples at once.Another factor is solvent behavior. Some harsh or high-boiling solvents, like DMSO, are problematic on a rotary evaporator—they bump easily. Centrifugal evaporators use centrifugal force to help suppress bumping and boiling over, which prevents cross-contamination and sample loss. That centrifugal component is key—extra “gravity” keeps the liquid in place.On a rotary evaporator, high-boiling solvents can be difficult to remove without bumping or risking analyte loss. But in a centrifugal evaporator, you can handle a wide range—from low-boiling to high-boiling solvents—more safely and gently.And that’s really the point: preserving the analyte. When people hear “bumping,” they think “losing sample,” “destroying my yield,” and they’re right to be concerned.Interviewer: You touched on efficiency, sample integrity, and cost-effectiveness. Could you expand on how the different techniques compare in those areas?Wade: Sure. I’ll put on my sales hat here.The first question I have to ask clients—though I try to do it gently—is: What’s your budget and what scale are you working at?<ul><li>If someone says, “I have $5,000,” the realistic option is usually a rotary evaporator.</li><li>Rotary systems can be benchtop or scaled up to industrial sizes.</li><li>Centrifugal evaporators are typically high-throughput lab instruments; you don’t often see warehouse-sized centrifugal systems.</li></ul>So cost-effectiveness is the first filter.Then we talk application:<ul><li>If you’re working with a single low-boiling solvent and just a few samples, rotary evaporation is quick and efficient.</li><li>If you’re working with many samples, mixed solvent systems, or very temperature-sensitive analytes, centrifugal evaporation or freeze-drying might be better.</li></ul>For sample integrity, anything that significantly reduces pressure and allows you to keep temperatures low will help preserve sensitive compounds—proteins, oligos, peptides. That’s where centrifugal evaporation and freeze-drying shine. Rotary evaporation sometimes can’t get the pressure low enough, so bath temperatures or solvent boiling points may end up higher than the sample’s stability limit, and you risk denaturation or degradation.For efficiency, if you only have a few samples, rotary evaporation is hard to beat for speed, especially with water as the heat transfer medium. Genevac also has instruments like the Rocket, which use water to transfer heat and are very efficient for low- to mid-boiling solvents, combining some advantages of both worlds.But if you’ve got 1,000 samples, centrifugal evaporation wins on throughput per sample. The conversation with clients is always:<ul><li>What’s your sample load?</li><li>Which solvents are you using?</li><li>How sensitive is your analyte?</li><li>And what’s your budget?</li></ul>Interviewer: What types of samples or analytes are best suited for each of the main evaporation techniques?Wade: Broadly speaking:<ul><li>Rotary evaporation is ideal for APIs and classic organic synthesis—general solvent removal on flasks, reaction work-up, and straightforward solvent exchanges.</li><li>Centrifugal evaporation is great for mixed solvent systems, temperature-sensitive analytes, and high-throughput workflows: RNA therapeutics, oligonucleotide synthesis, drug screening, diagnostic reagent kits, microplates, etc.</li><li>Freeze-drying is best for biological samples, peptides, and analytes requiring long-term stability or shelf-life. It’s often the final formulation or storage step once purification and concentration are done.</li></ul>Nitrogen blowdown (like Organomation’s systems) fits in as well—especially in workflows where you’re concentrating down to GC vials or small volumes, often after larger-scale evaporation.Interviewer: From a sales perspective, I see many labs still using homemade nitrogen blowdown setups. We’re trying to move them toward dedicated equipment. You must encounter similar situations. Could you share a challenging sample prep scenario and how you dealt with it?Wade: Honestly, the story is often similar: hard solvents and sensitive samples.DMSO is a big one. It doesn’t dry down well on rotary evaporators—it bumps, and people worry about losing sample. We get called in to “save the day” and often customize a solution.Two groups stand out:<ul><li>Oligonucleotides and RNA therapeutics</li><li>Labs working with mixed low- and high-boiling solvents</li></ul>They’re worried about cross-contamination in well plates and maintaining integrity of very sensitive analytes. Competitive technologies sometimes don’t provide enough centrifugal force to keep everything in place, so vapor and droplets can move between wells during evaporation.Our approach with Genevac is to position systems as anti-bumping, gentle evaporators. We add features like inert gas purging, which is useful when people use diethyl ether and other explosive solvents, so you avoid creating hazardous conditions.The real challenge is almost always twofold:<ol><li>Prevent cross-contamination and degradation.</li><li>Improve throughput and consistency compared to existing methods.</li></ol>To solve this, we don’t just impose a “one-size-fits-all” recipe. We ask:<ul><li>What solvents are you using?</li><li>How long does your current process take?</li><li>What problems are you seeing?</li></ul>The hard part isn’t the physics or chemistry—it’s understanding the client’s process and building enough trust so they share details honestly. Once we have that, we often co-develop a configuration or workflow with them. In a few cases, we’ve even created new product options in collaboration with customers.Interviewer: What advice would you give chromatographers who are just starting to explore different sample preparation techniques?Wade: First, something slightly outside sample prep: check solvent miscibility. When I sold chromatography systems, I often saw people using solvent mixtures that would cause problems—locking up LC systems and creating all kinds of issues. Using miscibility charts can save a lot of pain.For sample prep itself:<ul><li>Know your analyte: boiling point, reactivity, and stability.</li><li>Choose your method based on sample sensitivity, solvent volatility, throughput, and budget.</li><li>Don’t hesitate to leverage automation. Consultants and vendors are pushing it for a reason—it reduces manual workload, increases reproducibility, and actually improves job security by letting chemists focus on higher-value work like synthesis and method development.</li></ul>Interviewer: You mentioned consultants. What resources or tools would you recommend for people doing research in this area?Wade: Many instrument companies—Shimadzu, Genevac, Büchi, and others—publish extensive application notes and host webinars. Those are great starting points.There are also:<ul><li>Online learning platforms like Coursera (though not always sample-prep specific)</li><li>Trade magazines and websites like LCGC, which cover chromatography fundamentals and advanced applications</li><li>Professional organizations such as ACS for networking and technical resources</li><li>Classic textbooks on instrumental analysis—many are still only in print, but they’re very solid</li><li>Peer-reviewed articles and instrumentation forums</li></ul>And just as important: talk to other scientists. Many chemists are quite private and hesitate to reach out, but networking can be extremely valuable.Interviewer: We’ve talked a lot about automation already, but how do you see sample prep techniques evolving in the coming years?Wade: We’ll see more compact systems, but the big changes will be AI and automation playing a bigger role across the entire workflow.I’ve already seen robots:<ul><li>Take samples off an RNA synthesizer</li><li>Transfer them to an evaporation station</li><li>Move dried samples into the next instrument</li></ul>There are many micro-steps—cleaning glassware, labeling, reconstitution—where robots can help. Even eliminating one of those bottlenecks can improve throughput significantly.Automation and AI will help:<ul><li>Streamline workflows</li><li>Reduce human error (“person sitting in a chair” error, as I like to joke)</li><li>Maintain compliance and traceability</li><li>Let scientists focus on analysis and interpretation rather than repetitive manual tasks</li></ul>Interviewer: In closing, is there anything else you’d like to share about the importance of sample prep in chromatography?Wade: I’d say: give sample prep the thought it deserves. Choosing the right technique doesn’t just help you reach your goals faster; it also opens up possibilities for more complex and innovative analyses.Sample preparation is the foundation for reliable results. Ensuring consistency and optimizing your workflow are key to success in chromatography and analytical science in general.<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>

Sample Preparation Mastery: Expert Insights on Evaporation Techniques for Chromatography

Article

Product

Video

Scientists

Scientific article

Interview

Science and research

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

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

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

Organomation

WATREX Prague is the distributor and producer of HPLC techniques in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Main Chromatografic and Related Techniques Supported: LC, GPC, IC, IEC, Automated SPE, LC Columns and special column packings, LC method development, Software development, Laboratory Robots.

Watrex Praha

Bruker

Spectroscopy & Separation Science

The increasing popularity of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and the increasing problem of food fraud have provided the need for quality and authenticity control. Typical problems are the mislabeling of protected designation of origin (PDO) or edible oil adulteration. In this presentation we give an overview about the capabilities of different mass spectrometric methods to accurately determine the PDO of EVOO.
<ul>
<li>Multi-class LC-MS and GC-MS methodologies together with statistical methods enable the discrimination between different PDOs, identifying potential origin markers.</li>
<li>The combined use of non-targeted and targeted approaches enhances the outcome of the study. GC-APCI-QTOF preserves the pseudo-molecular ion information, which is a great advantage and facilitates the identification.</li>
<li>Co-eluting isomers maybe PDO markers and these can be identified and characterized by timsTOF technology.</li>
<li>Rapid LC-free, magnetic resonance mass spectrometry (MRMS) analysis was used for mapping and quality control assessment of EVOO using statistical methods which allows for clustering according to geographical origin, harvesting year, cultivation practice and the oil production procedure.</li>
</ul>
<h5>Key Topics</h5>
<ul>
<li>Introduction to food authenticity using the example of EVOO and the application of new software tools, in combination with UHPLC-QTOF and GC-APCI-QTOF, to identify origin markers.</li>
<li>Introduction into timsTOF technology and the separation of isomeric markers by timsTOF.</li>
<li>Application of LC-free, magnetic resonance mass spectrometry (MRMS) for rapid quality control assessment of extra virgin olive oil.</li>
</ul>
<h5>Who should attend?</h5>
<ul>
<li>Scientist working in the field of food research and foodomics interested in determining authenticity and/or adulteration of edible oils.</li>
<li>Scientists wishing to learn about powerful new techniques to separate isobaric isomers by mass spectroscopic techniques.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Carsten Baessmann
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Carsten Baessmann is responsible for the development of new mass spectrometry-based solutions in the applied markets. His responsibilities include managing collaborations with leading researchers in food, environmental, forensics and clinical analysis. He is also responsible for driving the necessary hardware and software development. Dr. Baessmann holds a PhD in physical chemistry from the Technical University of Munich in the development of new mass spectrometric and laser spectroscopic methods. He has held various management positions in research and development and application development at Bruker for 22 years.
</blockquote>

Pixabay/engin akyurt: Application of new mass spectrometric methods and workflows to determine authenticity of food

Application of new mass spectrometric methods and workflows to determine authenticity of food

There is increased concern regarding the authenticity of basmati rice throughout the world. For years, traders have been passing off a lesser quality rice as the world&#39;s finest long-grained, aromatic rice, basmati, in key markets like the US, Canada and the EU.
In this on-demand webinar, we describe a proof of principle method to assess the authenticity of basmati rice using the latest advancements in high resolution GC-MS and informatics technologies. Volatile compounds of interest were extracted from heated dry rice via SPME and headspace. Following a generic GC separation, detection was performed using a SYNAPT G2-Si MS run in HDMSE mode. Collection of a HDMSE dataset offers a high level of specificity owing to the orthogonal nature of the ion mobility separation to the GC separation.
Progenesis QI, the latest OMICS informatics package from Waters, is designed to utilize the 4-dimensional data produced during a SYNAPT G2-Si HDMSE acquisition. Initially, alignment of all injections was performed followed by the unique peak co-detection process resulting in the same number of analyte measurements in every sample and no missing values. Data from all isotopes and adducts of a parent compound were then deconvoluted giving a single robust and accurate quantitative measurement for that parent compound. The peak picking and deconvolution algorithms ensure a high quality compound table where adducts and isotopes are grouped with the parent m/z. Compounds of interest from the rice samples were highlighted using various multivariate statistical techniques such as PCA and identified using elucidation tools and relevant database searches within the software platform.
This workflow has general applicability to many areas of discovery OMICS and food research where biomarkers differentiating between two or multiple groups are required.
<h3>What will I learn?</h3>
<ul>
<li>An experimental workflow to evaluate the authenticity of foodstuffs</li>
<li>A basic workflow for the discovery of volatile biomarkers between multiple groups of samples</li>
<li>The basics of HDMSE data independent acquisition</li>
<li>How Progenesis QI is used to analyze metabolomics data</li>
</ul>
<h3>Who should attend?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Food research scientists</li>
<li>Metabolomics research scientists</li>
<li>Biomarker research scientists</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Robert Tonge, Ph.D. (Senior Product Manager, OMICS Informatics, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr Robert Tonge is Senior Product Manager for OMICS Informatics at Waters Corporation, Manchester UK. Robert has been at Waters for 4 years in both Product Development and Field Marketing and has approaching 20 years experience in OMICS science. He trained initially in Biochemistry and Toxicology before moving to &#39;Big Pharma&#39; where he worked in Discovery and Translational Research across a wide variety of disease areas from cancer, cardiovascular disease and infection research.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Gareth Cleland, Ph.D. (Principal Scientist, Food &amp; Environmental Business, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr Gareth Cleland is a Principal Scientist within the Food and Environment Business Operations at Waters Headquarters, USA. Following his Chemistry studies, he started his professional career working as a Development Chemist for a small coatings company in Oxfordshire, UK. He joined Waters Corporation in 2002 and has held various roles within the organization, both UK and US based, over the last 12 years.
</blockquote>

Pixabay/Trung Hieu Dang: Discovery OMICS and Progenesis QI for Food Authenticity Testing

LCMS webinars focusing on GC/APCI - page 2

Application of new mass spectrometric methods and workflows to determine authenticity of food

Discovery OMICS and Progenesis QI for Food Authenticity Testing

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