<p><strong>The team of Professor&nbsp;</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://hocek.group.uochb.cz/en"><strong>Michal Hocek</strong></a><strong> at IOCB Prague explores the limits of the structure and function of DNA and successfully pushes forward known boundaries. An article presenting the results of their latest research has just been published in the major scientific journal </strong><i><strong>Nucleic Acids Research</strong></i><strong>. They prove that even heavily modified double helices of DNA are stable enough to be used for special applications. This discovery might expand the possibilities of utilizing modified DNA, for example, in medicine.</strong></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Tomas_Bellon_Scientists_from_IOCB_Prague_are_pushing_the_limits_of_DNA_b5c448f9a9.jpg" alt="ÚOCHB: Scientists from IOCB Prague are pushing the limits of DNA." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Tomas_Bellon_Scientists_from_IOCB_Prague_are_pushing_the_limits_of_DNA_b5c448f9a9.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1910" height="1000"></p><p>DNA consists of two long negatively charged chains that hold together even though they repel each other. This is made possible by what is known as stacking interactions and base pairing. Michal Hocek and his colleagues advanced the known limits when they modified DNA by adding an extra negative charge to each letter of the genetic code. This doubled the repulsive forces, yet the DNA double helix remained stable. They also found that such modified DNA not only holds together but that it can also be synthesized or replicated and sequenced using the enzyme DNA polymerase.</p><p><i>"Think of DNA as a scaffold on which you can attach various chemical compounds with different functions. These are small molecules, such as side chains of amino acids, which occur naturally only in peptides and proteins. In current medicine, we are able to use these molecules only to a relatively limited extent. The reason is that they are markedly unstable and get decomposed rapidly when inside an organism. One solution to this would be a stable skeleton to which they could be firmly attached. And DNA could be just such a base structure in the future,"</i> says Prof. Michal Hocek.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Tomas_Bellon_Scientists_from_IOCB_Prague_are_pushing_the_limits_of_DNA_Prof_Michal_Hocek_Distinguished_Chair_and_head_of_Bioorganic_and_Medicinal_Chemistry_of_Nucleic_Acids_0a8c924ac4.jpg" alt="ÚOCHB / Tomáš Belloň: Prof. Michal Hocek, Distinguished Chair and head of Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry of Nucleic Acids." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Tomas_Bellon_Scientists_from_IOCB_Prague_are_pushing_the_limits_of_DNA_Prof_Michal_Hocek_Distinguished_Chair_and_head_of_Bioorganic_and_Medicinal_Chemistry_of_Nucleic_Acids_0a8c924ac4.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1500" height="1001"></p><p>The aim of this research carried out at IOCB Prague is to create DNA molecules that will mimic other chemical compounds. This would enable us to leverage the medicinal potential of certain biomolecules that are difficult to retain in the body. Examples of such biomolecules are the already mentioned peptides or proteins.</p><p>The Hocek group has already made significant progress, although research in this direction is at its beginning worldwide. The team has, for example, succeeded at developing a novel modified aptamer, which is a short DNA sequence that can bind to a specific target molecule, most frequently a protein. Aptamers have similar properties to antibodies, but they are much more stable. For this reason, aptamers can potentially replace antibodies employed in medicine. However, the number of approved therapeutic aptamers globally can still be counted on the fingers of one hand.</p><p>The current research exploring the limits of DNA is part of a larger project led by Michal Hocek, for which he has secured a prestigious EXPRO grant from the Czech Science Foundation. This is the second time its results have drawn interest from the journal <i>Nucleic Acids Research</i>. Previously, scientists from IOCB Prague published a method for the enzymatic synthesis of fully artificial DNA. During this synthesis, all nucleotides forming natural DNA are replaced by their modified versions with attached hydrophobic (i.e. water-repelling) molecules.</p>

Scientists from IOCB Prague are pushing the limits of DNA

<p><strong>Researchers from IOCB Prague are furthering the understanding of how medicines work and what it takes to develop their most effective variants. In one current study, they have focused on the disease caused by the protozoan parasite </strong><i><strong>Trichomonas vaginalis</strong></i><strong>, especially because of the recent appearance of strains that are resistant to conventional treatment. In an effort to find a new weak spot of this parasite, the </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://boura.group.uochb.cz/en"><strong>research group</strong></a><strong> led by Dr. Evžen Bouřa has succeeded in preparing a key enzyme complex – the proteasome. This has made it possible to gain knowledge that is indispensable for the development of new effective medicines. The research was carried out in collaboration with colleagues from the University of California San Diego. An article presenting the work has been published in the scientific journal </strong><i><strong>Nature Communications</strong></i><strong>.</strong></p><p>The proteasome is a complex protease that works as a device for recycling old proteins in cells. It is a cylindrical enzyme complex composed of seven subunits arranged in four superposed circles. When old proteins enter this cylinder, they get broken down into small pieces later used by the cell to make new proteins. If it functions incorrectly, old proteins accumulate, leading to the cell’s demise. This is why the blocking of proteasome activity is used, for example, against certain types of malignant tumours.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Tomas_Bellon_Vyzkum_vedcu_z_UOCHB_pomaha_vylepsovat_ucinky_lecivych_latek_Dr_Evzen_Boura_vedouci_vedecke_skupiny_Strukturni_biologie_membran_UOCHB_783ec20050.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague / Tomáš Belloň: Dr. Evžen Bouřa, head of the Structural Membrane Biology group at IOCB Prague." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Tomas_Bellon_Vyzkum_vedcu_z_UOCHB_pomaha_vylepsovat_ucinky_lecivych_latek_Dr_Evzen_Boura_vedouci_vedecke_skupiny_Strukturni_biologie_membran_UOCHB_783ec20050.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1500" height="1001"></p><div><p>In the same way, it should also be possible to treat the widespread sexually transmitted infection trichomoniasis, which increases the risk of contracting HIV. The aim is therefore to identify substances that block the function of the proteasome inside <i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i> cells. However, the proteasome of this single-cell organism had never been satisfactorily isolated, so the research group from IOCB Prague prepared an artificial proteasome that is identical to the natural one. Curiously, they used insect cells to do so. This part of their research, on which the success of the whole project was hinged, proved the most complicated. That the team has prevailed in describing the previously unknown structure of the parasite’s proteasome is therefore of critical importance.</p><p><i>‘The proteasome looks the same in every animal or protozoan, but the details of this cylindrical structure differ. It is these details that we need to know in order to create a substance that is toxic to the parasite but not harmful to the human body. That is a crucial precondition for drug development. Our greatest success is that we have been able to prepare a recombinant, artificial proteasome that can provide us with the necessary information,’</i> explains Evžen Bouřa.</p><p>The researchers used advanced electron microscopy, allowing them to see almost every single atom. Armed with this capability, they tested the effects of two potential proteasome-inhibiting substances. They saw how they bind to the active site of the proteasome and under what circumstances the proteasome stops working, which is fatal to the cell of the parasite.</p><p>The research was carried out within the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://nivb.cz/en/">National Institute of Virology and Bacteriology</a> (LX22NPO5103), funded by the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.uochb.cz/en/exceles">EXCELES</a> program.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_vedcu_z_UOCHB_pomaha_vylepsovat_ucinky_lecivych_latek_1_8ff5bf4e71.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague: Dr. Evžen Bouřa, head of the Structural Membrane Biology group at IOCB Prague." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_vedcu_z_UOCHB_pomaha_vylepsovat_ucinky_lecivych_latek_1_8ff5bf4e71.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1386" height="632"></p><p>&nbsp;</p></div>

Scientists from IOCB Prague help to improve medical drugs

<p><strong>In the week of October 14, the following webinars await you in the field of liquid phase and especially HPLC and LC/MS.</strong></p><blockquote><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinars"><strong>👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</strong></a></p><p><strong>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database</strong> with over <strong>3 500 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars</strong>.</p></blockquote><h5><strong>1. Metrohm: Electrochemical techniques for battery research and testing</strong></h5><ul><li><div><div>Tu, 15.10.2024 10:00 CEST</div></div></li><li><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/4337">Registration</a></div></li></ul><p>Theoretical and practical aspects of various electrochemical techniques for battery research and testing.</p><h5><strong>2.&nbsp;Waters Corporation: Leveraging light scattering techniques for enhanced biotherapeutic characterization and development</strong></h5><ul><li><div><div>Tu, 15.10.2024 10:30 CEST</div></div></li><li><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/4336">Registration</a></div></li></ul><p>How different light scattering techniques can be used for advanced characterization of biopharmaceutical samples.</p><h5><strong>3.&nbsp;Thermo Fisher Scientific: Solutions for environmental and food contaminant testing</strong></h5><div><ul><li><div>Tu, 15.10.2024 10:30 CEST</div></li><li><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/4238">Registration</a></div></li></ul></div><p>New and advancing workflows to meet and exceed European regulations.</p><h5><strong>4.&nbsp;Agilent Technologies: Single Quad mass detection for Chromatographers</strong></h5><ul><li><div><div>Tu, 15.10.2024 11:00 CEST</div></div></li><li><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/4261">Registration</a></div></li></ul><p>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.</p><h5><strong>5.&nbsp;Agilent Technologies: MassHunter Acquisition Q-TOF Part II – Advance Settings</strong></h5><div><div><ul><li><div>Tu, 15.10.2024 14:00 CEST</div></li><li><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/4343">Registration</a></div></li></ul></div><p>Join us for an in-depth exploration of advanced settings in MassHunter Acquisition for Q-TOF systems.</p></div><h5><strong>6.&nbsp;Thermo Fisher Scientific: High-throughput and automation in novel modalities (msAbs, ADCs, AOCs) screening, characterization, and beyond</strong></h5><ul><li><div><div>Tu, 15.10.2024 17:00 CEST</div></div></li><li><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/4352">Registration</a></div></li></ul><p>Integrated advanced techniques such as automation and machine learning to achieve unprecedented mass spectrometry-focused sample handling capabilities and rapid turnover rates.</p><h5><strong>7.&nbsp;Phenomenex: Solid Phase Extraction Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks</strong></h5><ul><li><div><div>Tu, 15.10.2024 19:00 CEST</div></div></li><li><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/4338">Registration</a></div></li></ul><p>Identify the common challenges associated with solid phase extraction methods.</p><h5><strong>8.&nbsp;Waters Corporation: Streamlined Proteomics with the Power of Andrew+</strong></h5><ul><li><div><div>We, 16.10.2024 11:00 CEST</div></div></li><li><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/4339">Registration</a></div></li></ul><p>How the Andrew+ liquid handling robot has helped streamline their sample preparation workflows for proteomic analysis.</p><h5><strong>9.&nbsp;Agilent Technologies: Advancements in Host Cell Protein Analysis</strong></h5><div><ul><li><div>We, 16.10.2024 11:30 CEST</div></li><li><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/4357">Registration</a></div></li></ul></div><p>Join us in this unique webinar where experts from Industry, pharmacopeia and Agilent will share insights on latest advancements on HCP analysis.</p><h5><strong>10.&nbsp;Waters Corporation: Free Testosterone and Free T3/T4</strong></h5><div><ul><li><div>We, 16.10.2024 14:00 CEST</div></li><li><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/4356">Registration</a></div></li></ul></div><p>Simplified Equilibrium Dialysis and SPE Method for the UPLC-MS/MS Analysis of Free Thyroxine (FT4) and Triiodothyronine (FT3) for Clinical Research.</p><h5><strong>11.&nbsp;Technology Networks/Thermo Fisher Scientific: Streamlining Data for Superior Therapeutic Manufacturing</strong></h5><div><ul><li><div>We, 16.10.2024 17:00 CEST</div></li><li><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/4377">Registration</a></div></li></ul></div><p>This webinar explores how to implement digitization to accelerate decision-making, meet regulatory demands and eliminate bottlenecks in biotherapeutic development.</p><h5><strong>12.&nbsp;Waters Corporation: Analyzing mRNA and sgRNA with Advanced Enzymes, Mass Spectrometry, and Informatics</strong></h5><div><ul><li><div>We, 16.10.2024 17:00 CEST</div></li><li><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/4355">Registration</a></div></li></ul></div><p>This webinar will feature insights from Quality Assistance a leading European Contract Research Organisation (CRO) offering a range of services including mRNA and CRISPR sgRNA testing.</p><h5><strong>13.&nbsp;Separation Science/Merck: Empowering Tomorrow’s Therapeutics with LC-MS Capillary Chromatography</strong></h5><div><ul><li><div>Th, 17.10.2024 10:00 CEST</div></li><li><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/4359">Registration</a></div></li></ul></div><p>This webinar emphasizes the significance of capillary HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry.</p><h5><strong>14.&nbsp;Waters Corporation: Empower Tips: Ask Me Anything About Processing Data - Part 2</strong></h5><div><div><ul><li><div>Th, 17.10.2024 16:00 CEST</div></li><li><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/4360">Registration</a></div></li></ul></div><p>This is the second in our three-part Ask Me Anything webinar series on one of the most frequently asked about topics - processing data.</p></div><h5><strong>15.&nbsp;Waters Corporation: Nitrosamines</strong></h5><div><div><ul><li><div>Th, 17.10.2024 19:00 CEST</div></li><li><div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/3445">Registration</a></div></li></ul></div><p>This webinar will address analytical challenges in the detection and control of nitrosamines and Nitrosamine Drug-Substance Related Impurities (NDSRIs).</p></div>

Webinars LabRulezLCMS Week 42/2024

Article

Webinars

Scientific article

Science and research

Video

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. 

Ústav organické chemie a biochemie AV ČR

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

Metrohm

Merck

Restek Corporation

Business Review Webinars

NACRW

<p>Karl Fischer (KF) titration is an industry standard method for measuring water content in all types of substances. However, for various reasons some substances are not suitable for a direct Karl Fischer titration:</p>
<ul>
<li>They release their water only slowly</li>
<li>The water is released at high temperature only</li>
<li>The substances are poorly soluble in KF solvents</li>
<li>undergo side reactions with KF reagents</li>
<li>They contaminate the titration cell or the electrodes</li>
</ul>
<p>By using the KF oven method, the above-mentioned problems can be avoided. This makes the KF oven method a perfect solution for the analysis of difficult samples.</p>
<p>By viewing this webinar you will learn…</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>how to handle liquid samples and water standards correctly</strong></li>
<li><strong>how to analyze difficult samples</strong></li>
<li><strong>how to properly prepare your titration system with the KF oven</strong></li>
<li><strong>how to prepare your sample</strong></li>
<li><strong>how to select the optimal heating temperature</strong></li>
<li><strong>which reagents and which water standards you should use to obtain accurate results</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>After viewing this webinar you will know how to perform accurate titrations using the Karl Fischer oven method. Additionally, the speakers will reveal tips and tricks to help you in the daily routine. The webinar will finish with a live Q&amp;A session.</p>
<p>This webinar will be moderated by Allison Reiter, Offering Management Lead – Honeywell Research Chemicals.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dr. Roman Neufeld (Senior Research Scientist, Honeywell)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Roman joined Honeywell in 2017 as an Application Chemist, providing support to a global customer base on technical queries and application development for Karl Fischer titration. Since 2018, he has expanded his role to include development of new and innovative Hydranal reagents to stay ahead of market needs.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Michael Margreth (Sr. Product Specialist, Karl Fischer Titration, Metrohm)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Michael Margreth studied chemistry at the University of Applied Science in Muttenz, Switzerland. He joined Metrohm in 2005 as an application specialist and gained titration experience in the application laboratory. Since 2008 he mainly focuses on Karl Fischer titration and the determination of water.</p>
</blockquote>


Metrohm: Tips and tricks for Karl Fischer water determination using the oven method

Tips and tricks for Karl Fischer water determination using the oven method

After viewing this webinar you will know how to perform accurate titrations using the Karl Fischer oven method. 

Tips and tricks for Karl Fischer water determination

<p><strong>Reference standards are essential in chromatography to ensure the correct identification of the sample components and the accuracy of quantitation.</strong></p>
<p>In this one-hour presentation, we will explore the definitions and certifications that can impact selection and use of reference standards. Additionally, we’ll review the techniques and documentation required to prepare reproducible and reliable reference standards.</p>
<ul>
<li>Learn what certified reference materials (CRMs) are and why you need them.</li>
<li>Explore the quality controls needed to consistently ensure accurate reference standards.</li>
<li>Understand secondary source standards and how to obtain them.</li>
</ul>


Restek: Building a Rock-Solid Analytical Foundation with Certified Reference Materials (CRMs)

Building a Rock-Solid Analytical Foundation with Certified Reference Materials (CRMs)

<p><strong>Join us for an upcoming webinar on green chemistry.</strong></p>
<p>Our expert speakers will discuss strategies how to reduce consumption or completely replace traditional and often toxic organic solvents, many of which are under an increasing legislative and consumer pressure.</p>
<p>You will learn about:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>12 principles of green chemistry</strong></li>
<li><strong>next generation solvents as attractive and highly needed replacements to traditional organic solvents that have health or environmental concerns</strong></li>
<li><strong>micellar catalysis as a useful tool to perform cross-coupling reactions in water</strong></li>
<li><strong>an automated chemical synthesis platform which uses minimum solvents and is based on the principles of so called &quot;capsule chemistry&quot;</strong></li>
<li><strong>hydrophobic powders as an interesting, fast and green alternative to liquid-liquid extraction for reaction work-ups</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>The registration for this webinar is open for researchers and engineers from Czechia, Slovakia and Hungary.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Ondřej Baszczyňski (Head of the Group of Medicinal chemistry &amp; Drug delivery at Charles University)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Zuzana Cejpková &amp; Stanislav Kukla (Merck Life Science)</p>
</blockquote>


MERCK: Strategies to reduce/replace traditional solvent consumption in organic synthesis labs

Strategies to reduce/replace traditional solvent consumption in organic synthesis labs

Our expert speakers will discuss strategies how to reduce consumption or completely replace traditional and often toxic organic solvents.

Reduce/replace solvent consumption in organic synthesis labs

<p><strong>Reference standards must perform at a consistent level each and every time you use them. Variations in analyte concentration can disrupt analyses, impede your lab’s workflow, and lead to wasted time and money.</strong></p>
<p>In order to create trust in the use of reference standards worldwide quality standards have been established through which the production of reference standards is regulated by numerous guidelines. The webinar gives insights how Restek as a manufacturer of certified reference materials meets these requirements. In total, there are 10 decisive steps that determine the quality of Restek&#39;s reference materials.</p>
<ul>
<li>Learn what certified reference materials (CRMs) are, and why you need them.</li>
<li>Explore the quality controls needed to consistently ensure accurate reference standards.</li>
<li>Review what information is available in certificates and data packs</li>
</ul>


Restek Corporation: Build a Rock-Solid Analytical Foundation with Restek Certified Reference Standards

Build a Rock-Solid Analytical Foundation with Restek Certified Reference Standards

The webinar gives insights how Restek as a manufacturer of certified reference materials meets numerous guidelines and requirements.

Restek Certified Reference Standards

<h3><strong>Building a strong foundation for your analytical workflow</strong></h3>
<p>Your results are only as accurate as your reference. Within Pharma QC, whether you are performing dissolution testing or releasing finished goods, having accurate, reliable and fully characterized Reference Materials is critical. This webinar will provide viewers with an overview of key concepts relating to Reference Materials.</p>
<p>With a multitude of suppliers serving the industry – both compendial and commercial – there are myriad choices of Reference Materials available for a quality control laboratory. We will discuss how different quality grades are “fit for purpose,” best practices in Reference Material production, and what to look for in a Reference Material Certificate of Analysis.</p>
<p>We will also discuss a novel concept: fully characterized Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) qualified against compendial standards. These CRMs are designed to replace a laboratories in-house working standards and pair with a laboratory’s primary Reference Standards to form a strong, well-characterized and fully traceable Reference Material foundation.</p>
<h3><strong>Key Learning Objectives</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Understand how different Reference Material quality grades are fit-to-purpose</li>
<li>Provide key concepts in Reference Material manufacture and characterization</li>
<li>Detail Certificate of Analysis (CoA) key attributes that will be common across sources</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Audience</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Laboratory Directors</li>
<li>Pharmaceutical Quality Control (QC) Managers</li>
<li>Pharmaceutical Quality Control (QC) technicians</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Michael Hurst (Product Manager - Reference Materials)</strong></p>
</blockquote>


Pixabay/Mizianitka: Reference Materials in Pharma QC

MilliporeSigma - Reference Materials in Pharma QC

<h5><strong>Unlocking the Mystery of Pesticides CRM Stability for Food Analysis</strong></h5>
<p>There is a growing global need for pesticide residues testing in a wide variety of food commodities. In response to this need, testing laboratories must develop versatile analytical methods and workflows in order to produce scientifically sound results which ensure the safety of our food.  One of the many challenges faced by food chemists is acquiring suitable pesticide certified reference materials (CRMs) to calibrate analytical equipment, monitor method performance and confirm the identity and concentration of hundreds of pesticide residues in food samples.  Questions regarding the stability of pesticide CRMs abound among users and there’s a need to educate and inform the community.  CRM producers invest considerable resources to ensure the stability of their products.  The authors will present proper CRM handling and storage practices as guidance to ensure stability based on the results of several multiresidue pesticide stability studies.  The results of three pesticide mix stability studies will be shown demonstrating what can be expected after pesticide mix ampulesare opened and stored for use, and also when mixed togetherto prepare 200+ compound multi-residue mixesfor routine LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS laboratory analysis. </p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Joe Konschnik (Business Development Manager, Food &amp; Agriculture Market, RESTEK Corporation, Bellefonte, PA, USA)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>As RESTEK’s Business Development Manager for the global Food &amp; Agriculture market Joe applies his 37 years of analytical chemistry experience toward identifying market needs, new technologies, product opportunities and overseeing technical content development for new workflow solutions.  Prior to RESTEK Joe spent 19 years working for some ofthe nation’s largest environmental testing laboratory companies as a bench chemist and in technical and laboratory operations senior management roles.  Joe has been an invited speaker on sampling and analytical chemistry topics globally.  He serves in volunteer leadership roles for the Independent Laboratories Institute (ILI), the American Council of Independent Labs (ACIL)’sFood Sciences Section and AOAC International.  Joe is also an active member of NACRW and AOCS</p>
</blockquote>
<h5><strong>Guide to Reference Material use in Trace Level Analysis</strong></h5>
<p>The analysis of contaminants and residues in human and animal foods presents special challenges due to the large numbers of analytes with varied chemical properties being analyzed at low concentrations in a single method. In addition, a singlemulti-residue method may be utilized to screen a wide variety of complex food, dietary supplement and environmental matrices for compliance with strict regulatory requirements. Recognizing these challenges, the Reference Materials Working Group of the North American Chemical Residue Workshop is developing a best practices guide for understanding and effectively using reference materials specific to complex trace level analysis. This presentation will introduce the guide and provide an overview of the content.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Jo Marie Cook (former Bureau Chief, Chemical Residue Labs, Florida Department of Agriculture)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>JoMarie Cook is recently retired from the Florida Department of Agriculture where she served as Bureau Chief of the Chemical Residue Laboratories.She also has been a member of the NACRW Organizing Committee for over twenty years and serves on the Board ofDirectors. She has a degree in chemistry from Michigan State University.</p>
</blockquote>


NACRW: Unlocking the Mystery of Pesticides CRM Stability for Food Analysis and Guide to Reference Material use in Trace Level Analysis

Unlocking the Mystery of Pesticides CRM Stability for Food Analysis and Guide to Reference Material use in Trace Level Analysis

<p><strong>Reference standards must perform at a consistent level each and every time you use them. Variations in analyte concentration can disrupt analyses, impede your lab’s workflow, and lead to wasted time and money. Restek’s Certificates of Analysis offer comprehensive information to help you understand the composition, proper storage conditions, and method of shipment for your reference standard.</strong></p>
<p>In this presentation, we’ll explain the terms given on the certificate, discuss when you might need to apply uncertainty values, and clarify why we provide them. We’ll also explore how to safely store and properly prepare your reference standards for use along with what else you need to keep in mind to ensure the long-term integrity of your standards.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Jaap de Zeeuw (Gas Chromatography Specialist, Restek)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Jaap is a world-renowned chromatographer with over 40 years of experience, including 27 years with Varian/Chrompack focusing on industrial analysis challenges. For his 1979 graduation from The Institute for Higher Education, specialized in chemistry, Jaap authored a paper titled &quot;The Challenge of Coating Flexible Fused Silica Capillary Columns&quot; and has since distinguished himself as an authority on the subject. Directly involved with the creation of numerous chemically bonded columns, including the first bonded PEG column and the stabilized PLOT columns widely used in the petrochemical arena, Restek’s international GC specialist has helped develop new techniques, such as fast GC-MS using vacuum GC technology, and has filed two patents for his work. Based out of the Netherlands, Jaap celebrates 10 years with Restek. Jaap is extensively published and regularly travels internationally to share his knowledge.</p>
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