<h3><strong>1. What exactly is a “source” in mass spectrometry?</strong></h3><p>Whether you’re running LC-MS, imaging-MS, or native-MS, the ion source is where molecules leave the chromatograph, capillary, or sample stage and become charged gas-phase particles that the mass spectrometer can detect. The source you choose governs the kinds of compounds you’ll see, the flow rates you can use, and the robustness you can expect from run to run.</p><p><strong>Sources fall into two broad families:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Vacuum ionization: </strong>Electron ionization (EI), fast-atom bombardment (FAB), and traditional MALDI create ions inside the instrument’s evacuated housing.</li><li><strong>Atmospheric-pressure ionization (API): </strong>Electrospray (ESI), atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI), atmospheric-pressure photo-ionization (APPI), and today’s atmospheric-pressure MALDI (AP-MALDI) generate ions in open air and then guide them through an interface into vacuum.</li></ul><blockquote><p>Learn more about Ionization methods here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/industrial/mass-spectrometry/mass-spectrometry-learning-center/mass-spectrometry-technology-overview/ionization-source-technology-overview.html"><strong>Ionization Source Technology Overview | Thermo Fisher Scientific – US</strong></a></p></blockquote><h3><strong>2. Why electrospray changed the game</strong></h3><p>In 1988 John B. Fenn demonstrated that a fine, high-voltage spray could coax intact proteins into the gas phase (see figure). The work earned a share of the 2002 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Because electrospray produces multiply charged ions, large biomolecules fit within the m/z window of modern analyzers. That single insight opened the door to:</p><ul><li>Bottom-up and top-down proteomics</li><li>Metabolomics and lipidomics</li><li>Native MS of protein complexes and antibodies</li><li>Targeted quantitation in clinical and environmental labs</li></ul><p>ESI also adapts to nearly any flow- from nanoliters to milliliters- via variants like nanoESI, capillaryESI, and heated ESI (HESI).</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Electrospray_101_What_to_Know_About_LC_MS_Sources_and_a_First_Look_at_Optispray_2_eadef535f2.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Electrospray 101: What to Know About LC-MS Sources – and a First Look at Optispray: Basic principle of electrospray ionization. A high-voltage needle forms a fine spray of charged droplets that shrink through solvent evaporation, releasing gas-phase ions for mass spectrometry." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Electrospray_101_What_to_Know_About_LC_MS_Sources_and_a_First_Look_at_Optispray_2_eadef535f2.jpg 237w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="675"></p><h3><strong>3. Putting ESI sources to work on a Thermo Scientific platform</strong></h3><p>If you have ever run a proteomics experiment on Thermo Scientific mass spectrometry solution, you have already handled at least two ESI sources:</p><ul><li><strong>Thermo Scientific OptaMax NG ion source</strong> or <strong>Thermo Scientific OptaMax Plus ion source</strong> with the Thermo Scientific<sup> </sup>Heated Electrospray Ionization (HESI-II) Probe – easy installation into the MS face, this robust family of sources, paired with adaptable HESI-II probes, supports a wide range of flow rates from 1 – 2,000 µL/min, providing flexibility for various applications. Most proteomics laboratories use it for calibrations or quick QC injections: direct-infuse a Pierce FlexMix solution through the HESI probe and the instrument can calibrate to sub-ppm accuracy</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/2464"><strong>Thermo Scientific EASY-spray source</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/2463"><strong>Thermo Scientific NanoSpray Flex ion source</strong></a> – once calibration is complete, the OptaMax ion source comes off and a low-flow source goes on. Thermo Scientific<sup> </sup>EASY-Spray HPLC columns combine LC column, liquid junction, and emitter in a single finger-tight connection, eliminiating dead volume and manual x-axis alignment. The NanoSpray Flex offers emitter and geometry control, providing flexibility for method development when custom configurations are needed.</li></ul><p>In a routine bottom-up proteomics run, you might equilibrate an EASY-Spray column on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/398"><strong>Thermo Scientific Vanquish Neo UHPLC</strong></a>, calibrate the mass spectrometer using the OptaMax NG ion source fitted with HESI-II probe, then swap to an EASY-spray source loaded with your nanoLC column, and finally acquire a 30-minute DIA gradient on an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1959"><strong>Orbitrap Astral Zoom mass spectrometer</strong></a> - never touching the mass spectrometer itself, only exchanging the front-end source.</p><h3><strong>4. Alternate source spotlight: Native MS with static nano-spray</strong></h3><p>Electrospray isn’t limited to peptide gradients. In native MS the goal is to perform mass analysis on intact, non-denatured molecules- virus capsids, ribosomal subunits, even 10 MDa gene-therapy assemblies- without the salts and organic solvents required by LC. Here the workhorse is static nano-spray: load &lt;5 uL of volatile, salt-stripped buffer into a pre-conductive tip, let capillary action deliver a &lt; 50 nL/min plume straight into the MS inlet, and- because the analyte never touches a column- fragile complexes stay together long enough for high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis. The Nanospray Flex ion source with the Offline Nano Electrospray kit makes difficult-to-analyze native applications compatible with state of the art mass spectrometry. For example, it is often coupled with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/560"><strong>Thermo Scientific Q Exactive UHMR mass spectrometer</strong></a> and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/748"><strong>Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Ascend Structural Biology Tribrid mass spectrometer</strong></a>.<br><br>Static nano-spray highlights how choosing the right ion source- and the right accessories- opens new analytical spaces.</p><h3><strong>5. Pain points in low-flow ESI- and why they matter</strong></h3><p>Nano- and capillary-flow ESI deliver exquisite sensitivity but can frustrate even experienced users:</p><ul><li><strong>Manual emitter alignment</strong> is operator-dependent</li><li><strong>Dead volume</strong> between column, junction, and emitter broadens peak</li><li><strong>Emitter wear</strong> forces frequent replacements and re-tuning</li></ul><p>For large-scale studies and labs with constant mass spectrometry up-time, that variability translates into lost samples, inconsistent quantitation, and extra QC overhead</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Electrospray_101_What_to_Know_About_LC_MS_Sources_and_a_First_Look_at_Optispray_3_35fab1de4d.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Electrospray 101: What to Know About LC-MS Sources – and a First Look at Optispray" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Electrospray_101_What_to_Know_About_LC_MS_Sources_and_a_First_Look_at_Optispray_3_35fab1de4d.jpg 216w," sizes="100vw" width="768" height="555"></p><h3><strong>6. Enter breaking technology: The Thermo Scientific OptiSpray<sup> </sup>Technology provides&nbsp;automated nano- and capillary-flow success</strong></h3><p>Unveiled at ASMS 2025, the OptiSpray technology- including the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/2465"><strong>Thermo Scientific OptiSpray ion source</strong></a> and Thermo Scientific OptiSpray cartridge- tackles these challenges head-on:</p><ul><li><strong>Motorized 3D alignment</strong> runs a “quick” (&lt;3 minute) or “full” optimization routine that centers the spray plume on the inlet- no rulers, no guesswork, same result no matter who is installing the column.</li><li><strong>Easy installation with cartridge-based consumables</strong> with integrated column, junction and emitter in a single unit. Choose the Thermo Scientific EASY-Spray PepMap Neo UHPLC column or Thermo Scientific μPAC Neo HPLC Columns- just click in the cartridge, pull the handle down, click once, and you are plumbed.</li><li><strong>Emitter options for capillary or nanoflow </strong>two emitters—one that is tapered and is designed for capillary flow rates, and one that is pulled and is designed for nanoflow rates.</li><li><strong>Visualization of emitter and spray </strong>provides confidence in spray stability and visualization of spray disturbances.</li><li><strong>Platform compatibility</strong> The OptiSpray ion source docks directly on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?search=Astral+"><strong>Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Astral MS series</strong></a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?search=Tribrid+"><strong>Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Tribrid MS series</strong></a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?search=Exploris"><strong>Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris MS series</strong></a>, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1958"><strong>Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Excedion Pro MS</strong></a>, and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1149"><strong>Thermo Scientific Stellar MS</strong></a>, and pairs seamlessly with Thermo Scientific FAIMS Pro Duo interface- the automated alignment finds the emitter’s “sweet spot” in front of FAIMS Pro Duo interface for you.</li><li><strong>Wide flow window</strong> (50 nl – 10 uL/min) means one source covers discovery DIA at 300 nl/min and high-throughput PRM at a few uL/min.</li><li><strong>Proven robustness</strong> Early robustness data show &gt;2,000 HeLa digest injections with &lt;10% CV in peptide identifications.</li></ul><p>How OptiSpray technology helps: automated emitter alignment levels the playing field between new and experienced users, cutting out training time and human-introduced variability. Further, the sealed cartridge prevents carry-over and dead-volume inconsistencies. The result is reproducible, low-flow data, batch after batch, lab after lab, no matter who installs the column.</p><h3><strong>7. Take home messages</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Ion sources are the gatekeepers of detection. </strong>Choosing vacuum vs atmospheric- and within API, ESI vs APCI/APPI- dictates what you can detect.</li><li><strong>Electrospray is the backbone of omics. </strong>Multiply charged ions bring biomolecules into reach of high-resolution mass analyzes, earning a Nobel nod and dominating modern workflows.</li><li><strong>OptiSpray streamlines low-flow operation</strong> by automating emitter positioning and eliminating manual alignment, enabling consistent, high-sensitivity data across users and experiments.</li></ul><blockquote><p>Questions about fitting the right source to your application? <strong>Contact us </strong>or explore the ASMS 2025 resource hub for application notes, workflow posters, and customer testimonials.</p><p><strong>Visit us on&nbsp;</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/"><strong><u>LinkedIn:</u></strong></a><strong>&nbsp;</strong>#MassSpectrometry #IonSources #Electrospray #OptiSpray #Proteomics #Metabolomics #Lipidomics #ESI</p></blockquote>

Electrospray 101: What to Know About LC-MS Sources – and a First Look at Optispray

<h4><strong>Traceability in the 19th century&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Once a dairymaid bought one kilo of flour from the local shop. Next day she returned to sell one kilo of butter to the shopkeeper. He then complained that 50 grams of the kilo were missing.&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p>Oh that is odd, the dairymaid said, to get the correct weight I used the kilo of flour you sold to me yesterday to weigh the butter!&nbsp;</p></blockquote><h4><strong>Traceability today&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Traceability is the ability to trace, for example, the ancestors of a person or the origin of a product. The word can be derived from the Latin tractus = drawn or the verb trahere = to draw.&nbsp;</p><p>Traceability can refer to documentation (e.g. a sampling procedure), a laboratory, analyst or method. But as in ISO/IEC 17025, this leaflet deals with traceability of measurement results. That is, measurement results have to be traceable to the metrological<sup>1</sup> references <strong>used</strong>. To be specific, we use the term <i><strong>metrological traceability</strong></i>.&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p>The current VIM<sup>2</sup> definition of metrological <strong>traceability is: </strong>property of a measurement result whereby the result can be related to a <strong>reference</strong> through a documented unbroken <strong>chain of calibrations</strong> each contributing to the measurement uncertainty<sup>2</sup>&nbsp;</p></blockquote><h4><strong>The references&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Ideally the <strong>references</strong> should be the values of national and international standards expressed in SI units. The traceability is realised through chains of <strong>calibrations</strong>, the traceability chain. For temperature and many other physical quantities such as mass and time, the traceability is easily established.&nbsp;</p><p>In addition, in chemistry the working standards are substances with defined purity, solutions of pure substances and matrix reference materials.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_2_b809be57bc.jpg" alt="Douglas Hasbun: An “analyst” not knowing the traceability of his/her values for volume, time, mass, calibration solution concentration and temperature." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_2_b809be57bc.jpg 157w," sizes="100vw" width="852" height="847"></p><h4><strong>Temperature example - Traceability to SI&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The temperature of a sample can be traced back through a <strong>chain of calibrations</strong> to the <strong>reference</strong>, an SI traceable value of temperature at 0 °C.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_3_9933347331.jpg" alt="Douglas Hasbun: Temperature example - Traceability to SI" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_3_9933347331.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="926" height="432"></p><h4><strong>Example – Mercury in tuna fish&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>A measurement result (mass fraction) obtained for mercury in a tuna fish sample is 4.03 ± 0.11 mg/kg. The result is reported as total Hg on dry weight basis (105 ºC, 12 h determined on a separate sample portion) and the measurement uncertainty is reported with a 95 % level of confidence (coverage factor, k=2). In this case mercury was determined with a mercury analyser (cold vapour atomic spectroscopy) after a microwave digestion.&nbsp;</p><p>The samples are weighed on a balance with a calibration certificate relating the weight measured to the SI unit of mass (kg).&nbsp;</p><p>The acid digest is diluted in a volumetric flask where the manufacturer documents the traceability of the volume of the flask to a national standard.&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>The calibration curve was prepared using a CRM (certified reference material) – a mercury standard with a certificate stating a quantity value of 0.998 ± 0.005 mg/L (k=2) and with traceability to pure mercury.&nbsp;</strong></i></p><p>The method is validated using an appropriate matrix CRM with a total mercury mass fraction of 1.97 ± 0.04 mg/kg (<i>k</i>=2). The purpose of the validation is to check the method performance.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_4_1ef2bc4b97.jpg" alt="Douglas Hasbun: An “analyst” knowing the traceability of his/her values for volume, time, mass, calibration solution concentration and temperature" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_4_1ef2bc4b97.jpg 119w," sizes="100vw" width="808" height="1062"></p><h4><strong>How can a laboratory demonstrate metrological traceability?&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The evidence required by the laboratory to demonstrate traceability for the mercury result is shown below:&nbsp;</p><ol><li>concentration of the Hg solution – a certificate for the CRM solution;&nbsp;</li><li>mass of sample – calibration certificate for the balance;&nbsp;</li><li>volume of volumetric flask – calibration certificate of the manufacturer;&nbsp;</li><li>drying temperature – calibration of oven temperature;&nbsp;</li><li>digestion conditions – calibration of e.g. temperature;&nbsp;</li><li>drying time – ordinary clock or stopwatch&nbsp;</li></ol><p>Point 1 would need special attention to assure the quality and traceability for the calibration standard. Traceability for points 2, 3 and 6 is easily achieved with adequate uncertainty using commercial equipment.&nbsp;</p><p>Points 4 and 5 need additional attention by the lab.&nbsp;</p><p>The use of the matrix CRM in the method validation is vital but not part of the traceability chain, since it is not used for calibration. If this CRM is used for recovery correction it should be part of the traceability chain.&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Measurement quality&nbsp;</strong></h4><ul><li>Method <strong>validation</strong> demonstrates that the method (set of conditions) used in a particular laboratory at a certain time was fit for purpose and all significant effects were identified.&nbsp;</li><li>Calibration of critical equipment completes the metrological<strong> traceability </strong>chains.</li><li><strong>Measurement uncertainty </strong>is estimated from the method validation and the traceability.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Quality control </strong>(internal and external) assures that the measurement results (including uncertainty) are of the same quality as at the time of validation.</li></ul><h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4><p>The <strong>traceability of a measurement result </strong>refers to <strong>metrological traceability</strong> as defined by VIM. It relates the result to SI units or other agreed standards/references.&nbsp;</p><p>Traceability is essential for comparability of results and is a requirement of ISO/IEC 17025. Traceability is easily achieved following good laboratory practice.</p>

Metrological Traceability of Analytical Results

<p><strong>Scientific conferences are defined not only by the quality of the research presented but also by the expertise and vision of their invited speakers. RAFA 2026 brings together internationally recognized scientists from academia, industry, and regulatory organizations to address some of today's most pressing challenges in food analysis and food safety. Their lectures will explore cutting-edge analytical techniques, emerging contaminants, food authenticity, artificial intelligence, high-resolution mass spectrometry, allergen risk assessment, PFAS, microplastics, mycotoxins, and many other topics shaping the future of food analysis. This overview introduces the distinguished invited speakers and the scientific highlights they will present at RAFA 2026.</strong></p><h3><strong>Registration</strong></h3><blockquote><p class="cke-user_style-important"><strong>👉</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/"><strong>Register to attend RAFA 2026!</strong></a></p></blockquote><h4><strong>Registration Fees</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Regular registration (Until 30 September, 2026):</strong> € 855</li><li><strong>Late registration (From 1 October, 2026):</strong> € 955</li><li><strong>Student rate* (From 1 July, 2026):</strong> € 605</li></ul><p><i>* The proof of student status (e.g. copy of a student identify card) is requested as an attachment of the registration form.</i></p><h5><strong>The regular registration fee will include:</strong></h5><ul><li>Attendance at all scientific sessions, workshops, seminars, vendor seminars and other satellite events</li><li>Access to the poster and exhibition area</li><li>Conference kit (name badge, conference bag, conference documents, certificate of participation, certificate of presentation on request)</li><li>Final programme</li><li>E-Book of Abstracts</li><li>Coffee breaks</li><li>Buffet luncheons</li><li>Welcome drink</li></ul><p>In the registration form you can r<strong>egister free of charge for the welcome drink</strong> and you can also order <strong>ticket(s) for the conference dinner (€ 85).</strong></p><p><i>Please note that your registration is firm when your payment has been received.</i></p><h3><strong>Abstract submission</strong></h3><blockquote><p class="cke-user_style-important"><strong>👉</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/"><strong>Submit your ABSTRACT HERE!</strong></a></p><p>In order to submit an abstract, you must <strong>first register to attend RAFA 2026</strong>. <strong>After registration</strong> you will receive an <strong>access to the Member section </strong>where you can <strong>submit your abstract(s).</strong></p></blockquote><p>&nbsp;After successful submission of your abstract you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt of submitted abstract via e-mail. If it will not be delivered within a few minutes after submission of your abstract please check at first your spam box-mail and then contact us at <strong>RAFA2026@vscht.cz</strong>.</p><h4><strong>Important notice:</strong></h4><blockquote><p><strong>1 registered participant can submit no more than 2 abstracts.</strong></p></blockquote><p>To apply for a young scientist’s oral presentation, as an indication please respect the rule that you should be born in 1991 or later.</p><p>The <strong>text of the abstract </strong>should be<strong> limited to 3000 characters including spaces</strong>. Tables and pictures are not allowed.</p><h3><strong>Program</strong></h3><h4><strong>Invited Speakers</strong></h4><h5><strong>It takes a small step to fake food but a giant leap to authenticate</strong></h5><ul><li>Nicolai Zederkopff Ballin from Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency, Glostrup, Denmark.</li></ul><p>It takes a small step to fake food but a giant leap to authenticate”: Exploring unresolved issues in food authentication. Food authentication includes not just analytical chemistry, but also nomenclature, validation procedures and reporting of results. These aspects have attracted increasing focus, but setting limits in food authentication has been largely absent. It is therefore time to discuss how to set maximum tolerable levels to enable consistent and comparable results in food authentication.</p><h5><strong>Unravelling the mysteries of modified mycotoxins</strong></h5><ul><li>Franz Berthiller from BOKU University, Vienna, Austria</li></ul><p>Modified mycotoxins are altered forms of mycotoxins, mainly formed by living plants on the field. They are not regulated, yet may contribute to toxicity. The presentations focuses on metabolites of fumonisin B1 and ochratoxin A, formed by maize plants.</p><h5><strong>From bitter to better: Fixing off-flavors in plant proteins</strong></h5><ul><li>Corinna Dawid from Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany</li></ul><p>Uncovering the chemistry behind flavor: the presentation explores how Sensomics and NMR interaction studies reveal the complex interplay between aroma compounds, taste perception, and the polymer matrix in wine.</p><h5><strong>Imaging food: the power and the limits of seeing molecules in food</strong></h5><ul><li>Laura Righetti from Wageningen University &amp; Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands</li></ul><p>Imaging techniques enable ‘seeing’ molecules in food and elucidating mechanisms of accumulation and transformation, e.g. during processing. However, their application to food and contaminants remains limited. This talk discusses both instrumental constraints and future opportunities.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/RAFA_Laura_Righetti_e7bdda9942.jpg" alt="RAFA: Laura Righetti" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_RAFA_Laura_Righetti_e7bdda9942.jpg 157w," sizes="100vw" width="900" height="895"></p><h5><strong>Analysis of critical vitamins: novel structures and novel sources</strong></h5><ul><li>Michael Rychlik Lab from Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany</li></ul><p>Growing population and dietary shifts lead to inadequate intake of folate, B6, and B12. The presentation introduces novel analytical methods (stable isotope dilution assays), identifies new sources, and assesses risks of certain dietary patterns.</p><h5><strong>Sample-to-solution approaches for natural toxin analysis at the point of need</strong></h5><ul><li>Gert Salentijn from Wageningen University &amp; Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands</li></ul><p>Taking analysis out of the lab is not trivial. Going beyond merely translating procedures from the lab to an out-of-lab setting, it requires a fundamentally different perspective on how we develop and deploy the tools to provide information at the point-of-need. In this, both the envisioned test, as well as the envisioned user are critical, and all the steps, from sample to solution, need to be considered.</p><h5><strong>EFSA’s rapid risk assessment of cereulide in infants</strong></h5><ul><li>Hans Steinkellner from European Food Safety Authority, Parma, Italy</li></ul><p>The EU has established procedures for rapid risk assessment in urgent situations. EFSA’s assessment of cereulide in infants demonstrated its ability to provide robust scientific support within a short timeframe during a crisis.</p><h5><strong>Comprehensive strategies to unmask masked mycotoxins: from food matrix to gut microbiota</strong></h5><ul><li>Milena Stranska from University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czechia</li></ul><p>The lecture will address non-extractable modified mycotoxins and their biological relevance. Bioaccessibility will be assessed using in vitro digestion models with diverse fecal microbiota (toddlers, children, adults) and bioavailability using Caco-2-based intestinal models. High-resolution mass spectrometry will reveal biotransformation pathways and cellular metabolism of free and modified mycotoxins.</p><h5><strong>Food allergen risk assessment: Past, present, future</strong></h5><ul><li>Ben Remington from Remington Consulting Group B.V., Utrecht, the Netherlands &amp; University of Nebraska, USA</li></ul><p>Food allergy and allergen management are global public health issues, and consumer protection depends on transparent and trustworthy labelling. While 30 years of scientific advances show that low level exposures, or reference doses, are unlikely to trigger reactions in most allergic individuals, harmonized and globally aligned regulations are still needed to promote consistent allergen risk assessment and labelling decisions. This presentation will discuss the landscape of allergen risk assessment, global policy developments, current research and future needs in the area.</p><h5><strong>Unmasking hidden adulteration in honey: Strategies for detecting and characterizing honeys produced from sugar-fed colonies</strong></h5><ul><li>Oscar Nuñez Burcio from University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain</li></ul><p>From hive to jar, not all honey tells the same story. This presentation addresses hidden adulteration associated with sugar-fed bee colonies, highlighting implications for authenticity, production practices, and the need for a more precise characterization of honey to ensure consumer trust.</p><h5><strong>Analytical and toxicological methods for safety of food contact materials</strong></h5><ul><li>Erich Leitner from Graz University of Technology, Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Graz, Austria</li></ul><p>Food packaging plays a critical role in protecting and preserving food throughout the supply chain. All packaging materials intended to come into contact with food must comply with strict EU safety rules. Due to increased complexity of packaging solutions, lowering legal limits and increasing numbers of target compounds, we also have to adapt the strategies used to verify and guarantee the safety of these materials.</p><h5><strong>Data-driven strategies to reduce complexity in non-target HRMS analysis of food samples</strong></h5><ul><li>Anneli Kruve from Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden</li></ul><p>LC/HRMS based non-target screening can detect hundreds to thousands of chemical features in complex food and environmental samples. Investigating all of these in detail is practically impossible, so which ones to focus on? Novel computational tools developed in computational mass spectrometry allow predicting the toxicity and concentration of the detected chemical features even if these have not yet been fully structurally elucidated. Combining these predictions enables us to focus on the chemical features possessing high risk.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/RAFA_Anneli_Kruve_5119012e5d.jpg" alt="RAFA: Anneli Kruve" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_RAFA_Anneli_Kruve_5119012e5d.jpg 155w," sizes="100vw" width="899" height="900"></p><h5><strong>Role of AI in the identification of emerging food systems risks</strong></h5><ul><li>Ákos Bernard Jóźwiak from Syreon Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary</li></ul><p>AI-assisted evidence synthesis – spanning curated scientific evidence, exposome data, and network analysis – is the backbone of next-generation emerging chemical food safety risk identification, enabling earlier signals and more resilient surveillance systems.</p><h5><strong>Challenges of microplastics analysis in the context of food safety</strong></h5><ul><li>Dorte Herzke from Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway</li></ul><p>Food and food packaging are major sources of micro- and nanoplastic exposure. Plastics used in processing, storage, and packaging can release particles through heat, abrasion, and degradation. Small particles below 2 µm may cross gut barriers and carry chemicals, highlighting the need for robust and sensitive measurement methods.</p><h5><strong>Never-ending analytical challenges in PFAS analysis of food</strong></h5><ul><li>Darina Dvořáková from University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czechia</li></ul><p>Exploring and monitoring PFAS in food requires advanced strategies. Combining targeted, suspect, and non-target HRMS analysis, determination of total fluorine and sum parameters, and novel sensors provides new insights into PFAS occurrence and supports food safety monitoring.</p><h5><strong>An overview of the latest scientific knowledge on process contaminants in food for appropriate risk management measures</strong></h5><ul><li>Thierry Delatour from Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland.</li></ul><p>Recent scientific findings related to acrylamide and furans formation, occurrence and analytical methods in food provide important insights for risk management.</p>

Invited Speakers at RAFA 2026 Symposium

Article

Product

Events

Academy

Scientists

RAFA provides an overview of contemporary trends in ANALYTICAL & BIOANALYTICAL STRATEGIES IN FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY CONTROL and discusses CHALLENGES / NOVEL APPROACHES IN FOOD AND NATURAL PRODUCTS ANALYSIS.

Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA)

A unique company dedicated to serving science helping our customers drive productivity and accelerate results. Through our premier brands – Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Eurachem is a European network promoting international traceability of chemical measurements and good analytical practice. It provides expert guidance, supports method validation, uncertainty evaluation, proficiency testing, and facilitates discussion on technical and policy issues in analytical quality.

Eurachem

BÜCHI

Biotage

Phenomenex

<p><strong>Ever wished certain tasks could be automated? Everything can be done with just a few clicks these days, right? Surely the same applies to chromatography.</strong></p>
<p>On the 6th of June, we are introducing the ideal instrument to help you take the first steps into the world of automated flash chromatography.</p>
<p>Be the first to find out just how simple chromatography can be. </p>


BUCHI: Product Launch: Pure Essential Chromatography

Product Launch: Pure Essential Chromatography

On the 6th of June, we are introducing the ideal instrument to help you take the first steps into the world of automated flash chromatography.

<p>Attendees will see how currently available technologies can provide major solvent (and time) savings and improve their workflow and productivity.</p>
<h5><strong>This presentation provides easy to do suggestions to reduce organic solvent use including:</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Step gradients</li>
<li>Smaller particle size columns</li>
<li>HILIC as replacement for DCM/MeOH</li>
<li>Reversed phase</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Who should attend this webinar mini-series?</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Small Molecule Organic Chemists</li>
<li>Medicinal Chemists</li>
<li>And their Managers</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter</strong>: Bob Bickler (Senior Technical Specialist, Biotage)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Bob Bickler is the Senior Technical Specialist at Biotage and has over 45 years of chromatography experience. During his career, he has worked for Whatman, YMC, Waters, and for the past 25 years at Biotage.  Bob has designed and launched many products including Biotage SNAP columns, SP1, Isolera LS, Isolera Prime Flash System, as well as several accessories.</p>
</blockquote>


Biotage: Improve your Flash Chromatography Skills: Tips for Sustainable Purifications

Improve your Flash Chromatography Skills: Tips for Sustainable Purifications

Attendees will see how currently available technologies can provide major solvent (and time) savings and improve their workflow and productivity.

Better Flash Chromatography Skills: Tips for Purifications

<h4><strong>Overview</strong></h4><p>A comprehensive webinar on flash chromatography. The fundamentals of chromatography theory, Method development of Normal phase, TLC to Flash and diving into the specifics of reversed-phase flash materials. Exploring the power of HILIC mode for polar compounds and learn how to efficiently transfer your HPLC methods to flash chromatography for preparative purification. This webinar will equip you with practical knowledge to enhance your purification workflows.</p><h4><strong>Key Learning Points</strong></h4><ul><li>Learn about general chromatography theory</li><li>Flash Chromatography fundamentals</li><li>Method Development approach-TLC, Normal phase and Reverse phase&nbsp;</li><li>HPLC to Flash Chromatography - Know how it works.</li></ul><h4><strong>Who Should Attend</strong></h4><ul><li>Researchers and Scientists: Ideal for those involved in the development and characterization of biotherapeutics.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker: </strong>Dhanunjaya Naidu (Business Development Manager, Phenomenex)</p><p>Dhanunjaya Naidu has earned a master’s degree in Organic Chemistry from Andhra University, India and brings 19 years of experience in synthesis, analytical method development and Purifications. In the past 7 years at Phenomenex, he has given many technical presentations, Analytical method development support, Column positioning and troubleshooting assistance.</p><p>Currently, he is working as a Business Development Manager at Phenomenex India, and responsible for Pan India Purification Technologies Products. He has publications in reputed international journals in organic synthesis.</p></blockquote>

Phenomenex:  Enhancing Productivity Using Flash Chromatography: Strategies and Techniques

 Enhancing Productivity Using Flash Chromatography: Strategies and Techniques

Master flash chromatography fundamentals, method development, and HPLC-to-flash transfer to improve purification workflows for polar and complex compounds.

LCMS webinars focusing on Flash LC - page 1