Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have earned the moniker "forever chemicals" due to their extreme persistence in the environment. Their detection is crucial for protecting public health and the environment as these synthetic compounds continue to pose significant challenges worldwide. This comprehensive exploration examines why PFAS detection matters, current detection methods, and future directions in addressing PFAS contamination.<h3>Understanding PFAS and Their Health Impacts</h3>PFAS are a class of synthetic organic compounds with diverse structures, properties, and uses. Despite their diversity, all PFAS contain perfluoroalkyl moieties that are extremely resistant to environmental and metabolic degradation [1]. This high persistence is a defining characteristic that makes PFAS management particularly challenging.<h3>Documented Health Effects</h3>Current scientific research has linked PFAS exposure to numerous adverse health outcomes:<ul><li>Reproductive effects including decreased fertility and increased high blood pressure in pregnant women [8]</li><li>Developmental effects in children such as low birth weight, accelerated puberty, and behavioral changes [8]</li><li>Reduced immune system function, including decreased vaccine response</li><li>Interference with natural hormones and endocrine disruption</li><li>Increased cholesterol levels and obesity risk</li><li>Increased risk of several cancers, including prostate, kidney, testicular, oral cavity/pharynx, brain, and endocrine cancers [3]</li></ul>A 2023 study linked PFAS-contaminated water with up to a 33% increase in cancer incidence in affected areas [3]. The study compared regions with elevated PFAS levels to cancer data from the National Cancer Institute, finding higher incidences of various cancers after controlling for factors like smoking and obesity.<h3>Environmental Persistence and Contamination</h3>The extreme persistence of PFAS represents a fundamental concern for environmental management. PFAS are considered the most environmentally persistent substances among organic chemicals [7]. This persistence means that even if all PFAS uses were immediately phased out, existing contamination would continue to affect ecosystems and water supplies for generations.A 2023 study at a military fire training site estimated that PFAS contamination will persist for centuries without remediation [7]. The research found that terminal PFAS still exceed regulatory limits by 2000-fold decades after aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) use ceased, with precursors accounting for around half of the extractable organofluorine across years.<h3>Current Detection Methods</h3><h4>EPA Standardized Methods</h4>The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed several standardized methods for PFAS detection, each with specific applications and capabilities:<h5>EPA Method 533</h5><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/epa-533-drying-down-pfas-samples-after-spe">EPA Method 533</a> focuses on "short chain" PFAS with carbon chain lengths of C4 to C12. Released in December 2019, this method complements Method 537.1 and includes several key features:<ul><li>Uses isotope dilution quantification approach with extracted internal standards, which reduces overall analytical uncertainty</li><li>Employs weak anion exchange solid phase extraction cartridges as opposed to polystyrene divinylbenzene used in 537.1</li><li>Can analyze 25 PFAS compounds, including additional short-chain PFAS that were not apart of Method 537.1</li><li>Allows for longer holding times: 28 days to extraction and 28 days to analyze (compared to 14 days to extraction in Method 537.1)</li><li>Uses ammonium acetate as a preservative (versus Trisma in Method 537.1) [1]</li></ul><h5>EPA Method 537/537.1</h5><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/sample-concentration-epa-method-537-pfas-determination">EPA Method 537 </a>was first published in 2009 for the determination of 14 PFAS in drinking water [6]. It was later updated to Method 537.1 in 2018 (with editorial updates in 2020) to expand its capabilities:<ul><li>Uses<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/what-is-solid-phase-extraction-spe"> solid phase extraction (SPE) </a>and<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/preparing-samples-for-lc-ms/ms-analysis"> liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)</a></li><li>Method 537.1 expanded detection to 18 PFAS compounds, including HFPO-DA (one component of GenX technology)</li><li>Utilizes styrene-divinylbenzene (SDVB) media for extraction</li><li>Requires samples to be extracted within 14 days and analyzed within 28 days</li><li>Methanol is used to elute the extracts. This should then be reconstituted with a 96:4 methanol:water mixture [1]</li></ul>Together, Methods 533 and 537.1 can detect a total of 29 unique PFAS compounds in drinking water and are approved for monitoring under the fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) and the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation [1] [3].<h5>EPA Method 1633</h5><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/preparing-diverse-sample-matrices-for-epa-method-1633">EPA Method 1633</a>, released in 2024, represents a significant advancement in PFAS analysis:<ul><li>Developed for the analysis of 40 PFAS compounds in various matrices, including surface water, groundwater, wastewater, soil, biosolids, sediment, landfill leachate, and fish tissue</li><li>Expands beyond the drinking water focus of Methods 533 and 537.1</li><li>Provides a standardized approach that may replace modified drinking water methods (i.e., modified EPA 537) that were previously used for non-drinking water matrices [1]</li></ul><h4>Conventional Analytical Techniques</h4>The gold standard for PFAS analysis involves chromatographic techniques coupled with mass spectrometry:<ul><li>Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the most widely used method for PFAS analysis, offering high sensitivity and specificity [1]</li><li>High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) allows for rapid detection and identification of PFAS species at very low concentrations [5]</li></ul>These techniques can detect PFAS at parts per trillion (ppt) levels, which is essential given the low concentrations at which PFAS can cause health effects [1]. However, these methods require sophisticated equipment, specialized training, and significant financial resources, making them inaccessible in many regions, particularly in developing countries.<h4>Emerging Detection Technologies</h4>Several innovative approaches are being developed to address the limitations of conventional methods:<ul><li>Electrochemical biosensors using modified electrodes have shown promise for selective PFAS detection with low detection limits [2]</li><li>Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) uses metallic nanoparticles and can be made into a portable method for on-site testing [1]</li><li>Molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) offer thermal and physical stability, reusability, and low-cost synthesis for PFAS detection [6]</li></ul>These emerging technologies aim to provide more accessible, field-deployable, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional laboratory-based methods.<h3>Challenges in PFAS Detection</h3><h4>Analytical Challenges</h4>Detecting PFAS presents several technical challenges:<ul><li>The ubiquity of PFAS in laboratory equipment and accessories can lead to background contamination when measuring at parts-per-trillion levels [1]</li><li>Many components in liquid chromatographs, mass spectrometers, and solid-phase extraction systems contain materials that can leach PFAS compounds [9]</li><li>The vast number of PFAS (thousands of compounds) makes comprehensive detection difficult, as analytical standards are only available for a small subset [1]</li><li>Complex matrices like food and environmental samples require sophisticated sample preparation techniques</li></ul><h4>Global Disparities in Detection Capabilities</h4>Access to PFAS detection technology varies significantly worldwide:<ul><li>Many developing regions, particularly in Africa, lack adequately equipped laboratories with the necessary instrumentation to detect and measure PFAS</li><li>There is often a scarcity of qualified professionals with experience in PFAS analysis in these regions</li><li>The high cost of acquiring and maintaining sophisticated analytical instruments presents a substantial obstacle to conducting extensive PFAS investigations in resource-limited settings [1]</li><li>Competing priorities such as infectious diseases, poverty, and food security often divert attention and resources from environmental pollutants like PFAS</li></ul><h4>Regulatory Landscape and Compliance</h4>The regulatory framework for PFAS is evolving rapidly worldwide:<ul><li>The EPA finalized Section 8(a)(7) of the Toxic Substances Control Act in September 2024, requiring manufacturers and importers to report on their use of PFAS since 2011 [10]</li><li>Electronic reporting for PFAS will open on July 11, 2025, with final reporting deadlines in 2026</li><li>Companies must report detailed information including chemical identity, production volumes, industrial and consumer products, worker exposure, and disposal methods [10]</li></ul>These regulations are driving demand for more effective and accessible PFAS detection methods to ensure compliance and protect public health.<h3>Future Directions in PFAS Detection</h3><h4>Technological Advancements</h4>The future of PFAS detection lies in developing more accessible, sensitive, and comprehensive methods:<ul><li>Non-targeted screening methods that can identify unknown PFAS compounds without requiring analytical standards for each specific compound</li><li>Total fluorine analysis techniques like Adsorbable Organic Fluorine and Total Oxidizable Precursor Assay that can quantify the presence of fluorine atoms within a sample [1]</li><li>Portable sensors and field-deployable technologies that enable on-site monitoring and rapid response to contamination events</li><li>AI-driven solutions that can improve data analysis and interpretation for complex PFAS mixtures</li></ul><h4>Collaborative Approaches</h4>Addressing the global challenge of PFAS detection requires coordinated efforts:<ul><li>International partnerships between researchers in developed and developing regions to enhance expertise and capacity building</li><li>Standardization of analytical methods to ensure consistency and comparability of results across different laboratories and regions</li><li>Open data sharing and collaboration across countries to leverage collective knowledge and resources</li><li>Integration of PFAS monitoring into broader environmental and public health surveillance systems</li></ul><h3>Conclusion</h3>The detection of PFAS is not merely a technical challenge but a critical public health and environmental imperative [1]. As these "forever chemicals" continue to persist in our environment, developing effective, accessible, and comprehensive detection methods becomes increasingly important. By advancing detection technologies, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and fostering global collaboration, we can better understand, monitor, and ultimately mitigate the impacts of PFAS contamination.The EPA's standardized methods (533, 537.1, and 1633) provide crucial tools for monitoring PFAS in various environmental matrices, but continued innovation is needed to address the full spectrum of PFAS compounds and to make detection more accessible globally [1] [6]. The path forward requires sustained investment in research and development, capacity building in resource-limited settings, and a commitment to environmental justice that ensures all communities have access to the tools and information needed to protect themselves from PFAS exposure. Only through such comprehensive approaches can we hope to address the complex challenges posed by these persistent pollutants.Be sure to check out our other installments of our&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/introducing-our-environmental-contaminants-series-making-sense-of-the-alphabet-soup">Environmental Contaminant Series</a>&nbsp;covering&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/the-importance-of-detecting-persistent-organic-pollutants-pops">Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/the-importance-of-detecting-polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbons-pahs">Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/the-importance-of-detecting-semi-volatile-organic-compounds-svocs">Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs)</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/the-importance-of-detecting-polychlorinated-biphenyls-pcbs">Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)</a>.

The Importance of Detecting Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Scientists at CEITEC Brno University of Technology have developed microscopic robots that could one day accelerate beer production and simplify food quality control. The magnetically controlled biobots can actively mix liquids during fermentation, speed up the process, and separate themselves from the finished product once fermentation is complete. The results of the research, carried out by Professor Martin Pumera’s team, were published in the journal ACS Nano.“When people hear the word ‘robot’ today, they often imagine an electronic device. In reality, however, a robot can be any system capable of autonomously performing a specific task,” explains Martin Pumera of CEITEC Brno University of Technology.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Mikroroboti_z_CEITEC_mohou_urychlit_vyrobu_piva_i_kontrolu_kvality_potravin_7d9ff82875.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/Jakub Rozboud: CEITEC Microrobots Could Speed Up Beer Production and Food Quality Control: Martin Pumera in his lab at CEITEC BUT." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Mikroroboti_z_CEITEC_mohou_urychlit_vyrobu_piva_i_kontrolu_kvality_potravin_7d9ff82875.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067">The research team created so-called biobots—biohybrid microrobotic capsules containing brewer’s yeast and magnetic nanoparticles. When the yeast produces carbon dioxide during fermentation, the resulting bubbles cause the biobots to move up and down through the liquid. This naturally mixes the contents of the vessel and makes fermentation more efficient. Compared with conventional static particles, the biobots can therefore accelerate chemical processes that are important in food production.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Mikroroboti_z_CEITEC_mohou_urychlit_vyrobu_piva_i_kontrolu_kvality_potravin_4_af5fd4611f.jpg" alt="CEITEC BUT/Martin Pumera's archive: CEITEC Microrobots Could Speed Up Beer Production and Food Quality Control: Hematite microrobot (image for illustrative purposes)." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Mikroroboti_z_CEITEC_mohou_urychlit_vyrobu_piva_i_kontrolu_kvality_potravin_4_af5fd4611f.jpg 209w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1192">Another major advantage of the technology is that the biobots can be easily separated from the finished beverage. Thanks to the magnetic particles they contain, they can be controlled with a magnetic field and removed once fermentation is complete, eliminating the need for additional filtration. The researchers also demonstrated that the biobots can be reused over several production cycles.“Unlike conventional static particles, microrobots actively move throughout the entire volume of the liquid, allowing them to cover a larger area and make the whole process more efficient. At the same time, they also facilitate the automation of production,” adds Martin Pumera. The team is currently discussing potential applications of the technology with a major European brewery.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Mikroroboti_z_CEITEC_mohou_urychlit_vyrobu_piva_i_kontrolu_kvality_potravin_3_e8e5a3a55a.jpg" alt="CEITEC BUT/Martin Pumera's archive: CEITEC Microrobots Could Speed Up Beer Production and Food Quality Control: g-C₃N₄ microrobots (image for illustrative purposes)." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Mikroroboti_z_CEITEC_mohou_urychlit_vyrobu_piva_i_kontrolu_kvality_potravin_3_e8e5a3a55a.jpg 158w," sizes="100vw" width="1476" height="1460">Martin Pumera’s group has long been exploring the use of microrobots and advanced materials in the food industry. In the past, for example, the team developed a flexible sensor for smart packaging capable of detecting spoiled fish. The new biobots therefore represent another step towards more advanced methods of food quality and safety control.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Mikroroboti_z_CEITEC_mohou_urychlit_vyrobu_piva_i_kontrolu_kvality_potravin_2_75c7fed958.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/ACS Nano: CEITEC Microrobots Could Speed Up Beer Production and Food Quality Control: ACS Nano - cover featuring article by Martin Pumera et al." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Mikroroboti_z_CEITEC_mohou_urychlit_vyrobu_piva_i_kontrolu_kvality_potravin_2_75c7fed958.jpeg 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="2128">

 CEITEC Microrobots Could Speed Up Beer Production and Food Quality Control 

In this episode of ‪ChromatographyTalk‬, ‪Organomation‬ General Manager David Oliva sits down with Michelle Taylor, Editor-in-Chief of LabCompare, to go behind the scenes of their groundbreaking two-part documentary series on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).The conversation kicks off with a startling revelation: many of the world’s leading PFAS experts have completely stopped eating seafood due to high contamination levels discovered during testing. From there, we dive deep into the technical and regulatory challenges facing today's analytical laboratories.<h4>In this episode, we discuss:</h4><ul><li>The Laboratory Throughput Crisis: Why labs are currently "overwhelmed with samples" and how tiered testing—using single quad instruments for screening before moving to triple quads—is helping to manage capacity without sacrificing sensitivity.</li><li>The Battle Against Background Contamination: Why PTFE-free (PFAS-free) laboratory equipment is no longer optional when trying to detect "forever chemicals" at the parts-per-trillion and parts-per-quadrillion levels.</li><li>Complex Matrices (Seafood &amp; Packaging): The technical hurdles of analyzing high-lipid samples like fish and the rising demand for migration testing as states like Rhode Island begin to phase out PFAS in food packaging.</li><li>Global Regulatory Shifts: A look at the "dual compliance model" required for labs supporting international exporters, especially with the European Union’s stricter enforcement compared to the U.S. monitoring approach.</li><li>The "Grand Challenge" of Unknowns: How EPA Method 1621 (Total Organic Fluorine) is helping labs close the mass balance gap and why the next generation of bench chemists must embrace *AI and data science* to manage the massive datasets generated by high-resolution mass spectrometry.</li><li>PFAS Destruction vs. Remediation: &nbsp;The promising (and problematic) methods for breaking the carbon-fluorine bond, and why incineration may inadvertently be spreading shorter-chain PFAS into the air.</li></ul>Whether you are a lab manager looking to future-proof your workflow or a chemist navigating the ever-evolving landscape of EPA Method 1633, this episode provides essential insights into the most pressing environmental crisis of our time.<h3>Video Transcription</h3><h4>Michelle Taylor: PFAS Testing Is Becoming a Much Bigger Analytical Challenge</h4>PFAS analysis has rapidly evolved from a specialized environmental testing problem into a much broader challenge involving drinking water, food, packaging, laboratory contamination, international regulation, data analysis, and even destruction technologies. In an interview with Michelle Taylor, Editor-in-Chief of Labcompare, the discussion explored what laboratories are learning from the latest PFAS research—and why the analytical demands are likely to continue growing.Taylor leads editorial content for Labcompare, an online resource covering analytical laboratory instrumentation, products, and scientific developments. Among the projects she considers particularly important are two long-form documentaries produced by Labcompare examining per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), first through drinking water and subsequently through food.The documentaries brought together subject-matter experts working across PFAS analysis and exposed some of the practical realities laboratories now face: rapidly changing regulations, extremely low detection limits, complex matrices, contamination risks, and sample volumes that can overwhelm laboratory capacity.<h4>From drinking water to seafood</h4>One of the most memorable findings for Taylor came during production of the second documentary, which focused on PFAS in food.Several experts interviewed for the project told her they had stopped eating seafood, in some cases many years earlier, because of concerns surrounding contamination. For Taylor, the consistency and immediacy of those responses illustrated how closely analytical research can intersect with everyday decisions.Seafood also demonstrates why PFAS testing can become analytically difficult.Fish and other high-lipid samples require effective extraction to release the analytes, followed by rigorous cleanup to remove fats. According to the experts Taylor interviewed, the cleanup step is particularly critical because residual lipids can damage LC columns and create severe matrix interferences.Laboratories are therefore using approaches such as enhanced matrix removal and carbon- or silica-based sorbents to reduce the lipid content of extracts before instrumental analysis. The goal is not simply obtaining sufficient recovery, but producing an extract clean enough to maintain analytical performance and laboratory throughput.<h4>How laboratories are handling the PFAS sample burden</h4>The analytical sensitivity now required for PFAS testing presents another challenge: laboratories may need to measure compounds at parts-per-trillion levels while processing growing numbers of samples.Automation has therefore become increasingly important, particularly during sample preparation, where repetitive manual procedures can otherwise create a major bottleneck.Taylor also described a tiered analytical strategy being used by some laboratories. A less demanding measurement can first be used for screening, while samples generating a positive result are subsequently transferred to a more sensitive platform, such as triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry, for confirmation and quantitation.This type of workflow can help laboratories concentrate their highest-performance instrumentation on the samples that actually require it rather than applying the most intensive analysis to every incoming sample.The broader principle is likely to become increasingly important as PFAS testing expands: laboratories must find ways to increase throughput without sacrificing the sensitivity demanded by regulatory methods.<h4>When the laboratory itself becomes a source of PFAS</h4>At trace concentrations, contamination introduced during sample preparation or measurement can become comparable to the concentration being determined.This makes the materials used throughout the analytical workflow particularly important.Taylor emphasized that PFAS laboratories must maintain continuous awareness of potential contamination from solvents, water, tubing, containers, and other laboratory components. Equipment containing fluoropolymers such as PTFE may be problematic in certain PFAS workflows because background contamination can contribute to false positives or elevated blanks.As detection limits move lower, dedicated PFAS-compatible or fluoropolymer-free laboratory equipment becomes increasingly valuable.Taylor described manufacturers offering clearly identified PFAS-free configurations as an important response to this problem. Rather than forcing laboratories to investigate the material composition of each component individually, dedicated configurations can simplify method implementation and reduce uncertainty about potential background sources.For laboratories already dealing with demanding workflows and large sample loads, eliminating potential contamination before it occurs can save considerable troubleshooting time.<h4>Food packaging could drive the next major wave of testing</h4>PFAS concerns are not limited to the food itself.The interview also examined food-contact materials, including takeout containers and other packaging from which PFAS may migrate into food. State-level restrictions in the United States are already beginning to affect the materials manufacturers can use.For contract laboratories, this creates the possibility of another significant increase in demand for compliance and migration testing.Taylor’s recommendation is straightforward: laboratories should follow proposed regulations before they become final.Waiting until a new requirement takes effect can leave a laboratory simultaneously trying to acquire instrumentation, establish methods, train staff, and respond to customer demand. Monitoring regulatory agencies, scientific meetings, and industry discussions earlier gives laboratories time to prepare analytical capabilities before the testing requirement becomes urgent.She expects PFAS restrictions in food packaging to continue developing first through a patchwork of individual state regulations. Once a sufficient number of states adopt restrictions, however, the economics may increasingly encourage suppliers to move toward PFAS-free materials regardless of whether every jurisdiction requires them.A national standard could eventually follow that transition.<h4>One sample, two regulatory environments</h4>International food exporters face another complication: PFAS requirements are not necessarily the same between the United States and European Union.Taylor noted that laboratories serving both markets may effectively need to operate under a dual-compliance model.In the interview, she highlighted EU requirements targeting specific PFAS—including PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, and PFHxS—at very low concentrations in certain foods, while the U.S. approach has historically involved a different combination of monitoring programs, evolving compound lists, and import-related requirements.For laboratories supporting international customers, this means more than simply selecting a different reporting limit.Different markets may require different target lists, methods, documentation, auditing, and compliance procedures. Laboratories therefore need analytical platforms capable of ultratrace measurements while also maintaining the operational flexibility to support multiple regulatory frameworks.That additional complexity also carries a practical cost: performing different protocols for different jurisdictions means more staff time, additional workflow management, and potentially greater instrument demand.<h4>Total fluorine screening can help laboratories decide what to analyze next</h4>Targeted LC-MS/MS methods are highly sensitive, but they only measure compounds included in the analytical panel.This creates an important question: what about fluorinated substances that are present but are not included in the targeted method?The interview discussed EPA Method 1621, which uses a broader fluorine-based screening approach. Taylor described this type of measurement as useful for helping laboratories assess the gap between compounds captured by targeted LC-MS/MS methods and the broader amount of organofluorine present in a sample.Such screening can also become part of a tiered workflow.For applications such as food packaging, laboratories could initially use a broader fluorine measurement to determine whether a sample warrants further investigation. Positive or suspicious samples could then move to more selective and sensitive targeted analysis for identification and quantitation.Non-targeted high-resolution mass spectrometry can add another layer by revealing compounds outside conventional target lists.Together, these approaches create a funnel from broad screening toward increasingly detailed characterization rather than attempting the most comprehensive analysis on every sample from the outset.<h4>PFAS analysis is becoming a data problem too</h4>High-resolution mass spectrometry can generate enormous datasets containing signals from large numbers of known and unknown compounds.As a result, Taylor believes the role of the analytical chemist is changing.Strong laboratory skills remain essential, but scientists increasingly need data literacy as well. Understanding complex datasets, working with advanced software, and interacting effectively with artificial intelligence and machine-learning tools are becoming important parts of modern analytical work.Taylor does not see this change primarily as replacing scientific expertise.Instead, she compares it with earlier laboratory automation: repetitive or technically demanding tasks can increasingly be handled by software, allowing scientists to spend more time interpreting results and making decisions.AI may also make sophisticated analytical information more accessible. A less experienced mass spectrometry user could potentially receive explanations of complex data through software capable of presenting results in natural language, reducing dependence on a single specialist being immediately available.There is another potential advantage beyond speed.Machine-learning systems can recognize patterns across large datasets that may be difficult or impossible for an individual scientist to detect manually. As analytical datasets become larger and multidimensional, that pattern-recognition capability could become increasingly valuable.<h4>Finding PFAS is only the first half of the problem</h4>For years, much of the PFAS discussion has focused on answering two questions:<ul><li>Are PFAS present, and how much is there?</li></ul>The next challenge is considerably harder: how do we actually remove or destroy them?Taylor described this as an expanding research field that will increasingly involve analytical laboratories.The strength of the carbon-fluorine bond makes PFAS destruction difficult. Some treatment approaches seek to break this bond and achieve complete defluorination, but incomplete destruction can create another analytical problem.For example, thermal treatment may transform longer-chain PFAS into shorter-chain fluorinated compounds rather than eliminating them completely. Those products may then enter another environmental compartment, including atmospheric emissions.Consequently, laboratories studying PFAS destruction must do more than measure disappearance of the original compound. They also need to determine whether fluorinated transformation products or other byproducts remain.Analytical chemistry therefore has two roles: monitoring PFAS contamination and demonstrating whether remediation technologies truly destroy the substances they are intended to remove.<h4>The PFAS problem is expanding beyond water and food</h4>The first two Labcompare documentaries focused primarily on water and food, two matrices already receiving substantial regulatory and public attention.But Taylor does not expect the story to end there.If Labcompare produces another PFAS documentary, she sees PFAS in air as a likely subject. Discussions with experts during earlier filming repeatedly raised atmospheric contamination, including both direct environmental occurrence and emissions potentially associated with treatment or destruction processes.The progression illustrates how quickly the PFAS field is expanding.Drinking water regulation accelerated analytical development. Food testing introduced more difficult matrices and new exposure pathways. Packaging is creating another compliance challenge. Environmental remediation raises questions about destruction products. Atmospheric monitoring could become another significant frontier.For laboratories already working with chromatography and mass spectrometry, Taylor’s message is essentially to be prepared—even organizations that do not currently consider themselves “PFAS laboratories” may eventually become involved.<h4>An analytical field that is still changing rapidly</h4>Perhaps the strongest theme running through the interview is that PFAS analysis has no fixed endpoint yet.Methods continue to evolve. Regulations change. Target compound lists expand. Instrument sensitivity improves. Laboratories discover new sources of background contamination, while researchers identify additional exposure pathways and investigate new destruction technologies.Taylor compares the situation to earlier periods of rapid analytical development, such as the evolution of forensic DNA analysis: each technological advance reveals more information, which in turn creates new questions and new analytical requirements.That makes preparation particularly important.Laboratories cannot predict every future regulation, but they can follow proposed requirements, develop flexible workflows, invest in contamination control and data capabilities, and understand how their existing chromatography and mass spectrometry expertise could be applied to emerging PFAS challenges.The analytical problem is no longer simply detecting a group of “forever chemicals.”It is becoming a much larger question of how we identify them, quantify them, prevent contamination during analysis, understand their movement through food and the environment, comply with evolving regulations, and ultimately prove that they have actually been destroyed.<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>

PFAS in Water, Food & Packaging: Michelle Taylor on the "Forever Chemicals" Documentary Series

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Since its establishment in 2011, CEITEC has quickly developed into a cutting-edge infrastructure for research which performs highly alongside the best institutes in Europe. Among the main priorities of CEITEC are the promotion of a motivating and dynamic international scientific environment, the provision of state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and the policy of open communication and equal opportunities.

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Waters/Wyatt DAWN™ Multi Angle Light Scattering (MALS) Detector

The world's most advanced light scattering instrument for absolute characterization of proteins, conjugates, macromolecules, and nanoparticles.

<h5>Premier MALS</h5>The DAWN instrument is the premier Multi-Angle static Light Scattering (MALS) detector for absolute characterization of the molar mass and size of macromolecules and nanoparticles in solution. It offers the highest sensitivity, the widest range of molecular weight, size, and concentration, and the largest selection of configurations and optional modules for enhanced capabilities.<h5>Separation First</h5>MALS is most often used in conjunction with a separation system such as Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC-MALS), Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC-MALS), or Field-Flow Fractionation (FFF-MALS) to determine distributions of mass, size, and composition, independent of column calibration by reference standards.<h5>Supported by ASTRA ™ &nbsp;Software</h5>ASTRA Software and its built-in analysis modules support the DAWN MALS instrument, providing the most versatile analysis available for online multi-angle and dynamic light scattering measurements.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_DAWN_MALS_HPLC_detektor_konfigurace_d5b83e46b2.jpg" alt="Waters DAWN™ Multi Angle Light Scattering (MALS) Instrument: ASTRA Software" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_DAWN_MALS_HPLC_detektor_konfigurace_d5b83e46b2.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1500" height="807"><h4>Product description</h4>The DAWN and its companion Optilab ™ &nbsp;dRI detector are the established benchmarks for MALS analysis, cited in thousands of peer-reviewed publications. Multi-angle light scattering detection is indispensable for use with GPC and HPLC-SEC in order to obtain reliable molecular mass distributions and information on molecular conformation, branching ratio, fragments and aggregates.SEC-MALS with a DAWN and Optilab characterizes conformation and branching of synthetic and natural polymers larger than 10 nm in rms radius R g . The addition of a ViscoStar ™&nbsp; differential viscometer creates a GPC triple-detection system that can analyze molecular conformation and size below the R g &nbsp;limit of 10 nm and determine Mark-Houwink Sakurada coefficients.The combination of a UV/Vis absorbance detector with a DAWN instrument and Optilab refractive index detector creates a UV-MALS-RI triple-detection system, for analysis of copolymers and protein conjugates (glycoproteins, PEGylated proteins, surfactant-bound membrane proteins, etc.). With the addition of a WyattQELS ™ &nbsp;DLS module for size determination, protein conformation may be analyzed.<ul><li>Mw &nbsp;from 200 Da to 1000 MDa</li><li>Sensitivity: 10 ng/mL 100 kDa polystyrene in THF, 0.4 µg/mL BSA (66.4 kDa) in PBS</li><li>Rg &nbsp;from 10 to 500 nm, up to 1000 nm with shape-specific models</li><li>Ultra-stable, high-power laser</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_DAWN_MALS_HPLC_detektor_konfigurace_1_98811a1e87.jpg" alt="Waters DAWN™ Multi Angle Light Scattering (MALS) Instrument: Accessories" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_DAWN_MALS_HPLC_detektor_konfigurace_1_98811a1e87.jpg 213w," sizes="100vw" width="1000" height="733">The DAWN may also be used in batch (off-line) mode to characterize the weight-average molar mass, z-average size and second virial coefficient of unfractionated samples.In conjunction with a Calypso ™ &nbsp;CG-MALS system, the DAWN characterizes macromolecular interactions, label-free and immobilization-free: affinity and absolute stoichiometry of self- and hetero-association of simple or complex molecular systems. The Calypso system also automates the determination of second virial coefficients, cross virial coefficients, average molar masses and sizes.<h5>Ultrasonic Cleaning Included</h5>Each DAWN instrument includes an embedded COMET ™ &nbsp;ultrasonic transducer that cleans the flow cell automatically by agitating the fluid and loosening particles from the glass surfaces.<h5>Temperature-Controlled Models</h5><ul><li>Ambient model</li><li>Ultra-High-Temperature (UHT) model, from ambient up to +210 °C</li><li>Standard Peltier heated/cooled (H/C) model, temperature control from -15 °C to +150 °C</li></ul><h4>Specifications</h4><h5>Measurement Capabilities</h5><ul><li>Molar Mass Range: From 200 Da to 1 GDa, depending on dn/dc, sample concentration, and chromatography conditions.</li><li>Molecular Size (Radius of Gyration, Rg): Approximately 10 nm to 500 nm, extendable to 1000 nm with shape-specific models.</li><li>Hydrodynamic Radius (Rh):<ul><li>Flow mode: 0.5 nm to 300 nm (depending on configuration and flow rate).</li><li>Batch mode: 0.5 nm to 1 µm (requires WyattQELS™ DLS module or DynaPro™ NanoStar™ with fiber optic connection).</li></ul></li><li>Sensitivity: Detects as little as 10 ng of 100 kDa polystyrene in THF or 200 ng of BSA in PBS, using a standard 7.8 mm x 300 mm SEC column and no post-column filter.</li></ul><h5>Fluidics and Compatibility</h5><ul><li>Mobile Phase: Compatible with both aqueous and organic solvents.</li><li>Wetted Materials: 316 stainless steel, fused silica or F2 glass, and Kalrez.</li></ul><h5>Optical System and Detectors</h5><ul><li>MALS Detectors: 18 photodiodes with high gain and wide dynamic range for multi-angle light scattering.</li><li>Auxiliary Detectors:<ul><li>Laser monitor for stabilization</li><li>Forward transmission monitor to improve data quality and correct for sample absorption</li></ul></li><li>Dynamic Range: 3,300,000:1</li><li>Optional DLS Detection:<ul><li>Integrated WyattQELS™ module inside the DAWN</li><li>External fiber optic connection with DynaPro NanoStar or Mobius DLS-ELS instruments</li></ul></li></ul><h5>Laser Specifications</h5><ul><li>Wavelength: Standard 658 nm ± 4 nm; optional 785 nm for fluorescent samples</li><li>Power Control: Programmable from 10% to 100%</li></ul><h5>Flow Cell Options</h5><ul><li>Fused Silica: Ideal for solvents with refractive index &lt; 1.50</li><li>F2 Glass: Recommended for solvents with refractive index &gt; 1.50</li></ul><h5>Temperature Control Options</h5><ul><li>Ambient operation</li><li>Heated/Cooled (HC): -15 °C to +150 °C</li><li>Ultra-High Temperature (UHT): Ambient to +210 °C</li></ul><h5>Electronics and Connectivity</h5><ul><li>Analog Inputs: 4 differential inputs, 24-bit resolution, range -10 V to +10 V</li><li>Analog Outputs: 2 outputs from selectable measurement channels, -10 V to +10 V</li><li>I/O Options: Alarm in/out, auto-inject control, and Orbit™ valve integration</li><li>Computer Interface: Ethernet</li><li>Display: 10.1” high-resolution capacitive touchscreen with multi-touch controls</li></ul><h5>Instrument Dimensions</h5><ul><li>Size: 58 cm (L) x 36 cm (W) x 26 cm (H)</li></ul><h4>Other MALS Instruments</h4><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1115">miniDAWN™</a> &nbsp;- Second only to the DAWN in sensitivity. Incorporates detectors at 3 angles to determine molar masses from 200 Da to 10 MDa and radii from 10 – 50 nm. Ambient only.</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1116">microDAWN™</a>&nbsp; - The first MALS detector for UHPLC, with interdetector dispersion as low as 1.5 µL. Incorporates detectors at 3 angles to determine molar masses from 200 Da to 20 MDa and radii from 10 – 50 nm. Ambient only.</li><li>ultraDAWN™ &nbsp;- Measures multi-angle light scattering and reports the results – weight-average molecular weight Mw &nbsp;and rms radius Rg &nbsp;– in real time.</li></ul>

Waters/Wyatt miniDAWN™ Multi Angle Light Scattering (MALS) Detector

The Best in Basic Multi-Angle Light Scattering for Absolute Macromolecular Analysis.

<h4>Overview</h4><h5>Molar Mass</h5>The miniDAWN determines absolute molar mass and size to characterize proteins, peptides, small polymers and nanoparticles in solution. Coupled to size exclusion chromatography (SEC or GPC), it eliminates the uncertainty and hassle of column calibration, for true confidence in macromolecular characterization.<h5>Superb Sensitivity</h5>The miniDAWN not only offers superb sensitivity—it further enhances productivity thanks to greatly enhanced field serviceability and easy data analysis with One-Click Mw™ .<h5>Compatible with ASTRA™&nbsp;</h5>The miniDAWN is accompanied by ASTRA, the most versatile software package available for analysis of online multi-angle and dynamic light scattering. ASTRA and the miniDAWN incorporate advanced ease-of-use features that help guarantee excellent measurements with a single click.<h4>Product Description</h4><h5>Molar mass, absolutely</h5>Wyatt's miniDAWN is most often used in conjunction with size exclusion chromatography (SEC-MALS) or field-flow fractionation (FFF-MALS) to determine distributions of molecular weight, size and composition. No need to make assumptions about molecular conformation or ideal column interactions.<h5>Characterize:</h5><ul><li>Proteins, small peptides and oligonucleotides</li><li>Synthetic and natural polymers</li><li>Nanoparticles, virus-like particles and vesicles</li></ul><h5>Measurement Range:</h5><ul><li>MW from 200 Da to 10 MDa</li><li>rg &nbsp;from 10 to 50 nm, up to 150 nm with shape-specific models</li><li>sensitivity down to 25 ng of 100 kDa polystyrene in THF, injected on a standard GPC column</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Mini_DAWN_urcuje_molekulovou_hmotnost_nezavisle_na_kalibraci_kolony_Zde_MALS_ukazuje_ze_nejdrive_eluujici_molekula_nema_nejvyssi_molarni_hmotnost_509e5530ea.jpg" alt="Waters: The miniDAWN determines molecular weight independently of column calibration. Here MALS shows that the earliest-eluting molecule does not have the highest molar mass." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Mini_DAWN_urcuje_molekulovou_hmotnost_nezavisle_na_kalibraci_kolony_Zde_MALS_ukazuje_ze_nejdrive_eluujici_molekula_nema_nejvyssi_molarni_hmotnost_509e5530ea.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="820" height="438">The miniDAWN's performance is exceeded only by the DAWN™ which covers a wider range of size and molecular weight, with even better sensitivity and additional optional modules.<h5>Ultrasonic Cleaning Included</h5>Each miniDAWN includes an embedded COMET™ ultrasonic transducer that cleans the flow cell automatically by agitating the fluid and loosening particles from the glass surfaces.<h5>Modularity = Productivity</h5>The miniDAWN incorporates a fully modular design. Each module can be tested independently by the software to verify that it is functioning correctly. This imparts nearly complete field serviceability, since malfunctioning modules can be replaced and validated on-site by service engineers with no further calibration or alignment.The miniDAWN is also field-upgradeable: the embedded WyattQELS™ DLS Module for measuring hydrodynamic radii from 0.5 to 50 nm can be installed on-site as well as in new units shipped from the factory.<h5>Not just SEC-MALS...</h5>Wyatt's miniDAWN may be used in batch (off-line) mode or in conjunction with a Calypso™ CG-MALS system for characterization of average solution properties as well as macromolecular interaction properties including protein-protein binding affinity and complex stoichiometry.<h5>Simplicity personified</h5>With miniDAWN and ASTRA™, SEC-MALS became a whole lot easier. Sample-specific methods are set up in three short steps with ASTRA's Method Wizard, and new capabilities for automatic data processing mean that it takes just one click from your sample to a full report of the molecular weight and size results.The miniDAWN's System Ready monitor will even let you know when the system is fully equilibrated with low baseline noise, ready to run.<h4>Specifications</h4><h5>Measurement Capabilities</h5><ul><li>Molar Mass Range: 200 Da to 10 MDa for proteins; up to 1 MDa for linear polymers (depending on dn/dc, sample concentration, and chromatography conditions).</li><li>Molecular Size (Radius of Gyration, Rg): Approximately 10 nm to 50 nm, extendable up to 150 nm with shape-specific modeling.</li><li>Hydrodynamic Radius (Rh):<ul><li>Flow mode: 0.5 nm to 50 nm (optimal at flow rates ≤ 0.3 mL/min)</li><li>Batch mode: 0.5 nm to 1 µm (requires WyattQELS™ module or DynaPro™ NanoStar™ with fiber optic connection)</li></ul></li><li>Sensitivity: Detects as little as 25 ng of 100 kDa polystyrene in THF or 500 ng of BSA in PBS using a standard 7.8 mm x 300 mm SEC column with no post-column filter.</li></ul><h5>Fluidics and Compatibility</h5><ul><li>Mobile Phase Compatibility: Compatible with both aqueous and organic solvents.</li><li>Wetted Materials: 316 stainless steel, fused silica, and Kalrez.</li></ul><h5>Optical System and Detectors</h5><ul><li>MALS Detectors: Three high-gain, high dynamic range photodiodes at fixed angles.</li><li>Auxiliary Detectors:<ul><li>Laser monitor for stability control</li><li>Forward transmission monitor for absorbing samples and data quality evaluation</li></ul></li><li>Dynamic Range: 3,300,000:1</li><li>Optional DLS Detection:<ul><li>Integrated WyattQELS™ module within the miniDAWN chassis</li><li>External fiber optic connection from DynaPro™ NanoStar or Mobius™ DLS-ELS instruments</li></ul></li></ul><h5>Laser Specifications</h5><ul><li>Wavelength: 658 nm ± 4 nm</li><li>Power Control: Programmable from 10% to 100%</li></ul><h5>Temperature Control</h5><ul><li>Sample Temperature: Ambient</li></ul><h5>Electronics and Connectivity</h5><ul><li>Analog Inputs: 2 differential inputs, 24-bit resolution, ±10 V range</li><li>Analog Outputs: 1 output from a selectable measurement channel, ±10 V range</li><li>I/O Ports: Alarm in/out, auto-inject control, Orbit™ recycle valve support</li><li>Computer Interface: Ethernet</li><li>Data Rate: Up to 36.6 Hz</li></ul><h5>User Interface and Display</h5><ul><li>Front Panel: 7” (178 mm) high-resolution multi-touch display for real-time signal viewing, diagnostics, and settings</li></ul><h5>Instrument Dimensions</h5><ul><li>Size: 58 cm (L) x 36 cm (W) x 18 cm (H)</li></ul><h4>Other MALS Instruments</h4><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1114">DAWN™</a> - The most sensitive MALS detector available, anywhere. Incorporates detectors at 18 angles to determine molar masses from 200 Da to 1 GDa and radii from 10 – 500 nm.<ul><li>Standard option: ambient temperature</li><li>Heated/cooled option: -15 °C to +150 °C</li><li>High-temperature option: ambient to +210 °C</li><li>The DAWN offers special options to handle fluorescent samples: fluorescence-blocking filters and an infrared, 785 nm laser.</li></ul></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1116">microDAWN™</a> - The first MALS detector for UHPLC, with interdetector dispersion as low as 1.5 µL. Incorporates detectors at 3 angles to determine molar masses from 200 Da to 20 MDa and radii from 10 – 50 nm. Ambient only.</li><li>ultraDAWN™ - Measures multi-angle light scattering and reports the results – weight-average molecular weight Mw &nbsp;and rms radius Rg &nbsp;– in real time.</li></ul>

Waters/Wyatt microDAWN™ Multi Angle Light Scattering (MALS) Detector

The microDAWN can be coupled to any UHPLC-SEC system to determine absolute molecular weights and sizes of polymers, peptides, or proteins directly, without resorting to column calibration or reference standards.

<h4>Overview</h4><h5>UHPLC-SEC System</h5>The microDAWN can be coupled to any UHPLC-SEC system to determine absolute molecular weights and sizes of polymers, peptides, or proteins directly, without resorting to column calibration or reference standards. The microDAWN produces minimal band broadening in order to maintain the narrow peaks typical of UHPLC, while meeting or exceeding the sensitivity of the miniDAWN™.<h4>Product Description</h4>The microDAWN MALS detector performs absolute characterization of macromolecules eluting from UHPLC, determining molar mass and size independently of retention time and molecular reference standards. This instrument offers superb sensitivity over a wide range of molar mass, size and concentrations. In most respects the microDAWN is similar to the well-established miniDAWN™, a workhorse MALS instrument used in hundreds of labs around the world for characterizing proteins and other molecules smaller than 50 nm in radius.Distinctly from the miniDAWN, the microDAWN is uniquely suitable for use in conjunction with UHPLC Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC-MALS) thanks to its small interdetector dispersion. In some cases it may be used with ion-exchange or other types of chromatography. Regardless of the specifics, the microDAWN produces minimal band broadening in order to maintain the narrow peaks typical of UHPLC.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_micro_DAWN_MALS_HPLC_detektor_konfigurace_1_4e888650cf.jpg" alt="Waters microDAWN™ Multi Angle Light Scattering (MALS) Instrument: Experimental setup" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_micro_DAWN_MALS_HPLC_detektor_konfigurace_1_4e888650cf.jpg 229w," sizes="100vw" width="894" height="609"><ul><li>Mw&nbsp; from 200 Da to 10 MDa</li><li>Sensitivity: 1.0 µg/mL BSA (66.4 kDa) in PBS; 50 ng/mL 100 kDa polystyrene in THF.</li><li>Rg &nbsp;from 10 to 50 nm</li><li>Ultra-stable laser</li></ul>The microDAWN and its companion microOptilab™ Refractive Index Detector interface to most standard UHPLC systems. As these detectors are based on the advanced technology of Wyatt's miniDAWN and Optilab™, respectively, users may be confident in the underlying capabilities cited in thousands of peer-reviewed publications.<h5>Ultrasonic Cleaning Included</h5>Each microDAWN includes a COMET™ ultrasonic transducer that cleans MALS flow cells automatically by agitating the fluid and loosening particles from the glass surfaces.<h4>Specifications</h4><h5>Measurement Capabilities</h5><ul><li>Molar Mass Range: From 200 Da to 10 MDa for proteins; up to 1 MDa for linear polymers (Typical, depending on dn/dc, sample concentration, and chromatography conditions)</li><li>Molecular or Particle Size (Radius of Gyration, Rg): 10 nm to 50 nm, extendable up to 150 nm with shape-specific modeling</li><li>Hydrodynamic Radius (Rh):<ul><li>Flow mode: 0.5 nm to 30 nm</li><li>Batch mode: 0.5 nm to 1 µm (Requires WyattQELS™ DLS module or DynaPro™ NanoStar™ with fiber optic connection)</li></ul></li><li>Sensitivity: Detects as little as 3.5 ng of 100 kDa polystyrene in THF or 70 ng of BSA in PBS, assuming use of a 15 cm UHPLC-SEC column with no post-column filter</li></ul><h5>Optical System and Detectors</h5><ul><li>MALS Detectors: Three high-gain photodiodes with broad dynamic range for multi-angle light scattering</li><li>Dynamic Range: 3,300,000:1</li><li>Auxiliary Detectors:<ul><li>Laser monitor for stabilization feedback</li><li>Forward transmission monitor for absorbing samples and data quality assessment</li></ul></li><li>Optional DLS Detection:<ul><li>Integrated WyattQELS™ module within the microDAWN chassis</li><li>External DLS connection via fiber optic from DynaPro™ NanoStar or Mobius™ DLS-ELS instruments</li></ul></li></ul><h5>Laser Specifications</h5><ul><li>Wavelength: 658 nm ± 4 nm</li><li>Power Control: Programmable from 10% to 100%</li></ul><h5>Sample Temperature and Flow Characteristics</h5><ul><li>Sample Temperature: Ambient</li><li>Interdetector Band Broadening:<ul><li>Upstream detector to microDAWN: &lt; 1.5 µL</li><li>Upstream to downstream detector: &lt; 1.6 µL</li></ul></li></ul><h5>Material Compatibility</h5><ul><li>Wetted Materials: 316 stainless steel, fused silica, PEEK, PTFE, and MP35N (iron-free alloy)</li></ul><h5>Electronics and Connectivity</h5><ul><li>Analog Inputs: 2 differential inputs, 24-bit resolution, ±10 V input range</li><li>Analog Outputs: 1 output from a user-selectable measurement channel, ±10 V range</li><li>I/O Ports: Alarm in/out, auto-inject control, Orbit™ valve integration</li><li>Computer Interface: Ethernet</li><li>Data Transmission Rate: Up to 73 Hz</li></ul><h5>User Interface</h5><ul><li>Display: 7” (178 mm) high-resolution multi-touch screen for signal monitoring, instrument settings, and diagnostics</li></ul><h5>Instrument Dimensions</h5><ul><li>Size: 58 cm (L) x 36 cm (W) x 18 cm (H)</li></ul><h4>Other MALS Instruments</h4><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1114">DAWN™</a> - The most sensitive MALS detector available, anywhere. Incorporates detectors at 18 angles to determine molar masses from 200 Da to 1 GDa and radii from 10 – 500 nm.<ul><li>Standard option: ambient temperature</li><li>Heated/cooled option: -15 °C to +150 °C</li><li>High-temperature option: ambient to +210 °C</li><li>The DAWN offers special options to handle fluorescent samples: fluorescence-blocking filters and an infrared, 785 nm laser.</li></ul></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1115">miniDAWN™</a> - Second only to the DAWN in sensitivity. Incorporates detectors at 3 angles to determine molar masses from 200 Da to 10 MDa and radii from 10 – 50 nm. Ambient only.</li><li>ultraDAWN™ - Measures multi-angle light scattering and reports the results – weight-average molecular weight Mw &nbsp;and rms radius Rg &nbsp;– in real time.</li></ul>

Waters/Wyatt ViscoStar HPLC viscometer

Waters ViscoStar is a highly sensitive, on-line differential viscometer used in conjunction with SEC-MALS-IV to determine the size and conformation of all types of biopolymers, synthetic polymers and even proteins and peptides.

<h4>Highly Sensitive</h4>A highly sensitive, on-line differential viscometer used in conjunction with SEC-MALS-IV to determine the size and conformation of all types of biopolymers, synthetic polymers and even proteins and peptides.<h4>Multiple Novel Technologies</h4>The ViscoStar incorporates multiple novel technologies to provide the highest sensitivity, stability and solvent compatibility of any available viscometer for GPC. Its ease-of-use and serviceability make it the perfect companion for Wyatt's DAWN™ light scattering and Optilab™ refractive index detectors.<h4>Another path to polymer and protein characterization: SEC-MALS-IV</h4>When coupled with size-exclusion chromatography and a concentration detector such as the Optilab™ , the ViscoStar derives the intrinsic viscosity (IV) of polymers. An inherently valuable physico-chemical property in itself, IV is best utilized together with molar mass information from multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS-IV) to derive the hydrodynamic radius, conformation, and branching ratio of a macromolecule in solution.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Visco_Star_pump_pulse_suppression_with_inset_e8c2fbfc18.jpg" alt="Waters ViscoStar: Patented pulse compensation technology in the ViscoStar eliminates pump fluctuations. At the hardware level, the bridge is impedance matched for dynamic balance, greatly reducing the effect of pump pulses. An additional layer of software filtering eliminates residual pump pulses." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Visco_Star_pump_pulse_suppression_with_inset_e8c2fbfc18.jpg 233w," sizes="100vw" width="348" height="233"><h5>Key benefits of the ViscoStar</h5><ul><li>High sensitivity, equivalent to 100 ng of 100 kDa polystyrene in THF at 1.0 mL/min injected onto a standard GPC column</li><li>High dynamic range of over 135,000:1. The full measurement range corresponds to over 13 mg/mL of 100 kDa polystyrene in THF</li><li>Extended solvent compatibility with all-316 stainless steel transducers</li><li>Temperature range from 4 °C to 70 °C for polymers or proteins that require a range of temperatures</li><li>Minimal band broadening thanks to fast pressure transducers</li><li>Pump pulse suppression to below 4 Pa (hardware alone) or 1 Pa (hardware + software) without loss of chromatographic resolution</li><li>Automated capillary bridge tuning with no moving parts, to guarantee a perfectly balanced bridge, every run</li><li>Enhanced thermal stability with drift of &lt;2.5 Pa/hour</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Visco_Star_cmc_plga_intrinsic_viscosity_graphs_be99c5d115.jpg" alt="Waters ViscoStar: The ViscoStar provides the highest available dynamic range and sensitivity in online viscometry. This graph shows the intrinsic viscosities of 1) poly(lactic co-glycolic acid), or PLGA, in THF and 2) carboxymethyl cellulose, or CMC, in aqueous mobile phase, both measured with a ViscoStar and Optilab, spanning a range from tens to thousands of mL/g. The same instruments readily measure intrinsic viscosity values in the low single digits with excellent signal-to-noise, even at very low concentrations." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Visco_Star_cmc_plga_intrinsic_viscosity_graphs_be99c5d115.jpg 236w," sizes="100vw" width="406" height="268"><h5>SEC-IV without MALS?</h5>Yes, as much as we love MALS for optimal polymer analysis, it's true that there are occasions when it just won't fit the bill.Universal calibration is a parallel technique to SEC-MALS for determining molecular weight, commonly used to characterize linear polymers. While universal calibration overcomes some of the problematic issues associated with column calibration by reference molecules, it does not account for non-ideal column behavior caused by chemical solute-column interactions or hyperbranching.Universal calibration is particularly-well suited to replace MALS for:<ul><li>Strongly fluorescent polymers, in particular those not adequately addressed by a DAWN™ with long-wavelength (785 nm) laser or a standard DAWN (685 nm) with fluorescence-blocking filters.</li><li>Weakly-scattering polymer/solvent systems with very low dn/dc values</li></ul>The Mark-Houwink-Sakurada relationship makes use of empirical relationships between intrinsic viscosity and molar mass, specific to each polymer and solvent, to estimate molar mass from SEC-IV measurements. Of course, the best way to determine MHS coefficients is to measure them using SEC-MALS-IV and ASTRA™!<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Visco_Star_v3_protein_rh_measurements_0951d3769a.jpg" alt="Waters ViscoStar: Three IgG proteins with similar MWs eluted at different elution volumes. To understand their different elution properties, online DLS is typically used to measure the hydrodynamic radius, R h , of a protein. However, online DLS did not provide reliable insights, in this case due to the relatively high experimental uncertainty of the DLS. The precise Rh values obtained with a MALS detector and the ViscoStar III, on the other hand, clearly revealed the causes. IgG B eluted later than IgG A due to its more compact structure; IgG C had a slight interaction with the SEC column." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Visco_Star_v3_protein_rh_measurements_0951d3769a.jpg 237w," sizes="100vw" width="401" height="264"><h4>Specifications</h4><h5>Measurement Capabilities – Differential Viscosity</h5><ul><li>Sensitivity: Detects as little as 0.1 µg of 100 kDa polystyrene in THF at 1 mL/min under typical GPC conditions.</li><li>Differential Pressure Performance:<ul><li>Noise: &lt; 0.05 Pa</li><li>Range: 6.9 kPa, with built-in overpressure protection</li><li>Drift: &lt; 2.5 Pa/hr</li><li>Linearity: Within 0.5% of full scale</li><li>Dynamic Range: 135,000:1</li></ul></li><li>Capillary Bridge Autobalance: Thermally regulated, leak-free mechanism ensures stable baseline and precision.</li><li>Sample Shear Rate: Up to 5000 Hz with water at 1 mL/min</li></ul><h5>Fluidics and Flow Compatibility</h5><ul><li>Maximum Flow Rate:<ul><li>Aqueous: 1.5 mL/min</li><li>THF: 3 mL/min</li></ul></li><li>Delay Volume Options: Configurable at 16.2, 10.8, or 5.4 mL; optional factory-installed upgrade to 32.4 mL (Note: actual column fluid volume is approx. half the listed value)</li><li>Maximum Inlet-to-Outlet Pressure: 690 kPa</li><li>Wetted Materials: 316 stainless steel, PTFE, zirconium silicate, Kalrez, Inconel, and 26-1 stainless steel – all selected for chemical resistance and long-term durability</li></ul><h5>Temperature Control</h5><ul><li>Operating Range: 4 °C to 70 °C</li><li>Stability: Maintains temperature within &lt; 0.005 °C for precise measurements</li><li>Ambient Conditions: 0 °C to 40 °C; relative humidity 20% to 70%</li></ul><h5>Electronics and Connectivity</h5><ul><li>Digital Output: 20-bit resolution at 10 Hz for high-fidelity data</li><li>Auxiliary I/O:<ul><li>Inputs: Autoinject contact closure, Alarm In, and 2 analog inputs (18-bit, ±10 V)</li><li>Outputs: Autoinject retransmit, Alarm Out, Recycle Out</li></ul></li><li>Communication Interface: Ethernet for seamless integration into lab networks and data systems</li></ul><h5>User Interface</h5><ul><li>Front Panel Display: 7” (178 mm) high-resolution capacitive touchscreen for monitoring signals, diagnostics, and adjusting settings with ease</li></ul><h5>Instrument Dimensions</h5><ul><li>Size: 58 cm (L) × 36 cm (W) × 18 cm (H)</li></ul><h4>Other Viscometers</h4><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1267">microViscoStar™ </a>- Similar to the ViscoStar but designed specifically for use with UHPLC/APC.</li></ul>

Waters/Wyatt microViscoStar viscometer

The Waters microViscoStar incorporates multiple novel technologies to provide the highest sensitivity, stability and solvent compatibility of any available viscometer for UHPLC. 

<h4>Highly Sensitive</h4>A highly sensitive, on-line differential viscometer used with SEC-MALS-IV to determine the size and conformation of polymers, proteins and peptides separated by UHPLC.<h4>Multiple Novel Technologies</h4>The microViscoStar™ incorporates multiple novel technologies to provide the highest sensitivity, stability and solvent compatibility of any available viscometer for UHPLC. Its ease-of-use and serviceability make it the perfect companion for Wyatt's microDAWN™ light scattering and microOptilab™ refractive index detectors for UHPLC.<h4>Another path to polymer and protein characterization: SEC-MALS-IV</h4>When coupled with size-exclusion chromatography and a concentration detector such as the Optilab™ , the microViscoStar derives the intrinsic viscosity (IV) of polymers. An inherently valuable physico-chemical property in itself, IV is best utilized together with molar mass information from multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS-IV) to derive the hydrodynamic radius, conformation, and branching ratio of a macromolecule in solution.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Visco_Star_pump_pulse_suppression_with_inset_e8c2fbfc18.jpg" alt="Waters microViscoStar: Patented pulse compensation technology in the microViscoStar eliminates pump fluctuations. At the hardware level, the bridge is impedance-matched for dynamic balance, greatly reducing the effect of pump pulses. An additional layer of software filtering eliminates residual pump pulses." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Visco_Star_pump_pulse_suppression_with_inset_e8c2fbfc18.jpg 233w," sizes="100vw" width="348" height="233"><h5>Key benefits of the ViscoStar</h5><ul><li>High sensitivity, equivalent to 5 ng of 100 kDa polystyrene in THF at 1.0 mL/min injected onto a standard GPC column</li><li>High dynamic range of over 135,000:1. The full measurement range corresponds to over 13 mg/mL of 100 kDa polystyrene in THF</li><li>Extended solvent compatibility with all-316 stainless steel transducers</li><li>Temperature range from 4 °C to 70 °C for polymers or proteins that require a range of temperatures</li><li>Minimal band broadening thanks to fast pressure transducers</li><li>Pump pulse suppression to below 4 Pa (hardware alone) or 1 Pa (hardware + software) without loss of chromatographic resolution</li><li>Automated capillary bridge tuning with no moving parts, to guarantee a perfectly balanced bridge, every run</li><li>Enhanced thermal stability with drift of &lt;1.25 Pa/hour</li></ul><h4>SEC-IV without MALS?</h4>Yes, as much as we love MALS for optimal polymer analysis, it's true that there are occasions when it just won't fit the bill.Universal calibration is a parallel technique to SEC-MALS for determining molecular weight, commonly used to characterize linear polymers. While universal calibration overcomes some of the problematic issues associated with column calibration by reference molecules, it does not account for non-ideal column behavior caused by chemical solute-column interactions or hyperbranching.Universal calibration is particularly-well suited to replace MALS for:<ul><li>Strongly fluorescent polymers</li><li>Weakly-scattering polymer/solvent systems with very low dn/dc values</li></ul>The Mark-Houwink-Sakurada relationship makes use of empirical relationships between intrinsic viscosity and molar mass, specific to each polymer and solvent, to estimate molar mass from SEC-IV measurements. Of course, the best way to determine MHS coefficients is to measure them using SEC-MALS-IV and ASTRA™<h4>Specifications</h4><h5>Measurement Capabilities – Differential Viscosity</h5><ul><li>Sensitivity: Detects as little as 5 ng of 100 kDa polystyrene in THF at 1 mL/min under typical UHPLC-SEC conditions.</li><li>Differential Pressure Performance:<ul><li>Noise: &lt; 0.05 Pa</li><li>Range: Up to 6.9 kPa, with overpressure protection</li><li>Drift: &lt; 1.25 Pa/hr</li><li>Linearity: Within 0.5% of full scale</li><li>Dynamic Range: 135,000:1</li></ul></li><li>Capillary Bridge Autobalance: Thermal, leak-free mechanism ensures stable baseline performance.</li><li>Sample Shear Rate: Up to 15,000 Hz with water at 1 mL/min for high-resolution viscosity profiling.</li></ul><h5>Fluidics and Compatibility</h5><ul><li>Maximum Flow Rate: Aqueous and THF: up to 1 mL/min (Note: Using an inline UV detector may reduce allowable flow rate.)</li><li>Delay Volume: 5.4 mL</li><li>Maximum Inlet-to-Outlet Pressure: 3000 kPa (435 psi)</li><li>Wetted Materials: 316 stainless steel, PTFE, zirconium silicate, Kalrez®, Inconel, 26-1 stainless steel, and nickel</li></ul><blockquote>Note: Due to the location of wetted components, this instrument is primarily recommended for use with organic solvents. High-ionic-strength buffers may cause corrosion.</blockquote><h5>Temperature Control</h5><ul><li>Operating Range: 4 °C to 70 °C</li><li>Stability: Maintains temperature within &lt; 0.005 °C</li><li>Ambient Conditions: 0 °C to 40 °C; 20% to 70% relative humidity</li></ul><h5>Electronics and Connectivity</h5><ul><li>Digital Output: 20-bit resolution at 10 Hz</li><li>Auxiliary I/O:<ul><li>Inputs: Autoinject contact closure, Alarm In, and 2 analog inputs (16-bit, ±10 V)</li><li>Outputs: Autoinject retransmit, Alarm Out, Recycle Out</li></ul></li><li>Communication Interface: Ethernet</li></ul><h5>User Interface</h5><ul><li>Front Panel Display: 7” (178 mm) high-resolution, capacitive multi-touch screen for real-time monitoring, configuration, and diagnostics</li></ul><h5>Instrument Dimensions</h5><ul><li>Size: 60 cm (L) × 36 cm (W) × 17 cm (H)</li></ul><h4>Other Viscometers</h4><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1117">ViscoStar™</a> - A highly sensitive, on-line differential viscometer used in conjunction with SEC-MALS to determine the size and conformation of all types of biopolymers, synthetic polymers and even proteins and peptides.</li><li>The ViscoStar incorporates multiple novel technologies to provide the highest sensitivity, stability and solvent compatibility of any available viscometer for GPC. Its ease-of-use and serviceability make it the perfect companion for Wyatt's DAWN® light scattering and Optilab® refractive index detectors. Temperature-controlled from 4 °C to 70 °C .</li></ul>

Waters/Wyatt Optilab On-line Differential Refractometer

The Waters Optilab is a unique dRI detector for standard HPLC/GPC with 256 times the detection power and 50 times the dynamic range of every other RI detector for chromatography in existence today, making it a valuable addition to any MALS setup.

<h4>Independent of Chromaphores</h4>Independent of chromaphores or fluorophores, differential Refractive Index (dRI) detectors serve as accurate and versatile concentration detectors in all types of solvents. dRI is part of standard instrumentation for a variety of macromolecular characterization techniques including standard chromatography, SEC-MALS, FFF-MALS and CG-MALS.<h4>Unique dRI Detector</h4>The Optilab is a unique dRI detector for standard HPLC/GPC with 256 times the detection power and 50 times the dynamic range of every other RI detector for chromatography in existence today, making it a valuable addition to any MALS setup.<h4>Product Description</h4>Using a combination of cutting-edge semiconductor photodiode technology and proprietary computer algorithms, the Optilab achieves an unprecedented combination of sensitivity and range. These features mean that it addresses both standard chromatographic applications and some challenges unique to light scattering measurements such as high concentrations, determination of sample refractive increments (dn/dc) and solvent refractive index.<h5>Key Benefits</h5><ul><li>Extraordinary dRI measurement range, -0.0047 to +0.0047 RIU (comparable to 25 mg/mL protein in PBS)</li><li>Highly sensitive, ±7.5 x 10 -10 &nbsp;RIU across the entire measurement range</li><li>Measures solvent absolute refractive index, required for MALS calculations</li><li>Measures at the same wavelength as the MALS detector, for maximum accuracy in MALS calculations</li><li>Band broadening &lt; 20 µL preserves SEC resolution</li><li>Temperature range 4 °C to 65 °C for proteins and polymers that require a range of temperatures</li><li>High-resolution, touch-screen front panel displays data graphs and diagnostics, even with the host computer turned off</li></ul><h5>Unparalleled Features</h5>Even though the Optilab offers a dRI measurement range orders of magnitude beyond that of other dRI detectors, unlike other detectors there are no range or gain settings in the Optilab. The full range of instrument detection is always present, and the full sensitivity exists over the entire range.The Optilab can also do something no other on-line refractive index detector can: it can measure the absolute refractive index of a solution. In addition, it can measure the dn/dc of a solvent at the same wavelength of light as the light scattering instrument. And just to make sure it can't be matched, you can replace the light source in the Optilab for other wavelengths (e.g., 690, 633, 488, etc.) in just minutes!The Optilab can go below ambient temperatures as easily as above ambient. No hassle temperature control can be programmed from 4 °C to 65 °C. Compatible with all HPLC systems.<h4>Specifications</h4><h5>Measurement Capabilities – Differential Refractive Index</h5>Standard Optilab Configuration<ul><li>Measurement Range: –0.0047 to +0.0047 RIU</li><li>Peak-to-Peak Noise: ±7.5 × 10⁻¹⁰ RIU (Measured per ASTM-E1303-95 at 25 °C)</li></ul>High Concentration (HC) Option<ul><li>Measurement Range: –0.0026 to +0.034 RIU</li><li>Peak-to-Peak Noise: ±1.5 × 10⁻⁹ RIU (Optimized for higher concentration samples)</li><li>Response Time: User-selectable from 0.1 to 5 seconds</li><li>Absolute Refractive Index Measurement Range: 1.2 to 1.8 RIU</li><li>Absolute RI Sensitivity: ±0.002 RIU</li></ul>Fluidics and Flow Properties<ul><li>Band Broadening: &lt;12 µL</li><li>Fill Volume (Inlet Tubing + Flow Cell): 51.4 µL</li><li>Outlet Tubing Volume (0.030" ID): 370 µL</li></ul>Pressure Ratings<ul><li>Inlet Back Pressure (0.5 mL/min H₂O @ 20 °C): &lt;22 psi (1.5 bar)</li><li>Max Outlet Back Pressure: 30 psi (2 bar)</li></ul>Temperature Control<ul><li>Sample Temperature Control Range: 4 °C to 65 °C</li><li>Regulation Stability: ±0.005 °C</li></ul>Light Source Options<ul><li>Standard: 660 nm</li><li>HC Model (Optional): 488 nm, 785 nm, or 940 nm</li></ul>Safety Features<ul><li>Built-in vapor and liquid leak sensors for enhanced lab safety</li></ul>Electronics and Connectivity<ul><li>Digital Output: 22+ bit resolution @ 10 Hz</li><li>Analog Output: ±10 V or ±1 V, 18-bit resolution</li><li>Computer Interface: Ethernet</li></ul>Auxiliary I/O Ports<ul><li>Inputs:<ul><li>Analog In (16-bit, ±10 V A/D)</li><li>Zero dRI</li><li>Purge</li><li>Recycle In</li><li>Autoinject In</li><li>Alarm In</li></ul></li><li>Outputs:<ul><li>Autoinject Retransmit</li><li>Alarm Out</li><li>Recycle Out (controls Orbit™ valve switching)</li></ul></li></ul>User Interface<ul><li>Front Panel Display: 7” (178 mm) high-resolution multi-touch screen for viewing signals, diagnostics, and adjusting instrument settings</li></ul>Instrument Dimensions<ul><li>Size: 58 cm (L) × 36 cm (W) × 18 cm (H)</li></ul><h4>Other Refractive Index Detectors</h4><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1269">microOptilab™</a> - The first RI detector specifically designed for use with all UHPLC systems.</li></ul>

Waters/Wyatt microOptilab On-line Differential Refractometer

The Waters microOptilab brings the universal detection capabilities, unsurpassed concentration range, and superb sensitivity and linearity

<h4>Independent of Chromaphores</h4>Independent of chromaphores or fluorophores, differential Refractive Index (dRI) detectors measure concentrations of all types of samples in almost all solvents. The microOptilab brings the universal detection capabilities, unsurpassed concentration range, and superb sensitivity and linearity – familiar from the Optilab™ – to the domain of UHPLC.<h4>SEC-MALS with UHPLC</h4>Like standard SEC, UHPLC-SEC analysis relying on column calibration with molecular standards is unreliable when the standards do not accurately reflect your samples in terms of conformation, non-ideal (e.g., hydrophobic) column interactions or reversible association. SEC-MALS employs a microDAWN™ MALS detector downstream of the SEC column and UV detector, to determine molar mass / molecular weight distributions of macromolecules independently of column calibration.Refractive index detection is an important component of any SEC-MALS system, and necessary for analyzing conjugated proteins or polymers devoid of chromaphores. The microOptilab connects with the microDAWN MALS detector for a complete UHP-SEC-MALS setup that transfers the many benefits of SEC-MALS analysis to the realm of UHPLC.<h5>Key benefits</h5><ul><li>Very low band broadening, &lt; 4 µL, to maintain the resolution of very narrow UHPLC peaks</li><li>Extraordinary dRI measurement range, -4.7 x 10 -3 &nbsp;to +4.7 x 10 -3 &nbsp;RIU (comparable to 25 mg/mL protein in PBS)</li><li>Highly sensitive, ± 1.5 x 10 -9 &nbsp;RIU across the entire measurement range</li><li>Measures solvent refractive index, require for MALS calculations</li><li>Measures at the same wavelength as the MALS detector, for maximum accuracy in MALS calculations</li><li>Temperature range 4 °C to 65 °C for proteins and polymers that require a range of temperatures</li><li>High-resolution, touch-screen front panel displays data graphs and instrument diagnostics, even with the host computer turned off</li></ul><h5>Unparalleled features</h5><ul><li>Considering the extremely small peak volumes of UHPLC, band broadening in the microOptilab is kept to the absolute minimum, at less than 4 µL, as compared to 20 - 40 µL or more for standard RI detectors. As a result, the superior resolution from UHPLC columns and instruments will not be compromised with the microOptilab RI detector.</li><li>Even though the microOptilab offers a dRI measurement range orders of magnitude beyond that of other UHPLC dRI detectors, unlike other detectors there are no range or gain settings in the microOptilab. The full range of instrument detection is always present, and the full sensitivity exists over the entire range. The small flow cell and proprietary temperature regulation enable stable RI baselines and signals which further enhance the detector's sensitivity.</li><li>Unlike all other dRI detectors, the microOptilab also measures absolute refractive index in order to determine solvent RI, necessary in light scattering calculations and useful in assessing the accuracy of mixing of solvent gradients.</li><li>The microOptilab can be operated below ambient temperatures as easily as above ambient. No hassle temperature control can be programmed down to 4 °C or as high as 65 °C.</li><li>The microOptilab is compatible with all UHPLC systems.</li></ul><h4>Specifications</h4><h5>Measurement Capabilities – Differential Refractive Index</h5><ul><li>Differential RI Measurement Range: –0.0047 to +0.0047 RIU</li><li>Peak-to-Peak Noise: ±1.5 × 10⁻⁹ RIU (Measured per ASTM-E1303-95 at 25 °C with a 0.5 sec collection interval)</li><li>Response Time: User-selectable from 0.04 to 5 seconds</li><li>Absolute Refractive Index Range: 1.2 to 1.8 RIU</li><li>Absolute RI Sensitivity: ±0.002 RIU</li></ul>Fluidics and Flow Properties<ul><li>Band Broadening: &lt;4 µL (at 0.3 mL/min)</li><li>Fill Volume (Inlet Tubing + Flow Cell): 13.7 µL</li><li>Outlet Tubing Volume (0.030” ID): 228 µL</li></ul>Pressure Ratings<ul><li>Inlet Back Pressure (0.5 mL/min H₂O @ 20 °C): &lt;320 psi (22 bar)</li><li>Maximum Permissible Outlet Pressure: 30 psi (2 bar)</li></ul>Temperature Control<ul><li>Control Range: 4 °C to 65 °C</li><li>Stability: ±0.005 °C for precise thermal regulation</li></ul>Optical Source and Safety<ul><li>Light Source: 660 nm wavelength</li><li>Safety Sensors: Integrated vapor and liquid leak detection</li></ul>Electronics and Connectivity<ul><li>Digital Output Rate: 25 Hz</li><li>Analog Output: ±10 V or ±1 V, 18-bit resolution</li><li>Computer Interface: Ethernet for seamless data connectivity</li></ul>Auxiliary I/O Ports<ul><li>Inputs:<ul><li>Analog In (16-bit, ±10 V A/D)</li><li>Zero dRI</li><li>Purge</li><li>Recycle In</li><li>Autoinject In</li><li>Alarm In</li></ul></li><li>Outputs:<ul><li>Autoinject Retransmit</li><li>Alarm Out</li><li>Recycle Out (Orbit™ valve switching)</li></ul></li></ul>User Interface<ul><li>Display: 7” (178 mm) high-resolution multi-touch screen for viewing live signals, diagnostics, and configuring instrument settings</li></ul>Instrument Dimensions<ul><li>Size: 58 cm (L) × 36 cm (W) × 18 cm (H)</li></ul><h4>Other Refractive Index Detectors</h4><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1268">Optilab™</a> - A unique on-line differential refractometer for measuring concentration of any macromolecule, regardless of chromophores. Temperature controlled from 4 °C to 65 °C. The high-concentration option accommodates protein concentration up to 180 mg/mL.</li></ul>

ECOM LED20M FIX Dual UV Detector with display

The LED20M FIX Dual UV Detector with a display uses Light Emitting Diodes (LED) as the light source. It is used for flash chromatography.

<div style="display:block;" aria-labelledby="tab_item-0">The LED20M FIX Dual UV Detector with a display uses Light Emitting Diodes (LED) as the light source. It is used for flash chromatography.<h3>Why choose LED20M FIX detectors for your application</h3><ul><li>The LED detectors allow easy and convenient detection in the UV-VIS range. They are manufactured in single or dual channel models with fixed wavelength setup.</li><li>The detectors are widely used in chromatography techniques using gravity glass columns for purification and isolation of organic small molecules and other compounds of interest. Long-lasting and reliable light source is provided by LED.</li><li>The optical flow cell is easily accessible and replaceable, this feature allows flexible choice of detection sensitivity if required. Low cell heating due to low power dissipation of LEDs makes this detector ideal for applications where analytes may be susceptible to degradation due to elevated temperatures. Absorbance information is displayed in detail on the integrated OLED display in numerical and graphical formats.</li><li>The units have convenient USB-C connectivity and power. When the detector is connected to a PC, the recorded data can be stored and processed using the ECOMAC software. ECOMAC basic software license is available with the price of the product without any additional fees. All these features and capabilities allow LED20M FIX to be an affordable, cost-effective, reliable and robust choice of an UV-VIS detector.</li></ul><h4>Wavelengths</h4><ul><li>The dual UV detector version measures at two fixed wavelengths, which are adjusted in production and given by the built-in LEDs.</li><li>By default, diodes with wavelengths of 255 and 280 nm are used. Optionally, the customer can select a wavelength in the range of 255–⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠600 nm in steps of 5 nm.</li></ul><h4>Control</h4><ul><li>The detector can work without any additional SW support, but it is also possible to interconnect it via USB-C cable to a PC with ECOMAC SW, to get a data set for later use or to get reports for unit diagnostics.</li><li>The unit has an innovative PCB board that powers the LEDs, controls the unit, and has many new features, including higher sampling speed.</li></ul><h4>Key features and benefits</h4><ul><li>OLED display</li><li>Numerical and graphical view mode</li><li>Long lifetime of the LED light source</li><li>Low cell heating due to low power losses of the LEDs</li><li>USB C powering and communication port</li><li>ECOMAC Basic software for free</li><li>Autozero function</li><li>Easy flow cell replacement</li><li>Small dimensions</li><li>ECOMAC SW - &nbsp;sophisticated software for data acquisition and for diagnostics</li></ul></div>

ECOM LED20M FIX Single UV Detector with display

The LED20M FIX Single UV Detector with a display uses Light Emitting Diodes (LED) as the light source. It is used for flash chromatography.

<div style="display:block;" aria-labelledby="tab_item-0">The LED20M FIX Single UV Detector with a display uses Light Emitting Diodes (LED) as the light source. It is used for flash chromatography.<h3>Why choose LED20M FIX detectors for your application</h3><ul><li>The LED detectors allow easy and convenient detection in the UV-VIS range. They are manufactured in single or dual channel models with fixed wavelength setup.</li><li>The detectors are widely used in chromatography techniques using gravity glass columns for purification and isolation of organic small molecules and other compounds of interest. Long-lasting and reliable light source is provided by LED.</li><li>The optical flow cell is easily accessible and replaceable, this feature allows flexible choice of detection sensitivity if required. Low cell heating due to low power dissipation of LEDs makes this detector ideal for applications where analytes may be susceptible to degradation due to elevated temperatures. Absorbance information is displayed in detail on the integrated OLED display in numerical and graphical formats.</li><li>The units have convenient USB-C connectivity and power. When the detector is connected to a PC, the recorded data can be stored and processed using the ECOMAC software. ECOMAC basic software license is available with the price of the product without any additional fees. All these features and capabilities allow LED20M FIX to be an affordable, cost-effective, reliable and robust choice of an UV-VIS detector.</li></ul><h3>Wavelengths</h3><ul><li>The single UV detector version measures at 1 fixed wavelength, which is adjusted in production and given by the built-in LEDs.</li><li>By default, diodes with wavelengths of 255 or 280 nm are used. Optionally, customers can select a wavelength within the range of 255–⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠600 nm in steps of 5 nm.</li></ul><h3>Control</h3><ul><li>The detector can work without any additional SW support, but it is also possible to interconnect it via USB-C cable to a PC with ECOMAC SW, to get a data set for later use or to get reports for unit diagnostics.</li><li>The unit has an innovative PCB board that powers the LEDs, controls the unit, and has many new features, including higher sampling speed.</li></ul><h3>Key features and benefits</h3><ul><li>Practical OLED display</li><li>Numerical and graphical view mode</li><li>Long lifetime of the LED light source</li><li>Low cell heating due to low power losses of the LEDs</li><li>USB -C powering and communication port</li><li>Autozero function</li><li>Easy flow cell replacement</li><li>Small dimensions</li><li>ECOMAC SW - &nbsp;sophisticated software for data acquisition and for diagnostics</li></ul>Note: A preparative cell PFC 200 Basic is supplied with the unit. Other flow cells are available at request.</div>

ECOM LED20G Dual UV Detector

LED20G Dual UV detector for preparative and flash chromatography. ECOM's unique patented technology radically improves the detectors´ features. LEDs are used as the source of light.

<div style="display:block;" aria-labelledby="tab_item-0">LED20G Dual UV LED detector for preparative and flash liquid chromatography. LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are used as the light source. A unique and patented ECOM technology radically improves the detector characteristics.&nbsp;The LEDs themselves typically have a peak wavelength with a tolerance of +/- 5 nm and a spectral half-width of 10-20 nm, which is unacceptable for some applications, as e.g. for FPLC. This ECOM solution, however, allows the spectral width to be narrowed and, thanks to our patented technology, the exact wavelength to be selected from the LED spectrum.This version of the dual UV detector measures at two fixed wavelengths given by the installed LEDs.The default wavelengths are 254 and 280 nm. Optionally, the customer can select a wavelength in the range 254-600 nm in 1 nm steps.The unit is controlled by an innovative printed circuit board that powers the LEDs, controls the unit, and has many new features including higher sampling speed.<h3>Key features and benefits</h3><ul><li>Sharp, high, and symmetrical peaks thanks to the ECOM patented technology</li><li>Excellent linearity</li><li>Excellent price-performance ratio</li><li>Compact device dimensions</li><li>Low cell heating due to LED low power supply (0.7 W) allows use for peptide analysis or FPLC</li><li>Easy flow cell replacement</li><li>Higher sampling speed</li><li>Sophisticated diagnostic software</li><li>Diodes with wavelengths of 254 and 280 nm and a PFC cell with an optical path length of 2 mm are used as standard.</li><li>Other cells and wavelengths on request.</li></ul><h3>Parameters</h3><ul><li>Number of channels (Signals): Two fix wavelength</li><li>Typical spectral half-width&nbsp;: 4</li><li>Light source: LEDs</li><li>Noise level at test cell (254 nm, TC 0.75 s): ± 10x10-6 AU</li><li>Drift at test cell (254 nm after 1 h): 1x10-3 AU/hr</li><li>Communication: Remote digital I/O</li><li>Power supply: 12-24 V DC</li><li>Power input: 2 W</li><li>Materials in contact with mobile phase: FEP; fused silica, stainless steel (cell)</li><li>Communication interface: USB-C</li><li>Optical cables: no</li><li>Dimensions W x H x D: 193 x 70 x 40 mm (7.60 x 2.76 x 1.57 in)</li><li>Weight: 0.66 kg (1.46 Ibs)</li></ul></div>

Products from category HPLC detectors - page 3

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