NIST26 includes integrated processing tools for LC-MS/MS data, but there are situations where working directly from instrument vendor software can be faster and more practical. When only a few peaks need to be evaluated, when mzML conversion is inconvenient, or when nominal-mass data are involved, spectra can be transferred directly into NIST Library Search for identification. This workflow can streamline spectral searching while still providing access to NIST high-resolution and low-resolution libraries, public MS/MS resources, and flexible search settings.<h4>When does direct transfer from vendor software make sense?</h4>NIST26 provides integrated data processing in the Chromatogram tab, including workflows for deconvolution and library searching. In many cases, this is the most comprehensive way to process LC-MS/MS datasets.However, chromatogram-based processing generally requires conversion of the original vendor data into mzML, for example using ProteoWizard/MSConvert. If a chromatogram is relatively simple, deconvolution is unnecessary, and only a small number of peaks need to be investigated, converting and processing the entire file may add unnecessary steps.In these situations, it can be more efficient to select an MS/MS spectrum directly in the original vendor software and send it to NIST Library Search.There are also other cases where direct transfer becomes particularly useful. Some proprietary data formats may not convert cleanly into mzML, while nominal-mass MS/MS data are not supported for MS/MS searching in the NIST26 Chromatogram tab. For this type of data, transferring or importing spectra into Library Search becomes the practical alternative.<h4>Which vendor software can send spectra directly to NIST?</h4>Several major instrument platforms provide direct integration with NIST Library Search.The workflow is available with software from:<ul><li>Agilent, including MassHunter and OpenLab,</li><li>Waters,</li><li>Thermo Fisher Scientific.</li></ul>Wiley KnowItAll can also import spectra into NIST Search and supports numerous vendor data formats through its own software environment.For some other platforms, direct NIST integration may not be available. In those situations, spectra can potentially be exported in text-based formats such as TXT or MSP ASCII and then imported into the Spectrum List in NIST Library Search.Direct transfer is generally more convenient because it avoids intermediate export and import steps.<h4>A practical Agilent example</h4>The workflow can be demonstrated using Agilent software.An analyst first selects the desired MS/MS region, averages the spectrum if necessary, and transfers it into the spectrum display. From there, the spectrum can be sent to NIST using the Search Using NIST MS Program command.Once properly configured, NIST automatically receives the spectrum and initiates the specified search. Before relying on this workflow, however, the import and library search parameters should be checked carefully.<h4>Setting up accurate-mass spectrum import</h4>For high-resolution MS/MS data, the first important step is found under Spectrum Import Options.Accurate-mass spectra should be imported with the appropriate number of decimal places for precursor and product ions, and the Accurate m/z spectrum type must be selected.Preserving mass accuracy is essential because one of the main advantages of HRMS library searching is the ability to distinguish candidates using precise precursor and fragment masses.Once the import settings are correct, the next step is configuring the library-search parameters.<h4>Searching without a precursor ion</h4>Depending on how the spectrum is selected or averaged in the vendor software, precursor information may not always be transferred automatically.NIST26 can still search such a spectrum using HiRes NoPrecursor mode.Alternatively, if the precursor m/z is known, it can be entered manually and the search can then include precursor information.The no-precursor approach can be convenient when quickly screening manually selected MS/MS spectra, particularly when the fragment pattern itself contains enough information to generate useful candidate matches.<h4>Setting mass tolerances</h4>For accurate-mass MS/MS searching, suitable precursor and product-ion tolerances are essential.An example configuration uses:<ul><li>20 ppm for the precursor ion</li><li>40 ppm for product ions</li></ul>These settings can be kept consistent with those used in the NIST26 Chromatogram workflow.Proper tolerance settings help balance search sensitivity with selectivity. If tolerances are too wide, more irrelevant candidates may be returned; if they are too narrow, valid matches can be missed because of normal measurement variation.<h4>Combining multiple spectral libraries</h4>One of the strengths of NIST Search is the ability to search multiple libraries simultaneously.A typical configuration can include the NIST high-resolution MS/MS library together with the NIST low-resolution tandem library.The NIST low-resolution library can participate in accurate-mass workflows because it contains the required indexing information. This is important because not every custom or older low-resolution library will necessarily be compatible with the same type of high-resolution search.Additional public resources can also be included, such as:<ul><li>MS-DIAL positive-mode libraries</li><li>MS-DIAL negative-mode libraries</li><li>MoNA LC-MS/MS</li></ul>Combining commercial and public libraries can substantially broaden spectral coverage. In the demonstrated workflow, several million spectra could be searched in a single configuration.For laboratories dealing with unusual metabolites, impurities, environmental contaminants, or compounds outside mainstream commercial libraries, this expanded search space can be particularly valuable.<h4>Structure searches require separate library selection</h4>MS/MS searching and structure searching do not necessarily use the same library selections.If structural searching is required, the appropriate structure-containing libraries must also be loaded in the corresponding Library Search settings.This distinction is easy to overlook when first configuring NIST26. A library may contain useful spectra but no associated structures, or the structure database may need to be explicitly selected before substructure or related structural searches can be performed.<h4>Automating the search</h4>Once the library and tolerance settings have been defined, Automatic Search can be enabled.This allows the spectrum transferred from vendor software to trigger a search immediately rather than requiring the user to launch it manually each time.For repeated workflows involving many manually selected peaks, this small automation can save considerable time.After the configuration has been optimized, it is useful to save it as a dedicated setup—for example, a configuration specifically designed for vendor-imported spectra.<h4>Understanding the result table</h4>NIST search results are typically ranked by score, but additional parameters can also help interpret the matches.Fields can include:<ul><li>score,</li><li>reverse score,</li><li>partial spectrum search score,</li><li>dot product,</li><li>molecular weight,</li><li>other user-selected parameters.</li></ul>The search result display can be customized by right-clicking the column headers and adding or removing fields.Although the standard score will usually remain the primary ranking criterion, alternative metrics can be useful when evaluating spectra with missing fragments, additional peaks, partial spectral overlap, or related structures.<h4>Why it can be useful to keep duplicate matches visible</h4>NIST includes a Best Matching Only option that reduces duplicate or repeated entries in the displayed results.When enabled, the software may reduce a list containing several library records of the same compound to the best representative match.This makes the result list easier to review, but it can also hide useful information.For initial evaluation, it is often preferable to leave this option disabled so that all matching spectra remain visible. Multiple spectra of the same compound may come from different collision energies, instruments, ion forms, or libraries, and reviewing these variations can provide useful confirmation.Filters can always be applied later once the analyst understands the full result set.<h4>Visual comparison of unknown and library spectra</h4>NIST Library Search provides several complementary views of each candidate.The experimentally acquired unknown spectrum is displayed together with the selected library spectrum, while a head-to-head spectral comparison provides an immediate visual representation of matching and non-matching ions.This is important because library-search scores should not be treated as a fully automated identification decision.A strong match should still be examined visually, especially when dealing with complex spectra, low-abundance fragments, co-isolated ions, or compounds with closely related structural analogues.The combination of numerical scoring and visual inspection provides a stronger basis for interpretation.<h4>An important issue with the Intensity Threshold setting</h4>One practical software issue deserves particular attention when importing high-resolution spectra.The Spectrum Import Options window includes an Intensity Threshold function that can remove low-intensity signals and reduce spectral noise.In principle, this would be useful. However, when an intensity threshold is applied, imported high-resolution spectra may lose their decimal mass information and be transferred as nominal-mass spectra instead.An accurate-mass peak such as 176.0815 could therefore appear simply as m/z 176.For HRMS users, this effectively removes one of the most important dimensions of the data and can compromise accurate-mass searching.Until this behavior is corrected, the safer approach is to avoid using the Intensity Threshold option during high-resolution spectrum import and perform any necessary filtering elsewhere.<h4>A related display issue in the Chromatogram window</h4>A second software behavior concerns how Spectrum Import Options are reflected in the Chromatogram tab.If the decimal precision is set to zero for importing low-resolution spectra, the head-to-head spectral display may subsequently show masses truncated according to those settings.Importantly, this is a display issue only.It does not change the accurate-mass deconvolution results or the library-search table. The underlying processed data remain unaffected; only the visual comparison at the top of the Chromatogram window reflects the altered import settings.Understanding this distinction can prevent users from mistakenly assuming that accurate-mass data have been lost from the processed results.<h4>When direct vendor-to-NIST searching is most useful</h4>Direct transfer from vendor software is not intended to replace the complete NIST26 Chromatogram workflow.Instead, it provides a complementary route for situations where full chromatographic processing is unnecessary or unavailable.It can be particularly effective when:<ul><li>only a few peaks need identification,</li><li>deconvolution is not required,</li><li>mzML conversion adds unnecessary processing,</li><li>vendor files cannot be converted reliably,</li><li>nominal-mass MS/MS spectra need to be searched,</li><li>spectra have already been reviewed and selected in the vendor environment.</li></ul>For these cases, direct spectrum transfer offers a fast route from the original MS/MS data to spectral library identification.<h4>Connecting vendor software with broader NIST26 capabilities</h4>The workflow also illustrates a broader advantage of NIST26: analysts do not have to choose between the instrument vendor's software and an independent spectral-search environment.Vendor software can remain the primary platform for inspecting chromatograms and selecting spectra, while NIST provides access to large commercial libraries, public MS/MS databases, flexible scoring, spectral comparison, and additional interpretation tools.Used together, these environments can provide a practical workflow for both rapid routine searching and more detailed unknown identification.The key is careful configuration. Accurate-mass import settings, mass tolerances, library selection, search mode, and result-display options all influence how effectively the workflow performs.Once these parameters are properly established and saved, sending a spectrum from the vendor software to NIST26 can become a rapid and repeatable part of everyday LC-MS/MS data interpretation.

Sending MS/MS (Tandem) Spectra to NIST26 Search

UCTP-REFINE Lab is a research group at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague focused on sustainable waste valorization, chemical recycling, and the production of alternative feedstocks for chemicals and fuels. The team combines chemical engineering, catalysis, and advanced analytical chemistry to study the thermal and catalytic conversion of complex waste streams, particularly plastics, tires, and biomass, including pyrolysis and upgrading of resulting oils. A strong emphasis is placed on comprehensive characterization of feedstocks, intermediates, and products to link composition and process conditions with product quality and support the development of circular, resource-efficient technologies.<h3>PhD position Chemometric processing of GC×GC data from alternative fuels and oils produced via thermochemical conversion of biomass and plastics</h3><h4>Expected experience:</h4><ul><li>Master's degree in chemistry or chemical engineering</li><li>Strong background in analytical chemistry and chemistry in general; a background in chemical engineering is beneficial</li><li>Experience with chromatography is mandatory.</li><li>Experience with chemometric data processing (e.g. in Python) and GC×GC is not required but is beneficial.</li><li>Top-level English, both spoken and written, ideally proven by a certificate.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/refine_lab_equipment_33ff27095e.jpg" alt="UCTP-REFINE-lab: Process Gas Chromatograph with Electrolyzer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_refine_lab_equipment_33ff27095e.jpg 208w," sizes="100vw" width="500" height="375"><h4>Expected work:</h4><ul><li>Close collaboration with all involved colleagues and relevant partners from the project consortium.</li><li>GC×GC analysis of complex samples utilizing FID, MS and NCD detectors.</li><li>The focus will be on alternative fuels and oils from thermochemical depolymerisation of biomass and plastics, as well as the samples after hydrotreating.</li><li>Advanced GC×GC data processing using chemometrics for prediction model development.</li><li>Participation also in sample production.</li><li>Contribution to project reports, publications, and conference presentations.</li></ul><h4>What we offer:</h4><ul><li>A young but fast-growing Team with strong international collaborations with academia and industry.</li><li>Top-level facilities and expertise in hydrotreating and liquid product analysis.</li><li>Work on a prospective topic in close collaboration with top EU companies as part of a demonstration EU project.</li><li>Competitive income, which level depends entirely on your activity and productivity.</li></ul>Questions? Feel free to contact our students Adham (yaghia@vscht.cz) or Vít (vyskocit@vscht.cz).<ul><li>Preferred start: early 2027</li><li>Application deadline: 30th October 2026</li><li>Funding: Fully funded PhD position as part of an upcoming HE project.</li></ul>If you are interested and meet the criteria, apply through the application form below.<blockquote><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.uctp-refine-lab.com/joining-our-team-form-gcxgc">Apply through this form</a></blockquote>

PhD position Chemometric processing of GC×GC data from alternative fuels and oils

The integrity of sport depends on the ability to detect prohibited substances accurately, reliably and with confidence. However, as doping strategies become increasingly sophisticated, the analytical demands placed on anti-doping laboratories continue to evolve.Today’s laboratories must do more than test for a static list of known compounds. They need broad analytical strategies capable of addressing hundreds of substances across multiple chemical classes, identifying emerging threats and supporting defensible confirmation and reporting of adverse analytical findings. For more than 25 years, Thermo Fisher Scientific has worked globally with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratories to advance the analytical science supporting modern anti-doping programs.<h3>Anti-doping testing is a moving target</h3>The World Anti-Doping Agency publishes an annually updated Prohibited List that provides a global framework for testing programs. Yet the list is non-exhaustive, meaning laboratories may also need to detect structurally related compounds and substances across several categories, with similar chemical structure and biological activity. That creates a significant analytical challenge. Anti-doping laboratories must be prepared to monitor a broad range of compounds while maintaining the sensitivity, specificity, and confidence required for both initial testing and confirmation. At the same time, the landscape continues to change. Emerging substances, rapidly expanding doping strategies and new approaches to sample collection and analysis are creating multiple considerations for anti-doping laboratories to consider. Dried blood spots (DBS), for example, have gained attention as a complementary approach to traditional urine and venous blood collection supporting applications such as detecting steroid esters and monitoring peptides. High-resolution mass spectrometry is also enabling laboratories to consider both targeted analysis and retrospective interrogation of previously acquired data as scientific knowledge and regulations evolve.<h3>From screening to confident confirmation</h3>No single analytical technique can address every anti-doping challenge.With respect to chemical analysis of toxicologically relevant compounds, modern doping control laboratories employ complementary technologies—including liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS)—depending on the compounds and analytical questions involved.For initial testing, laboratories may need to efficiently screen biological samples for numerous prohibited substances spanning categories such as steroids, stimulants, metabolic modulators, diuretics, narcotics, cannabinoids and peptides.When &nbsp;an initial Testing Procedure produces a result requiring confirmation, laboratories need analytical approaches capable of supporting confident confirmation.This combination of broad screening and targeted confirmation has made mass spectrometry central to modern anti-doping science.<h3>Expanding possibilities with LC-MS</h3>High-resolution accurate-mass mass spectrometry can provide precise mass measurements while supporting comprehensive screening of known and suspected substances, while preserving information-rich data that can support investigation of emerging or previously untargeted compounds.An important advantage of high-resolution mass spectrometry is the ability to revisit previously acquired data. As new substances, metabolites or other analytical targets are identified, laboratories can potentially re-process previously acquired full scan data (and any corresponding MSn experiment) without reanalyzing the original sample. This strategy is currently used by laboratories to support global re-testing programs.&nbsp; Triple quadrupole <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/lcms/products?category=20&amp;manufacturerItems=3">LC-MS</a> can complement these workflows by supporting sensitive, targeted quantitation and confirmation of prohibited substances.Together, these approaches provide laboratories the flexibility needed to address today’s testing requirements while giving laboratories greater flexibility to respond to emerging analytical challenges.<h3>The continuing role of GC-MS/MS</h3>Gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry remains an important technology in anti-doing laboratories, particularly for urinary steroid profiling and the screening and confirmation of anabolic- &nbsp;androgenic steroids and other GC-amenable prohibited substances.GC-MS/MS can support both screening and confirmation while providing the sensitivity, selectivity and dymanic range required for screening and confirmatory analysis.The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/485">Thermo Scientific TSQ 9610 Triple Quadrupole GC-MS</a> is designed to maximize sample throughput, helping laboratories address the demands of routine testing while maintaining analytical performance across a wide dynamic range. &nbsp;The TSQ 9610 incorporates NeverVent technology, designed to increase instrument uptime by reducing the disruption associated with routine source maintenance.As anti-doping workflows evolve, bridging screening and confirmation together within robust analytical strategies can help laboratories respond efficiently to increasingly complex testing requirements.<h3>When identifying a steroid isn’t enough</h3>In some anti-doping investigations, simply detecting a compound does not provide the complete answer.Testosterone, for example, can be produced naturally by the body or administered externally as an anabolic steroid. In cases where laboratories need to distinguish between endogenous and exogenous sources, isotope ratio mass spectrometry can provide another layer of information.GC-IRMS can help laboratories determine whether selected urinary steroids are consistent with an endogenous or exogenous origin by comparing carbon isotope ratios.The result is an analytical toolkit in which different technologies answer different questions—from broad screening and sensitive confirmation to determining the origin of a compound.<h3>Putting advanced workflows into practice</h3>Technology is only part of the equation. Real-world anti-doping laboratories also need to manage high sample volumes, turnaround expectations and continually changing analytical requirements.At Laboratoire Anti-Dopage Français (LADF), Director Dr. Magnus Ericsson and his team use advanced mass spectrometry workflows to support anti-doping testing.According to Ericsson, integration of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products?category=20&amp;manufacturerItems=3">Thermo Scientific TSQ</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products?category=37&amp;manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=vanquish">Vanquish systems</a> has helped enhance efficiency and turnaround while supporting more than 40,000 sample analyses since 2023.Experiences like these demonstrate how integrated analytical workflows can help laboratories translate advances in mass spectrometry into routine anti-doping operations.<h3>Preparing for what comes next</h3>Anti-doping science has advanced dramatically—from early testing approaches to today’s sophisticated, — mass spectrometry technologies; including but not limited to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/gcms/products?category=20&amp;manufacturerItems=3">GC-MS/MS</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/lcms/products?category=20&amp;manufacturerItems=3">LC-MS/MS</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products?category=22&amp;manufacturerItems=3">high-resolution accurate-mass MS</a> and<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/gcms/products?category=351&amp;manufacturerItems=3"> isotope ratio MS</a> workflows.But the science cannot stand still.Emerging compounds, evolving regulations and increasingly sophisticated doping strategies mean laboratories must continually evaluate how they manage and process samples and then screen, identify, quantify and confirm prohibited substances. The goal remains constant: provide accurate, high-quality analytical results that help protect the integrity of competition.Explore the technologies, workflows and expert perspectives shaping the next generation of anti-doping testing in our comprehensive eBook, Upholding the Integrity of Sport.<blockquote><h5><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://documents.thermofisher.com/TFS-Assets/CMD/brochures/eb-004467-cl-cmd-ms-antidoping-eb004467-na-en.pdf">Download the anti-doping eBook</a></h5></blockquote>Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#AntiDoping #MassSpectrometry #SportsIntegrity #WADA

Advancing Anti-Doping Science: Analytical Strategies for the Evolving Fight Against Doping

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

Thermo Fisher Scientific

UCTP-REFINE Lab is a research group at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague focused on sustainable waste valorization, chemical recycling, and the production of alternative feedstocks for chemicals and fuels. 

UCTP-REFINE Lab

My main interest is the identification of organic compounds by mass spectrometry in organic mixtures.

James Little/Mass Spec Interpretation Services

Waters Aura+ System for particle characterization

Fast, decisive particle characterization for biologics. Aura+ delivers high-throughput, 5 µL analysis with BMI and FMM imaging for proteins, antibodies, and cell/gene therapies.

<h4>Fast, decisive, low-volume particle characterization analysis for biotherapeutic workflows</h4>When you need the flexibility to conduct particle characterization analyses on different types of biologics, including protein and antibody therapeutics, cell therapies, and gene therapies, the Aura+ System has you covered.Fully configured to support applications across protein, antibody, cell, and gene therapy workflows, Aura+ brings particle characterization to earlier stages of therapeutic development, so you can make better decisions sooner.Powered by the backgrounded membrane imaging (BMI) and fluorescence membrane microscopy (FMM) technology shared within the Aura family of instruments, Aura+ System enables applications from late discovery to development and manufacturing, enhancing decision-making and accelerating your success.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Aura_System_18b9a5e9f5.jpg" alt="Waters: Aura+ System" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Aura_System_18b9a5e9f5.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="682"><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Imaging area: 24.6 mm2</li><li>Optics: 4x and 20x objectives</li><li>Minimum volume: 5 µL (assay dependent)</li><li>Resolution: 1.0 pixel/µm</li><li>Detectable size range: Range from &gt;1 µm (ECD) to &lt;5 mm (ECD)</li><li>BMI read time: 1 minute/sample</li><li>FMM read time: 3 FL channels, 30 seconds/sample</li><li>Software: Particle VUE 4.x all-in-one software suite (image capture and analysis)</li></ul><h4>Overview</h4><ul><li>Save precious material with just 5 µL sample volume requirements&nbsp;</li><li>Get actionable results from a full 96 well plate of labeled samples to data in just 90 minutes</li><li>Boost efficiency with 96-well membrane plate high-throughput capability</li><li>Gain deeper particle insights with advanced imaging</li><li>Rely only on one platform for proteins, antibodies, and cell and gene therapies development</li></ul>Recommended Use: For workflows requiring complete flexibility across a full spectrum of analytes, including biologics, viral vectors, cells, and other contaminants.​<h4>Take the guesswork out of your aggregate ID</h4>Don’t waste time troubleshooting incorrectly identified aggregates in your therapeutic. Aura+ System uses a combination of brightfield and fluorescent imaging to specifically ID and quantitate cell, viral capsid, protein, degraded excipients, and packaging contaminants so you’ll know exactly what’s in your sample.​With high-throughput 96-well plate capability, 5 µL sample volumes, and results in as little as 90 minutes, it offers an efficient solution for detailed particle analysis, meeting USP &lt;788&gt; and &lt;1788&gt; requirements.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Aura_Identify_cell_doublets_and_triplets_1_cellular_aggregates_2_protein_aggregates_3_and_plastic_contaminants_4_in_a_cell_therapeutic_sample_5227e05a6d.jpg" alt="Waters: Aura+ System - Identify cell doublets and triplets (1), cellular aggregates (2), protein aggregates (3), and plastic contaminants (4) in a cell therapeutic sample." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Aura_Identify_cell_doublets_and_triplets_1_cellular_aggregates_2_protein_aggregates_3_and_plastic_contaminants_4_in_a_cell_therapeutic_sample_5227e05a6d.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="682"><h4>BMI: The key to sensitive, robust, early-stage particle characterization</h4>Backgrounded membrane imaging (BMI) provides a clearer, faster, and more comprehensive view of what’s really in your sample. By capturing and subtracting background images of the membrane, BMI achieves 10x greater contrast than liquid-based measurements such as light obscuration and flow imaging. Aura+ System provides aggregate data without any clogging concerns or the need for cleaning between measurements.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Aura_BMI_achieves_10x_greater_contrast_than_liquid_based_measurements_such_as_light_obscuration_and_flow_imaging_06d3a7349c.jpg" alt="Waters: Aura+ System - BMI achieves 10x greater contrast than liquid-based measurements such as light obscuration and flow imaging." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Aura_BMI_achieves_10x_greater_contrast_than_liquid_based_measurements_such_as_light_obscuration_and_flow_imaging_06d3a7349c.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="682"><h4>Get fast, definitive particle identification with three fluorescence channels</h4>The Aura+ System comes with three fluorescence channels so you can get the same information from one experiment that would otherwise take three different studies.In addition, The Aura+ System definitively identifies different types of particles within the same sample for more reliable decision-making:<ul><li>Three fluorescence membrane microscopy (FMM) channels for three different species of organic particles</li><li>Side illumination membrane imaging (SIMI) channel for extrinsic and inorganic particles</li><li>Ideal for applications including polysorbate degradation, particulate contamination, protein &amp; antibody workflows, cell therapy workflows, AAV aggregation, AAV stability, cell therapy QC, and cell viability</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Aura_Cells_protein_aggregate_and_ig_G_via_immunoassay_6c3e43ecc4.jpg" alt="Waters: Aura+ System - Cells, protein aggregate, and igG (via immunoassay)." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Aura_Cells_protein_aggregate_and_ig_G_via_immunoassay_6c3e43ecc4.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="682"><h4>Obtain clear details with high magnification</h4>With the high magnification capabilities of the Aura+ System, you can see more morphological detail of unlabeled particles, enabling decisive discrimination between your lead and undesirable particles.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Aura_Quickly_differentiate_and_enumerate_cells_versus_Dynabeads_quantify_polysorbate_degradation_and_more_b3e24050f2.jpg" alt="Waters: Aura+ System - Quickly differentiate and enumerate cells versus Dynabeads™, quantify polysorbate degradation, and more." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Aura_Quickly_differentiate_and_enumerate_cells_versus_Dynabeads_quantify_polysorbate_degradation_and_more_b3e24050f2.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="682">

Waters Aura PTx System for particle characterization

Aura PTx combines BMI and fluorescence microscopy to rapidly detect protein aggregates and polysorbate degradation from just 5 µL of sample.

The Aura PTx System is an innovative analytical platform designed to accelerate protein formulation development and stability screening for therapeutic drug development. Combining Backgrounded Membrane Imaging (BMI) and Fluorescence Membrane Microscopy (FMM) with dual fluorescence channels, the system enables rapid detection, counting, and characterization of protein aggregates and excipient degradation products within a single experiment.Unlike traditional imaging methods that rely solely on particle morphology, Aura PTx can distinguish protein and non-protein particles using fluorescence-based identification. The combination of Thioflavin T (ThT) and BODIPY FL C16 staining enables simultaneous assessment of protein aggregation and polysorbate degradation, two critical indicators of biologic formulation stability.Requiring only 5 µL of sample and supporting automated 96-well plate workflows, the Aura PTx System is ideally suited for high-throughput formulation screening during early-stage development of therapeutic proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and other biologics.<h3>Key Features</h3><ul><li>Combines BMI and FMM technologies in one platform</li><li>Dual fluorescence channels for simultaneous analysis</li><li>Distinguishes protein and non-protein particles</li><li>Detects and quantifies protein aggregates</li><li>Monitors polysorbate degradation</li><li>Simultaneous protein and excipient stability assessment</li><li>Requires only 5 µL sample volume</li><li>Automated 96-well plate workflow</li><li>High-throughput formulation screening</li><li>No cleaning required between measurements</li><li>Fast sample processing and analysis</li><li>Suitable for Design of Experiments (DoE)</li><li>Supports biologics development</li><li>Early detection of formulation stability issues</li></ul><h3>Technical Specifications</h3><h4>Technology</h4><ul><li>Backgrounded Membrane Imaging (BMI)</li><li>Fluorescence Membrane Microscopy (FMM)</li><li>Dual-channel fluorescence detection</li></ul><h4>Optics</h4><ul><li>Objective: 4×</li><li>Resolution: 1.0 pixel/µm</li><li>Imaging area: 24.6 mm²</li></ul><h4>Particle Detection</h4><ul><li>Detectable size range:<ul><li>1 µm (ECD)</li><li>&lt;5 mm (ECD)</li></ul></li></ul><h4>Sample Handling</h4><ul><li>Minimum sample volume: 5 µL</li><li>Compatible with 96-well plates</li><li>Optimized for high-throughput screening</li></ul><h4>Analysis Speed</h4><ul><li>BMI read time: 1 minute per sample</li><li>FMM read time: 30 seconds per sample</li></ul><h4>Fluorescence Analysis</h4><ul><li>Thioflavin T (ThT) for protein aggregate detection</li><li>BODIPY FL C16 for polysorbate degradation analysis</li><li>Simultaneous protein and excipient characterization</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_The_Aura_P_Tx_System_tells_you_exactly_what_is_protein_via_Th_T_staining_and_what_is_not_even_in_mixed_particles_9cb34b80b1.jpg" alt="Waters: The Aura PTx System tells you exactly what is protein (via ThT staining) and what is not, even in mixed particles." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_The_Aura_P_Tx_System_tells_you_exactly_what_is_protein_via_Th_T_staining_and_what_is_not_even_in_mixed_particles_9cb34b80b1.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="682"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_The_Aura_P_Tx_System_is_the_first_to_use_thioflavin_T_Th_T_and_BODIPY_FL_C16_staining_to_detect_and_quantify_protein_aggregates_and_polysorbate_breakdown_fc113affba.jpg" alt="Waters: The Aura PTx System is the first to use thioflavin T (ThT) and BODIPY FL C16 staining to detect and quantify protein aggregates and polysorbate breakdown." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_The_Aura_P_Tx_System_is_the_first_to_use_thioflavin_T_Th_T_and_BODIPY_FL_C16_staining_to_detect_and_quantify_protein_aggregates_and_polysorbate_breakdown_fc113affba.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="682"><h4>Software</h4><ul><li>Particle Vue™ 4.x Software Suite</li><li>Integrated data analysis</li><li>Automated particle identification and characterization</li></ul><h4>Typical Applications</h4><ul><li>Biopharmaceutical development</li><li>Protein formulation screening</li><li>Monoclonal antibodies</li><li>Biosimilars</li><li>Stability studies</li><li>Excipient screening</li><li>Polysorbate degradation monitoring</li><li>Aggregate characterization</li><li>Design of Experiments (DoE)</li><li>Biologics quality control</li></ul>

Waters Aura GT System for particle characterization

Aura GT enables characterization of AAV and viral vectors from just 5 µL of sample, including detection of capsid and DNA aggregates using BMI and FMM technologies.

The Aura GT System is the first dedicated platform designed for the detection, counting, and characterization of viral vectors used in gene therapy, including AAV (Adeno-Associated Virus) and lentiviral vectors. Combining Backgrounded Membrane Imaging (BMI) and Fluorescence Membrane Microscopy (FMM) with dual fluorescence channels, the system enables rapid and reliable assessment of viral particle aggregation and stability during early-stage development.Requiring only 5 µL of sample, Aura GT allows characterization even when only limited material is available. Using fluorescent dyes such as Thioflavin T (ThT) and SYBR™ Gold, researchers can distinguish capsid aggregates from DNA-containing aggregates, identify root causes of instability, and gain valuable insights into viral vector quality.The system supports high-throughput 96-well plate screening and enables direct comparison of formulations, AAV serotypes, production lots, storage conditions, and stability profiles. Results that traditionally required months of work can now be obtained within hours.<h3>Key Features</h3><ul><li>Combines BMI and FMM technologies in one platform</li><li>Specifically designed for AAV, lentivirus, and viral vectors</li><li>Detects, counts, and characterizes viral aggregates</li><li>Differentiates capsid and DNA aggregates</li><li>Identifies root causes of aggregation and instability</li><li>Requires only 5 µL sample volume</li><li>Dual fluorescence channels for simultaneous characterization</li><li>High-throughput 96-well plate screening</li><li>Direct comparison of formulations, serotypes, and production lots</li><li>Viral vector stability assessment</li><li>Actionable results within hours</li><li>Eliminates labor-intensive traditional assays</li><li>Optimized for gene therapy development</li><li>High sensitivity and throughput</li></ul><h3>Technical Specifications</h3><h4>Technology</h4><ul><li>Backgrounded Membrane Imaging (BMI)</li><li>Fluorescence Membrane Microscopy (FMM)</li><li>Dual-channel fluorescence detection</li></ul><h4>Optics</h4><ul><li>Objective: 4×</li><li>Resolution: 1.0 pixel/µm</li><li>Imaging area: 24.6 mm²</li></ul><h4>Particle Detection</h4><ul><li>Detectable size range:<ul><li>1 µm (ECD)</li><li>&lt;5 mm (ECD)</li></ul></li></ul><h4>Sample Handling</h4><ul><li>Minimum sample volume: 5 µL</li><li>Compatible with 96-well plates</li><li>Optimized for high-throughput screening</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Get_your_gene_therapy_products_to_market_even_faster_with_Aura_GT_System_195d42d00b.jpg" alt="Waters: Get your gene therapy products to market even faster with Aura GT System." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Get_your_gene_therapy_products_to_market_even_faster_with_Aura_GT_System_195d42d00b.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="522"><h4>Analysis Speed</h4><ul><li>BMI read time: 1 minute per sample</li><li>FMM read time: 30 seconds per sample</li><li>2 fluorescence channels</li></ul><h4>Fluorescence Analysis</h4><ul><li>Thioflavin T (ThT) for capsid aggregate detection</li><li>SYBR™ Gold for DNA detection</li><li>Simultaneous identification of protein and DNA aggregates</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Identify_root_cause_and_characterize_AAV_particles_at_low_volume_with_Aura_GT_System_c3f1c6a334.jpg" alt="Waters: Identify root cause and characterize AAV particles at low volume with Aura GT System." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Identify_root_cause_and_characterize_AAV_particles_at_low_volume_with_Aura_GT_System_c3f1c6a334.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="683"><h4>Software</h4><ul><li>Particle Vue™ 4.x Software Suite</li><li>Image acquisition and analysis</li><li>Automated particle characterization</li></ul><h4>Typical Applications</h4><ul><li>Gene therapy development</li><li>AAV vector characterization</li><li>Lentiviral vectors</li><li>Stability studies</li><li>Aggregation studies</li><li>AAV serotype comparison</li><li>Formulation screening</li><li>Production lot evaluation</li><li>DNA aggregate analysis</li><li>Viral vector development</li></ul>

Waters Aura CL System for particle characterization

Waters Aura CL rapidly identifies cells, aggregates, and residual Dynabeads™ from just 5 µL of sample while assessing viability and purity in cell therapy workflows.

The Aura CL System is the first dedicated platform designed for rapid identification, counting, and characterization of subvisible particles in cell therapy development and manufacturing. Unlike traditional methods, it can reliably distinguish viable cells, unwanted particles, protein aggregates, and manufacturing-related contaminants such as Dynabeads™, while simultaneously providing cell counts, viability information, and sample purity assessment.The system combines Backgrounded Membrane Imaging (BMI), Fluorescence Membrane Microscopy (FMM), and Side Illumination Membrane Imaging (SIMI) technologies to deliver fast, automated particle analysis without subjective operator interpretation. Through fluorescence labeling, users can clearly differentiate cellular from non-cellular particles, protein from non-protein aggregates, and various cell populations within complex samples.Requiring only 5 µL of sample, Aura CL supports high-throughput screening and can analyze up to 96 samples in less than one hour, making it an ideal solution for cell therapy development, manufacturing, and quality control workflows.<h3>Key Features</h3><ul><li>Combines BMI, FMM, and SIMI technologies</li><li>Automated identification of cells and non-cell particles</li><li>Detection and counting of residual Dynabeads™</li><li>Cell viability assessment</li><li>Characterization of subvisible particles</li><li>Differentiates protein and non-protein aggregates</li><li>Distinguishes cellular and non-cellular particles</li><li>Requires only 5 µL sample volume</li><li>High-throughput 96-well plate screening</li><li>Fully automated analysis workflow</li><li>Results within minutes</li><li>Supports cell therapy development and manufacturing</li><li>Greater accuracy than manual hemocytometry</li><li>Reduces human interpretation errors</li></ul><h3>Technical Specifications</h3><h4>Technology</h4><ul><li>Backgrounded Membrane Imaging (BMI)</li><li>Fluorescence Membrane Microscopy (FMM)</li><li>Side Illumination Membrane Imaging (SIMI)</li></ul><h4>Optics</h4><ul><li>Objectives:<ul><li>4×</li><li>10×</li></ul></li><li>Resolution: 1.0 pixel/µm</li><li>Imaging area: 24.6 mm²</li></ul><h4>Particle Detection</h4><ul><li>Detectable size range:<ul><li>1 µm (ECD)</li><li>&lt;5 mm (ECD)</li></ul></li></ul><h4>Sample Handling</h4><ul><li>Minimum sample volume: 5 µL</li><li>Compatible with 96-well plates</li><li>Optimized for high-throughput screening</li></ul><h4>Analysis Speed</h4><ul><li>BMI read time: 1 minute per sample</li><li>FMM read time: 30 seconds per sample</li></ul><h4>Fluorescence Analysis</h4><ul><li>Cell and non-cell particle identification</li><li>Cell viability measurements</li><li>Protein aggregate detection</li><li>Non-protein particle detection</li><li>Fluorescent antibody and cell labeling applications</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_With_Aura_CL_System_you_can_achieve_high_throughput_and_definitive_identification_of_viable_cells_and_take_the_guesswork_out_of_cell_viability_assessments_a46a5ee8b4.jpg" alt="Waters: With Aura CL System, you can achieve high-throughput and definitive identification of viable cells and take the guesswork out of cell viability assessments." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_With_Aura_CL_System_you_can_achieve_high_throughput_and_definitive_identification_of_viable_cells_and_take_the_guesswork_out_of_cell_viability_assessments_a46a5ee8b4.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="682"><h4>Software</h4><ul><li>Particle Vue™ 4.x Software Suite</li><li>Image acquisition and analysis</li><li>Automated particle classification</li><li>Viability and purity assessment tools</li></ul><h4>Typical Applications</h4><ul><li>Cell therapy development</li><li>CAR-T manufacturing</li><li>Cell product quality control</li><li>Residual Dynabeads™ detection</li><li>Cell viability testing</li><li>Cell culture purity monitoring</li><li>Subvisible particle characterization</li><li>Biologics development</li><li>Lot release testing</li><li>Manufacturing process control</li></ul>

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