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

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Thermo Scientific Dionex IonPac CS16 IC Columns

Resolve sodium and ammonium at ratios up to 20,000:1 with the IonPac CS16 column—ideal for complex matrices and adjacent cation analysis with high efficiency and low eluent use.

Determine disparate concentration ratios of adjacent eluting cations such as sodium and ammonium in diverse sample matrices using the Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ IonPac™ CS16 Capillary, Analytical &amp; Guard Column. Sample matrices include environmental waters; power plant waters treated with ammonium, morpholine or ethanolamine; chemical additives; chemical process solutions; scrubber solutions; plating baths; and industrial solvents. The Dionex IonPac CS16 column is designed and recommended for use in most Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ IonPac™ CS15 column applications due to its larger linear working range.<h5>Superior Performance When Determining Disparate Ratios of Sodium and Ammonium</h5><ul><li>Optimized for the determination of disparate concentration ratios of adjacent eluting cations such as sodium and ammonium in diverse sample matrices.</li><li>Determination of short-chained alkylamines and alkanolamines in the presence of lithium, sodium, ammonium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in complex sample matrices.</li><li>Resolution of sodium and ammonium ratios up to 10,000:1 in less than 20 minutes using an isocratic acid eluent</li><li>Resolution of sodium and ammonium ratios up to 20,000:1 using a gradient methanesulfonic acid (MSA) eluent</li><li>High capacity column for improved sample loadability and peak resolution</li><li>Maximum peak efficiencies at an optimized operating temperature of 40˚C</li><li>Best carboxylate-functionalized column for samples with low pH</li><li>Compatible with organic solvents, excluding alcohols, to enhance analyte solubility, modify column selectivity, and facilitate effective column clean-up</li></ul><h5>Reduce Operating Costs With Lower Eluent Requirements</h5>The Dionex IonPac CS16 capillary column provides the same performance as the standard bore and microbore Dionex IonPac CS16 columns because it is packed with the same material. Operating costs are reduced because the capillary system operates at only 1% of the eluent flow rate of the standard bore system, requiring less eluent and producing less waste.<h5>Multiple Formats Available for Application Flexibility</h5><ul><li>5x250mm, 2x250mm analytical columns</li><li>5x50mm, 2x50mm guard columns</li><li>0.5x250mm capillary columnm, 0.5x50mm capillary guard column</li><li>Longer 250mm columns facilitate higher resolution separations of more complex sample matrices</li><li>Smaller i.d. columns provide higher mass sensitivity, eluent and reagent conservation and lower operating costs.</li></ul><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Crosslinking: 55% DVB</li><li>Column Capacity: 8400 μeq</li><li>For Use With (Application): Cation Exchange</li><li>Max. Pressure: 4000 psi (275 bar)</li><li>Solvent Compatibility: Acidic Eluents, 0 to 100% HPLC Acetonitrile, Alcohols Should be Avoided</li><li>Stationary phase: IonPac CS16</li><li>Format: Standard Bore</li><li>Packing Material: Ethylvinylbenzene/Divinylbenzene</li></ul>

Thermo Scientific Dionex IonPac CS16-4μm and CS16-Fast-4μm IC Columns

Resolve ammonium and sodium at ratios up to 10,000:1 with CS16-4μm columns. Faster, high-resolution cation analysis without pretreatment—even in complex matrices.

Analyze disparate concentration ratios up to 10,000:1 of close-eluting cations such as ammonium and sodium using Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ IonPac™ CS16-4μm and CS16-Fast-4μm columns. Designed specifically for the analysis of cations at diverse concentration ratios, this high-capacity column combines the selectivity of the Dionex IonPac CS16 column with fast, high resolution separations. Compared to the Dionex IonPac CS16 column, the new Dionex IonPac CS16-4μm and CS16-Fast-4μm columns use smaller resin particles for more efficient separations resulting in faster run times, more accurate peak integration, and more reliable results.<h5>Highest Resolution Separation of Ammonium and Sodium at Disparate Concentration Ratios up to 10,000:1 in Diverse Matrices</h5><ul><li>Recommended for trace-level ammonium in high concentrations of sodium without sample pretreatment</li><li>Recommended for trace-level sodium in high concentrations of ammonium without sample pretreatment</li><li>Use the 250 mm Dionex IonPac CS16-4μm for complex matrices</li><li>Use the 150 mm Dionex IonPac CS16-Fast-4μm for faster analyses in simple matrices.</li><li>Easily transfer applications from the Dionex IonPac CS16 column to the 4 μm columns due to the similar selectivity</li><li>High capacity facilitates injection of more concentrated samples without column overloading or peak broadening</li><li>Compatible with organic solvents, excluding alcohols, to enhance analyte solubility, modify column selectivity, and facilitate effective column clean-up</li></ul><h5>Use with a High-Pressure IC System</h5>Higher resolution is achieved through the use of smaller resin particles, which produce a column backpressure over 3000 psi at the standard flow rates. A high-pressure IC system, such as the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/410">Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ ICS-6000+ HPIC™ system</a>, is required to operate this column under standard conditions and take advantage of elevated flow rates and faster run times.<h6>Reduce Operating Costs With Lower Eluent Requirements</h6>The Dionex IonPac CS16-4μm capillary columns provide the same performance as the standard bore and microbore Dionex IonPac CS16-4μm columns because they are packed with the same material. Operating costs are reduced because the capillary system operates at only 1% of the eluent flow rate of the standard bore system, requiring less eluent and producing less waste.<h5>Multiple Formats Available for Application Flexibility</h5><ul><li>Dionex IonPac CS16-4μm: Available in 4 mm, 2 mm, and 0.4 mm formats</li><li>Dionex IonPac CS16-Fast-4μm: Available in 4 mm and 2 mm formats</li><li>Longer 250 mm columns facilitate higher resolution separations of more complex sample matrices</li><li>Shorter 150 mm columns provide faster analyses of simple matrices</li><li>Smaller i.d. columns provide higher mass sensitivity, eluent and reagent conservation and lower operating costs</li></ul><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Crosslinking: 55% DVB</li><li>Column Capacity: 3220 μeq</li><li>For Use With (Application): Cation Exchange</li><li>Max. Pressure: 5000 psi (345 bar)</li><li>Solvent Compatibility: Acidic Eluents (pH 0 to 7), 0 to 100% Acetonitrile, 0 to 100% Acetone, Alcohols Should be Avoided</li><li>Stationary phase: IonPac CS16-4μm</li><li>Format: Standard Bore</li><li>Packing Material: Ethylvinylbenzene/Divinylbenzene</li></ul>

Thermo Scientific Dionex IonPac CS17 IC Columns

Obtain excellent selectivity and peak shapes for hydrophobic amines in complex matrices without solvent using the Thermo Scientific Dionex IonPac CS17 column.

Obtain excellent selectivity and peak shapes for hydrophobic amines in complex matrices without solvent using the Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ IonPac™ CS17 column. This medium-capacity, carboxylate-functionalized column is optimized for the gradient separation of hydrophobic and polyvalent amines using simple aqueous eluents and elevated temperatures (40°C). It is intended for analysis of power plant waters treated with ammonium, morpholine, or ethanolamine; chemical additives; chemical process solutions; scrubber solutions; plating baths; industrial solvents; and food samples.<h5>Gradient Separation of Common Cations and Small Polar Amines in Diverse Matrices</h5><ul><li>Hydrophilic, low-capacity column optimized for gradient separation of polyvalent and hydrophobic amines–including alkanolamines and methylamines–in complex sample matrices</li><li>Separation of moderately hydrophobic amines, including biogenic amines, alkyldiamines, and polyamines.</li><li>Minimal baseline shift and enhanced analyte sensitivity</li><li>Improved peak shape for most Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ IonPac™ CS14, CS15, and CS16 column amine applications without the use of solvent</li><li>Optimized for simple acidic gradient applications</li><li>Compatibility with organic solvents to enhance analyte solubility, modify column selectivity, and facilitate effective column clean-up</li></ul><h5>Multiple Formats Available for Application Flexibility</h5><ul><li>4x250mm, 2x250mm analytical columns</li><li>4x50mm, 2x50mm guard columns</li><li>Longer 250mm columns facilitate higher resolution separations of more complex sample matrices</li><li>Smaller i.d. columns provide higher mass sensitivity, eluent and reagent conservation and lower operating costs.</li></ul><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Crosslinking: 55% DVB</li><li>Column Capacity: 1450 μeq</li><li>For Use With (Application): Cation Exchange</li><li>Max. Pressure: 4000 psi (275 bar)</li><li>Solvent Compatibility: Acidic Eluents, 0 to 100% HPLC Solvents, Including Alcohols</li><li>Stationary phase: IonPac CS17</li><li>Format: Standard Bore</li><li>Packing Material: Ethylvinylbenzene/Divinylbenzene</li></ul>

Thermo Scientific Dionex IonPac CS18 IC Columns

Separate polar amines with the Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ IonPac™ CS18 Cation-Exchange Column. 

Separate polar amines with the Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ IonPac™ CS18 Cation-Exchange Column. This low-capacity, carboxylate-functionalized column is specifically optimized for the separation of common cations, small polar amines, and moderately hydrophobic and polyvalent anions using simple aqueous eluents and elevated temperatures. However, the newer Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ IonPac™ CS19 or Dionex IonPac CS19-4μm Cation Exchange Columns are the recommended columns for these applications.<h5>Cation and Amine Separations Using Suppressed and Non-suppressed Conductivity Detection</h5><ul><li>Low-capacity column optimized for the isocratic and gradient separations of polar amines, moderately hydrophobic amines, and polyvalent cations</li><li>Can be used with suppressed and nonsuppressed conductivity detection</li><li>Nonsuppressed conductivity detection is recommended to extend calibration linearity for ammonium or weak bases</li><li>Can also be used for many of the nonsuppressed applications supported by the Dionex IonPac SCS-1 column but with much greater column stability</li><li>Optimized for simple acidic gradient separations with minimal baseline shift</li><li>Low capacity facilitates modest acid concentrations to elute polyvalent cations</li><li>Compatible with moderate amounts of organic solvents, excluding alcohols, to enhance analyte solubility, modify column selectivity, and facilitate effective column clean-up</li></ul><h5>Formats Available for Application Flexibility</h5><ul><li>2x250mm analytical columns</li><li>2x50mm guard columns</li><li>Longer 250mm columns facilitate higher resolution separations of more complex sample matrices</li><li>Smaller i.d. columns provide higher mass sensitivity, eluent and reagent conservation and lower operating costs</li></ul><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Crosslinking: 55% DVB</li><li>Column Capacity: 290 μeq</li><li>For Use With (Application): Cation Exchange</li><li>Max. Pressure: 4000 psi (275 bar)</li><li>Solvent Compatibility: Acidic Eluents (pH 0 to 7), 0 to 20% HPLC Solvents, Alcohols Should be Avoided</li><li>Stationary phase: IonPac CS18</li><li>Format: Microbore</li><li>Packing Material: Ethylvinylbenzene/Divinylbenzene</li></ul>

Thermo Scientific Dionex IonPac CS19 IC Columns

Separate common inorganic cations, small polar amines and polyvalent amines using Thermo Scientific Dionex IonPac CS19 IC Columns

Separate polar amines with the Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ IonPac™ CS19 Cation-Exchange Column. This high-capacity, carboxylate-functionalized column is specifically optimized for the separation of common cations, small polar amines, and moderately hydrophobic and polyvalent cations using simple aqueous eluents and elevated temperatures. The column is ideal for analysis of power plant waters treated with ammonium, morpholine, or ethanolamine and can also be used to analyze chemical additives, chemical process solutions, scrubber solutions, personal care products, and food samples.<h5>Analyze Common Cations and Small Polar Amines in Diverse Matrices</h5><ul><li>Simple gradient separation of small polar amines (including alkanolamines and methylamines), and moderately hydrophobic and polyvalent amines (including biogenic amines and alkyl diamines)</li><li>Optimized for simple acidic gradient separations with minimal baseline shift</li><li>High capacity facilitates the analysis of widely disparate peak pairs and high ionic strength matrices with less overloading of the column</li><li>Compatible with moderate amounts of organic solvents, excluding alcohols, to enhance analyte solubility, modify column selectivity, and facilitate effective column clean-up</li></ul><h5>Multiple Formats Available for Application Flexibility</h5><ul><li>4x250mm, 2x250mm analytical columns</li><li>4x50mm, 2x50mm guard columns</li><li>Longer 250mm columns facilitate higher resolution separations of more complex sample matrices</li><li>Smaller i.d. columns provide higher mass sensitivity, eluent and reagent conservation and lower operating costs</li></ul><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Crosslinking: 55% DVB</li><li>Column Capacity: 2410 μeq</li><li>For Use With (Application): Cation Exchange</li><li>Max. Pressure: 3000 psi (207 bar)</li><li>Solvent Compatibility: Acidic Eluents (pH 0 to 7), 0 to 10% HPLC Solvents, Alcohols Should be Avoided</li><li>Stationary phase: Super Macroporous Resin</li><li>Format: Standard Bore</li><li>Packing Material: Ethylvinylbenzene/Divinylbenzene</li></ul>

Thermo Scientific Dionex IonPac CS19-4μm IC Columns

High-capacity ion-exchange column with 4 μm resin for highest resolution of cations and polar amines in complex samples. Enables fast, reliable separations and cost-effective operation with HPIC systems.

Attain the optimal combination of chromatographic speed and high resolution using the new Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ IonPac™ CS19-4μm Capillary, Analytical, &amp; Guard Column. This high-capacity, high-resolution carboxylate-functionalized column provides excellent resolution of common cations, small polar amines, and polyvalent amines in complex sample matrices such as power plant waters treated with ammonium, morpholine, or ethanolamine, chemical additives, chemical process solutions, scrubber solutions, personal care products, and food samples. Compared to the Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ IonPac™ CS19 column, this column uses smaller resin particles for more efficient separations resulting in more accurate peak integration and more reliable results.<h5>Highest Resolution Separation of Common Cations and Small Polar Amines in Diverse Matrices</h5><ul><li>Highest resolution, through the use of smaller resin particles, of common cations and small polar amines in complex sample matrices</li><li>Higher peak efficiency and increased peak resolution for more consistent integration and more reliable results</li><li>Easily transfer applications from the Dionex IonPac CS19 column to the 4 μm column due to the similar selectivity</li><li>Simple gradient separation of small polar amines (including alkanolamines and methylamines), and moderately hydrophobic and polyvalent amines (including biogenic amines and alkyl diamines)</li><li>High capacity facilitates injection of more concentrated samples without column overloading or peak broadening</li><li>Compatible with moderate amounts of organic solvents, excluding alcohols, to enhance analyte solubility, modify column selectivity, and facilitate effective column clean-up</li></ul><h5>Use With a High-Pressure IC System</h5>Higher resolution is achieved through the use of smaller resin particles, which produce a column backpressure over 3000 psi at the standard flow rates. A high-pressure IC system, such as the Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ ICS-5000+ HPIC™ or the Dionex ICS-4000 Capillary HPIC system is required to operate this column under standard conditions and take advantage of elevated flow rates and faster run times.<h5>Reduce Operating Costs With Lower Eluent Requirements</h5>The Dionex IonPac CS19-4μm capillary column provides the same performance as the standard bore and microbore Dionex IonPac CS19-4μm columns because it is packed with the same material. Operating costs are reduced because the capillary system operates at only 1% of the eluent flow rate of the standard bore system, requiring less eluent and producing less waste.<h5>Multiple Formats Available for Application Flexibility</h5><ul><li>4x250mm, 2x250mm analytical columns</li><li>4x50mm, 2x50mm guard columns</li><li>0.4x250mm capillary column, 0.4x50mm capillary guard column</li><li>Longer 250mm columns facilitate higher resolution separations of more complex sample matrices</li><li>Smaller i.d. columns provide higher mass sensitivity, eluent and reagent conservation and lower operating costs</li></ul><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Crosslinking: 55% DVB</li><li>Column Capacity: 2410 μeq</li><li>For Use With (Application): Cation Exchange</li><li>Max. Pressure: 5000 psi (345 bar)</li><li>Solvent Compatibility: Acidic Eluents (pH 0 to 7), 10% HPLC Solvents, Alcohols Should be Avoided</li><li>Stationary phase: IonPac CS19-4μm</li><li>Format: Standard Bore</li></ul>

Thermo Scientific Dionex IonPac CS20 IC Columns

Analyze inorganic cations and amines using the Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ IonPac™ CS20 ion chromatography (IC) columns.

Analyze inorganic cations and amines using the Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ IonPac™ CS20 ion chromatography (IC) columns. Designed to complement Dionex IonPac CS18 and Dionex IonPac CS19 columns, the Dionex IonPac CS20 columns provide a large separation window between monovalent and divalent cations. This allows most amines to elute after the alkali metals but before the alkaline earth metals, moving the amines away from matrix ions that would normally make quantitation difficult. Its selectivity makes the Dionex IonPac CS20 particularly useful for determining a variety of alkyl and alkanol amines.<h5>Superior performance in the separation of common inorganic cations and amines</h5><ul><li>Use the high capacity Dionex IonPac CS20 to determine inorganic cations and amines including methylamines, ethylamines, ethanolamines, and alkanolamines in diverse sample matrices</li><li>Unique stationary phase functionalized with a combination of sulfonic, phosphonic, and carboxylic acid groups can tolerate acidic samples containing up to 100mM hydronium ion (pH 1) with minimum loss of performance</li><li>Operable over a wide temperature range (15-70°C) to facilitate method development and improve critical pair separations</li><li>Compatible with 100% organic solvents (acetonitrile and acetone) to enhance analyte solubility, modify column selectivity, and facilitate effective column clean-up</li></ul><h5>Use with a high-pressure IC system</h5>A high-pressure IC system, such as the Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ ICS-5000+ HPIC™, Dionex Integrion™ HPIC system, or the Dionex ICS-4000 Capillary HPIC system is required to operate this column under standard conditions.<h5>Reduce operating costs with lower eluent requirements</h5>The Dionex IonPac CS20 capillary columns provide the same performance as the standard bore and microbore Dionex IonPac CS20 columns because they are packed with the same material. Operating costs are reduced because the capillary system operates at only 1% of the eluent flow rate of the standard bore system, requiring less eluent and producing less waste.<h5>Multiple Formats Available</h5><ul><li>4x250mm and 2x250mm analytical columns</li><li>4x50mm and 2x50mm analytical guard columns</li><li>0.4x250mm capillary columns</li><li>0.4x50mm capillary guard columns</li><li>Smaller i.d. columns provide higher mass sensitivity, conserve eluent and reagents, and reduce operating costs</li></ul><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Crosslinking: 55% DVB</li><li>Column Capacity: 3000 μeq</li><li>For Use With (Application): Cation Exchange</li><li>Max. Pressure: 5000 psi (345 bar)</li><li>Solvent Compatibility: pH 0 to 7, 0 to 100% Organic HPLC Solvents, Alcohols Should be Avoided</li><li>Stationary phase: Macroporous Resin</li><li>Format: Standard Bore</li><li>Packing Material: Ethylvinylbenzene/Divinylbenzene</li></ul>

Thermo Scientific Dionex IonPac CS21-Fast-4μm IC Columns

Resolve quaternary amine cationic polar pesticides including chlormequat, mepiquat, paraquat, and diquat with the Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ IonPac™ CS21-Fast-4μm column. 

Resolve quaternary amine cationic polar pesticides including chlormequat, mepiquat, paraquat, and diquat with the Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ IonPac™ CS21-Fast-4μm column. The unique selectivity of the Dionex IonPac CS21-Fast-4μm column allows it to resolve trace amounts of cationic polar pesticides in high ionic strength matrices within approximately fifteen minutes using an electrolytically generated MSA gradient. Quaternary amines are eluted away from matrix cations, making the Dionex IonPac CS21-Fast-4μm column ideal for IC-MS/MS applications where matrix ions are diverted to waste.<h5>Superior Chromatographic Performance</h5><ul><li>High capacity allows injection of complex matrices without overloading the column while maintaining excellent peak shapes for lower concentration analytes.</li><li>Quickly separate trace levels of the four major quaternary amine cationic polar pesticides chlormequat, mepiquat, paraquat, and diquat in high ionic strength matrices using an MSA gradient.</li><li>Separate other cationic pesticides of interest including diethanolamine, triethanolamine, N-N-dimethylhydrazine, trimethylsulfonium, morpholine, melamine, streptomycin, and nereistoxin.</li></ul><h5>Specifically designed for IC-MS/MS applications</h5><ul><li>Completely resolves paraquat and diquat, species with similar masses.</li><li>Available in microbore format that is compatible with MS flow rates.</li><li>Selectivity allows matrix ions to be diverted to waste which keeps the MS source cleaner.</li><li>Solvent compatible (up to 100% acetonitrile and 20% isopropyl alcohol).</li><li>Fast analysis of cationic polar pesticides in food, beverages, and environmental waters.</li></ul><h5>Use with a High-Pressure IC system</h5>A high-pressure IC system, such as the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/410">Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ ICS-6000 HPIC system</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/408">Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ Integrion™ HPIC system</a> is required to operate this column under standard conditions.<h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Crosslinking: 80% DVB</li><li>Column Capacity: 110 μeq</li><li>For Use With (Application): Cation Exchange</li><li>Max. Pressure: 5000 psi (345 bar)</li><li>Solvent Compatibility: pH 0-7, HPLC solvents (100% acetonitrile and up to 20% isopropyl alcohol), primary and secondary alcohols should be avoided)</li><li>Format: Microbore</li><li>Packing Material: Ethylvinylbenzene/Divinylbenzene</li></ul>

Thermo Scientific SurePac Bio 550 SEC MDi HPLC Columns

SurePac™ Bio 550 SEC MDi™ column delivers high-resolution, reproducible AAV size-based separations with 3 μm silica, 550 Å pores, and bioinert hardware for optimal recovery and QC reliability.

Experience the future of Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) with SurePac™ Bio 550 SEC MDi™ analytical columns and guards exclusively designed to deliver robust and reproducible performance at high resolution and throughput to accelerate your therapeutics analysis process. The column's groundbreaking MDi™ technology integrates our advanced 3 μm monodisperse silica particle platform with bioinert hardware to ensure superior reliability for best sample recovery. SurePac™ Bio 550 SEC MDi™ column is ideal for AAV gene therapeutics analysis and offers excellent selectivity due to the dedicated smaller particle (3 μm) size combined with wide-pore (550Å) for separating monomeric AAVs from aggregates based on their size differences.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Sure_Pac_Bio_550_SEC_M_Di_HPLC_Columns_3_8391a584e0.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific: SEM image of 3μm monodisperse silica particles (left) vs. 3 μm polydisperse particles (right)" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Sure_Pac_Bio_550_SEC_M_Di_HPLC_Columns_3_8391a584e0.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1023" height="508">SurePac Bio 550 SEC MDi columns and guards are based on high-purity, spherical, porous (550 Å), 3 μm monodispersed silica particles that are covalently modified with a proprietary diol hydrophilic layer. This unique design yields shorter diffusion distances and enhanced reproducible mass transfer and narrower peaks. The consistent size of these particles facilitates precise control over media synthesis and column packing, significantly improving column-to-column and lot-to-lot reproducibility. The columns are housed in a hydrophilic bioinert-coated stainless-steel hardware to eliminate secondary interactions, ensuring optimal performance during the initial injection process.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Sure_Pac_Bio_550_SEC_M_Di_HPLC_Columns_043f131056.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific: SurePac Bio 550 SEC MDi HPLC Columns" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Sure_Pac_Bio_550_SEC_M_Di_HPLC_Columns_043f131056.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="650" height="650"><ul><li>Ideal for AAV gene therapy characterization and quality control assessment due to selectivity of the dedicated smaller particle (3 μm) combined with wide-pore (550Å) size</li><li>Superior column-to-column and lot-to-lot reproducibility eliminates column variability as a concern in stability and QA/QC testing</li><li>High-efficiency peaks with excellent recovery</li><li>Higher resolution and throughput for fast turnaround time without sacrificing performance</li><li>Bioinert hardware to eliminate analyte adsorption</li></ul><h4>Specifications</h4><ul><li>Max. Pressure: 3500 psi (241 bar)</li><li>Packing Material: Monodisperse Silica Resin</li><li>Flow Rate: 0.6 mL/min</li><li>Temperature: 20°C to 60°C</li><li>Phase: Size Exclusion</li><li>Particle Size: 3 μm</li><li>pH: 2 to 8</li></ul>

Thermo Scientific SureSTART Vials and Well Plates Collection

Start your analysis with confidence using SureSTART vials, caps, well plates, and kits—offering full compatibility, quality materials, and performance across three levels.

<h4>Streamlined choice. Trusted quality.</h4>Start your analysis with confidence using Thermo Scientific™ SureSTART™ vials, caps, inserts, well plates, mats, and certified kits designed to meet your analytical, regulatory, and performance requirements. With full instrument compatibility, high material quality, and consistent performance across three defined levels, the SureSTART collection offers a smarter way to choose the right sample containment solution for your workflow.<h3>Why choose SureSTART?</h3><ul><li>Proven reliability: Every product is manufactured and certified to meet physical specifications—no weak links in your workflow.</li><li>Clear selection: Three performance levels help you balance sensitivity, robustness, and cost, now visually marked with one, two, or three waves on the vial.</li><li>Universal compatibility: Designed for seamless integration with all major GC, HPLC/UHPLC, and MS autosamplers across all vendors.</li><li>Certified cleanliness: Products are manufactured using the purest glass and plastics with low extractables and leachables, including GOLD-grade and silanized glass.</li><li>Maximum sample integrity: Minimize analyte loss and background peaks with precision-engineered sealing, surface chemistry, and material composition.</li><li>Bulk savings &amp; simplified inventory: Available in multiple pack sizes, performance levels, and formats to support your lab’s needs and budget.</li></ul><h3>The Three Performance Levels</h3><ul><li>Level 1 – Everyday analysis: For general-purpose GC/HPLC detection (e.g. UV/Vis, FID, RI). These chromatography-approved products are ideal for routine analyses with cost-efficiency in mind.</li><li>Level 2 – High-throughput analysis: Designed for regulated labs requiring robust and reproducible data, especially when using MS detectors for routine quantification.</li><li>Level 3 – High performance: For the most sensitive and selective analyses near the method detection limit. Packed in cleanroom environments and made with ultra-pure materials for maximum sample security and MS compatibility.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Sure_START_Vials_and_Well_Plates_Collection_5a8b0da936.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific SureSTART Vials and Well Plates Collection: Three performance levels help you balance sensitivity, robustness, and cost, now visually marked with one, two, or three waves on the vial." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Sure_START_Vials_and_Well_Plates_Collection_5a8b0da936.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1182" height="270"><h3>SureSTART Certified Vial and Cap Kits</h3><ul><li>Specification Certified: Routine analyses – Certified for physical specifications; no individual certificate.</li><li>LC/GC Certified: Chromatography-grade – Tested for 15 physical parameters with LC-UV &amp; GC-FID; certificate included.</li><li>MSCERT: For LC-MS/GC-MS – Certified low-adsorption kits tested with MS; includes SureStop™ vials with AVCS™ caps.</li><li>MSCERT+: For trace-level MS or DIA – Pre-cleaned, tested with LC-MS/GC-MS, and sold only as kits to ensure purity.</li><li>Application Certified: Pre-matched kits for specific instruments or validated applications.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Sure_START_Vials_and_Well_Plates_Collection_2_fef6049d71.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific SureSTART Vials and Well Plates Collection: There are several factors to consider when choosing a vial or well plate for your application. The table below will help guide you through this process to determine what type of product/performance level is most suitable for your application requirements." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Sure_START_Vials_and_Well_Plates_Collection_2_fef6049d71.jpg 204w," sizes="100vw" width="1515" height="1159"><h3>SureSTART Well Plates and Mats</h3>Thermo Scientific™ WebSeal™ well plates are ideal for laboratories seeking to increase autosampler capacity, reduce solvent usage, and streamline high-throughput workflows. Available in 96- and 384-well formats, they offer a certified alternative to traditional vials and are fully compatible with automated SPE/SLE platforms.<ul><li>Space-saving efficiency: Replace vials with well plates to increase sample capacity up to 8× and reduce storage footprint.</li><li>Flexible performance levels:<ul><li>Level 1: Standard plates for routine, non-regulated use (GC-tested).</li><li>Level 2: Low-bleed plates and high-performance mats, validated for LC-MS/GC-MS.</li><li>Level 3: Premium WebSeal Plate+ with glass-coated plastic wells—ideal for trace analytes and protein adsorption control.</li></ul></li><li>Solvent stability and clean sample contact: WebSeal Plate+ uses nanolayered silicon dioxide for minimal extractables and ultra-low adsorption.</li><li>Compatible sealing options:<ul><li>Silicone mats: For long-term storage and consistent results.</li><li>Pre-slit mats: For autosampler injection without evaporation or contamination.</li><li>Adhesive seals: For single-use workflows and re-sealing options with cavity protection.</li></ul></li></ul>Whether you work with polar solvents, proteins, or trace-level analyses, SureSTART well plates and sealing accessories help you optimize throughput, precision, and data confidence across all chromatography workflows.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Sure_START_Vials_and_Well_Plates_Collection_3_abce3dd960.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific SureSTART Vials and Well Plates Collection: Selecting the perfect Thermo Scientific WebSeal well plates and mats for your chromatography requirements is easy using our selector tools and resources." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Sure_START_Vials_and_Well_Plates_Collection_3_abce3dd960.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1516" height="902">

Products focused on Consumables distributed by Thermo Fisher Scientific (EMEA) - page 1

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