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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C&EN

Waters Corporation

Water quality is critical across many applications, including drinking water, beverage manufacturing, and wastewater. In food and beverage environments, contaminants can affect organoleptic properties, such as taste and appearance, as well as the overall safety of the water.A wide range of analytes can impact water quality, including nitrate content, and multiple methods available to assess the concentration of these components. UV-Visible spectrophotometry is one such technique, enabling the quantification of many analytes that influence water quality. As Beer’s law indicates, measured absorbance in the UV-Visible range is directly proportional to concentration, making the technique particularly useful when assessing analyte concentration.In many analyses, colorimetric reagents as required to produce a measurable absorbance in this spectral range. A standard curve is then typically developed using known standards to correlate the measured absorbance with the concentration of the analyte.In this webinar, attendees will discover how instruments such as Thermo Scientific GENESYS G5 UV-Visible spectrophotometers can support the assessment of water samples from a variety of sources.<h4>You’ll learn:</h4><ul><li>Explore different environments where water analysis can be important.</li><li>Learn how UV-Visible spectrophotometry can be used to determine the concentration of various analytes commonly assessed in water applications.</li><li>Understand best practices for using pre-built standard curves and creating new curves when determining analyte content in water sources.</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Jennifer Empey-Kohl (Applications Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)Jennifer Empey-Kohl has been with Thermo Fisher Scientific as an Applications Scientist for 5 years where she supports the cuvette-based UV-Visible instruments. Prior to this position, she received her PhD in Chemistry from The Ohio State University where she used various spectroscopic techniques to study colloidal nanoparticles.</blockquote>

New Food Magazine: Spectroscopic Analysis of Food Dyes: Ensuring Colour Consistency

Measuring what matters: water quality analysis with UV-Visible spectrophotometry

Streamline water quality testing with Thermo Scientific. Learn to use UV-Vis spectrophotometry, colorimetric methods, and standard curves for QC

Water Quality Analysis via UV-Vis Spectrophotometry

Modern pixelated detectors can generate tens to hundreds of gigabytes of data during a single 4D-STEM scan, creating practical challenges for acquisition, processing, and interpretation.In this SelectScience® webinar, Arno Annys will demonstrate how event-driven electron detection can provide a more efficient representation of electron signals and help streamline the workflow from experiment to scientific insight.Using application-based examples, the session will explore how event-driven acquisition, adaptive scanning strategies, and real-time ptychographic reconstruction can reduce the 4D-STEM data burden, support low-dose experiments, and provide immediate feedback during acquisition.Attendees will learn how these approaches can make advanced 4D-STEM experiments more scalable, responsive, and accessible for routine use.<h5>Certificate of attendance</h5><ul><li>If you attend the live webinar, you will automatically receive a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary, for continuing education purposes.</li><li>If you view the on-demand webinar, you can request a certificate of attendance by emailing editor@selectscience.net.</li></ul><h5>Webinar details</h5><ul><li>Cost: Free to attend</li><li>Location: Online</li><li>Duration: 60 minutes</li></ul>Registration is required to secure your place. If you register but can’t attend live, you will receive a link to the on‑demand recording once it becomes available<h5>Who should attend?</h5>This event is perfect for individuals working in:<ul><li>Electron microscopists, materials scientists, physicists and instrument scientists working with STEM, 4D-STEM, ptychography, diffraction imaging or electron energy-loss spectroscopy</li><li>Researchers investigating beam-sensitive materials, developers of microscopy acquisition and processing workflows, facility managers, and scientists considering the adoption of event-driven direct electron detection</li></ul><h5>What will this webinar cover?</h5>Key learning objectives:<ul><li>Understand how event-driven detection changes the way 4D-STEM data are acquired, represented and processed.</li><li>Discover how adaptive scanning strategies can improve experimental flexibility and focus acquisition on the most scientifically valuable regions.</li><li>Learn how event-by-event ptychographic reconstruction can provide rapid feedback during an experiment.</li><li>See practical examples of how event-driven workflows can reduce data volumes and support low-dose and beam-sensitive applications.</li></ul><blockquote>Speaker: Arno Annys (PhD Researcher, Electron Microscopy for Materials Science, University of Antwerp)Arno Annys is a PhD researcher in the group of Professor Jo Verbeeck within the Electron Microscopy for Materials Science department at the University of Antwerp. His research focuses on the development of advanced 4D-STEM and electron energy-loss spectroscopy techniques. He is particularly interested in how event-driven direct electron detectors can enable new acquisition strategies, including adaptive scanning, efficient event-based data processing and real-time electron ptychography.</blockquote><blockquote>Moderator: Todd Beanlands (Science Editor, SelectScience)</blockquote>

Select Science: Managing 4D-STEM data with smarter acquisition

Managing 4D-STEM data with smarter acquisition

Reduce 4D-STEM data burden with event-driven electron detection, adaptive scanning, and real-time ptychography in this Quantum Detectors webinar

4D-STEM Data Reduction & Event-Driven Detection

Understanding the tissue microenvironment in tumour samples is an important factor for predicting response to different treatment regimens. Highly multiplexed imaging of tenfolds of protein markers can help to define this complex biology. However, these assays are costly and not always easy to scale for larger translational studies that are often needed to translate findings to clinical evidence.&nbsp;In this webinar, we demonstrate how we move from a highly multiplexed imaging platform used in a discovery phase to identify a marker for response prediction to immunotherapy at the translational phase. This transition was possible with the use of the Invitrogen™ EVOS™ S1000 Spatial Imaging System in combination with the Invitrogen™ Aluora™ Spatial Amplification Kits and a panel of 6 markers. By focusing on the most relevant targets from the discovery panel, the cost per sample is reduced to about 25 % of the initial assay, thereby resulting in a more affordable option for larger translational cohort studies. In addition, we show how relevant protein markers can be combined with in situ proximity Ligation Assay (is PLA) to simultaneously look at protein interactions, in this case demonstrated for PD-1/PD-L1. In summary, this workflow enables scalable, cost-effective spatial biology approaches that bridge discovery and clinical translation.&nbsp;<h4>Learning Objectives:</h4><ul><li>Learn how to transition from discovery to translational proteomic imaging assays&nbsp;</li><li>Understand how spectral imaging with the EVOS S1000 Spatial Imaging System can be used for hypothesis-driven research</li><li>Explore the use of spatial amplification reagents for exploring the tissue microenvironment</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Charlotte Stadler, PhD (Co-director of Spatial Biology and Head of the National Spatial Proteomics facility at Science for Life Laboratory)Charlotte Stadler is the co-director of the Spatial Biology platform and Head of the National Spatial Proteomics facility at Science for Life Laboratory. She is also a Principal Investigator at the Royal Institute of Technology. She received her Ph.D. in 2012 within the framework of the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) project, with Prof. Emma Lundberg and Prof. Mathias Uhlén as her supervisors. During her PhD she established many of the protocols and pipelines for image based subcellular protein profiling that are used in the Human Protein Cell Atlas. Today, her main focus is to develop and implement services and technologies within spatial biology that can be used projects ranging from discovery to translational and clinical research. In her role she works with many companies in the spatial omics field including Thermo Fisher Scientific. Her internal research projects focus on the implementation and adaptation of multiplexed imaging solutions into clinical practice but also on integrating different omics types for a more complete molecular understanding of the tissue sample biology.&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote>Presenter: Adyary Fallarero, PhD, MBA (Sr. Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland)Dr. Fallarero earned PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Havana, Cuba and a Master in International Business Management (MBA) from the Tampere University of Applied Sciences, in Finland.During her more than 10 years of academic career, she published over 75 peer-reviewed publications, co-authored over 10 patents, and was awarded multiple grants to lead research programs focused on early drug discovery of anti-biofilms. In 2018, she received the prestigious Oskar Öflund’s Foundation Grand Prize, for her contributions to the development of the field of bacterial biofilms in Finland.She joined Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2016 to work on cell analysis instrumentation, gaining significant expertise in new product development and product management. Since 2021, she has been responsible for new product introductions, portfolio management and commercial enablement of cell and tissue imaging systems.</blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Spatial Proteomics for Translational Research

Spatial Proteomics for Translational Research

Scale spatial proteomics from discovery to translation. Learn how Thermo Fisher's EVOS S1000 & Aluora kits reduce sample costs for tumor imaging

Spatial Proteomics in Translation: EVOS S1000 Imaging

Achieving comprehensive antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) characterization no longer requires complex multi-step workflows. Advances in native LC-MS are creating new opportunities to simplify ADC analysis while maintaining the depth of information needed to support development decisions.In this SelectScience® TechTalk, Roxana Eggleston-Rangel, Senior Applications Scientist at Phenomenex, will showcase how Biozen® Native RP-1 and RP-5 columns enable direct drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) analysis through a streamlined, MS-compatible native reverse-phase liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (RP-LC-MS) workflow.Learn how this approach supports DAR determination, proteoform characterization, and positional isomer resolution without fraction collection or buffer exchange while maintaining native conditions.Using case studies featuring the approved ADC therapies Enhertu®, Padcev®, Polivy®, and Adcetris®, Eggleston-Rangel will demonstrate how this workflow can be applied across a range of ADC modalities and payload chemistries. In just 20 minutes, discover how the same approach can support both high-resolution mass spectrometry and routine UV-based DAR monitoring, bringing greater efficiency and confidence to ADC characterization.<h5>Certificate of attendance</h5>If you attend the live TechTalk, you will automatically receive a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary, for continuing education purposes. If you view the on-demand TechTalk, you can request a certificate of attendance by emailing editor@selectscience.net.<h5>TechTalk details</h5><ul><li>Cost: Free to attend</li><li>Location: Online</li><li>Duration: 20 minutes</li></ul>Registration is required to secure your place. If you register but can’t attend live, you will receive a link to the on-demand recording once it becomes available.<h5>Who should attend?</h5>This event is perfect for:<ul><li>Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical characterization scientists</li><li>Analytical development managers and directors overseeing LC-MS workflows</li><li>Researchers developing methods for ADC characterization, drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) analysis, and isomer identification</li></ul><h5>What will this webinar cover?</h5><ul><li>How native RP chromatography can be used for streamlined ADC DAR characterization and intact mass analysis.</li><li>Best practices for selecting Biozen® Native RP columns based on ADC properties and analytical goals.</li><li>How a single workflow can provide DAR determination, proteoform characterization, and positional isomer information.</li><li>Real-world examples demonstrating how native RP-LC-MS can improve efficiency while reducing sample preparation complexity.</li></ul><h5>Join the TechTalk to get answers to these questions:</h5><ul><li>How can native RP-LC-MS simplify comprehensive ADC characterization workflows?</li><li>How do Biozen® Native RP-1 and RP-5 columns enable direct intact ADC analysis?</li><li>How is drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) accurately determined under native conditions?</li><li>How can native RP-LC-MS resolve proteoforms and positional isomers in ADCs?</li><li>What insights were gained from case studies on Enhertu®, Padcev®, Polivy®, and Adcetris®?</li></ul><blockquote>Speaker: Roxana Eggleston-Rangel (Senior Application Scientist, Phenomenex)Roxana Eggleston-Rangel is a Senior Applications Scientist specializing in biopharmaceutical characterization workflows, with expertise in LC-MS, native chromatography, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), monoclonal antibodies, and protein biotherapeutics. She develops and evaluates analytical methods for critical quality attributes, including drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR), oxidation, isomerization, glycation, and fragmentation. Her work focuses on advancing innovative chromatographic and mass spectrometry solutions, generating application data, technical publications, and scientific content that help researchers improve characterization of complex biologics and next-generation therapeutics.</blockquote>

Phenomenex: TechTalk - ADC characterization in one native LC-MS workflow

ADC characterization in one native LC-MS workflow

Simplify ADC characterization with Phenomenex Biozen® Native RP columns. Learn direct DAR determination and proteoform profiling in one LC-MS workflow

Native LC-MS ADC Characterization: Phenomenex Biozen Columns

<h3>Standardize. Automate. Simplify.</h3><h4>Endotoxin Testing for Modern QC Labs</h4>Endotoxin testing is a critical quality control requirement in pharmaceutical manufacturing, where laboratories must consistently balance efficiency, data integrity, and regulatory compliance. Manual workflows can be time-consuming and introduce variability that impacts reproducibility and documentation. The combination of the Waters Andrew+™ Robot and ENDOZYME® II GO from bioMérieux provides a standardized and automated approach to endotoxin testing that helps reduce manual handling, improve consistency, and support audit-ready laboratory operations.In this joint webinar, experts from Waters Corporation and bioMérieux will demonstrate how automation can help QC laboratories streamline sample preparation, improve method execution, and establish greater traceability throughout the testing process. You'll learn how OneLab™ Software captures and documents workflow execution with audit trails and electronic records while ENDOZYME II GO simplifies assay preparation through its ready-to-use format, enabling more reliable and reproducible endotoxin testing.Whether your goal is to increase throughput, reduce operator-to-operator variability, or strengthen compliance readiness, this session will showcase a practical automation solution designed for today's regulated laboratory environment.<h4>What you’ll take away</h4><ul><li>How to standardize and automate endotoxin testing workflows using the Andrew+ Robot and ENDOZYME® II GO to reduce manual handling, improve reproducibility, and increase laboratory efficiency.</li><li>How automation strengthens traceability and data integrity through standardized protocol execution, electronic workflow documentation, and audit-ready records that support regulated QC environments.</li><li>How QC laboratories can improve compliance readiness and operational performance while reducing operator variability and scaling endotoxin testing with greater confidence.</li></ul><h4>This webinar is designed for you if you want to:</h4><ul><li>Streamline endotoxin testing through automation</li><li>Improve laboratory efficiency and consistency</li><li>Reduce manual steps and enhance compliance</li><li>Learn about the latest automation solutions for endotoxin testing</li></ul>Don't miss it!<blockquote>Speaker:&nbsp;Guillaume Mignard (Lab Automation Product Marketing Manager, Waters Corporation)Guillaume Mignard serves as the Lab Automation Product Manager at Waters Corporation, a position he has held since 2025. He previously occupied the roles of Product Manager and Product Designer of the OneLab™ Software.Since his start at Waters in 2017, he has led the strategic vision, design, and deployment of the OneLab™ Software, a cloud-based platform that democratizes laboratory automation for scientists worldwide.Guillaume initiated his professional journey as a UX/UI designer specializing in business software, where he pioneered user-centric design principles at a time when such approaches were still emerging beyond web marketing.</blockquote><blockquote>Speaker:&nbsp;Paola Vigilanza, PhD (Global Solution Manager, bioMérieux)Paola Vigilanza, PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology, works as Global Solution Manager for Pyrogen Testing at bioMérieux.Her background includes long-standing experience in R&amp;D and pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on endotoxin testing and product management.</blockquote><blockquote>Speaker:&nbsp;Luca Di Bello (Application Specialist, bioMérieux)Luca Di Bello holds a MSc in Biology from the Technical University of Munich, Germany.In his current role as Application Specialist at bioMérieux he supports and develops current and new applications of the ENDONEXT™ endotoxin assays and automation platforms.</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Streamlining Endotoxin Testing: Automated Sample Preparation and Audit-Ready Workflows for QC Laboratories

Streamlining Endotoxin Testing: Automated Sample Preparation and Audit-Ready Workflows for QC Laboratories

Automate endotoxin testing with Waters Andrew+ Robot and bioMérieux ENDOZYME II GO. Streamline QC workflows, reduce errors, and ensure audit-ready compliance

Automated Endotoxin Testing: Waters Andrew+ & ENDOZYME GO

<div>SuperCOOL MARVEL HFX Duo is the latest addition to JEOL’s nitrogen-cooled cryogenic probe lineup. It combines the exceptional sensitivity of the standard MARVEL probe with the added flexibility of triple-resonance HFX capability, delivering a powerful solution for a wide range of structural NMR challenges.Join us to learn more about cryogenic NMR probe technology and discover why SuperCOOL MARVEL HFX Duo is an ideal solution for fluorine chemistry applications.<h4>Key Learning Objectives:</h4><ul><li>Understand how cryogenic probes enhance NMR sensitivity and improve data quality for demanding analytical applications.</li><li>Discover how JEOL’s SuperCOOL MARVEL probe lineup delivers high performance with low running costs, making cryogenic NMR more practical and accessible.</li><li>Learn how the SuperCOOL MARVEL HFX Duo probe supports efficient analysis of fluorinated compounds and expands the range of structural NMR applications.</li></ul><h4>Who Should Attend:</h4><ul><li>Laboratory managers</li><li>Analytical Chemists</li><li>Synthetic chemists</li><li>NMR facility managers</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Ron Crouch (NMR Applications Specialist, JEOL USA, Inc.)Presenter: Paul Bowyer, Ph.D. (European NMR Product Manager, JEOL USA, Inc.)Presenter: Sara Kobilka (Contributing Editor, ACS Media Group)</blockquote></div>

C&EN: Expanding NMR Possibilities with HFX Cryogenic Probes

Expanding NMR Possibilities with HFX Cryogenic Probes

Discover JEOL SuperCOOL MARVEL HFX Duo cryogenic NMR probes. Enhance sensitivity and streamline fluorine chemistry analysis with low running costs

JEOL HFX Cryogenic NMR Probes: Fluorine Analysis

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div>As labs continue to prioritize sustainability, efficiency, and cost-effective workflows, microbore ion chromatography (IC) columns offer a compelling alternative to traditional standard-bore formats. Join this educational webinar with Dr. Joachim Weiss to learn how reducing column diameter lowers eluent consumption, decreases hazardous waste, extends consumable lifetime, and reduces operating costs, all while maintaining high analytical performance.This webinar will explore the principles behind microbore column technology, practical considerations for implementation, and real-world application examples. Whether you're evaluating a transition to microbore IC or looking to improve the efficiency of your current microbore methods, this webinar will provide valuable guidance for greener, more economical ion chromatography.<h5>Topics that will be covered include:</h5><ul><li>Benefits of microbore columns for greener ion chromatography</li><li>Optimizing system performance for microbore workflows</li><li>Considerations for transitioning from standard bore to microbore columns</li><li>Application examples for environmental, industrial, and IC-MS analysis</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Joachim Weiss, Ph.D (Consultant, Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Radiochemistry Leopold-Franzens University, Innsbruck, Austria)Dr. Joachim Weiss is recognized as an international expert in analytical chemistry, especially in the field of ion chromatography. With over 40 years of experience, he has served as a visiting professor at the Leopold-Franzens University and is currently retired from the position of Technical Director for Dionex products at Thermo Fisher Scientific. In 2015, he was awarded the Maria Sklodowska Curie Medal of the Polish Chemical Society for his achievements in separation science.</blockquote><blockquote>Moderator: Wai-Chi Man (Product Marketing Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)Wai-Chi has been with Thermo Fisher Scientific for more than eight years working with a wide range of customers in various industries. She provides ion chromatography (IC) support in method development, troubleshooting, sample preparation, training, seminars, events, and workshops. During this time, she has gained deep knowledge, skill, and understanding in areas such as IC-MS, IC-ICP-MS, carbohydrate analysis, metabolomics, and polar pesticides. Prior to joining the company, she worked for Wellcome Research and GlaxoSmithKline. Wai is passionate about promoting STEM to future scientists by encouraging, nurturing, and supporting them.</blockquote></div></div></div>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Advantages of microbore column use in ion chromatography

Advantages of microbore column use in ion chromatography

Lower eluent consumption and waste in ion chromatography with microbore columns. Explore greener workflows, transition strategies, and IC-MS applications

Advantages of Microbore Columns in Ion Chromatography

Preparing geological samples for elemental and isotopic analysis can be challenging. From silicate rocks to matrices containing resistant minerals, achieving complete dissolution while maintaining low blanks is essential for reliable trace and ultra-trace results. Yet traditional digestion methods can be slow, prone to contamination, or ineffective with refractory matrices.Join our practical webinar and explore advanced strategies for geological sample preparation using Single Reaction Chamber (SRC) microwave digestion. Through practical examples and digestion guidelines, you will learn how to achieve complete digestion across a wide range of geological matrices, reduce procedural blanks, and simplify your laboratory workflow.<h4>Key Learnings:</h4><ul><li>How SRC technology achieves complete digestion across diverse geological matrices</li><li>Practical digestion strategies for rocks, sediments, and mineral ores</li><li>How to reduce blanks and improve productivity and analytical reliability</li></ul><blockquote>Speaker: Gianpaolo Rota (Product Manager at Milestone)</blockquote>

Milestone: Mastering Geological Sample Preparation: Strategies for Complete Digestion and Low Blanks

Mastering Geological Sample Preparation: Strategies for Complete Digestion and Low Blanks

Explore SRC microwave digestion for geological samples, with strategies to achieve complete dissolution, reduce blanks, and improve trace analysis reliability.

Mastering Geological Sample Preparation

<h4>Microplastic analysis in complex matrices</h4>Join Thermo Fisher Scientific and Frontier Laboratories for a two-week webinar series exploring how Pyrolysis-GC-MS (Py-GC-MS) is helping laboratories solve some of today's most challenging analytical problems. Learn how Py-GC-MS workflows are being applied to emerging environmental contaminants, regulatory compliance, food safety, and advanced materials characterization.This webinar is focused on Py-GC-MS software workflows for environmental microplastics analysis, highlighting practical approaches from polymer identification to data review and reporting.<h5>What you will learn:</h5><ul><li>How integrated Chromeleon™ CDS and F-Search software streamline microplastics identification and quantitation</li><li>Practical overview of the data processing workflow</li><li>How Py-GC-MS can be applied to environmental microplastic workflows</li></ul><blockquote>Speaker:&nbsp;Giulia Riccardino (Sr. Product Application Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)Giulia Riccardino holds a degree in Biology from the University of Milan and a specialization in Clinical Biochemistry. After more than 10 years of clinical and toxicology laboratory experience in gas and liquid chromatography, she joined Thermo Fisher as GC product specialist. Since 2018 she is bringing deeper experience in GC/GCMS application development across applied market segments.Moderator: Daniela Cavagnino (Product Marketing Manager GC and Sampling Solutions, Thermo Fisher Scientific)Dr. Daniela Cavagnino earned an MS in Chemistry from the University of Milan. After starting in GC R&amp;D and applications at Thermo Fisher Scientific, she moved into product and marketing management. She has 25+ years of experience in GC/GC-MS for industrial and applied markets, specializing in advanced sampling and automated workflow solutions.</blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: From Microplastics and PFAS to Advanced Materials

Software Workflows for Environmental Microplastics Analysis by Py-GC-MS

Explore Py-GC-MS workflows for environmental microplastics analysis using Chromeleon CDS and F-Search for identification, quantitation, and reporting.

Software Workflows for Py-GC-MS Microplastics Analysis

<h4>Every LC/MS laboratory faces critical decisions. Are you making the right ones?</h4>Choosing an LC/MS system is more than selecting an instrument. It is about building a strategy that supports your analytical goals today — and scales for tomorrow.Join Agilent experts for: LC/MS Decisions That Matter: From Selection to ScaleA 5-part webinar series designed to help scientists, laboratory managers, and decision-makers navigate the choices that impact:&nbsp;<ul><li>Analytical confidence&nbsp;</li><li>Laboratory productivity&nbsp;</li><li>Workflow scalability&nbsp;</li><li>Data quality&nbsp;</li><li>Instrument performance</li></ul>Over 5 weeks, we will explore the most important LC/MS decisions — from selecting the right technology to optimizing long-term performance.Make better LC/MS decisions. Build a stronger analytical future.&nbsp;<h5>Part 2: From Complexity to Clarity: A User-Friendly Peptide-Mapping-Based Multi-Attribute Method Workflow to Monitor Critical Quality Attributes for Quality Control</h5><blockquote>Presenter: TBA</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: LC/MS Decisions That Matter

From Complexity to Clarity: A User-Friendly Peptide-Mapping-Based Multi-Attribute Method Workflow to Monitor Critical Quality Attributes for Quality Control

How peptide-mapping-based multi-attribute method (MAM) workflow can simplify critical quality attribute monitoring 

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