Combining elemental analysis and molecular techniques to characterize Ancient Egyptian mummification balms

Microplastics have emerged as one of the most widely discussed environmental contaminants of our time. Regardless of where we live, daily exposure to microplastics has become virtually unavoidable—these tiny plastic particles are present in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the environments we inhabit. As researchers work to better understand the sources, transport pathways, and impacts of microplastics, the demand for reliable microplastic analysis methods continues to grow.While techniques such as FTIR and Raman spectroscopy have become standard tools for identifying microplastics, their utility is limited for smaller particles (i.e. nanoplastics) and in complex matrices. More advanced microplastic analysis methods can provide a deeper understanding of what these particles contain and how they may change over time in the environment.<div><h3>The Limits of Spectroscopic Microplastic Analysis Methods</h3>Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy are widely used microplastic analysis methods because they can identify polymer types by measuring how electromagnetic radiation interacts with a material. These techniques are valuable for determining whether a particle is polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or another common plastic. For many studies, this information is sufficient to confirm the presence of microplastics, especially in clean samples with sufficient microplastic density.However, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/application/environmental/">environmental samples</a> are rarely clean and compositionally simple. Microplastic particles can become weathered and obscured by other materials in the environment, making their accurate identification with spectroscopy difficult. Additionally, if researchers want to understand what additives, degradation products, or pollutants are associated with the plastic, particle identification alone is not enough. Thus, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy methods alone struggle to thoroughly characterize these complex chemical components, particularly in challenging environmental matrices. As questions surrounding microplastic exposure become increasingly important, researchers require analytical techniques capable of examining the chemistry of a sample in greater detail, not simply confirming the presence of the physical particle itself.</div><div><h3>Thermal Desorption and Pyrolysis GCxGC-TOFMS For Deeper Microplastic Analysis</h3>Thermal Desorption (TD) and Pyrolysis (Py) coupled with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/core-analysis/gc-and-gc-ms/">GCxGC-TOFMS</a>) offer a powerful alternative for investigating nano- and microplastics in complex samples. These techniques provide complementary information about sample composition.&nbsp;Thermal desorption releases volatile and adsorbed compounds, including environmental contaminants, degradation products, and VOCs associated with microplastic particles. This can reveal important information about chemicals present within or on the plastic.Pyrolysis thermally deconstructs the polymeric material, breaking it into GC-amenable characteristic degradation compounds. These compounds act as chemical markers that can be used to identify the various polymers present. When analyzing complex or heavily weathered microplastics that may be difficult to characterize using traditional spectroscopic techniques, pyrolysis is particularly advantageous.The most significant benefit comes from pairing these techniques with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography. Environmental samples often contain hundreds or even thousands of compounds that coelute in 1D GC-MS, making it difficult or impossible to identify each compound. GCxGC provides significantly greater separation capability, helping analysts distinguish important polymer markers from background matrix components. This enhanced separation improves the mass spectrometer’s ability to identify characteristic polymer pyrolysis products, even in highly complex environmental samples. As a result, researchers can detect and identify challenging microplastics without the extensive purification steps often required by other analytical workflows.Another unique advantage of this approach is that thermal desorption and pyrolysis can be used in series on the same sample. Together, they create a more complete chemical profile of the sample.</div><div><h3>A Powerful Microplastics Analysis Workflow for Deeper Insight into the Effects on Our Environment</h3>FTIR and Raman spectroscopy remain valuable tools for rapid screening and flagging samples containing microplastic particles. However, by combining thermal desorption, pyrolysis, and GCxGC-TOFMS, analysts can obtain a much more comprehensive view of plastics in their samples and their environmental implications. As environmental research continues to advance and concerns surrounding microplastic contamination grow, researchers will increasingly require information that extends beyond answering the question,&nbsp;“What plastic is present?”&nbsp;&nbsp;Ultimately, this deeper level of characterization can provide new insights into the environmental fate of microplastics and help scientists better understand their potential impacts on ecosystems and human exposure.</div>

Surpassing the Limits of Traditional Microplastic Analysis Methods with Thermal Desorption and Pyrolysis GCxGC-TOFMS

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 39, 2026

Article

Application

Environment

Scientific article

Science and research

Poster

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

In 1936, the Laboratory Equipment Company introduced the first rapid carbon determinator for the American iron and steel industry.  Today, almost 80 years later, LECO is recognized globally as a leader in the development of high-quality analytical instrumentation, mass spectrometers, comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography, metallography & optical equipment as well as consumables.

LECO

Separation Science

Agilent Technologies

Thermo Fisher Scientific

VWR/Avantor

Have you been wondering how the new features in the 8890 can help your lab? Do you know the new features the 8890 has to offer?
The 8890 has integrated tools that can help your lab with productivity. The new tools can also help your lab maintain, troubleshoot, and monitor your GC’s usage. Join this webinar to learn more about these features and find out how you can implement them in your lab.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jamie Wetuski
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Agilent 8890 Features to Improve Lab Productivity

Agilent 8890 Features to Improve Lab Productivity

Have you been wondering how the new features in the 8890 can help your lab? Do you know the new features the 8890 has to offer?

Traditional analytical workflows often involve sample preparation techniques requiring the use of large volumes of raw samples and organic solvents. The goal is to drive up recovery and sensitivity as it pertains to obtaining low levels of analyte detection.
Modern SPE technology has emerged to minimize sample and solvent consumption, while providing analytical sensitivity that is comparable to traditional workflows. The Biotage® MIKRO plate incorporates a common 96-well plate format for high throughput analysis and a robust, loosely packed 2 mg polymeric sorbent for the extraction of a variety of analytes.
Presented here is a brief overview of common but essential workflows in a microelution format, fully automated on the Biotage® Extrahera LV-200 sample preparation instrument. Workflows are simple, cost effective, and include discussions of drugs of abuse, steroids, catecholamines, and metanephrines.
<h5>Attendees will:</h5>
<ul>
<li>learn the unique differences between microelution and conventional SPE</li>
<li>better understand the application benefits of Mikro SPE</li>
<li>learn how to troubleshoot to improve analyte recovery</li>
<li>gain a direct comparison of the performance of traditional SPE workflow vs Mikro SPE automated workflow</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Amber Cain (Application Scientist, Biotage)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Amber has 10 years of experience, largely involved in contract research organization work from bioanalytical pharmaceutical testing and metabolomics. She has extensive experience with SPE and other sample preparation techniques as well as LC-MS/MS.
</blockquote>

SeparationScience: The Might of MIKRO: Rethinking Routine Analytical Workflows through Volume Reduction and Solvent Consumption

The Might of MIKRO: Rethinking Routine Analytical Workflows through Volume Reduction and Solvent Consumption

An overview of common but essential workflows in a microelution format, fully automated on the Biotage® Extrahera LV-200 sample preparation instrument.

Analytical Workf. - Volume Reduction and Solvent Consumption

During this webinar we will take a look at some of the latest trends and hot topics that are being observed within regulated laboratories. We will also discuss various processes that you need to implement in order to remain compliant with the latest regulatory guidance and minimize your inspection risk.
<h5>Specific topics that will be covered will include:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Custom Analytical Instrument Qualification (AIQ) based on User Requirement Specifications (URS)
</li>
<li>Repair Qualification (RQ)
</li>
<li>Hidden costs of Self-Qualification
</li>
<li>Computer System Validation (CSV)
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Garry Wright (European Laboratory Compliance Specialist, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Garry Wright is the European Laboratory Compliance Specialist for Agilent Technologies and a member of the Agilent Compliance Council. Garry worked in Regulated Pharmaceutical industry for 20 years prior to joining Agilent.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
His industrial experience focussed on development and implementation of Quality Management Systems, GMP training and Compliance Auditing. Garry’s role within Agilent is to provide Compliance Consulting services to Agilent and our customer network.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Garry has presented topics relating to Regulatory Compliance, Data Integrity and Instrument Qualification at a variety of Compliance forums over the last 7 years since joining Agilent.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: How to Minimize Compliance Risk in Regulated Laboratories

How to Minimize Compliance Risk in Regulated Laboratories

During this webinar we will take a look at some of the latest trends and hot topics that are being observed within regulated laboratories.

Conventional chemical analysis requires sophisticated sampling and laboratory instrumentation, which are usually costly and time consuming. There is a trend for chemical analyses to shift from complex laboratory procedures to rapid, simple and non-destructive spectroscopic methods that can be used in the field. Handheld Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has the advantage of providing chemical information for rapid in situ site characterization.
Agilent’s portable handheld FTIR spectrometers provide a perfect solution for in-field analysis with great convenience, stability and high-throughput solution to the RMID applications. This online seminar provides a comprehensive introduction to the FTIR in-field testing technology and Agilent TopScan 4300 Handheld spectrometer.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Yanqia Wang, PhD (Application Engineer, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Yanqia Wang started working for Agilent Technologies Inc. as a FTIR application Engineer in 2013, providing pre-&amp;post-sale application support. The products he covers from Bench-top FTIR microscopes to various Mobile FTIR spectrometers. Dr. Wang received his PhD of analytical chemistry from Duke University in 2004, doing dynamic IR spectroscopy research. Then he joined Fitzpatrick Center for Photonics at Duke University, doing Tissue Raman spectrometer instrumentation. Since 2007, Dr. Wang worked for Avery Dennison Corp. as a spectroscopist, providing molecular analytical support to the research &amp; development.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Handheld FTIR for in-field Chemical Analysis

Handheld FTIR for in-field Chemical Analysis

This online seminar provides a comprehensive introduction to the FTIR in-field testing technology and Agilent TopScan 4300 Handheld spectrometer.

With ever-increasing demands on your time, labor, and resources, optimizing your workflow is essential. Learn best approaches from GC-TOFMS experts to enhance your one- and two-dimensional gas chromatography applications (GC-MS and GCxGC-MS) in this collection of short webinars.
<h4>Switching to Hydrogen Carrier Gas</h4>
With an open ion source design, using hydrogen as a carrier gas for gas chromatography can save both time and money. Analyses are quicker, data quality is effectively the same, and a renewable hydrogen generator can slash the cost of helium. See examples of 1D and 2D method transfer, time savings, and real-life examples of data quality for various environmental and aroma applications in this webinar.
<h4>GC-MS Analysis Workflow</h4>
Small time savings throughout the workflow can add up to big savings. See aroma and flavor examples of how automated sample prep and elevated Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOFMS) analysis, followed by software solutions to compare and evaluate data and results, can save your lab time and resources.
<ul>
<li>Part I: ChromaTOF® Sync for GC-MS Analysis</li>
<li>Part II: ChromaTOF Tile for GCxGC-MS Analysis</li>
</ul>
<h4>Discovery Workflow Best Practices</h4>
When you don&#39;t know what you&#39;re looking for, as is often the case with environmental contaminants and pollutants, the task can seem daunting, but high-resolution TOFMS and GCxGC is a powerful combination for non-target searches. With the tools included with the Pegasus® HRT+4D and the Multi-Mode Source™ (MMS™), identification of unknowns can be vastly improved and assigned higher confidence.

LECO: Enhanced GC-MS Workflow Solutions Webinar

Enhanced GC-MS Workflow Solutions Webinar

Learn best approaches from GC-TOFMS experts to enhance your one- and two-dimensional gas chromatography applications (GC-MS and GCxGC-MS).

In today’s market, obtaining low interest rates has become increasingly challenging. But what if there is still a way to obtain the equipment you need easily and affordably?
Find out in this webinar how our Financial Solutions Team could help your business and take advantage of this limited-time, competitive rate offer on all our manufactured products and services. Count on us to provide personalized and flexible financial solutions to help you overcome budgetary constraints, meet your business goals, and drive innovation. Our Financial Solutions Team will partner with you to understand your unique requirements and develop cost-effective financial solutions that will help you maximize your resources and obtain the latest technology when you need it. 
Join this webinar and discover innovative equipment financing solutions that support your business goals and budget. 
<h5>Learning points:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Learn how financial and leasing services can help to finance your new lab equipment </li>
<li>Learn about innovative equipment financing solutions that support your business goals and budget </li>
<li>Learn how our financial solutions can help you obtain the equipment you need easily and affordably</li>
</ul>
 
<h5>Who should attend:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Laboratory leaders and managers who require lab equipment to keep the lab operation and competitive</li>
<li>Laboratory owners who want and need to invest in lab infrastructure </li>
<li>Everyone who is interested in competitive financial solutions for their analytical laboratory</li>
</ul>
 
<blockquote>
Presenter: Roel Philippart (Program Development Manager, Financial Solutions EMEA, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Roel started in 2021 as Program Delelopment Manager at Thermo Fisher Financial Solutions, specifically for the EMEA region.
</blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Accelerate discovery, enable success with personalized and flexible financial solutions and market competitive rates

Accelerate discovery, enable success with personalized and flexible financial solutions and market competitive rates

Join this webinar and discover innovative equipment financing solutions that support your business goals and budget. 

Accelerate discovery with flexible financial solutions

The analysis of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in food samples is a challenging application. Don´t miss this opportunity to ask our experts all your questions regarding the fully automated LC/GC workflow for MOAH/MOAH analysis.
We start with a brief introduction where we talk about upcoming changes in the legal requirements for MOSH/MOAH analysis. The remaining time is fully dedicated to your questions.
There are three ways to submit your questions:
<ul>
<li>Fill out the box on the webinar registration form</li>
<li>For more detailed questions, you can email us at: analyze.eu@thermofisher.com</li>
<li>Ask your questions on the day using the chat function during the live session</li>
</ul>
Of course you are welcome to join even if you don´t have a specific question, so you can pick up useful information and build up expertise.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jeroen Weyts (SampleQ Analytical Support GC-MS, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jorn Hofsteenge (SampleQ Analytical Support GC)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Inge de Dobbeleer (Sample Q Account Manager)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Petra Gerhards (Regional Marketing Manager for GC &amp; GC-MS, EMEA, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Ask-the-experts session on MOSH/MOAH analysis

Ask-the-experts session on MOSH/MOAH analysis

Don´t miss this opportunity to ask our experts all your questions regarding the fully automated LC/GC workflow for MOAH/MOAH analysis.

When developing GC methods, numerous variables require careful consideration and it can often be difficult to establish which adjustments and optimisations will provide the desired separation.
This webinar examines the critical method parameters that should be optimised to maximize separation selectivity and achieve resolution of target analytes. The webinar begins with considering analyte physico-chemical properties and establishing the overall method development goals, before examining the GC system configuration, including inlet type and liners and selection of a suitable carrier gas. We then move on to discuss selection of capillary column dimensions and the importance of stationary phase for optimising separation selectivity. These considerations are then bought together in as defined strategies for sequential method optimisation of both existing and new GC applications.
The webinar concludes with a discussion of the benefits provided fast GC and examines how existing methods can be translated to fast GC to provide compelling reductions in analysis time and improved lab efficiency.
<h5>Learning objectives:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Understand where to start when developing a standard GC method.</li>
<li>Learn how to maximize selectivity of chromatography in GC method development.</li>
<li>Discover how to transition standard GC methods to Fast GC.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Kirsty Ford
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Kirsty Ford is a Senior Chromatography Technical Specialist at Avantor. As part of the technical team they support colleagues, distributors, and customers, worldwide, on a range of chromatographic products including GC and HPLC columns. With experience as a remote support engineer with Agilent Technologies, focusing on GC and GCMS, they bring a wealth of knowledge in chromatography, troubleshooting and product insight.
</blockquote>

Optimising GC method development

This webinar examines the critical GC method parameters that should be optimised to maximize separation selectivity and achieve resolution of target analytes.

How do you know if your peak is “pure”? How do you know if your sample conforms to your gold standard? OpenLab CDS provides the tools to answer these questions. This seminar will show you how.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Richard Mutkoski (Laboratory Informatics Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Richard Mutkoski has been a field representative for over 27 years for both hardware and software. In his current role as an Informatics Application Engineer, Rich presents technical solutions of the OpenLab suite of products to customers worldwide. Prior to his tenure at Agilent Rich spent 15 years in a variety of Pharma QA/QC and R&amp;D positions providing him a unique understanding of those workflows, bottlenecks and challenges.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Save Time Using the New Integration Optimizer in OpenLab CDS

Save Time Using the New Integration Optimizer in OpenLab CDS

How do you know if your peak is “pure”? How do you know if your sample conforms to your gold standard?

The growing demand for battery production has increased the importance for battery manufacturers to ensure that production workflows are efficient and cost-effective. With the complexity of battery manufacturing workflows, there is a high-value need to ensure that the performance and safety of pre-production testing of raw materials, in-process monitoring of intermediate components, and end-products meets specific industry standards.
With the support of a modern laboratory information management system (LIMS), an organization can centrally organize the data generation through battery quality management workflows, and successfully access, analyze, and share data and information to increase time and efficiency. Implementing a LIMS can aggregate data in a meaningful way, seamlessly share that data, and drive insightful decision-making. With the right informatics tools to support production, battery manufacturers can build a strong foundation for improved quality and efficiency making sure that industry standards are met.
Attend this presentation to...
<ul>
<li>discover how LIMS can improve traceability, data integrity, and efficiency in battery cell manufacturing workflows</li>
<li>learn what the benefits of implementing a LIMS into your battery manufacturing organization today would be.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Tareq Al-Najjar (Global Strategic Account Executive, Energy – Digital Science Solutions, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Tareq has extensive experience identifying, establishing, and expanding market/product presence in the oil, gas, and energy arenas. With his most recent experience as the VP of International Business Development/Investor Relations at Vacom Systems LLC from 2015–2022, Tareq joined the Thermo Fisher Scientific team in February 2022 to bring his expertise into the LIMS sector. Tareq has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Utah and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business.
</blockquote>

Separation Science: How LIMS can benefit battery manufacturing workflows

How LIMS can benefit battery manufacturing workflows

An upcoming presentation outlining the benefits of implementing a laboratory information management system into battery cell manufacturing workflows.