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

Merck

The Analytical Scientist

Agilent Technologies

Teledyne LABS

SelectScience

Waters Corporation

Valve chromatography can be overwhelming to even the most experienced GC users. Join us as we discuss the physical design of the valves, how the physical design relates to common valve diagrams, and common uses for different types of valves. We will begin with simple valve configurations and understand how these simple concepts can create a complex solution. We hope to have you leave with a basic understanding of valve chromatography.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Kelly Beard (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Kelly Beard earned a Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Mechanical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. He has been an Application Scientist with Agilent Technologies for the past 8 years. Previously Kelly worked with an Agilent channel partner for 8 years. He specializes in complex valve GC and GCMS configurations as well as the portable 990 uGC supporting North America. He is a member of Gas Processors Association in the natural gas industry and supports our members of ASTM.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Demystifying Valve Gas Chromatography: Understanding Complex Valve Configurations

Demystifying Valve Gas Chromatography: Understanding Complex Valve Configurations

We discuss the physical design of the valves, how the physical design relates to common valve diagrams, and common uses for different types of valves.

Valve GC: Understanding Complex Valve Configurations

While the world of R&amp;D is moving towards digitalization, the unique challenges of analytical data management continue to cause difficulties.
In our 2022 Analytical data management survey we learned and confirmed that…
<ul>
<li>Analytical data is diverse with multiple techniques, instrument vendors, and software
</li>
<li>It is stored and managed in many applications
</li>
<li>The majority still find it difficult to access and share
</li>
</ul>
Analytical data is ingrained in numerous research, development, and QA/QC workflows. While a small minority are starting to apply it for data science applications, most struggle to provide easy digital access for its most common uses.
Join our panel of experts as they discuss the results of the 2022 survey; the challenges related to analytical data that cross organizations and industries; and lessons learned through their own experience.
Webinar Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>How analytical data heterogeneity can be addressed</li>
<li>Attributes of effectively managed analytical data</li>
<li>Considerations for using analytical data for data science projects</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Nichola Davies (Director Structural Chemistry UK, Oncology R&amp;D, Astra Zeneca)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Nichola Davies completed her PhD studies in physical organic chemistry at the University of Cambridge, utilising NMR spectroscopy to investigate positively cooperative binding and the tightening of non-covalent bonds. Nichola then joined Pfizer (Sandwich, UK) as an NMR spectroscopist supporting the medicinal chemistry department, and implemented new techniques for structure elucidation and the application of novel NMR methodologies to support medicinal chemistry design strategies.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Having gained further experience in a wider range of analytical techniques, in 2014 she joined AstraZeneca (Cambridge, UK), as an NMR expert within the Oncology Chemistry R&amp;D Unit. Currently, as Director of the Structural Chemistry team, Nichola is delivering analytical techniques to support small molecule structural characterisation, purity and stability assessment, in addition to NMR free ligand conformational analysis and in-cell MS concentration assays.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Mark Kwasnik (Global Product Manager, Analytical Labs, Solvay)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Mark Kwasnik is the Global Product Manager for the Analytical Labs at Solvay. In his role, Mark leverages digital tools in R&amp;I to reduce inefficiencies, increase responsiveness for customers. He works to accelerate the growth innovation pipeline by allowing the company’s scientists to access and use the thousands of data sets that are generated in Solvay’s R&amp;I labs.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Prior to his transfer to Solvay&#39;s digital department, he worked as an Analytical Lab Manager for the North American R&amp;D Center and as the Global Digital Transformation Manager for the Specialty Polymer business unit.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Mark received his B.S. in chemistry and forensic science from the University of Central Florida and a PhD in Analytical Chemistry, with a focus in BioAnalytical Mass Spectrometry, instrumentation development and informatics at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Graham A. McGibbon (Director, Strategic Partnerships, ACD/Labs)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Graham A. McGibbon is currently Manager of Scientific Solutions and Partnerships at Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs), a role which involves shaping innovative solutions with people in various industries, government organizations, academic institutions and enhancing relationships with organizations that supply analytical instrumentation and/or software.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Since obtaining a Ph.D. in Chemistry from McMaster University (Canada) Graham worked in drug discovery research at Boehringer Ingelheim conducting MS analyses of both small and large molecules; and researched modifications and interactions of bioactive small molecules and biopolymers as a faculty member at McMaster. Graham initially joined ACD/labs in 2007 as Product Manager leading the development of mass spectrometry software.
</blockquote>

The Analytical Scientist: How to Overcome the Challenges of Analytical Data Management

How to Overcome the Challenges of Analytical Data Management

The challenges related to analytical data that cross organizations and industries; and lessons learned through their own experience.

This first session of a four-part ‘Fundamentals of Spectroscopy’ course, will examine core concepts essential to understanding common optical spectroscopy methods.
In this session, Adam Wise, and applications specialist from Andor will explain how light – an electromagnetic wave – passes through, bounces off, gets absorbed by, and is made by, atoms, molecules and solids. This session is in no way designed to replace a long and rigorous course of study, but instead tries to show a physical model of the language used to describe spectroscopy, as well as define a common vocabulary that will be relied on as the course continues.
Key learning objectives
<ul>
<li>Understand that what a spectrometer ‘sees’ differs from our perception of color, both in terms of finer resolution, and no hard limits on the energies of light that can be detected</li>
<li>Discover a simple but meaningful model of how the electric field of light interacts with electrical charges in atoms and molecules</li>
<li>Recognize how the wavelength and energy of light relate to different size scales and emission/absorption processes within atoms, molecules, and bulk matter</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
<ul>
<li>Academic Researcher</li>
<li>R&amp;D Scientist</li>
<li>Lab Technician</li>
<li>Principal Investigator</li>
<li>Laboratory Manager</li>
<li>Manager</li>
<li>Postdoctoral Research Assistant</li>
<li>Corporate Manager</li>
<li>PhD Student</li>
<li>Undergraduate Student</li>
<li>Engineer or Software Engineer</li>
<li>Teaching Fellow</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Adam Wise (Andor Technology)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Adam Wise is an applications scientist at Andor Technology, specializing in spectroscopy and scientific cameras. He earned his PhD working with John Grey at the University of New Mexico, studying Raman spectroscopy of organic semiconductors. After his postdoctoral research at UMass Amherst, Wise entered the field of optical instrumentation, and continues to support research by helping scientists get the right cutting-edge tools.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Georgina Wynne Hughes (Editorial Team)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Georgina studied at Birmingham University where she gained a BSc in Biomedical Science, and an MSc by Research in Cancer and Genomic Sciences, which focused on defective autophagy in rare neurodegenerative diseases. As a member of the Editorial team, she now plays an integral role in shaping the content on SelectScience.
</blockquote>

SelectScience: The basic physics of spectroscopy: Light-matter interaction for fun and profit

The basic physics of spectroscopy: Light-matter interaction for fun and profit

‘Fundamentals of Spectroscopy’ course, will examine core concepts essential to understanding common optical spectroscopy methods.

The basic physics of spectroscopy: Light-matter interaction

In this webinar, you will learn:
<ul>
<li>Learn about new possibilities for using Raman technology</li>
<li>Discover uses and benefits of Raman technology in quality control of cell culture media preparation</li>
</ul>
Detailed description: 
Process Analytical Technologies (PAT) are used to measure Critical Process Parameters (CCPs) which affect Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs). They are therefore particularly interesting for better process knowledge and control. Raman spectroscopy has already demonstrated very good results in real-time monitoring of main parameters of cell cultures. This technology could also be used in other steps of a manufacturing process. 
In this webinar, we will explore the possibilities of using Raman spectroscopy for quality control of cell culture media preparation. We will discuss the benefits of using this technology at this step and the demonstrated performances.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Nathan Gay (Bioprocess Applications Engineer)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Nathan Gay works as applications engineer at our company and is specialized in bioprocesses. He works on the implementation of Raman technology developing proofs of concept and researching new applications. Nathan has an engineer’s degree in biotechnology from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Technologie des Biomolécules de Bordeaux (ENSTBB), obtained in a work-study program with our company as an Industrialization Expert for the technology transfer between development and production in USP and DSP.
</blockquote>

MERCK: Monitoring and quality control of cell culture media preparation using Raman spectroscopy

Monitoring and quality control of cell culture media preparation using Raman spectroscopy

In this webinar, we will explore the possibilities of using Raman spectroscopy for quality control of cell culture media preparation.

Control of Cell culture media preparation Raman spectroscopy

This Expert Panel Webinar will discuss the historical events that have resulted in the consolidation on the use of helium as the GC carrier gas of choice and how those events may no longer apply for modern instrumentation.
The panelists will discuss the benefits of migration to alternative carrier gasses including hydrogen and, more importantly, nitrogen so that GC and GC-MS laboratories can eliminate their reliance on helium. With helium costs and increasing supply limitations, this topic is especially topical as some have estimated that helium may no longer be available for the chromatographic market within a relatively short time.
Key Learning Objectives:
1. How the consolidation to helium has come about
2. Why Helium reliance may cause significant impact to the analytical testing market
3. How GC-MS methodologies can be adapted to using nitrogen as carrier gas without analytical performance sacrifice
4. Why hydrogen may not be the best alternative to helium
<blockquote>
Presenter: Frank Dorman (Resident Scholar and Senior Global Market Manager, Dartmouth College and Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Frank Dorman is currently Senior Business Development Manager for Waters focusing on their global environmental business and, concurrently, a Resident Scholar in the Chemistry Department at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH where he is active in teaching analytical chemistry to undergraduates and graduate students. In his role at Waters, Frank manages the research-focused environmental market, external collaborations, and interfaces with R&amp;D for new product development. Prior to this, Frank was an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) sat Penn State University in University Park, PA. At Penn State, Frank served as a member of the Graduate Faculty in: Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology (BMMB), Chemistry (CHEM), Biogeochemistry (BGC) and the Forensic Science Program (FRNSC) and the Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis. Franks scientific interests are in gas and liquid chromatography and fundamental characterization, instrumentation and column development, as well as mass spectrometry and atomic spectroscopy as applied to trace analysis in complex sample matrices.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jaap de Zeeuw (CEO, CreaVisions)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Located in The Netherlands, Jaap has 42 years of experience in GC capillary technology working for Chrompack, Varian and Restek. Jaap developed many PLOT columns and also the first bonded Wax column. He has published more than 100 articles in the field of GC related to column technology and applications, is the originator for applying a new GC technique for fastest GC/MS using a high vacuum inside the capillary column for which several patents were granted. Jaap has travelled widely and is well known for his technical expertise, publications and teaching skills. Jaap retired from Restek in 2022 and started a new company, called CreaVisions, CreaVisions offers besides GC-consultation and GC-masterclasses also a class for creative problem solution, basically to learn how to think outside the box to generate unique ideas.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Chris English (Laboratory Manager, Restek Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Chris English has managed a team of chemists in Restek’s innovations laboratory since 2004. Before taking the reins of the laboratory, he spent seven years as an environmental applications chemist and was critical to the development of Restek’s current line of volatile GC columns. Prior to joining Restek, he operated a variety of gas chromatographic systems, conducting method development and sample analysis for a global laboratory testing network. Chris holds a B.S. in environmental science from Saint Michael’s College, USA.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Using Nitrogen as a GC-MS Carrier Gas – Opportunities to Eliminate Reliance on Helium

Using Nitrogen as a GC-MS Carrier Gas – Opportunities to Eliminate Reliance on Helium

The historical events that have resulted in the consolidation on the use of helium as the GC carrier gas of choice and how those events may no longer apply.

Using Nitrogen as a GC-MS Carrier Gas

The identification of extractables, leachables and chemical migration is a challenge for manufacturers and suppliers of packaging materials, medical devices and food contact materials. E&amp;L analytics is already complex, but it is compounded by legislative and regulatory efforts to recycle plastics. Analytical methods need to screen for not only the known components but also identify degradants and other unexpected compounds. Manufacturers, producers and retailers face the challenge of keeping up with evolving requirements and developing and adapting strategies to reduce plastic waste.
Thus, ways are being explored to incorporate more recycled plastics into products and packaging while maintaining excellent safety, quality and performance characteristics. As they innovate and combine new materials, companies must demonstrate safety and confirm compliance before bringing their products to market. This again increases the demand and importance of highly effective analytics.
Participation is free of charge. Presentations delivered in English.
Register now for this virtual event and share knowledge and challenges with peers and E&amp;L experts.
Who Should Attend?
The webinars are focused on the needs of scientists working in the area of Extractables &amp; Leachables and Food Contact Materials. During these webinars, attendees will learn:
<ul>
<li>Upcoming and new regulations in the field of food, pharma, biopharma and medical devices</li>
<li>Targeted and non-targeted screening workflows by using Waters_Connect</li>
<li>Characterization and structural elucidation of unknowns</li>
<li>Choice of chromatographic techniques, extraction methods and analytical standards &amp; reagents</li>
</ul>
<h3>EPISODE 1 - Virtual European Workshop on Extractables &amp; Leachables for Pharma &amp; Biopharma</h3>
<h5>Presentation: A risk-based assessment approach to extractable/leachable studies of plastic components and systems used in (bio)pharmaceutical manufacturing</h5>
<h5>Presentation: The Pattern Targeting Application</h5>
Register now &amp; join the discussion!
<blockquote>
Presenter: Lijun Song (Bioprocess Validations Specialist, 3M)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Lijun Song is a Senior Validation Engineer at the 3M filtration validation laboratory located in Belgium. After her PhD in Medicinal Chemistry at Ghent University, she joined the 3M validation team in 2019. She focuses on filter compatibility validation and extractable/leachable studies.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Mike Ludlow (Science Lead working in the CMCAnalytical and Materials Science Team, Drug Development Solutions (part of Alliance Pharma Inc))
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Mike Ludlow is the Science Lead working in the CMCAnalytical and Materials Science Team within Drug Development solutions based in Cambridgeshire, UK (Formerly known as LGC). The team supports an extensive external client base providing a variety of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques covering both organic and inorganic characterisation. He has over 20 year’s experience in pharmaceutical analysis primarily in the areas of extractables and leachables testing and the identification of impurities such as Nitrosamines in a GxP environment. Before working for DDS, he worked in the Corporate Analytical Function of ICI’s Chemicals and Polymers Division providing support to R&amp;D scientists developing speciality polymer products.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jeff Goshawk (Applied Informatics, Research &amp; Development, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jeff holds a BSc degree in Mathematics from the University of Portsmouth and a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Liverpool. He joined Micromass as a software developer in July 2000 and worked on the development of MassLynx and the application managers ChromaLynx, MarkerLynx and MetaboLynx. In 2013 Jeff changed role joining the Waters Scientific Operations organisation as a member of the toxicology group and was exposed to the disciplines of sample preparation and sample acquisition in addition to developing data processing workflows using UNIFI. In 2017 Jeff transitioned into the Applied Informatics group in Scientific Operations to help to solve problems not addressed by mainstream software solutions. It was in this role that development on the Pattern Targeting Application began.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Virtual European Workshops on Extractables & Leachables for Pharma & Biopharma

Virtual European Workshops on Extractables & Leachables for Pharma & Biopharma

Register now for this virtual event and share knowledge and challenges with peers and E&L experts.

Extractables & Leachables for Pharma & Biopharma

Anyone working with soil, wastewater, and/or drinking water Purge &amp; Trap methods will learn from the expertise and experience shared during this 30-minute webinar. You’ll discover more about Purge &amp; Trap analysis and troubleshooting in a half hour than you could anywhere else. Learn how to isolate system components, from the autosampler on the Purge &amp; Trap to the mass spectrometer, to resolve common problems that can occur during volatiles analysis.
To register, just choose a convenient time below. We look forward to speaking with you!
<blockquote>
Presenter: Amy Nutter (Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) technical product specialist at Teledyne Tekmar)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Currently, Amy is focused on applications development and customer application support on the Purge &amp;Trap product line. She formerly worked for the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, in both the drinking water and wastewater laboratories.
</blockquote>

Teledyne Tekmar: Troubleshooting any Purge & Trap for VOC Analysis

Troubleshooting any Purge & Trap for VOC Analysis

You’ll discover more about Purge & Trap analysis and troubleshooting in a half hour than you could anywhere else.

The drive for lower analyte detection limits, increased laboratory productivity, and concerns around gas chromatography carrier gas availability and costs push the need for innovation in gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) technology.
The next generation of GC-MS is already here! Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography (APGC) technology offers laboratories a powerful alternative to Electron Ionization (EI) technology, enabling low limits of detection and confident compound identification and confirmation, while reducing laboratory costs, from reduced GC system maintenance and the ability to use nitrogen as an alternative carrier gas.
Agenda
<ul>
<li>Understanding the next generation GC-MS/MS requirement</li>
<li>Top 5 benefits of Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography Technology</li>
<li>Applications for Food &amp; Environmental Testing</li>
<li>Hear from our Experts!</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Wim Broer (Development and Science, Nofalab)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Rhys Jones (Principal Consulting Scientist, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Rhys has worked for Waters in research and development for 20 years with a strong focus on gas chromatography mass spectrometry. ​The early part of his career was spent developing and supporting the AutoSpec magnetic sector instrument. ​One of his current responsibilities is the research, development and support of the atmospheric pressure gas chromatography (APGC) chemical ionization source, which has allowed the full range of Waters’ mass spectrometry techniques to be applied to GC analyses.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Next Generation GC-MS/MS for Food and Environment Application

Next Generation GC-MS/MS for Food and Environment Application

The next generation of GC-MS! Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography (APGC) technology offers laboratories a powerful alternative to Electron Ionization (EI).

Next Generation GC-MS/MS for Food and Environment Apps

Food analytical testing is essential for us all, but do you know why? And how can testing labs address current food safety challenges whilst anticipating future concerns?
Through some enlightening interviews with food testing scientists and industry experts, SelectScience®, in partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific, explores the changes in approach to food safety testing over time, across a wealth of innovative content.
From the foundations of food testing to modern challenges and important technological advancements, we&#39;ve collated an assortment of content for you in this free SelectScience® Broadcast, covering three key areas of concern: pesticides, mycotoxins, and food contact materials. Presented by SelectScience’s associate editor Cameron Smith-Craig, this broadcast is a first of its kind, in-depth analysis of the current food testing landscape.
Key themes explored:
<ul>
<li>An introduction to food safety testing, including the regulatory authorities that legislate acceptable food standards</li>
<li>The impact of modern challenges, such as climate change and population growth, on food supply chains</li>
<li>The significance of new and unknown food contaminants and why they may be going undetected</li>
<li>Advancements in technology, from sample preparation and separation to compound identification, and how these can support scientists</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
<ul>
<li>Food safety and agricultural authorities</li>
<li>Import, export specialists, and food testing laboratories</li>
<li>Food product manufacturers and contract testing labs</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Susanne Ekroth (Chemist, National Food Agency EU)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Susanne Ekroth is an analytical chemist at the Swedish National Food Agency. She graduated from Uppsala University and has been working at the Swedish National Food Agency for 27 years as a pesticide expert. During this time, she has developed skills in advanced technology, including GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS and LC-HRMS and is one of the founders of the multi residue method SweEt. Besides pesticides, she also works with food contact materials and toxins in water.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
In recent years, Susanne has focused on HRMS techniques and the possibility to replace the LC-triple quadrupoles with LC-MS Orbitrap and simultaneously screen for new and unwanted compounds in food matrices. This work is presented as an application note and webinar as well as in Food Safety Magazine. Susanne is a member of the Scientific Organizing Committee for EPRW (European Pesticide Residue Workshop) and IUPAC (Pesticide Congress, Food Quality and Safety). She has given presentations about her work on the SweEt multiresidue method on several occasions, for example at the Nordic-, European- and Latin American Pesticide Residue Workshop, RAFA and Fresenius.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Climate change and adaptation have become one of the world&#39;s most important issues and have in recent years become increasingly integrated into the authorities&#39; work. How it can affect lab work and the planning of the official controls are some of the issues that Susanne has been working on in recent years. Working with climate and vulnerability analyses and action plans is under governmental regulation, but it also enables us to be prepared for new substances and new types of food in our screening methods. This type of methodology is very familiar to the pesticide community and future adaptions should work very well. Susanne will present some of the upcoming needs due to climate change
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Professor Amadeo Rodríguez Fernández-Alba (Food and Environmental Specialist, Department of Agronomy, University of Almería)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Professor Amadeo Rodríguez Fernández-Alba, University of Almería, is a food and environmental specialist working with mass spectrometry.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Cameron Smith (SelectScience)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Cameron studied Biomedical Science at the University of the West of England, UK, specializing in medical microbiology and oncology during his final year. As a member of the Editorial team, he now plays an integral role in shaping the content on SelectScience.
</blockquote>

SelectScience: The past, present, and future of food safety testing – a SelectScience Broadcast

The past, present, and future of food safety testing – a SelectScience Broadcast

With food testing scientists and experts, explores the changes in approach to food safety testing over time, across a wealth of innovative content.

The past, present, and future of food safety testing

Your GC-Headspace systems are stressed out, making you stressed. The good news is that there are no more twists or turns. Now, unwind your GC-Headspace systems to make them more efficient and productive. Let them work for you the way you desire them to. Sit back, relax and learn about:
<ul>
<li>i. Integrated GC-Headspace - instruments that work as hard as you do</li>
<li>ii. Intuitive GC-Headspace - take the guesswork out of GC operation and maintenance</li>
<li>iii. Intelligent GC-Headspace - simplify life inside and outside your lab</li>
</ul>
Also, deep dive into the ease of method transfer from older headspace systems (G1888 and 7697A) to newer headspace systems (7697A or 8697). We promise that you would not have imagined how easy method equivalence or method transfer exercises actually are. Register now. 
Who should attend:
Analytical Scientists, Analytical Chemists from QA/QC and Process Control, Department heads, Lab managers, R&amp;D heads and GC-Headspace users
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Soma Dasgupta (Application Engineer GC/MS, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
She brings over 15 years of research experience with gas chromatography allowing her to explore many aspects of this analytical technique to solve questions across different sectors ranging from food safety, life science research, environmental research to pharmaceuticals. Prior to joining Agilent Technologies, she performed her doctorate research at the University of Pune where she concentrated on developing comprehensive methods for analysis of agro-chemicals in fruits and vegetables. On joining Agilent, she became part of a team responsible for developing solutions to meet customers&#39; analytical needs. She specializes in multi-residue method development; pesticides and environmental applications and genotoxic impurities in pharmaceuticals. She has more than 25 publications and application notes to her credit and a book chapter.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Praveen Arya (Application Engineer - GCMS, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Praveen Arya is an Application Engineer working at Agilent’s Centre of Excellence in Manesar. Praveen Arya completed his MSc. in Food Technology from CCS University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. After post-graduation, he served as a Senior Analyst at SGS, Gurgaon for 6 years and developed expertise in Residue analysis using LCMS and GCMS. He then joined Agilent Technologies as a Customer Application Engineer where he supported country wide GCMS customers for resolving application issues and in method development. He has more than 15 years of experience in chemical testing of samples using various high end chromatographic and spectrometric techniques. His area of specialization includes new analytical method development and validation as per national and international guidelines.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Unwind your GC-Headspace

Unwind your GC-Headspace

Now, unwind your GC-Headspace systems to make them more efficient and productive.