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

Shimadzu Corporation

This webinar introduces Shimadzu&#39;s Next Industry Standard GC, Nexis GC-2030.
The Shimadzu&#39;s premier gas chromatograph offers a modern approach to a classic chromatographic technique. Designed with the user in mind, new innovative features, exceptional performance and high-throughput capabilities will elevate your lab to the next level.
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Explore the innovative features which redefine the chromatography experience
</li>
<li>Introduction to Nexis GC-2030&#39;s world class precision which ensures the most reliable data
</li>
<li>Understand how the Nexis GC-2030 has fully customizable configurations for you to do more with less
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jackie (Product Specialist (GC &amp; GCMS), Shimadzu (Asia Pacific))
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
After graduating from the National University of Singapore, Jackie has garnered over 6 years of research, training and facilitation experience. Jackie meets scientists from various industries to share technical knowledge and collect feedback, understanding their problems and helping them find well-suited solutions in GC-related analyses.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: The Next Industry Standard GC: Nexis GC-2030

The Next Industry Standard GC: Nexis GC-2030

Shimadzu's Next Industry Standard GC, Nexis GC-2030.

The objective of this webinar is to guide GC users on GC column care &amp; troubleshooting.
Audience will learn about the ways to maintain GC column performance. Guidance to troubleshoot common issues in GC separation will be share in this webinar.
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Learning on maintaining GC column performance
</li>
<li>Troubleshooting common issues in GC separation
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Yap Siew Qi (Ph.D.) (Consumables Technical Specialist, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Yap Siew Qi is Consumables Technical Specialist at Shimadzu Asia Pacific. She joined the company after obtaining her PhD from National University of Singapore. At Shimadzu, she is responsible for the technical support of consumables in chromatography and spectroscopy. The products include GC/LC columns, UV cuvettes, vials and accessories. Her responsibilities include technical support of sales/engineers, customer support and producing applications.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: GC Columns Care & Troubleshooting

GC Columns Care & Troubleshooting

Learn about the ways to maintain GC column performance. Guidance to troubleshoot common issues in GC separation.

This is the second in our series of webinars on fundamental concepts in gas chromatography.
This session will cover:
<ul>
<li>Different types of GC columns
</li>
<li>The different column dimensions and their relevance
</li>
<li>Column phases and polarity
</li>
<li>Column temperature ranges
</li>
</ul>
This series is perfect for anyone currently using GC, who&#39;d like to understand more about the technique, the hardware and the data produced. It&#39;s also suitable for anyone who is new to GC and who&#39;d like to understand more about it. If you missed the first session, we strongly recommend you watch it first.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Andrew Clissold (GC/GC-MS Business Manager, Shimadzu UK Limited)
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Introduction to Gas Chromatography: Different Types of Columns and Their Relevance

Introduction to Gas Chromatography: Different Types of Columns and Their Relevance

Different types of GC columns. The different column dimensions and their relevance. Column phases and polarity. Column temperature range.

Introduction to Gas Chromatography: Columns

This is the first of a series of webinars on fundamental concepts in gas chromatography.
This first session will cover:
<ul>
<li>Principles of gas chromatography
</li>
<li>Uses of gas chromatography
</li>
<li>Hardware overview
</li>
<li>Carrier gases
</li>
</ul>
This series is perfect for anyone currently using GC, who&#39;d like to understand more about the technique, the hardware and the data produced. It&#39;s also suitable for anyone who is new to GC and who&#39;d like to understand more about it.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Andrew Clissold (GC/GC-MS Business Manager, Shimadzu UK Limited)
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Introduction to Gas Chromatography - Hardware Overview & Carrier Gases

Introduction to Gas Chromatography - Hardware Overview & Carrier Gases

Principles of gas chromatography. Uses of gas chromatography. Hardware overview. Carrier gases.

Introduction to Gas Chromatography: Hardware & Carrier Gases

Simple good practices for quality data including:
<ul>
<li>Sample prep and key accessories
</li>
<li>Attenuated Reflectance Accessory (ATR)
<ul>
<li>Overview
</li>
<li>Pros and Cons
</li>
<li>Tips for ATR analysis
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Environmental effects - CO2 and H2O
</li>
<li>Library search and precautions
</li>
<li>Micro analysis
<ul>
<li>Application examples</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

FTIR Tips and Tricks Webinar

This webcast will consist of two parts. Part 1 will start off with a basic introduction to UV/Vis/NIR integrating spheres.
We will then consider samples, such as plastic films and colored Spectralon®, that illustrate how sphere diameter can impact spectral accuracy in both reflectance and scatter transmission measurements. This section will conclude with a look at how sample surface texture and sample placement against the sphere’s port, can result in unusual artifacts in the spectra.
Part 2 will discuss two novel integrating sphere applications within the rapidly growing technology field of nanomaterials.
Carbon nanotubes constitute a large arena of products where UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy, employing an integrating sphere, is functional in both research and quality control. The webcast will conclude with a detailed look at the UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy of butterfly wings. The colors on most butterfly wings do not arise from either dyes or pigments, but from nanostructures that physically diffract, rather than absorb light. As such, they represent an interesting platform to investigate the potential for spectroscopic materials characterization of nanostructures attached to surfaces.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jeffrey L. Taylor, Ph.D. (Molecular Spectroscopy Guru, Industry Expert With Over 35 Years of Experience)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Jeffrey L. Taylor received his Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia College and State University with dual majors in Physiology and Organic Chemistry. He obtained a Master of Science degree from the University of Georgia in Toxicology and later a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the same school in Biochemistry and Spectroscopy.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
He has spent his career of over 35 years with major spectroscopy instruments manufacturers, mainly working as Field Product Specialist and Senior Staff Scientist. Areas of expertise include technical support of sales, customer support/training, applications design and development, software specification/evaluation, and instrumental design and evaluation. He is the author of numerous application notes, conference presentations and webcasts, and holder of several patents.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Taylor, although retired, maintains his desire to contribute to the field. He is currently a consultant for Shimadzu Scientific Instruments to assist with sales support, application support and development of web-based educational resources.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Sudhir Dahal, Ph.D. (Product Manager - Molecular Spectroscopy, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Sudhir Dahal is Product Manager of Molecular Spectroscopy group at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, USA. He joined the company after obtaining his PhD from University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), where he researched and collaborated on developing novel spectroscopy-based technique for brain tumor cell detection. At Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, he and his group are responsible for overall sales support of molecular spectroscopy products in North America, Central America and parts of South America. The products include UV-Vis-NIR, FTIR, Fluorescence spectrophotometers and accessories.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
His everyday responsibilities include, but are not limited to, teaching classes to sales/technical support engineers and customers, producing scientific literatures, researching new products and applications, representing Shimadzu at conferences and promoting the products through various marketing campaigns.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Plastic Films, Fabrics, Nano Particles, and Butterfly Wings: Novel, “Outside the Box”, Uses For UV/Vis/NIR Integrating Spheres

Plastic Films, Fabrics, Nano Particles, and Butterfly Wings: Novel, “Outside the Box”, Uses For UV/Vis/NIR Integrating Spheres

Basic introduction to UV/Vis/NIR integrating spheres. Two novel integrating sphere applications within the rapidly growing technology field of nanomaterials.

Plastic Films, Fabrics, Nano Particles, and Butterfly Wings

Most people think solutions in a cuvette when referring to spectrophotometers; however, in the world of materials characterization, rarely are solutions the primary sample.
Here the samples can be anything from solid, creams, gels, particle suspensions, films, and in some cases actual human beings (sunscreen characterization). These samples all have one thing in common, they are impossible to dilute. The materials characterization high performance spectrophotometer must have the ability to measure high absorbance values (8 to 10 absorbance units). Instrumental parameters that are crucial to measuring materials characterization samples are stray light, noise, resolution, and scan speed. In this presentation we will address how these inter-related parameters influence measurement success.
Most measurements for the above-mentioned samples are not of the simple transmission type. Reflection, both specular and diffuse, and scatter transmission measurements abound in the world of materials characterization. It is vital that the proper accessory be employed to match the measurement desired. This presentation will address the function of integrating spheres and how they can be used to measure both diffuse reflection and transmission. Also discussed will be the difference between a relative and absolute reflection measurement. Finally, an overview will be given of important accessories related to the materials characterization marketplace. Register now!
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jeffrey L. Taylor, Ph.D. (Molecular Spectroscopy Guru, Industry Expert With Over 35 Years of Experience)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Jeffrey L. Taylor received his Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia College and State University with dual majors in Physiology and Organic Chemistry. He obtained a Master of Science degree from the University of Georgia in Toxicology and later a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the same school in Biochemistry and Spectroscopy.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
He has spent his career of over 35 years with major spectroscopy instruments manufacturers, mainly working as Field Product Specialist and Senior Staff Scientist. Areas of expertise include technical support of sales, customer support/training, applications design and development, software specification/evaluation, and instrumental design and evaluation. He is the author of numerous application notes, conference presentations and webcasts, and holder of several patents.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Taylor, although retired, maintains his desire to contribute to the field. He is currently a consultant for Shimadzu Scientific Instruments to assist with sales support, application support and development of web-based educational resources.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Sudhir Dahal, Ph.D. (Product Manager - Molecular Spectroscopy, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Sudhir Dahal is Product Manager of Molecular Spectroscopy group at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, USA. He joined the company after obtaining his PhD from University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), where he researched and collaborated on developing novel spectroscopy-based technique for brain tumor cell detection. At Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, he and his group are responsible for overall sales support of molecular spectroscopy products in North America, Central America and parts of South America. The products include UV-Vis-NIR, FTIR, Fluorescence spectrophotometers and accessories.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
His everyday responsibilities include, but are not limited to, teaching classes to sales/technical support engineers and customers, producing scientific literatures, researching new products and applications, representing Shimadzu at conferences and promoting the products through various marketing campaigns.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: UV/Vis/NIR Spectroscopy in the Arena of Materials Characterization Research and Quality Control: How Instrumental Performance and Accessories Define Success

UV/Vis/NIR Spectroscopy in the Arena of Materials Characterization Research and Quality Control: How Instrumental Performance and Accessories Define Success

The function of integrating spheres and how they can be used to measure both diffuse reflection and transmission.

UV/Vis/NIR Spectroscopy in the Arena of Materials

As the world grapples with COVID-19 pandemic and plans for the aftermath, digitalization of laboratory workspace has become more urgent than ever before.
In the future, most scientists will be telecommuting - away from the laboratory – for data analysis and reporting. Time spent in the laboratory itself will be solely for the purpose of analysing samples and pushing data into a secure database to be retrieved remotely. In this 45-min webinar, we will be discussing Shimadzu’s Informatics solutions – how different workflow solutions will facilitate the digitalization of your laboratory workspace by connectng your laboratory instruments, saving the data as well as allowing remote access and control for the users.
Learning Objectives
<ul>
<li>Understand how your team can start preparing your laboratory to the New Normal with Informatics Solutions
</li>
<li>Explore technologies that allows remote access to your laboratory from anywhere
</li>
<li>Implement effective data management and increasing productivity &amp; compliance in laboratories
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Sateesh Tummala (Assistant Manager, IT &amp; Informatics, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Sateesh is associated with Shimadzu since beginning of his career. He started with technical support in India and expanded his scope for supporting ASEAN and South Asian countries. He has wide experience in Pharma domain and well versed with regulatory compliance guidelines. Sateesh is currently leading the informatics team in Shimadzu Asia Pacific, Singapore leading promotion and technical support of Shimadzu Informatics solutions and Caliber LIMS products in the region.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Digital Transformation of Laboratory Workspace – Enhancing Workflow with Analytical Intelligence

Digital Transformation of Laboratory Workspace – Enhancing Workflow with Analytical Intelligence

How different workflow solutions will facilitate the digitalization of your laboratory workspace by connectng your laboratory instruments.

Digital Transformation of Laboratory Workspace

There is currently a great deal of regulatory focus on data integrity, especially in the QC Laboratory.
This is causing pharmaceutical (and other) companies to re-examine their practices and processes and their use of analytical instruments and data management systems in order to not only assure data integrity, but to do so in a way that is capable of demonstrating compliance with international regulatory requirements.
This webinar will present on the topic of laboratory data integrity, examining this from the perspective of Laboratory Management, Supervisors and Technicians.
Topics covered will include:
<ul>
<li>What are the risks associated with a lack of data integrity and a background and overview of current and future regulatory trends
</li>
<li>Current regulatory guidance
</li>
<li>How risks to data integrity arise and what to do to address the cultural and technical risks
</li>
<li>How modern laboratory instruments and data management systems can assure technical compliance with data integrity requirements
</li>
<li>Intended Audience: Laboratory Data Owners (Managers) and Data Stewards (Laboratory Supervisors and Technicians).
</li>
</ul>
By viewing this webinar you will learn:
<ul>
<li>Why data integrity is important in assuring product quality and patient safety
</li>
<li>Why there is a significant focus on data integrity amongst international regulators
</li>
<li>Key steps to take to assure data integrity in the laboratory
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: David Stokes (Principal Consultant and Director, Convalido Consulting Ltd, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UK)
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Assuring Laboratory Data Integrity in a Time of Enhanced Regulatory Oversight

Assuring Laboratory Data Integrity in a Time of Enhanced Regulatory Oversight

Laboratory data integrity, examining this from the perspective of Laboratory Management, Supervisors and Technicians.

Assuring Laboratory Data Integrity

By automating the links between CDS and LIMS, a lab cam increase productivity and reduce errors.
Agilent has multiple ways to help labs do this for Agilent CDS systems as well as non-CDS data sources. This talk will give an overview of tools that help labs achieve bi-directional direct integration of sample information and results from Agilent CDS plus other sources and LIMS.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Ute Bober (Informatics Division, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Ute Bober is a Product Owner for the Software and Informatics Division at Agilent Technologies, where she focuses on delivering, maintaining and marketing software for effective laboratory workflow management. Ute has more than 20 years of professional experience in informatics. She started her career as an analytical research chemist and soon took the opportunity to develop towards software and informatics by working in field support, product management and product marketing at Hewlett Packard and Agilent Technologies. Since 2013 she is bringing here knowledge into the field of technical marketing where she currently owns the Sample Scheduler for OpenLab.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Increase Throughput and Reduce Errors by Automating LIMS Connectivity

Increase Throughput and Reduce Errors by Automating LIMS Connectivity

Overview of tools that help labs achieve bi-directional direct integration of sample information and results from Agilent CDS plus other sources and LIMS.