<p><strong>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.</strong></p><h3><strong>Understanding PFAS and Their Health Impacts</strong></h3><p>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.</p><h3><strong>Documented Health Effects</strong></h3><p>Current scientific research has linked PFAS exposure to numerous adverse health outcomes:</p><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><p>A 2023 study linked PFAS-contaminated water with up to a <strong>33% increase in cancer incidence</strong> 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.</p><h3><strong>Environmental Persistence and Contamination</strong></h3><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><h3><strong>Current Detection Methods</strong></h3><h4><strong>EPA Standardized Methods</strong></h4><p>The<strong> Environmental Protection Agency (EPA</strong>) has developed several standardized methods for PFAS detection, each with specific applications and capabilities:</p><h5><strong>EPA Method 533</strong></h5><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/epa-533-drying-down-pfas-samples-after-spe"><strong>EPA Method 533</strong></a> focuses on "short chain" PFAS with carbon chain lengths of<strong> C4 to C12</strong>. Released in December 2019, this method complements Method 537.1 and includes several key features:</p><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><strong>EPA Method 537/537.1</strong></h5><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/sample-concentration-epa-method-537-pfas-determination"><strong>EPA Method 537 </strong></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:</p><ul><li>Uses<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/what-is-solid-phase-extraction-spe"><strong> solid phase extraction (SPE) </strong></a>and<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/preparing-samples-for-lc-ms/ms-analysis"><strong> liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)</strong></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><p>Together, Methods 533 and 537.1 can detect a total of <strong>29 unique PFAS compounds in drinking water </strong>and are approved for monitoring under the fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) and the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation [1] [3].</p><h5><strong>EPA Method 1633</strong></h5><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/preparing-diverse-sample-matrices-for-epa-method-1633"><strong>EPA Method 1633</strong></a>, released in 2024, represents a significant advancement in PFAS analysis:</p><ul><li>Developed for the analysis of <strong>40 PFAS compounds </strong>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><strong>Conventional Analytical Techniques</strong></h4><p>The gold standard for PFAS analysis involves chromatographic techniques coupled with mass spectrometry:</p><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><p>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.</p><h4><strong>Emerging Detection Technologies</strong></h4><p>Several innovative approaches are being developed to address the limitations of conventional methods:</p><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><p>These emerging technologies aim to provide more accessible, field-deployable, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional laboratory-based methods.</p><h3><strong>Challenges in PFAS Detection</strong></h3><h4><strong>Analytical Challenges</strong></h4><p>Detecting PFAS presents several technical challenges:</p><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><strong>Global Disparities in Detection Capabilities</strong></h4><p>Access to PFAS detection technology varies significantly worldwide:</p><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><strong>Regulatory Landscape and Compliance</strong></h4><p>The regulatory framework for PFAS is evolving rapidly worldwide:</p><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><p>These regulations are driving demand for more effective and accessible PFAS detection methods to ensure compliance and protect public health.</p><h3><strong>Future Directions in PFAS Detection</strong></h3><h4><strong>Technological Advancements</strong></h4><p>The future of PFAS detection lies in developing more accessible, sensitive, and comprehensive methods:</p><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><strong>Collaborative Approaches</strong></h4><p>Addressing the global challenge of PFAS detection requires coordinated efforts:</p><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><strong>Conclusion</strong></h3><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><span>Be sure to check out our other installments of our&nbsp;</span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/introducing-our-environmental-contaminants-series-making-sense-of-the-alphabet-soup"><span>Environmental Contaminant Series</span></a><span>&nbsp;covering&nbsp;</span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/the-importance-of-detecting-persistent-organic-pollutants-pops"><span>Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)</span></a><span>,&nbsp;</span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/the-importance-of-detecting-polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbons-pahs"><span>Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)</span></a><span>,&nbsp;</span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/the-importance-of-detecting-semi-volatile-organic-compounds-svocs"><span>Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs)</span></a><span>, and </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/the-importance-of-detecting-polychlorinated-biphenyls-pcbs"><span>Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)</span></a><span>.</span></p>

The Importance of Detecting Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

<p><strong>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 </strong><i><strong>ACS Nano</strong></i><strong>.</strong></p><p><i>“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,” </i>explains <strong>Martin Pumera of CEITEC Brno University of Technology</strong>.</p><p><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"></p><p>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.</p><p><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"></p><p>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.</p><p><i>“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,”</i> adds Martin Pumera. The team is currently discussing potential applications of the technology with a major European brewery.</p><p><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"></p><p>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.</p><p><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"></p>

 CEITEC Microrobots Could Speed Up Beer Production and Food Quality Control 

<p><strong>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).</strong></p><p>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.</p><h4><strong>In this episode, we discuss:</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>The Laboratory Throughput Crisis:</strong> 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><strong>The Battle Against Background Contamination:</strong> 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><strong>Complex Matrices (Seafood &amp; Packaging): </strong>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><strong>Global Regulatory Shifts:</strong> 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><strong>The "Grand Challenge" of Unknowns: </strong>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><strong>PFAS Destruction vs. Remediation:</strong> &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><p>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.</p><h3><strong>Video Transcription</strong></h3><h4><strong>Michelle Taylor: PFAS Testing Is Becoming a Much Bigger Analytical Challenge</strong></h4><p><strong>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.</strong></p><p>Taylor leads editorial content for <strong>Labcompare</strong>, 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.</p><p>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.</p><h4><strong>From drinking water to seafood</strong></h4><p>One of the most memorable findings for Taylor came during production of the second documentary, which focused on PFAS in food.</p><p>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.</p><p>Seafood also demonstrates why PFAS testing can become analytically difficult.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><h4><strong>How laboratories are handling the PFAS sample burden</strong></h4><p>The analytical sensitivity now required for PFAS testing presents another challenge: laboratories may need to measure compounds at <strong>parts-per-trillion levels</strong> while processing growing numbers of samples.</p><p>Automation has therefore become increasingly important, particularly during sample preparation, where repetitive manual procedures can otherwise create a major bottleneck.</p><p>Taylor also described a <strong>tiered analytical strategy</strong> 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><h4><strong>When the laboratory itself becomes a source of PFAS</strong></h4><p>At trace concentrations, contamination introduced during sample preparation or measurement can become comparable to the concentration being determined.</p><p>This makes the materials used throughout the analytical workflow particularly important.</p><p>Taylor emphasized that PFAS laboratories must maintain continuous awareness of potential contamination from <strong>solvents, water, tubing, containers, and other laboratory components</strong>. Equipment containing fluoropolymers such as PTFE may be problematic in certain PFAS workflows because background contamination can contribute to false positives or elevated blanks.</p><p>As detection limits move lower, dedicated PFAS-compatible or fluoropolymer-free laboratory equipment becomes increasingly valuable.</p><p>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.</p><p>For laboratories already dealing with demanding workflows and large sample loads, eliminating potential contamination before it occurs can save considerable troubleshooting time.</p><h4><strong>Food packaging could drive the next major wave of testing</strong></h4><p>PFAS concerns are not limited to the food itself.</p><p>The interview also examined <strong>food-contact materials</strong>, 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.</p><p>For contract laboratories, this creates the possibility of another significant increase in demand for compliance and migration testing.</p><p>Taylor’s recommendation is straightforward: laboratories should follow proposed regulations before they become final.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>A national standard could eventually follow that transition.</p><h4><strong>One sample, two regulatory environments</strong></h4><p>International food exporters face another complication: <strong>PFAS requirements are not necessarily the same between the United States and European Union</strong>.</p><p>Taylor noted that laboratories serving both markets may effectively need to operate under a dual-compliance model.</p><p>In the interview, she highlighted EU requirements targeting specific PFAS—including <strong>PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, and PFHxS</strong>—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.</p><p>For laboratories supporting international customers, this means more than simply selecting a different reporting limit.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><h4><strong>Total fluorine screening can help laboratories decide what to analyze next</strong></h4><p>Targeted LC-MS/MS methods are highly sensitive, but they only measure compounds included in the analytical panel.</p><p>This creates an important question: <strong>what about fluorinated substances that are present but are not included in the targeted method?</strong></p><p>The interview discussed <strong>EPA Method 1621</strong>, 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.</p><p>Such screening can also become part of a tiered workflow.</p><p>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.</p><p>Non-targeted high-resolution mass spectrometry can add another layer by revealing compounds outside conventional target lists.</p><p>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.</p><h4><strong>PFAS analysis is becoming a data problem too</strong></h4><p>High-resolution mass spectrometry can generate enormous datasets containing signals from large numbers of known and unknown compounds.</p><p>As a result, Taylor believes the role of the analytical chemist is changing.</p><p>Strong laboratory skills remain essential, but scientists increasingly need <strong>data literacy</strong> 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.</p><p>Taylor does not see this change primarily as replacing scientific expertise.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>There is another potential advantage beyond speed.</p><p>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.</p><h4><strong>Finding PFAS is only the first half of the problem</strong></h4><p>For years, much of the PFAS discussion has focused on answering two questions:</p><ul><li><strong>Are PFAS present, and how much is there?</strong></li></ul><p>The next challenge is considerably harder: <strong>how do we actually remove or destroy them?</strong></p><p>Taylor described this as an expanding research field that will increasingly involve analytical laboratories.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Consequently, laboratories studying PFAS destruction must do more than measure disappearance of the original compound. They also need to determine whether <strong>fluorinated transformation products or other byproducts remain</strong>.</p><p>Analytical chemistry therefore has two roles: monitoring PFAS contamination and demonstrating whether remediation technologies truly destroy the substances they are intended to remove.</p><h4><strong>The PFAS problem is expanding beyond water and food</strong></h4><p>The first two Labcompare documentaries focused primarily on <strong>water and food</strong>, two matrices already receiving substantial regulatory and public attention.</p><p>But Taylor does not expect the story to end there.</p><p>If Labcompare produces another PFAS documentary, she sees <strong>PFAS in air</strong> 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.</p><p>The progression illustrates how quickly the PFAS field is expanding.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><h4><strong>An analytical field that is still changing rapidly</strong></h4><p>Perhaps the strongest theme running through the interview is that PFAS analysis has no fixed endpoint yet.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>That makes preparation particularly important.</p><p>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.</p><p>The analytical problem is no longer simply detecting a group of “forever chemicals.”</p><p>It is becoming a much larger question of <strong>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.</strong></p><blockquote><p><strong>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.</strong></p></blockquote><blockquote><h4><strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</strong></h4><p>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!</p><p>You can find <strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast </strong>in podcast apps:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185"><strong>Apple podcast</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography"><strong>podscan</strong></a></li></ul><p>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos"><strong>YouTube channel</strong></a></p></blockquote>

PFAS in Water, Food & Packaging: Michelle Taylor on the "Forever Chemicals" Documentary Series

Article

Scientists

Environment

Food

Water

Interview

Science and research

Video

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.

CEITEC

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

Organomation

Mestrelab Mnova Gears – Chrom Best Method software

Chrom Best Method is a vendor agnostic tool that can seamlessly screen and compare several chromatographic methods, then suggest the one that is more likely to yield a pure compound.

<h3><strong>Automated solution for selection of the optimal separation method</strong></h3>
<p>Data processing and comparison between different chromatographic methods can quickly form a bottleneck when large amounts of data is generated, particularly when multiple different instruments are involved.</p>
<p><strong>Chrom Best Method</strong> is a vendor-agnostic tool that can seamlessly <strong>screen and compare several chromatographic methods</strong>, then suggest the one that is more likely to yield a pure compound. Chrom Best Method <strong>automates LC-MS data processing</strong>, <strong>target and impurity identification</strong>, <strong>method scoring</strong>, and <strong>report generation</strong>, to provide quick, smart, and robust answers, whilst still allowing for full review and overriding of results to accommodate users’ needs.</p>
<p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Mestrelab_Research_Mestrelab_Mnova_Gears_Chrom_Best_Method_software_Find_the_best_separation_conditions_for_your_compounds_with_Chrom_Best_Method_7d0d3f9805.jpg" alt="Mestrelab Research: Save time and money – find the best separation conditions for your compounds with Chrom Best Method!"/></p>
<blockquote>
<h3><a href="http://www2.mestrelab.com/l/271522/2024-03-25/3nwskj"><strong>Visit MestreLab Research Mnova Gears – Chrom Best Method product page to learn more!</strong></a></h3>
</blockquote>
<h3><strong>Chrom Best Method Benefits</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Effective, <strong>vendor-neutral analysis and comparison of your LC-MS data from different instruments</strong> in one software package.</li>
<li>Seamless <strong>evaluation of several methods</strong> for many targets in a single run, which accommodates <strong>HT experimentation</strong>.</li>
<li>Meaningful <strong>method scores</strong> based on your criteria, preferences, and operational requirements.</li>
<li>Substantial <strong>reduction in the time spent</strong> on manual analysis and creation of reports.</li>
<li>Effective <strong>result visualization and interpretation</strong>, enabling quick and confident decision making.</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Mestrelab_Research_Mestrelab_Mnova_Gears_Chrom_Best_Method_software_2_8cff8a724b.jpg" alt="Mestrelab Research: Mestrelab Mnova Gears – Chrom Best Method software"/></p>
<h3><strong>Chrom Best Method Features</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Automated data preparation, analysis, and reporting of results</strong></li>
<li>Comprehensive <strong>method scoring</strong> that generates meaningful results</li>
<li>Powerful target <strong>peak assignment options</strong> and <strong>detection of impurities</strong></li>
<li><strong>Multiple ways to provide target information</strong> (using a structure, dataset file name, mapping file, or parameters)</li>
<li><strong>Flexible ion matching and analysis options</strong> that fit multiple-use cases</li>
<li>Optimized <strong>algorithm for chiral screening</strong></li>
<li>Possibility to <strong>screen methods on different targets in a single run</strong></li>
<li><strong>Manual review</strong> by exception of scoring and <strong>ability to override results</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Mestrelab_Research_Mestrelab_Mnova_Gears_Chrom_Best_Method_software_ccc0c0e0ad.jpg" alt="Mestrelab Research: Mestrelab Mnova Gears – Chrom Best Method software."/></p>
<h3><strong>Purification Workflow</strong></h3>
<h4><strong>More Automation</strong></h4>
<p>Looking for an enterprise-level solution for improving your purification and data management procedures? Check the <a href="http://www2.mestrelab.com/l/271522/2024-03-25/3nwskm"><strong>Fraction Analysis</strong></a> and <a href="http://www2.mestrelab.com/l/271522/2024-03-25/3nwskq"><strong>Quality Control</strong></a> bricks that also run in full automation with Mgears. You have the complete flexibility to combine and adapt these solutions to your standard procedures to reap even more benefits to your organization.</p>
<p><a href="http://www2.mestrelab.com/l/271522/2024-04-10/3p2gsh"><strong>Contact us</strong></a> for more information.</p>
<p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Mestrelab_Research_Mestrelab_Mnova_Gears_Chrom_Best_Method_software_4_f25f63daa7.jpg" alt="Mestrelab Research: Mestrelab Mnova Gears – Chrom Best Method software"/></p>
<h3><strong>Markets</strong></h3>
<p>Academic, Government &amp; Industrial</p>
<h4><strong>Who should be using Chrom Best Method?</strong></h4>
<p>Organic chemists, analysts, QC experts, and researchers using quantitative chromatographic methods for quality control, concentration/purity determination, or monitoring/optimization of reactions in one of the following markets and applications:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Pharmaceutical / Drug development industry</p>
</li>
<li><p>Food &amp; Beverage industries</p>
</li>
<li><p>Personal care and Cosmetics</p>
</li>
<li><p>Fine chemical synthesis industries</p>
</li>
<li><p>Polymer industries</p>
</li>
<li><p>Academic research laboratories</p>
</li>
<li><p>Contract Research Organizations (CROs) offering purification services</p>
</li>
<li><p>Compound purification for subsequent use in studies or commercialization</p>
</li>
<li><p>Isolation of unknown impurities in finished products, natural products, or in the environment for structural disclosure, study, etc.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Chiral separation to remove unwanted enantiomers obtained during organic synthesis</p>
</li>
</ul>


Waters Xevo MRT QTof Mass Spectrometer

Achieve exceptional science with the Xevo™ MRT Mass Spectrometer—100K resolution at 100 Hz, sub-ppm accuracy, and confident identification for greater lab productivity.

<h3><strong>Delivering Performance and SPEED</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Resolution AND Speed Without Compromise</strong></li></ul><p><strong>Whether you’re in academia or industry achieve exceptional science - 100% of the time with the Xevo™ MRT Mass Spectrometer. This state-of-the art QTof delivers 100K resolution at 100 Hz with sub ppm mass accuracy for confident identification and greater productivity in your lab.</strong></p><h4><strong>Delivering performance at speed</strong></h4><p>The high resolution and mass accuracy of the Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer are independent of acquisition rate. Working at maximum resolution ensures you can resolve analytes in complex matrices, providing comprehensive, high accurate mass data for scientific interpretation.</p><h4><strong>Increase compound identification confidence</strong></h4><p>Probe deeper at biologically relevant concentrations with high levels of mass accuracy. Search tolerances can be minimized resulting in efficient data review, improving turnaround times for increased lab productivity.</p><h4><strong>Connected solutions</strong></h4><p>A complete workflow for metabolomics, lipidomics, and metabolite identification through market leading chemistry and cutting-edge, informatics ensures your lab is operating with maximum efficiency – reducing the time to result.</p><h4><strong>Exceptional science - every day</strong></h4><p>System performance is critical. From instrument stability and robustness for extended studies to precision measurements in every injection, innovative multi reflecting time-of-flight technology delivers high quality experimental outcomes for every lab, every day.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Xevo_MRT_Hmotnostni_spektrometr_1_63e746d310.jpg" alt="Waters Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Xevo_MRT_Hmotnostni_spektrometr_1_63e746d310.jpg 244w," sizes="100vw" width="1119" height="715"></p><h3><strong>Extraordinary Performance</strong></h3><h4><strong>Without compromises</strong></h4><h5><strong>Exceptional science for every lab, scientist, problem, question, and sample… Solved</strong></h5><p>The exceptional combination of high mass resolving power of 100,000 FWHM and mass accuracy of &lt;500 part per billion (ppb) of the Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer are achieved independent of acquisition rates, up to 100Hz. Maximum performance, matched to throughput levels that matter for complex and challenging analyses, increases statistical power and confidence in results.</p><h5><strong>Feeling trapped?</strong></h5><p>Unlike other high-resolution MS technologies, multi-reflecting time-of-flight delivers mass resolution consistent over a broad m/z range independent of scan speed, even at the fastest acquisition rates for MS and MS/MS data, ensuring confident identification of analytes across a range of samples and matrices – an ideal solution for metabolite profiling and discovery.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Xevo_MRT_Mass_Spectrometer_Extraordinary_Performance_d8879eda23.jpg" alt="Waters Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer: Extraordinary Performance." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Xevo_MRT_Mass_Spectrometer_Extraordinary_Performance_d8879eda23.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1309" height="774"></p><h3><strong>Connected Solutions</strong></h3><h4><strong>From advanced chemistry to flexible informatics</strong></h4><p>Make meaningful scientific discoveries more efficient with dedicated workflows combining column chemistries, separations, and informatics with the exceptional data quality of the Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer. The waters_connect™ platform allows you to process and report your data in the way that you want. Whether using a Waters supported solution or exporting data via mzML to custom scripted workflows, we have you covered.</p><h4><strong>The Xevo MRT mass spectrometer readily integrates with your existing pipeline and workflow strategy</strong></h4><p>Waters has partnered with Mass Analytica™ (mass-analytica.com) and their market leading metabolomic, lipidomic, and metabolite identification software packages, MARS, Lipostar2, and MassMetaSite, respectively. Through either the waters_connect Application Programming Interface (API) or via mzML*, there is the option for you to transfer your data into the relevant software package for statistical interpretation and identification of analytes.</p><p>The DATA Convert Application within the waters_connect Platform enables you to convert to and export mzML file formats, ensuring a seamless integration of technology and informatics for every lab.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Xevo_MRT_Hmotnostni_spektrometr_6_d0fc257136.jpg" alt="Waters Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer: Connected Solutions." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Xevo_MRT_Hmotnostni_spektrometr_6_d0fc257136.jpg 236w," sizes="100vw" width="1212" height="802"></p><p>The waters_connect platform provides flexible data processing options, either using third-party applications via the waters_connect API or conversion of data sets to mzML file format via DATA Convert.&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Unlocking a New Level of Confidence&nbsp;</strong></h3><h4><strong>By bringing an analytical powerhouse to every lab</strong>&nbsp;</h4><p>To meet the most challenging analytical problems that you experience head on, Waters has taken cutting edge technology that was pioneered in the SELECT SERIES™ MRT, scaling the raw power and resolution at speed into a compact flexible, benchtop platform.</p><h4><strong>The MRT Xevolution</strong></h4><p>The Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer has been engineered to deliver high-end technology into a benchtop platform to solve your most challenging problems. The novel acquisition system, with dual gain analogue-to-digital converter, delivers long term system stability over a high dynamic range, ensuring exceptional quality data with consistent robustness and reproducibility.</p><p>The 4 m flight path with a total of 8 reflections within the MRT mass analyzer, achieves 100,000 FWHM resolution at scan rates of up to 100 Hz - for ultimate MS/MS performance.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Waters_Xevo_MRT_Hmotnostni_spektrometr_Schema_2448b0bc8d.jpg" alt="Waters Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer: The Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer schematic. ​" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Waters_Xevo_MRT_Hmotnostni_spektrometr_Schema_2448b0bc8d.jpg 236w," sizes="100vw" width="1199" height="794"></p>

Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer

Move biomarker candidates from discovery to validation more efficiently, confidently, and at lower cost with breakthroughs in extended scale, massive throughput, higher sensitivity, greater specificity, and unrivaled productivity.

<div><div id="container-a1c36dfacf"><div><div><div id="text-913638046"><p><strong>A new paradigm for targeted quantitation.&nbsp;Move biomarker candidates from discovery to validation more efficiently, confidently, and at lower cost with breakthroughs in extended scale, massive throughput, higher sensitivity, greater specificity, and unrivaled productivity.</strong></p><p>The Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer introduces revolutionary technology combining robust quantitation with the specificity of rapid full scan MS<sup>n</sup>&nbsp;acquisition creating unrivaled improvements in laboratory productivity.</p><div><div id="text-801893275"><h3><strong>Expanded experimental capabilities to meet the most challenging biomarker verification</strong></h3></div></div><div><div id="container-1e8e478f3a"><div><div><div id="text-1204752335"><p>The Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer offers an array of data acquisition capabilities to deliver robust and reproducible quantitation for a wide range of analytes across an extended dynamic range.</p></div></div></div></div></div><h4><strong>System highlights</strong></h4><div><div id="container-a89a56f063"><div><div><div id="text-451891225"><h5><strong>Improve ionization efficiency for more compounds at higher LC flow rates&nbsp;</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-1671602085"><p>For a wider range of compounds separated using liquid chromatography operated at analytical flow rates, the Stellar Mass Spectrometer comes equipped with the Thermo Scientific OptaMax Plus Ion Source, which can deliver higher vaporizer temperatures to improve desolvation and ionization potentials.</p></div></div></div></div></div><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1290/725;" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Pragolab_Thermo_Scientific_Stellar_revolucni_hmotnostni_spektrometr_SF_Sys_Opta_Max_c303cf500a.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer - SF Sys OptaMax" width="1290" height="725"></figure><div><div id="container-d79c3b2946"><div><div><div id="text-251514658"><h5><strong>Spend less time on instrument set-up and focus on the science</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-989104128"><p>Trigger on-demand or scheduled system calibrations remotely and without disruption to your LC-MS system with the integrated Auto-Ready ion source.</p></div></div></div></div></div><div><div id="container-81dd07c9bb"><div><div><div id="text-1289282711"><h5><strong>Improve ion utilization by extending the capabilities of the new collision cell</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-1641484825"><p>The ion concentrating routing multipole (ICRM) is a curved collision cell performing both beam-type fragmentation (HCD) and precursor/product ion accumulation capabilities as controlled by dynamic automatic gain control (AGC) with synchronized ion packet release to the high-pressure linear ion trap for downstream manipulation or detection.</p></div></div></div></div></div><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1290/725;" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Pragolab_Thermo_Scientific_Stellar_revolucni_hmotnostni_spektrometr_SF_Sys_ICRM_3b2326f3af.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer - SF Sys ICRM" width="1290" height="725"></figure><div><div id="container-dbf5a6cdd9"><div><div><div id="text-813962034"><h5><strong>Efficiently manage ion populations for fast and sensitive analysis</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-2033771024"><p>The&nbsp;hyper-fast dual-pressure linear ion trap mass analyzer expands analytical capabilities while maximizing fast, high-quality data acquisition.</p><p>The differential neutral pressures maintained in the high- and low-pressure linear ion traps prepares ions for higher-order manipulation or fast and sensitive ion ejection at scan rates up to 220 kDa/S, but typically operates at 125 kDa/S for robust data acquisition.</p></div></div></div></div></div><div><div id="container-9a523f34e0"><div><div><div id="text-1491120095"><h5><strong>Extended analytical capabilities to increase laboratory productivity</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-328051555"><p>The high-pressure linear ion trap maximizes ion packet manipulation enabling multi-notch RF excitation for dissociation or ejection for SIM, higher order MS<sup>n</sup>, SPS MS<sup>3</sup>, or data-independent acquisition (DIA) to address the most challenging quantitative experiments.&nbsp;</p><div><div id="container-82e5907416"><div><div><div id="text-693866740"><h5><strong>Leverage single ion detection sensitivity to address the most challenging quantitation demands</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-737565098"><p>Efficient and sensitive ion detection drives improved quantitative performance at scale. The dual conversion dynode configuration coupled to the photomultiplier tube detects ca. 84% of trapped ions for single ion sensitivity.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:2048/1152;" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Pragolab_Thermo_Scientific_Stellar_hmotnostni_spektrometr_SF_Sys_Extended_Scale_750dc20128.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer - SF Sys Extended Scale" width="2048" height="1152"></figure><div><div id="text-1993749933"><h5><strong>Automated intelligence manages tMSn acquisition</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-1206797739"><p>Streamline tMSn method creation and data acquisition management. PRM Conductor software effectively and efficiently creates robust targeted quantitative methods and manages reproducible data acquisition and processing.</p></div></div><div><div id="container-b03b606507"><div><div><div id="text-2005266584"><h5><strong>Maximize data completeness with the Adaptive RT routine</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-671832198"><p>Eliminate the cost and time of optimizing RT kits to the study samples to boost timed/scheduled data acquisition performance using the Adaptive RT routine.</p><p>The method leverages a novel real-time mapping routine to dynamically adjust timed/scheduled data acquisition windows at narrower time intervals to eliminate missing values that compromise data quality.&nbsp;</p></div></div></div></div></div><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1290/654;" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Pragolab_Thermo_Scientific_Stellar_revolucni_hmotnostni_spektrometr_SF_Sys_PRM_Conductor_5b596e7e4c.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Scientific Stellar Mass Spectrometer - SF Sys PRM Conductor" width="1290" height="654"></figure><div><div id="container-a192ba4b83"><div><div><div id="container-38d4c699d2"><div><div><div id="text-1578189934"><h5><strong>Industry-leading polarity switching speeds increase laboratory productivity</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-1173595596"><p>Reduce the time, cost, and challenges associated with creating and implementing highly multiplexed quantitative metabolite analysis. Fast polarity switching speeds enable comprehensive compound interrogation in +ESI and -ESI at all MS<sup>n</sup> levels on an LC timescale.</p><div><div id="container-b5fb525888"><div><div><div id="text-18006314"><h5><strong>Environmentally friendly dry pumps decrease energy usage and maintenance</strong></h5></div></div><div><div id="text-1704557304"><p>Changing from two oil-based fore pumps to a single dry pump reduces heat output by 22% and decreases maintenance.</p><p>The use of a single dry pump also eliminates oil vapors and the need for oil checks and changes.</p><h3><strong>Solutions for additional research support</strong></h3><div><h4><strong>Translational proteomics</strong></h4><p>The Stellar Mass Spectrometer offers new possibilities for translational proteomics with improved specificity for greater quantitative performance at scale.</p><h4><strong>Quantitative proteomics</strong></h4><p>Accurate and precise quantitation for label-free and TMT multiplexing sample analysis strategies with the Stellar Mass Spectrometer.</p><div><h4><strong>Metabolomics and Lipidomics</strong></h4><p>Extended analytical capabilities quantify more metabolites and lipids with greater specificity using faster liquid chromatography gradients to increase laboratory productivity.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Quantitative analysis of proteins (Bioanalytic) 

In our laboratory, proteomic analyses, including quantitative analysis of proteins, are performed by HPLC-MS or HPLC-MS/MS methods on a ZenoTOF 7600 high-resolution mass spectrometer (SCIEX).

<p><strong>Quantitative analysis of proteins is important in many industries and applications. Proteins include a diverse group of compounds that participate in virtually every biological process. Proteins are building blocks, hormones, transport molecules, cell receptors, cell growth and differentiation factors. Because of this, the analysis of protein interactions is crucial in drug design and production.</strong></p><p>Proteins are macromolecules - the basis of their structure are polypeptide chains containing from 100 to more than 10000 amino acids (10 - 100 kDa). Proteins are found in simple and complex forms. Complex proteins contain a non-protein component (sugar, lipids, metal ions or dyes) in their structure.</p><p>In our laboratory, proteomic analyses, including quantitative analysis of proteins, are performed by HPLC-MS or HPLC-MS/MS methods on a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=52&amp;search=ZenoTOF+7600"><strong>ZenoTOF 7600</strong></a> high-resolution mass spectrometer (SCIEX). We process the obtained results using Sciex OS, Spectronaut, Skyline software.</p><h4><strong>MS vs MS/MS</strong></h4><p>Quantitative analysis of intact protein (whole protein in intact form) leads to the concentration (determined from a prepared curve from a standard (with or without matrix) and confirmation of the identification by superimposing (on a mirrored basis) the MS spectrum of the protein determined in the sample to the MS spectrum of the standard. For your needs, we can generate a list of protein-structured compounds (impurities) that were identified in the sample and determine the ratio of their signal area to the signal area of the analyzed protein.</p><p>The result of proteomic quantitative peptide analysis allows precise and much more sensitive determination of protein concentration. The analysis is based on MS/MS data obtained for peptides obtained by digestion with proteolytic enzymes. The reported result consists of the concentration of the protein under study and confirmation of its presence based on the determined amino acid sequence. For such analyses, it is recommended to add standards internal standards.</p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:22px;"><strong>Our offer:</strong></span></p><ul><li>For proteins and peptides with low masses - intact analysis with MS detection;</li><li>Proteins with masses &gt;20kDa require optimization of the digestion method and MS/MS detection. This results in specific signals from the analyzed protein in the mixture/matrix;</li><li>From complex matrices (including serum, cell culture, fungal suspension), sample analysis involves several steps:&nbsp;<ul><li>Sample purification;</li><li>Digestion to obtain unique peptides to distinguish the analyzed proteins from other proteins in the sample;</li><li>Sample preparation requires appropriate method optimization and validation (let's set validation criteria individually);</li></ul></li><li>Reported quantitative result includes confirmation of the presence of the protein in native form or a peptide derived from it (usually confirmation includes at least two peptide sequences);</li><li>Statistical analysis using tools: MarkerView (PCA), GraphPad Prism, Trends, Sciex OS.</li></ul><p><i>To optimize and validate the method, it is necessary to provide a standard, in the case of proteins with high masses - it is recommended to add an internal standard.</i></p><p>See also:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labexperts.com.pl/service/identyfikacja-bialek/"><strong>Protein identification</strong></a><strong>,</strong></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1296"><strong>Analysis and characterization of monoclonal antibodies</strong></a><strong>.</strong></li></ul></blockquote><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bioanalytic_Bioanalytic_Quantitative_analysis_of_proteins_1_de494646f2.jpg" alt="Bioanalytic: Quantitative analysis of proteins." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Bioanalytic_Bioanalytic_Quantitative_analysis_of_proteins_1_de494646f2.jpg 200w," sizes="100vw" width="777" height="606"></p>

Identification of the substance – what is in your sample? (Bioanalytic)

We are able to identify metabolites and products of chemical reactions, contaminants of biological and chemical substances and preparations, and perform profiling of a series of samples to study the kinetics of transformations.

<h4><strong>Substance Identification - Looking for answers to what's in your sample? - we can help you.</strong></h4><p>Substance identification based on LC-MS/MS techniques can involve single compounds or mixtures of substances. In our analyses, we rely primarily on the knowledge and skills we have acquired after many years of work. For analysis, we use full laboratory facilities for sample preparation and high-resolution mass spectrometry (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labexperts.com.pl/o-nas/">equipment</a>).</p><p>We use different work algorithms depending on the material we are dealing with and the analytical task to be solved. We use DDA (IDA) or DIA (SWATH) methods or targeted approaches (e.g. MRMhr) if we know what to expect. Thus, we are able to identify metabolites and products of chemical reactions, contaminants of biological and chemical substances and preparations, and perform profiling of a series of samples to study the kinetics of transformations.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bioanalytic_Bioanalytic_Identification_of_the_substance_what_is_in_your_sample_2_0f425a648b.jpg" alt="Bioanalytic: Identification of the substance – what is in your sample" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Bioanalytic_Bioanalytic_Identification_of_the_substance_what_is_in_your_sample_2_0f425a648b.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1881" height="1156"></p><h4><strong>COST OF SERVICE</strong></h4><p>We determine the cost of the service individually. The final cost is influenced by many factors related to the nature of the sample itself and the client's expectations. Thus, the price depends, among other things, on the complexity of the sample preparation procedure, the scope and number of analyses, etc.</p><p><strong>The service includes (depending on individual arrangements):</strong></p><h5><strong>Development of sample preparation procedure</strong></h5><ul><li>Depending on the matrix and test substances.</li></ul><h5><strong>Development of analytical methods</strong></h5><ul><li>Application of high-resolution LC-MS/MS analyses using DDA (IDA) or DIA (SWATH) experiments and software to support the development of targeted screening methods.</li></ul><h5><strong>Analysis of results includes:</strong></h5><ul><li>finding and identifying the substances of interest, interpreting MS/MS spectra and proposing a structural formula.</li><li>Comparative analysis of sample series, e.g. PCA,</li><li>profiling of analytes in sample series</li></ul><h5><strong>Reporting of results</strong></h5><ul><li>Compile results into easy-to-read reports.</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bioanalytic_Bioanalytic_Identification_of_the_substance_what_is_in_your_sample_3_c1b8adc1d0.jpg" alt="Bioanalytic: Identification of the substance – what is in your sample" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Bioanalytic_Bioanalytic_Identification_of_the_substance_what_is_in_your_sample_3_c1b8adc1d0.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1919" height="1208"></p>

Characteristics of monoclonal antibodies (Bioanalytic)

At LabExperts, proteomic analyses are performed on a ZenoTOF 7600 high-resolution LC-MS/MS system (SCIEX). For MS/MS analyses, we use Collision induced dissociation (CID) and Electron-Activated Dissociation (EAD) fragmentation.

<p><strong>Antibodies are molecules made up of 4 polypeptide chains: two heavy (H - high-chain) linked to each other by a specific type of chemical bond - a disulfide bridge, and two light (L - light-chain) linked by an identical bond to the heavy chains. Monoclonal antibodies (mABs) are used in various forms - as free molecules, in the form of a drug-antibody combination, and in the form of an immunoconjugate, a drug-antibody-biopolymer combination.</strong></p><p>Their main use is in highly specific targeted therapy for cancer, cardiovascular, autoimmune and nervous system diseases. They are also used in the treatment of osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease or transplantation. The range of applications of monoclonal antibodies is systematically expanded. The introduction of a new antibody to the market requires complex product characterization, which involves numerous proteomic analyses, which are performed by LC-MS/MS techniques, among others.</p><h4><strong>LC-MS/MS</strong></h4><p>The characterization of monoclonal antibodies involves many aspects, including, but not limited to, a suite of analyses related to confirmation of the structure, chain sequence and degree of modification of the antibody. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are chemical changes that occur after the translation process. These changes generally result in an increase in the immunogenicity of the drug. For this reason, it is essential to monitor modifications as critical quality attributes (CQAs) during both the production and storage of the drug. To ensure monitoring of CQA points, the primary structure of the protein is characterized based on peptide mapping (peptide mapping) analysis. The protein under study is subjected to proteolytic digestion using enzymes such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, Lys-C, Glu-C. As a result of various proteolytic enzymes, a wide range of peptides is obtained. Ultimately, coverage of the entire sequence of the protein under study is obtained.</p><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1536/947;" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bioanalytic_Bioanalytic_Characteristics_of_monoclonal_antibodies_3_d94fa1623b.jpg" alt="Bioanalytic: Characteristics of monoclonal antibodies." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Bioanalytic_Bioanalytic_Characteristics_of_monoclonal_antibodies_3_d94fa1623b.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1536" height="947"></figure><p>At LabExperts, proteomic analyses are performed on a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=52&amp;search=ZenoTOF+7600"><strong>ZenoTOF 7600</strong></a> high-resolution LC-MS/MS system (SCIEX). For MS/MS analyses, we use Collision induced dissociation (CID) and Electron-Activated Dissociation (EAD) fragmentation. This provides us with data for unambiguous identification of protein-building amino acids. We process the results using Sciex OS, Skyline and Spectronaut software.</p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:22px;"><strong>We perform:</strong></span></p><ul><li>Whole protein analyses - Intact - to determine the exact mass and confirm the theoretical mass;</li><li>N-glycosylation profile determination (based on MS spectrum reconstruction):<ul><li>Glycosylated form;</li><li>Deglycosylated;</li><li>Glycosylated with reduced disulfide bridges;</li><li>Deglycosylated with reduced disulfide bridges.</li></ul></li><li>Peptide maps:<ul><li>Protein digestion with various proteases so that sequence coverage is close to 100%<ul><li>Analysis of PTMs:</li><li>Location of modifications</li></ul></li><li>[%] of modifications compared to the unmodified sequence</li></ul></li><li>TiPOS testing - (technical proof of similarity) - technical confirmation of the similarity of the protein synthesized by the customer (from several LOTs) with the target protein (provided as a template).</li></ul><p>In order to maintain the highest possible analytical standards, we perform monoclonal antibody analyses under the regime of an internally developed and implemented laboratory quality system based on GLP principles.</p><p>See also our other proteomics services: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labexperts.com.pl/service/identyfikacja-bialek/"><strong>Protein identification</strong></a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1294"><strong>Protein quantitative analysis</strong></a></p></blockquote><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bioanalytic_Bioanalytic_Characteristics_of_monoclonal_antibodies_2_cb93143fe6.jpg" alt="Bioanalytic: Bioanalytic Characteristics of monoclonal antibodies." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Bioanalytic_Bioanalytic_Characteristics_of_monoclonal_antibodies_2_cb93143fe6.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1536" height="908"></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bioanalytic_Bioanalytic_Characteristics_of_monoclonal_antibodies_1_0e8ab7cdfa.jpg" alt="Bioanalytic: Bioanalytic Characteristics of monoclonal antibodies." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Bioanalytic_Bioanalytic_Characteristics_of_monoclonal_antibodies_1_0e8ab7cdfa.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1536" height="858"></p>

Analysis of Anabolic steroids (Bioanalytic)

We offer a highly specific and sensitive qualitative analysis of a wide profile of anabolics by LC-HR-MS/MS technique (detection limits range from 0.01 to 5 ng/ml, depending on the substance).

<h4><strong>Anabolic substances in urine</strong></h4><p>The effect of anabolic steroids (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anabolic_steroid"><strong>more information</strong></a>) is to stimulate the growth of muscle mass and sometimes also bone mass by stimulating protein synthesis or altering calcium metabolism. This effect is often used in sports doping. However, anabolic steroids also have many side effects, as they strongly affect the body's overall hormonal balance.</p><p>Anabolic steroids used by purely recreational athletes are still not banned in most countries, including Poland. Nevertheless, their amateur use during adolescence often results in the inability to continue a professional sports career into adulthood or leads to hormonal imbalances in the body.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bioanalytic_Analysis_of_Anabolic_steroids_Bioanalytic_1_46fa2f41ca.jpg" alt="Bioanalytic: Analysis of Anabolic steroids." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Bioanalytic_Analysis_of_Anabolic_steroids_Bioanalytic_1_46fa2f41ca.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1200" height="740"></p><p>If you want to know whether and which anabolic substances are present in the samples of athletes, or you want to exclude doping in this area - use the offer carried out by us together with the company <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.lab4tox.pl/"><strong>Lab4Tox</strong></a>. We offer a highly specific and sensitive qualitative analysis of a wide profile of anabolics by LC-HR-MS/MS technique (detection limits range from 0.01 to 5 ng/ml, depending on the substance). The use of high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS and HR-MS/MS) in the analysis of anabolic steroids makes it possible to unequivocally confirm or exclude the presence of a given compound. The list of compounds at present includes:</p><ul><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Boldenone undecylenate</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Turinabol</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Drostanolone enanthate</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Drostanolone propionate</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Methandienone</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Methenolone acetate</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Methenolone enanthate</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Nandrolone phenylpropionate</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Oxandrolone</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Oxymetholone</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Stanozolol</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">5-alpha-DHT</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">6-beta-hydroxymethandienone</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">19-norandrosterone</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">3'-hydroxystanazolol</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">4-beta-hydrozystanazolol</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">17-alpha-trenbolone</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Testosterone caproate</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Testosterone cypionate</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Testosterone decanoate</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Testosterone enanthate</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Testosterone isocaproate</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Testosterone phenylpropionate</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Testosterone propionate</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Testosterone undecanoate</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Trenbolone acetate</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Testosterone</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Epitestosterone</span></li></ul><p><span class="ts-list-li-content">The list of compounds is not complete and will be systematically expanded according to customer needs.</span></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bioanalytic_Analysis_of_Anabolic_steroids_Bioanalytic_2_78729119b0.jpg" alt="Bioanalytic: Analysis of Anabolic steroids is carried out by us together with the company Lab4Tox." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Bioanalytic_Analysis_of_Anabolic_steroids_Bioanalytic_2_78729119b0.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="625" height="100"></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?category=54&amp;distributorItems=315"><span class="ts-list-li-content"><strong>Other analytical methods we offer</strong></span></a><span class="ts-list-li-content">.</span></p>

Analysis of Synthetic Peptide Hormones (Bioanalytic)

We offer highly specific and sensitive quantitative analysis of peptides by LC-MS/MS technique (LOQ < 1 ng/ml).

<h4><strong>Synthetic peptide hormones - a study of the purity of formulations and composition of dietary supplements.</strong></h4><p>In sports doping, small synthetic peptide hormones represent an increasingly attractive class of supplements for improving physical performance in amateur and professional athletes. Their use, depending on the type of peptide, is aimed primarily at building muscle tissue while intensifying fat reduction processes combined with the induction of the body's regenerative processes.</p><p>Do you want to be sure that the peptide you are using is in the product in the amount declared by the manufacturer? Or do you have doubts that the supplement you are using is contaminated with these compounds? If you are troubled by these or similar questions - feel free to contact us. We perform tests in cooperation with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.lab4tox.pl"><strong>Lab4Tox</strong></a>. We offer highly specific and sensitive quantitative analysis of peptides by LC-MS/MS technique (LOQ &lt; 1 ng/ml). At the moment, we analyze the following peptides:</p><ul><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">GHRP-2</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">GHRP-6</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">BPC-157</span></li><li><span class="ts-list-li-content">Melanotan-2</span></li></ul><p><span class="ts-list-li-content">The list of compounds is not complete and will be systematically expanded according to customer needs.</span></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bioanalytic_Analysis_of_Anabolic_steroids_Bioanalytic_2_78729119b0.jpg" alt="Bioanalytic: Analysis of Synthetic Peptide Hormones. We perform tests in cooperation withLab4Tox." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Bioanalytic_Analysis_of_Anabolic_steroids_Bioanalytic_2_78729119b0.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="625" height="100"></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?category=54&amp;distributorItems=315"><span class="ts-list-li-content"><strong>Other analytical methods we offer</strong></span></a><span class="ts-list-li-content">.</span></p>

Determination of nitrosamine content (Bioanalytic)

Our offer includes comprehensive development and validation of methods for determination of nitrosamines in pharmaceutical products. We perform the work according to the criteria and needs of the client based on the EMA note.

<p><strong>Determination of nitrosamines is one of the pharmaceutical industry's top priorities. After the presence of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was first reported in an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) mandated the identification and control of all APIs and finished products in which there is a risk of nitrosamines.</strong></p><p>The content of nitrosamines in drug products can be controlled primarily by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. More than that, a reliable analysis result in our offer consists of a well-chosen sample preparation procedure, a selective and sensitive analytical method, and the experience of the analyst, who selects the best method parameters at the optimization stage.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bioanalytic_Determination_of_nitrosamine_content_Bioanalytic_2_ce4f440837.jpg" alt="Bioanalytic: Determination of nitrosamine content." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Bioanalytic_Determination_of_nitrosamine_content_Bioanalytic_2_ce4f440837.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1536" height="1024"></p><p><strong>We have gained experience working with leading pharmaceutical companies.</strong> As part of our ongoing work, we have developed analytical methods for small-molecule nitrosamines of 70-150 g/mol. These compounds are mainly formed during manufacturing processes and depend on the presence and type of excipients (e.g. NDBA - N-nitroso-dibutylamine). We have also developed methods for determining molecules with higher nitrosamine drug substance related impurities (NDSRIs). In our work, we focus on achieving the highest possible sensitivity, selectivity and precision. To this end, we individually select the parameters of the methods depending on the composition of the drug and the expected nitrosamines. Due to the above criteria and the required detection limits, we perform nitrosamine impurity determinations using LC-MS/MS kits based on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=52&amp;search=QTRAP+5500%2B"><strong>QTRAP 5500+</strong></a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=52&amp;search=QTRAP+6500%2B"><strong>QTRAP 6500+</strong></a> mass spectrometers (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=55"><strong>SCIEX</strong></a>).</p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:22px;"><strong>Our offer</strong></span></p><p><strong>Our offer includes comprehensive development and validation of methods for determination of nitrosamines in pharmaceutical products.</strong> <strong>We perform the work according to the criteria and needs of the client based on the EMA note.</strong></p><p>At the stage of sample preparation, we focus on:</p><ul><li>obtaining the <strong>highest possible recovery</strong> of nitrosamines (matrix purification);</li><li><strong>limiting additional synthesis</strong> of impurities (selection of appropriate equipment and reagents);</li><li><strong>ensuring the stability</strong> of the sample prepared for LC-MS/MS analysis.</li></ul><p>During the optimization of the LC-MS/MS method, we solve such problems as:</p><ul><li>selection of an <strong>appropriate internal standard</strong>;</li><li><strong>separation of the impurity from the API</strong>;</li><li>obtaining the expected <strong>sensitivity of the analytical method</strong>.</li></ul><p><strong>Quantitative analysis of nitrosamines requires sensitivity, precision and accuracy, which we provide to our customers.</strong></p></blockquote><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bioanalytic_Determination_of_nitrosamine_content_Bioanalytic_1_d629e00e62.jpg" alt="Bioanalytic: Determination of nitrosamine content." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Bioanalytic_Determination_of_nitrosamine_content_Bioanalytic_1_d629e00e62.jpg 103w," sizes="100vw" width="1130" height="1710"></p>

Identification of the proteins (Bioanalytic)

We perform proteomic analyses on a state-of-the-art high-resolution ZenoTOF 7600 (SCIEX), in which the Zeno ion trap and EAD (Electron-Activated Dissociation) technology together make a powerful combination.

<p><strong>Protein identification is based on experimental measurement of peptide molecular weights and matching the amino acid sequence of the protein under study with protein sequences deposited in libraries (databases). Two approaches are most commonly used in proteomic studies: top-down and bottom-up. The top-down method involves analyzing full protein sequences. Bottom-up analyses, on the other hand, use digestion of proteins with proteolytic enzymes. The peptides obtained by digestion are analyzed using a mass spectrometer. Each analysis leads to a comparison of experimental data with data obtained by theoretical digestion of proteins described in the database.</strong></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bioanalytic_Identification_of_the_proteins_Bioanalytic_2_6231b73f0d.jpg" alt="Bioanalytic: Identification of the proteins." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Bioanalytic_Identification_of_the_proteins_Bioanalytic_2_6231b73f0d.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1536" height="766"></p><h4><strong>LC-MS/MS</strong></h4><p>Tandem mass spectrometers are commonly used to determine protein sequences. They allow ion selection of pseudomolecular peptides and then fragmentation and measurement of the masses of the resulting fragments. Fragmentation using <i>collision induced dissociation</i>(CID ) is an invaluable tool in targeted and untargeted MS/MS analysis of small molecules. It is important to note that in proteomic analysis, data obtained using the aforementioned fragmentation method may leave gaps. For example, spectra obtained by CID fragmentation do not allow unambiguous differentiation of some amino acids: leucine from isoleucine (identical molar masses and CID fragmentation) and lysine from glutamine (very similar masses). For this reason, we perform proteomic analyses on a state-of-the-art high-resolution <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=52&amp;search=+ZenoTOF+7600"><strong>ZenoTOF 7600</strong></a> (SCIEX), in which the Zeno ion trap and EAD (<i>Electron-Activated Dissociation</i>) technology together make a powerful combination. It enables the creation of unique fragments to differentiate problematic amino acids and increase the sensitivity and specificity of the analysis.</p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:22px;"><strong>We perform analyses of:</strong></span></p><ul><li>samples from solution;</li><li>samples from a gel;</li><li>samples from a complex matrix (by prior arrangement);</li><li>samples from lyophilizer;</li><li>samples previously prepared by the client.</li></ul><p>Qualitative analysis of proteins includes:</p><ul><li>To confirm the presence of a protein, the sample is subjected to digestion and the result obtained from experimental data is compared with theoretical data;</li><li>Comparison of experimental data on the masses of peptides included in the analyzed protein with the protein sequences described in the database;</li><li>Analysis and identification of the protein mixture;</li><li>Identification of post translational modifications (PTMs) (we use the tools: Skyline, Spectronaut).</li><li>Reporting of the result including, but not limited to, confirmation of the coverage of the protein sequence obtained in the test sample with the theoretical protein and the list of modified peptides, location and % of modifications.</li></ul><p><span style="font-size:22px;"><strong>Comparative analyses include:</strong></span></p><ul><li>Determining the composition of mixtures;</li><li>Comparison and profiling of sample series - protein identification and trend analysis.</li></ul><p><span style="font-size:22px;"><strong>Our offer also includes</strong>:</span></p><ul><li>Support in the planning and execution of studies (the scope is determined individually);</li><li>Assistance in the development of extraction methods from complex matrices - biological fluids, plant tissue, animal tissues (the scope is determined individually);</li><li>Statistical analysis using tools: MarkerView (PCA), GraphPad Prism, Trends, Sciex OS;</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1294"><strong>Quantitative analysis of proteins</strong></a>;</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1296"><strong>Analysis and characterization of monoclonal antibodies</strong></a>.</li></ul></blockquote><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bioanalytic_Identification_of_the_proteins_Bioanalytic_1_97cf8c94b3.jpg" alt="Bioanalytic: Identification of the proteins." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Bioanalytic_Identification_of_the_proteins_Bioanalytic_1_97cf8c94b3.jpg 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1500" height="2000"></p>

Products focused on LC/MS - page 4

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