Oligonucleotide and mRNA Analysis Resource Roundup

What do chromatography, gemstones, rainbows and even cats have in common? At KNAUER’s latest Girls’ Day in Berlin, 15 schoolgirls explored exactly that question. Through a series of hands-on activities, they discovered how HPLC instruments are developed and manufactured, learned the basics of spectroscopy and chromatography, and met women working across science, engineering, product management and company leadership.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_1_A_student_observes_the_rainbow_spectrum_of_white_light_8ef24d9700.jpeg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 1 A student observes the rainbow spectrum of white light." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_1_A_student_observes_the_rainbow_spectrum_of_white_light_8ef24d9700.jpeg 228w," sizes="100vw" width="624" height="427"><h4>A Day to Explore STEM Careers</h4>Girls’ Future Day, widely known as Girls’ Day, gives schoolgirls across Germany an opportunity to experience professions in which women are still underrepresented. Instead of learning about careers only in the classroom, participants can spend a day inside companies, laboratories and technical workplaces and see what these jobs actually involve.KNAUER has participated in Girls’ Day for 17 years, and demand for places has become consistently high. The attraction is easy to understand: visitors do not simply listen to presentations. They can experiment, assemble components, talk directly with employees and discover how science and engineering are applied in everyday work.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_2_Hands_on_experience_and_wonder_at_Girls_Day_2025_98da525b3a.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 2 - Hands-on experience and wonder at Girls’ Day 2025: 13 interested girls assembled pump heads, learned what HPLC is, and how such equipment is developed" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_2_Hands_on_experience_and_wonder_at_Girls_Day_2025_98da525b3a.jpg 125w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="1280"><blockquote>“That moment when the girls realize, with sparkling eyes, just how cool science can be—that’s exactly why I love Girls’ Day. It’s worth every bit of the effort!” – Dr. Kristin Folmert, chemist and product manager at KNAUER</blockquote><h4>From Laboratory Instruments to a Wide Range of Careers</h4>At KNAUER wissenschaftliche Geräte GmbH, laboratory instrumentation is designed, developed, manufactured, tested and marketed from Berlin for customers around the world.That requires far more than chemists alone. The company brings together people working in mechanical production, logistics, media design, mechatronics, software development, science, product management and company management.For the participating girls, this offered a chance to meet women following very different career paths and to see that a technology company can provide opportunities across many disciplines.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_3_The_girls_learned_what_chromatography_and_HPLC_are_a7db4e8eb3.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 3 - The girls learned what chromatography and HPLC are, what they are used for, and how a UV/Vis detector works. They then built their own handheld spectroscope and experimented with white light and various color filters." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_3_The_girls_learned_what_chromatography_and_HPLC_are_a7db4e8eb3.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="609"><h4>Women in Science and Technology at KNAUER</h4>Women account for 37% of KNAUER’s workforce, with particularly strong representation in scientific and management positions. The company reports a gender pay gap of 1.84% for 2026, compared with an unadjusted German gender pay gap of 16% in 2025. Women also hold 44% of leadership positions at KNAUER, including several positions performed on a part-time basis.The company emphasizes practical measures intended to make technical careers accessible to a wider range of employees. These include flexible work models, support for childcare and technical solutions such as indoor cranes for handling heavy components.During Girls’ Day, these policies become less abstract. Participants meet scientists, engineers and managers who can describe how they entered their professions and how their careers developed.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_4_During_a_visit_to_the_equipment_development_department_scientist_Thy_Vu_talks_about_her_career_at_KNAUER_3bd9af2786.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 4 - During a visit to the equipment development department, scientist Thy Vu talks about her career at KNAUER. She wrote her bachelor’s thesis here and then worked as a student assistant in development during her master’s program. Subsequent to completing her master’s degree, she accepted a permanent position at KNAUER in the development department. Today, she is developing the pump drive of the future and tells the fascinated girls which gemstones are used in such a pump (sapphires and rubies)." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_4_During_a_visit_to_the_equipment_development_department_scientist_Thy_Vu_talks_about_her_career_at_KNAUER_3bd9af2786.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="614"><h4>Role Models and First-Hand Career Insights</h4>Several KNAUER employees are also involved in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13080121/">International Women in Chromatography</a>, a network supporting women and non-binary professionals working in chromatography.Throughout the day, the students encountered women at different stages of their careers: from university students and young scientists to experienced product managers, developers and Managing Director Alexandra Knauer.The message was not simply that STEM careers are available to women, but that scientific and technical work can take many forms. Networking, curiosity, willingness to ask questions and confidence in one’s own abilities were recurring themes throughout the event.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_5_A_girl_works_intently_and_with_great_care_on_her_spectroscope_ed94a2a049.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 5 - A girl works intently and with great care on her spectroscope. None of the girls glance at their phones; they are all polite, and many feel comfortable asking questions openly. We are very excited about this generation of bright young talents." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_5_A_girl_works_intently_and_with_great_care_on_her_spectroscope_ed94a2a049.jpg 127w," sizes="100vw" width="405" height="496"><h4>Learning HPLC by Doing</h4>The scientific part of the day began with the basic principles of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).To make separation easier to understand, the group first experimented with light and heavy balls inside a large glass column. From there, the discussion moved to the individual components of an HPLC system.One analogy compared an HPLC instrument with the human body: the pump moves liquid much like the heart circulates blood, separation takes place in the column, and the detector observes the separated compounds through their interaction with light.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_6_The_HPLC_and_its_various_modules_depicted_as_human_organs_855ab67aac.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 6 - The HPLC and its various modules, depicted as human organs." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_6_The_HPLC_and_its_various_modules_depicted_as_human_organs_855ab67aac.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1210" height="670"><h4>Building a Spectroscope and Seeing Light Differently</h4>Each participant then constructed a small handheld spectroscope.The task required both careful reading and manual dexterity, particularly when fitting the delicate lens. Working together, the girls quickly developed better ways to complete the assembly—a small example of how real development projects evolve through cooperation and continuous improvement.Once finished, the spectroscopes revealed the spectrum of white light as a rainbow together with visible spectral features. Colored filters placed between the light source and the spectroscope then demonstrated how absorption changes the observed spectrum.This connected the practical activity with concepts introduced earlier in the day: visible light, wavelength, absorption and how optical signals eventually become peaks in HPLC detection.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_7_A_11_year_old_girl_gazes_fascinated_at_her_rainbow_4f713de2ae.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 7 - A 11-year-old girl gazes fascinated at her rainbow and notices that while all the colors are visible, some areas are brighter while others are quite dark. “Is the spotlight not pure white, or is my spectroscope absorbing light?” Such clever questions arise when girls are encouraged to explore things for themselves." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_7_A_11_year_old_girl_gazes_fascinated_at_her_rainbow_4f713de2ae.jpg 200w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="800"><h4>Inside Instrument Development and Manufacturing</h4>The program then moved from theory into KNAUER’s production environment.In the mechanical manufacturing area, participants saw CNC machines and robotic systems producing precision components for laboratory instruments. They could watch parts of an HPLC pump head taking shape directly from metal components and learn why accurate machining is essential for reliable instrument performance.<blockquote>“This is like science fiction!” – Mariko Stahr, Girls’ Day participant</blockquote>In the development department, engineer Thy Vu demonstrated her work on pump-drive technology and explained how developers investigate parameters such as motor torque. The girls were also able to handle some of the materials used inside an HPLC pump.One detail generated particular interest: components made from sapphire and ruby. This opened a discussion about material properties, crystal structures and why instrument developers benefit from understanding chemistry as well as engineering.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_8_Thomas_Mueller_explains_to_the_girls_how_CNC_machines_mill_the_housing_for_a_pump_head_bd714b9b50.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 8 - Thomas Müller explains to the girls how CNC machines mill the housing for a pump head from a block of metal and why precision is crucial in this process. On the left is one of the robotic arms that continues working even at night, allowing employees to focus solely on daytime work and more demanding tasks. " srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_8_Thomas_Mueller_explains_to_the_girls_how_CNC_machines_mill_the_housing_for_a_pump_head_bd714b9b50.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1278" height="468"><h4>Assembling a Real HPLC Pump Head</h4>The final practical station brought the participants into instrument assembly.Each girl was given the opportunity to assemble a pump head herself. The work proved more demanding than it initially appeared, requiring both hands to coordinate several components accurately.With guidance from KNAUER training supervisor Ronald Berger, the participants completed their assemblies before each pump head underwent a final technical check to verify that the pistons moved correctly.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_9_A_girl_is_screwing_the_check_valve_with_the_check_valve_holder_i_cf84fb4375.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 9 - A girl is screwing the check valve with the check valve holder into the pump head. Everything is then tightened using a torque wrench." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_9_A_girl_is_screwing_the_check_valve_with_the_check_valve_holder_i_cf84fb4375.jpg 179w," sizes="100vw" width="376" height="327">The day concluded with lunch and another opportunity to speak with Managing Director Alexandra Knauer, who has long supported initiatives intended to improve the visibility of women and encourage young people to consider STEM careers.Participants received certificates and “I love HPLC” bags with small gifts before leaving KNAUER with their own impressions of what a future in science and technology could look like.<h4>So Where Do the Cats and Rainbows Come In?</h4>The rainbow seen through a spectroscope provides a simple demonstration of the same basic optical principle used in many analytical measurements.When white light is dispersed, its different wavelengths become visible as a spectrum. If part of that light is absorbed by an object or substance, the resulting spectrum changes. Measuring which wavelengths are absorbed can therefore reveal information about the material interacting with the light.The article illustrates the idea with a deliberately simple example: a cat sitting in front of a light source may absorb most of the light, but its silhouette still provides information about what is blocking the beam.Similarly, analytical detectors can obtain information about molecules by measuring how they interact with light.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/KNAUER_Figure_10_The_cat_actually_absorbs_all_the_light_af8452f58d.jpg" alt="KNAUER: Figure 10 - The cat actually absorbs all the light, but its outline still lets us know that there’s a fluffy cat sitting there. In HPLC, a[SD5.1] molecule’s light absorption also tells us a great deal about its identity. " srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_KNAUER_Figure_10_The_cat_actually_absorbs_all_the_light_af8452f58d.jpg 236w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="676">The same principle also helps explain the colors of evening sunlight. When sunlight travels through a longer path in the atmosphere, shorter-wavelength blue light is scattered more strongly, leaving proportionally more of the longer-wavelength red and orange light reaching the observer.For the students at KNAUER, concepts such as these transformed HPLC and spectroscopy from abstract scientific terminology into something they could build, observe and discuss themselves.And that is ultimately the purpose of Girls’ Day: to show young people that science and technology are not distant subjects confined to textbooks, but fields full of practical questions, creative problem solving and possible future careers.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun With KNAUER – A Girls' Day Full of Rainbows

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezLCMS Library in the week of 21st September 2026? Check out new documents from the field of liquid phase, especially HPLC and LC/MS techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT LCMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezICPMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you application notes by KNAUER and Shimadzu, technical note by Thermo Fisher Scientific and poster by Waters Corporation / SOFT!<h3>1. KNAUER: Precise Catechin Profiling in Various Types of Tea</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/pdf/VFD_0198_knauer_precise_catechin_profiling_in_various_types_of_tea_d607cde5ba.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Fresh tea leaves contain high concentrations of catechins, which have many beneficial properties. These include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as antimicrobial effects, and it is even claimed that they have the potential to prevent cancer [1]. In addition, the taste and mouthfeel of a tea strongly depend on its catechin profile. The catechin content of tea leaves varies based on cultivation area, age and variety, as well as on how they are fermented, processed and packed. Therefore, the catechin content is an important marker for the quality of tea.&nbsp;The analysis of catechins can be challenging. The structural similarity of the catechin isomers and other closely related compounds result in similar behavior and a difficult separation (Fig. 1). Catechins possess many phenolic hydroxyl groups, which are prone to secondary interactions, like hydrogen bonding. Classical as well as highly endcapped C18 columns offer only limited retention and selectivity for catechins. Therefore, the KNAUER column portfolio has been expanded to include a pentafluorophenyl (PFP)-modified stationary phase (Eurospher II 100-3 PFP column 50 x 2 mm). It offers optimal separation of the catechins based on hydrophilic, hydrophobic and π-π-interactions. The column withstands acidic eluents (pH 1.5–10) as well as 100 % aqueous conditions, which are beneficial for the retention of hydrophilic compounds. The KNAUER Gradient Prediction Tool assisted with the challenging method development which is described in detail in the TechNote “The Gradient Prediction Tool: Method Development for the Separation of Catechins from Tea”. Here, the application of the optimized method for the identification and quantification of catechins in tea extracts is shown. The seven compounds specified in ISO-14502-2 (2005), as well as two additional catechins known as (+)-gallocatechin and (–)-gallocatechin gallate, were quantified.<h4>MATERIAL AND METHODS</h4><ul><li>Pump: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/2374">P8.1L</a>; high pressure gradient&nbsp;</li><li>Liquid Handler: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/1454">LH 8.1L </a>With FastWash station, and Robotic cooler. Loop: 20 µl.</li><li>Thermostat: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/2376">CT 2.1L&nbsp;</a></li><li>Detector: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/2424">DAD 6.1L&nbsp;</a></li><li>Flow cell: Analytical LightGuide flow cell (50 mm, 6 µl)&nbsp;</li><li>Software: ClarityChrom 10.1</li></ul><h4>CONCLUSION&nbsp;</h4>The application note demonstrates the reliable separation and quantification of catechins and caffeine in tea extracts using the new KNAUER PFP column. Using an optimised gradient predicted with the KNAUER Gradient Prediction Tool, nine tea-related compounds were separated in under 23 minutes. The tested tea samples showed different catechin content highlighting how strongly tea composition depends on the product type and processing.<h3>2. Shimadzu: New Derivatization Method for Quantitative Analysis of Δ⁹-THC-COOH in Urine</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/pdf/an_01_01215_en_c98174629b.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h5>User Benefits</h5><ul><li>The risk of limited availability of stable isotope-labeled standards can be avoided by synthesizing internal standards through derivatization.&nbsp;</li><li>The derivatizing agent IPPAH and its corresponding stable isotope IPPAH-d6 can be synthesized easily and inexpensively from acetone (or acetone-d6).&nbsp;</li><li>This approach achieves sufficient sensitivity and quantitative accuracy for the determination of Δ⁹-THC-COOH in urine.</li></ul>In Japan, the Cannabis Control Act and the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act were amended in December 2024. While cannabis was legalized for industrial and medical uses, stricter cannabis regulations have been enacted to prevent harm from its abuse. The primary psychoactive cannabinoid, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC), is extensively metabolized in the body and is excreted mainly in urine and feces as 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (Δ⁹-THC-COOH) and its glucuronide conjugates. Consequently, Δ⁹-THC-COOH must be analyzed to confirm cannabis use. For LC-MS/MS quantitation, the stable isotope-labeled internal standard Δ⁹-THC-COOH-d3 is commonly used to correct for matrix effects. However, most suppliers of stable isotope standards are located in the U.S., making these standards difficult to obtain due to import procedures. Furthermore, there may be additional importrelated supply risks for stable isotope standards in the future.&nbsp;This Application News describes a technique for quantitating Δ⁹-THC-COOH using an internal standard that is synthesized easily and inexpensively by derivatization with IPPAH (1- isopropylpiperidine carboxylic acid hydrazide), which characteristically reacts with carboxyl groups, and its corresponding stable isotope IPPAH-d6.<h4>Analysis Conditions&nbsp;</h4>LC-MS/MS analysis conditions are shown in Table 1. The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/lcms/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=Nexera+XR">Nexera XR</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/lcms/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=LCMS-8050">LCMS-8050 systems</a> were used.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>Derivatization with IPPAH and its stable isotope analog, IPPAHd6, enabled the simple and inexpensive preparation of an internal standard. This approach provides sufficient sensitivity and accuracy for the determination of Δ⁹-THC-COOH in urine. Most stable isotope-labeled standards are supplied by foreign manufacturers, creating a risk of delays or difficulties in procurement due to import/export regulations. By synthesizing the internal standard through derivatization, this risk can be minimized.<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: High-throughput quantitative proteomics with Evosep Eno and the Orbitrap Astral Zoom Mass Spectrometer</h3><ul><li>Technical note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/pdf/tn_004544_ov_astralzoom_evosepeno_htp_proteomics_tn004544_na_en_f31db9084e.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>High-throughput proteomics is a critical enabling technology for large clinical studies, high-content drug screening, and systems biology research, allowing for comprehensive and quantitative analysis of complex proteomes across large sample cohorts within practical timeframes. As biological and translational studies expand in scale and complexity, the ability to generate deep and reproducible proteome measurements across thousands of samples has become increasingly essential for robust biomarker discovery, network-level systems modeling, and downstream analyses. In these contexts, accurate and precise protein quantitation must be maintained without sacrificing throughput, placing stringent demands on the performance and robustness of both LC instruments and mass spectrometers.&nbsp;To meet these increasing analytical demands, the Evosep Eno was developed as a high‑throughput LC system that combines robustness, ease of use, and highly reproducible chromatography. It offers six standardized methods: 30, 60, 100, 200, 300, and 500 samples per day (SPD), allowing users to select the throughput that aligns best with their study goals.1 These predefined methods ensure consistent gradient delivery, highly stable retention times, and reproducible system performance across instruments and laboratories.2 By reducing LC‑related variability and simplifying everyday operation, the Evosep Eno offers a strong and consistent foundation for large‑scale proteomics workflows, particularly those relying on short gradients and high reproducibility required for downstream quantitative analysis.<h4>Experiment</h4><h5>Instrumentation&nbsp;</h5><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/lcms/library?mainauthorItems=291&amp;search=evosep+eno">Evosep Eno&nbsp;</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/1959">Orbitrap Astral Zoom Mass Spectrometer&nbsp;</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/2464">Thermo Scientific™ EASY-Spray™ Ion Source&nbsp;</a></li><li>Evosep™ Pod for EASY-Spray Ion Source</li></ul><h5>Software&nbsp;</h5><ul><li>Biognosys Spectronaut® 19.7 software&nbsp;</li><li>MacCoss Lab Software Skyline-Daily V25.1</li></ul><h4>Summary&nbsp;</h4><h5>Seamless and easy integration for high-throughput proteomics&nbsp;</h5>Evosep Eno integrates seamlessly with the Orbitrap Astral Zoom Mass Spectrometer, supported by EASY-Spray source-compatible columns, emitters, and the Evosep Pod column oven for a simple, streamlined, high-throughput workflow.&nbsp;<h5>Deep proteome coverage at 500 SPD&nbsp;</h5>Optimized MS parameters for the standard 500 SPD Evosep Eno gradient enabled identification of more than 6,500 protein groups and 71,000 modified peptides from three replicates of 200 ng Pierce HeLa Digest/PRTC Standard.<h5>Reproducible quantitation across standard gradients&nbsp;</h5>Across all standard Evosep Eno gradients, the workflow delivered highly reproducible label-free quantification, with median protein group %CVs at or below 5.2%, while identifying more than 10,500 protein groups and 190,000 modified peptides from five replicates of 200 ng Pierce HeLa Digest/PRTC Standard at 30 SPD.&nbsp;<h5>Robust chromatography at ultra-high throughput&nbsp;</h5>Chromatographic performance remained stable and robust at 500 SPD, with nearly 100 consecutive runs showing PRTC retention time standard deviations below 0.4 seconds and a median of 6 DPPP.&nbsp;<h5>Strong linearity for confident quantitation&nbsp;</h5>Quantitative performance remained strong at 500 SPD, with PRTC peptides showing excellent linearity across the active gradient (R² &gt;0.98) when spiked from attomolar to femtomolar concentrations.<h3>4. Waters Corporation / SOFT: COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF HIGH RESOLUTION MASS SPECTROMETRY ACQUISITION STRATEGIES FOR THE DETECTION AND ANALYSIS OF ILLICIT DRUG SUBSTANCES</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/pdf/720009592_0bd2b5ee6a.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><div><div><section><div><div><div><div><div><div>The poster compares two high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry acquisition strategies for toxicology screening: targeted Tof-MRM and data-independent Tof-MSE, both implemented on a Waters <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/1148">Xevo MRT MS</a> coupled to an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/199">ACQUITY UPLC I-Class FTN PLUS System</a>. The aim was to determine whether these approaches could meet routine service requirements for drug testing while also broadening the number of substances that can be detected beyond conventional targeted panels. Urine samples were prepared across a wide concentration range for 20 target analytes, and the methods were also applied to 20 anonymized authentic urine samples.Both workflows used a 15-minute LC separation on an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/1952">ACQUITY HSS C18 column</a> under positive electrospray ionization. In the targeted Tof-MRM mode, selected precursor ions were isolated and fragmented, with quantifier and qualifier ions monitored for sensitive quantitative analysis. In contrast, Tof-MSE operated in a data-independent mode, alternating between low and elevated collision energies to collect accurate-mass precursor and fragment-ion information for a broad range of compounds. Data were processed in the waters_connect platform using MS Quan for Tof-MRM and UNIFI with the Waters Toxicology Library, containing more than 2,100 drugs and metabolites, for Tof-MSE.The targeted Tof-MRM method provided the highest sensitivity, with limits of detection ranging from 0.05 to 0.5 ng/mL in fortified urine. The broader Tof-MSE workflow achieved LODs of approximately 0.5 to 5 ng/mL. When both strategies were applied to authentic urine samples, they showed excellent qualitative agreement. Importantly, Tof-MSE detected additional compounds outside the predefined target panel, including commonly encountered medications, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and illicit drug substances that would not have been captured by the targeted method alone.Overall, the study shows that Tof-MRM can deliver sensitivity comparable to conventional tandem-quadrupole LC-MS/MS for targeted urinary drug analysis, while Tof-MSE adds broader sample characterization and retrospective screening capability. Used together, the two acquisition strategies provide a flexible approach that combines sensitive quantification of predefined analytes with expanded screening for unexpected or previously untargeted drug substances in complex biological samples.</div></div></div></div></div></div></section></div></div>

News from LabRulezLCMS Library - Week 39, 2026

Article

Application

Popularization

Science and research

Poster

A unique company dedicated to serving science helping our customers drive productivity and accelerate results. Through our premier brands – Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

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Based in Berlin, KNAUER is a medium-sized, owner-managed company that has been serving the sciences since 1962. We develop and manufacture scientific instruments of superior quality for liquid chromatography, including: Analytical HPLC/UHPLC, Preparative HPLC, Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC), Multi-column chromatography/Simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography. High pressure dosing, in-line detection systems, and osmometry are additional business areas.

KNAUER

The Analytical Scientist

Agilent Technologies

Technology Networks

Bruker

SelectScience

Waters Corporation

<ul>
<li>Discuss what GC-MS/MS is and what applicaitons it is used for (Dioxins, POPs, etc.)
</li>
<li>Transition into an overview of APGC as a solution
</li>
<li>Discuss challenges or limitations of the current GC/MS/MS technology
</li>
<li>Share why using nitrogen as a carrier gas for GC/MS/MS analysis is optimal
</li>
</ul>
Webinar Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Understanding GC-MS/MS and Its Applications:- Discuss the principles of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and its role in analytical chemistry.- Explore specific applications of GC-MS/MS, including its use in detecting dioxins, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and other environmental contaminants.
</li>
<li>Introduction to APGC (Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography):-. Provide an overview of Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography (APGC) as an alternative solution to traditional GC-MS/MS.- Highlight the advantages and unique features of APGC, such as improved sensitivity, reduced matrix effects, and enhanced selectivity.
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<li>Challenges and Innovations in GC-MS/MS Technology:- Identify the current challenges and limitations faced by GC-MS/MS technology.- Discuss recent innovations and advancements aimed at overcoming these challenges.- Emphasize the importance of using nitrogen as a carrier gas for GC-MS/MS analysis, considering its inertness, availability, and compatibility with various detectors.
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</ul>
<blockquote>
Prtesenter: Frank Dorman (Senior Principal Market Development Mgr, Waters Corporation)
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Frank Dorman is currently Senior Principal Market Development Manager for Waters focusing on their global environmental business and, concurrently, a Resident Scholar in the Chemistry Department at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH where he is active in teaching analytical chemistry to undergraduates and graduate students.
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In his role at Waters, Frank manages the research-focused environmental market, external collaborations, and interfaces with R&amp;D for new product development. Prior to this, Frank was an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) sat Penn State University in University Park, PA. At Penn State, Frank served as a member of the Graduate Faculty in: Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology (BMMB), Chemistry (CHEM), Biogeochemistry (BGC) and the Forensic Science Program (FRNSC) and the Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis. Franks scientific interests are in gas and liquid chromatography and fundamental characterization, instrumentation and column development, as well as mass spectrometry and atomic spectroscopy as applied to trace analysis in complex sample matrices.
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Presenter: Sarah Dowd (Principal Mass Spectrometry Applications Specialist, Waters Corporation)
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Sarah Dowd joined Waters as a mass spectrometry application specialist in 2015 after earning her PhD in analytical chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
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In her eight years at Waters in the Americas application lab, Sarah has collaborated with many customers looking to expand the MS capabilities of their laboratories with Water&#39;s instruments and software. Specializing in analyses in food, environmental, and polymeric materials characterization, she has done extensive work looking at environmental contaminants with tandem quadrupole and high resolution mass spectrometers.
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One of the hot topics for the past couple of years is the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and Sarah has collaborated with customers and other scientists within Waters to guide the next phase of PFAS testing with Waters mass spectrometry systems.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: APGC Roundtable: Unveiling the Pathways of GC-MS/MS Evolution

APGC Roundtable: Unveiling the Pathways of GC-MS/MS Evolution

Discuss what GC-MS/MS is and what applicaitons it is used for (Dioxins, POPs, etc.)

APGC Roundtable: Unveiling the Pathways of GC-MS/MS Evo

In this part of the course we will deal with sample preparation: why, how and which sample preparation is the most suitable for the target analyte?SPE, LLSE, or syringe filter?&nbsp;<blockquote>Presenter: Shaun Pritchard (Product Specialist Liquid Phase Separations, Agilent Technologies)Shaun Pritchard is a Product Specialist for separation products at Agilent Technologies covering the UK and Ireland. He started his career in 1989 working at a large Pharmaceutical company holding a number of roles, this is where he became passionate about HPLC finally in 1998 he took the leap to leave the lab and move to the commercial side of things and has had a number of roles within the industry until 2017 he joined Agilent.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: HPLC Beginner Webinar Series

Sample Preparation in HPLC

Why, how and which sample preparation is the most suitable for the target analyte?

Join us for an insightful webinar where we will explore the critical aspects of differentiating good from bad data and how this distinction can significantly influence your results. From screening to quantification, discover the value of targeted data analysis workflows using non-targeted data with our innovative software and hardware.Find by Formula algorithm. Learn to identify the most suitable MS/MS approach for your experiments, initiate quantitation for your compounds of interest, and incorporate retention times (RTs) and MS/MS spectra into a custom database and library.This session is designed to enhance your understanding and application of Q-TOF data analysis, ensuring robust and reliable outcomes.<blockquote>Presenter: Hannah Florance (Agilent Technologies)Hannah has had multiple roles in the life sciences, starting as a protein chemist, before moving into proteomics and then metabolomics. A major part of her time working in academia involved running LC and GCMS core facilities supporting projects ranging from synthetic biology to cancer research. She is currently an LCMS applications specialist for Agilent. Presenter: Stefan Schaebler (Application Specialist LC/MS, Agilent Technologies)Stefan completed his PhD in Biology, specializing in LC-MS-based lipidomics and metabolomics. Following his doctoral studies, he joined Agilent Technologies as an LC/MS Application Specialist. In this role, Stefan focuses on small molecule applications using LC-QTOF, with a strong emphasis on software tools and data interpretation.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: MassHunter Masterclass Months

MassHunter Qual – The Solid Pillar in Q-TOF Data Analysis

We will explore the critical aspects of differentiating good from bad data and how this distinction can significantly influence your results.

<div>To unravel the functions of the vast universe of small molecules in human biology it is essential to first detect and quantify these molecules—a task carried out by the field of metabolomics. In traditional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics, quantitative analysis is divided across two categories: relative or absolute.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In this webinar we will explore the importance of metabolomics in disease research, and the challenges associated with LC-MS based metabolomics studies. We will also introduce Pyxis, a scalable, machine learning-based approach to absolute quantitation of metabolites across various matrices, and potential applications in research and the clinic.&nbsp;Learning Objectives<ul><li>The application of quantitation in understanding metabolite functions in biological systems.</li><li>The experimental requirements of absolute and relative quantitation of metabolites along with their benefits and limitations.</li><li>Introduction of Pyxis, a method that enables scalable absolute quantitation of metabolites without relying on isotopically labeled standards.</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Naama Kanarek, PhD (Assistant Professor, Pathology Department at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School)A native of Jerusalem, Israel, Dr. Naama Kanarek trained at the Hebrew University, where she earned a BSc in medical science, an MSc in proteomics and microbiology, and a PhD in immunology and cancer research (including one year at Columbia University Medical Center, NY). Dr. Kanarek’s postdoctoral research was performed under the supervision of Prof. David M. Sabatini at MIT’s Whitehead Institute.Dr. Kanarek is the recipient of a number of awards and honors, including the Margaret and Herman Sokol Postdoctoral Award, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society New Idea Award, the Hebrew University Women in Science Postdoctoral Award, the Weizmann Institute Postdoctoral Award for Advancing Women in Science and a Revson Fellow of that program, and the James Sivarsten Prize in Pediatric Cancer Research. Her postdoctoral work was supported by fellowships from the American Association for Cancer Research and the European Molecular Biology Organization.Dr. Kanarek’s laboratory is interested in folate metabolism, and the metabolic adaptations of cells as they move around and migrate to new sites. They apply genetic perturbations, biochemical assays, molecular biology, functional genomic screens, and metabolite profiling by mass spectrometry in cell-culture systems and in vivo. They study basic folate biology including folate metabolism, folate-related signal transduction, the oncogenic role of folate and folate homeostasis in normal physiology and pathological conditions.Presenter: Jennifer M. Campbell, PhD (Chief Scientific Officer, Matterworks, Inc.)Jennifer M. Campbell, PhD is currently Chief Scientific Officer at Matterworks, a multidisciplinary startup focused on using the power of deep learning on raw mass spectrometric data. Their first product, Pyxis, enables scalable quantitative metabolomics through the use of AI. Prior to Matterworks, Dr. Campbell worked at Novartis Institutes of Biomedical Research, heading up MS and separations within the Cambridge (MA) chemistry department. Dr. Campbell served as technical lead of NeoBase2, an FDA 510K approved assay for newborn screening at Perkin Elmer and Director of Proteomics at BG Medicine. Her career started in instrument development - she obtained her PhD, which focused on the development of a linear ion trap-TOFMS at the University of British Columbia under Don Douglas and she worked for eight years at Applied Biosystems, aiding in the development of all aspects of the MALDI TOF/TOF product line (4700, 4800, and 5800). She has authored numerous papers, patents, and book chapters.</blockquote></div>

The Analytical Scientist: A scalable approach to absolute quantitation in metabolomics

A scalable approach to absolute quantitation in metabolomics

We will explore the importance of metabolomics in disease research, and the challenges associated with LC-MS based metabolomics studies.

<div><div><div>Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is a powerful therapeutic modality to eliminate disease-causing proteins that are resistant to conventional drugs. In this webinar, we present a high-throughput scalable proteomics approach that utilizes label-free, single-shot dia-PASEF® mass spectrometry to identify novel degrader targets on a large scale with unmatched coverage, accuracy, and speed. A combination of DIA-NN software and advanced statistical tools guarantees rapid, automated analysis of large proteomics datasets with highest precision of quantification, data completeness and sensitivity. A slice-PASEF-based global ubiquitinomics approach will be presented that verifies degrader-induced modifications with an unprecedented depth of 50,000 ubiquitination sites. In addition, a data analysis suite designed for user-friendly evaluation and in-depth meta-analysis will be shown, making proteomics data easily accessible for target identification, SAR optimization, library expansion and strategic drug discovery decisions.</div></div></div><div><div><div>About NEOsphere Biotechnologies:NEOsphere Biotechnologies is a leading partner in TPD (Targeted Protein Degradation) proteomics, collaborating with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to advance drug discovery and develop innovative degrader pipelines. The platform combines cutting-edge mass spectrometry technologies with advanced biostatistical data analysis, enabling high-throughput proteomic screening of entire degrader libraries and mechanistic target validation, including global ubiquitinomics. NEOsphere Biotechnologies offers unmatched sensitivity, precision, and turnaround times, facilitating the large-scale identification of novel degrader targets and the systematic exploration of previously undruggable therapeutic targets. You will learn about:&nbsp;<ul><li>A high-throughput proteomics approach that utilizes label-free, single-shot dia-PASEF to identify novel degrader targets on a large scale with unmatched coverage, accuracy, and speed</li><li>The verification of degrader-induced modifications using an optimized acquisition strategy based on slice-PASEF-based global ubiquitinomics</li><li>The benefit of combining the capabilities of a timsTOF HT and a timsTOF Ultra 2</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Uli Ohmayer, Ph.D. (Head of Mass Spectrometry and Founder, NEOsphere Biotechnologies GmbH, Munich, Germany)</blockquote></div></div></div>

Bruker: Unlock the therapeutic potential of targeted protein degradation with deep proteomic screening

Unlock the therapeutic potential of targeted protein degradation with deep proteomic screening

High-throughput scalable proteomics approach that utilizes label-free, single-shot dia-PASEF® mass spectrometry

Targeted protein degradation with deep proteomic screening

Manual sample preparation has its limitations. As sample throughput increases, so does fatigue, leading to a decline in data quality. This issue is significant across various markets but is especially critical in drug development and the production of therapeutics in biotechnology.However, employing automation can enhance data consistency and improve reproducibility. Additionally, automation reduces the need for costly sample reruns and frees up users’ time for other tasks.Attend this webinar to:<ul><li>Discover the benefits of automation and identify who should consider adopting it</li><li>Explore comprehensive workflow solutions that guide you from sample preparation to data-driven decisions, tailored to biopharma and proteomics applications</li><li>Learn how the updated AssayMAP Citation Index assists users in finding published methods that utilize the AssayMAP Bravo for biopharma applications</li><li>See how compliant software can facilitate the transition of methods from non-compliant to compliant labs, such as moving from early to late stages of drug discovery</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Kenda LJ Evans, PhD (Automation Workflow Specialist, Agilent Technologies)Kenda received her Ph.D. from The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in the field of Pharmacology with a focus on the signal transduction pathway for the Serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptor. Kenda’s post-doctoral work occurred at the University of Houston.</blockquote>

Technology Networks: Automation Answers to Your Liquid Handling Challenges

Automation Answers to Your Liquid Handling Challenges

Discover the benefits of automation and identify who should consider adopting it

While much effort has been invested in process analytics for upstream bioprocess, downstream operations still suffer from a lack of technologies suitable for inline/online monitoring of product attributes with rapid response times. Such a technology is real-time multi-angle light scattering (RT-MALS), which can be integrated inline with chromatographic purification or online with UF/DF and homogenization equipment.RT-MALS determines biophysical attributes such as molecular weight and size of proteins, nucleic acids and polysaccharides, as well as size and particle concentration of lipid nanoparticles or viral vectors. Molecular weight and size discriminate product from impurities such as residual DNA or aggregates. For small vectors such as AAV, RT-MALS also determines empty and full titers and the full:total capsid ratio.This webinar will cover the technology and implementation of RT-MALS in process development and process control, with case studies from the realm of monoclonal antibodies, proteins and viral vectors.Key Learning Objectives:<ul><li>How RT-MALS accelerates bioprocess DSP development</li><li>How RT-MALS controls downstream bioprocesses to enhance yield and lot consistency</li><li>How RT-MALS integrates with continuous manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies</li></ul>Who Should Attend:<ul><li>PAT experts for biologics, vaccines and gene therapies</li><li>Biopharm process development scientists</li><li>Downstream bioprocess engineers</li><li>Biopharm MSAT leaders &nbsp;</li></ul>

Waters: RT-MALS: Real-Time PAT for biologics, gene vectors and vaccines in downstream processing

RT-MALS: Real-Time PAT for biologics, gene vectors and vaccines in downstream processing

Implementation of RT-MALS in process development and process control, with case studies from the realm of monoclonal antibodies, proteins and viral vectors.

RT-MALS PAT for biologics, gene vectors and vaccines

The complexity of biological systems and diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, necessitates spatial multiomics techniques to gain a holistic understanding of cell-cell interactions and communication. A singular approach to spatial multiomics is possible with MALDI Imaging, including label-free imaging of small molecules, lipids, drugs, and glycans. Additionally, with technology developed by AmberGen, Inc., photocleavable mass-tag (PCMT) conjugated affinity probes are available for antibodies, oligos, and lectins.Key Learning Objectives:<ul><li>Learn the spatial biology utility of MALDI Imaging</li><li>Understand multiomics workflows and the applications to disease-based research</li></ul>Who Should Attend:<ul><li>Researchers interested in multiomics brain analysis</li><li>Investigators researching Alzheimer’s disease</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Mark Lim, Ph.D. (Chief Scientific Officer and Executive VP, AmberGen Inc., Billerica, MA, USA)Mark Lim Ph.D. is the Chief Scientific Officer and Executive VP at AmberGen Inc. He has over 23 years’ experience in the biotechnology industry and has been awarded over 20 patents which underlie key technologies in the biotechnology industry, including in the fields of proteomics, genomics/transcriptomics, and diagnostics. His early work at AmberGen on photocleavable linkers and protein engineering contributed to the commercialization of a variety of novel reagents including PC-Biotin, PC-Phosphoramidites and fluorescent suppressor tRNAs. Dr. Lim now leads the application of these core AmberGen technologies to multiomic biomarker discovery and biomarker-driven diagnostics.Presenter: Kate Stumpo, Ph.D. (Senior Market Manager, Bruker Scientific, Billerica, MA, USA)Dr. Kate Stumpo is a Market Manager which entails messaging and marketing for MALDI Imaging. Dr. Stumpo completed her Ph.D. at Texas A&amp;M University, and is an expert in MALDI applications, including MALDI Imaging.</blockquote>

Bruker: Advancing understanding of Alzheimer’s disease using multiomics spatial biology

Advancing understanding of Alzheimer’s disease using multiomics spatial biology

Learn the spatial biology utility of MALDI Imaging. Understand multiomics workflows and the applications to disease-based research.

Understanding of Alzheimer’s with multiomics spatial biology

Efficient technology transfer is crucial in biotherapy manufacturing to ensure consistent product quality across multiple sites, regulatory compliance and timely market entry.In this webinar, you will discover the best practices for handing over protocols and data to contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) or other partners.You will also learn about the challenges faced during technology transfer and how leveraging easy-to-follow protocols and ready-to-use kits can significantly streamline the process.In this webinar, you will:<ul><li>Explore the core principles and importance of technology transfer in biotherapy manufacturing</li><li>Gain insights into best practices for comprehensive documentation, effective data management and techniques to maintain data integrity</li><li>Discover how ready-to-use kits and standardized protocols can simplify your supply chain and accelerate technology transfer</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Srinath Kashi Ranganath (Staff Scientist, Field Applications, Thermo Fisher Scientific)Srinath is a Staff Scientist – Field Applications with the Pharma Analytics group at Thermo Fisher Scientific, supporting customers in implementing, optimizing and validating the Pharma Analytics workflows for biomanufacturing processes across various therapeutic&nbsp;</blockquote>&nbsp;

Technology Networks: Streamlining Analytical Method Transfer in Biotherapy Manufacturing

Streamlining Analytical Method Transfer in Biotherapy Manufacturing

Discover the best practices for handing over protocols and data to contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) or other partners.

Analytical Method Transfer in Biotherapy Manufacturing

In today’s fast-paced research environment, optimizing lab workflows is crucial to maintaining productivity and ensuring high-quality results. Sample preparation is a critical step in chromatography and mass spectrometry, yet it often involves time-consuming and error-prone manual processes.Join us for an exclusive webinar with Dr. Jens Lättig, Senior Scientist at Tecan and Dr. Cassandra Rusher, European Technical Support Specialist at Eprep, where they’ll reveal how the Resolvex® Prep revolutionizes sample preparation for chromatography and mass spectrometry.Key learning objectives:<ul><li>Slash prep time: Discover how you can reduce your setup to just 5–15 minutes, freeing you to focus on critical tasks while Resolvex® Prep works autonomously.</li><li>Enhance accuracy: Learn how analytical syringes and specialized tools deliver consistent, reliable results – minimizing human error.</li><li>Achieve consistency: Find out how you can achieve repeatable results across various sample types and workflows, streamlining your processes.</li><li>Unlock versatility: Explore Resolvex® Prep’s built-in wash station, RFID deck scan, and seamless sample transfer, all designed to meet your research needs.</li></ul>Who should attend?<ul><li>Laboratory scientists and managers from analytical laboratories in: pharma, biopharma, biotech, the food industry, the environmental sector, agriculture, drug screening, proteomics, and metabolomics.</li></ul>Certificate of attendanceAll webinar participants can request a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary, for continuing education purposes.<blockquote>Presenter: Jens Lattig, PhD (Sales Development Manager Proteomics &amp; MS Sample Prep, Tecan)Dr. Jens Lättig is a Sales Development Manager Proteomics &amp; MS Sample Preparation at Tecan. He has a PhD in biochemistry, and has worked in drug research projects in Germany and France. At Tecan, he is responsible for the Resolvex™ instruments and consumables portfolio in Europe.Presenter: Cassandra Rusher, PhD (European Technical Support Specialist, Eprep)Dr. Cassandra Rusher is a technical support specialist for the Resolvex Prep. at Eprep. She has a PhD in chemistry and a background specializing in chromatography including sample preparation. Her previous roles have included technical support and product management in the analytical chromatography sector. Her focus now is on supporting the automation of sample preparation methods across a range of industries that are utilizing analytical chromatography techniques.Moderator: Carrie Haslam (Associate Editor, SelectScience)</blockquote>

SelectScience: Efficient sample prep for expert mass spectrometry and chromatography

Efficient sample prep for expert mass spectrometry and chromatography

Join us for a webinar where we will reveal how the Resolvex® Prep revolutionizes sample preparation for chromatography and mass spectrometry.