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

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

LabRulez

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

Agilent Technologies

US HUPO

Technology Networks

Bruker

SelectScience

SCIEX

Waters Corporation

Diode array detection (DAD) is one of the most used detection techniques for HPLC analysis due to its reliability, ease of use and universal response to chromophores. Newer models continue to increase their sensitivity and resolution. But are you getting the most from your DAD?
In this webinar we will cover the fundamentals of how your DAD works. From there we will discuss the various options for DAD method optimization, from flow cell selection to acquisition method settings. At the end of this webinar, you will walk away with the confidence that you are using your DAD to its fullest capacity.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Melissa Goodlad (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Melissa Goodlad is an Application Engineer providing applications assistance and technical support for Agilent’s HPLC columns and consumables. Before joining Agilent, Melissa was completing her PhD in Physical Chemistry at UC Merced studying nanoparticle self-assemblies.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Getting the Most from Your Diode Array Detector: From Selection to Optimization

Getting the Most from Your Diode Array Detector: From Selection to Optimization

we will cover the fundamentals of how your DAD works. From there we will discuss the various options for DAD method optimization.

Diode Array Detector: From Selection to Optimization

<h4>SCIEX OS software summer school</h4>
Master the essentials of SCIEX OS software with our live webinars this summer
Join us for our summer school series dedicated to enhancing your proficiency with SCIEX OS software. Over the course of next months, we offer a series of concise, 30-minute webinars designed to fit into your schedule.
Agenda:
<ul>
<li>23 July, 11:00 a.m. CET – Hardware configuration and instrument verification</li>
<li>6 Aug, 11:00 a.m. CET – Compound optimization</li>
<li>20 Aug, 11:00 a.m. CET – Data processing: quantitation</li>
<li>2 September, 11:00 a.m. CET – Data processing: screening</li>
</ul>

SCIEX OS software summer school - Data processing: screening

Join us for our summer school series dedicated to enhancing your proficiency with SCIEX OS software.

Data processing: screening

Join Dr. Jens Lättig from Tecan and Dr. Cassandra Rusher, European Technical Support Specialist at Eprep, as they explain how the Resolvex® Prep simplifies chromatography and mass spectrometry sample preparation. They will also demonstrate how Resolvex® Prep automates the manual preparation of samples and standards, ensuring consistent performance while minimizing the need for re-validation.
Key learning objectives
<ul>
<li>Learn how the Resolvex® Prep reduces setup time to as little as 5 to 15 minutes, allowing scientists to focus on other critical tasks, while the instrument handles the rest autonomously.</li>
<li>Understand how analytical syringes and specialized tools ensure consistent and reliable results, minimizing the risk of human error in your lab&#39;s processes</li>
<li>Gain insights into achieving reliable, repeatable results across various sample types and workflows</li>
<li>Learn about the versatile capabilities of Resolvex® Prep, including its built-in wash station, RFID deck scan, and seamless sample transfer into analytical instruments, tailored to meet the unique demands of your research</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
Laboratory scientists and managers from analytical laboratories in: pharma, biopharma, biotech, the food industry, the environmental sector, agriculture, drug screening, proteomics, and metabolomics
Certificate of attendance
All webinar participants can request a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary, for continuing education purposes.
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Presenter: Jens Lattig, PhD (Sales Development Manager Proteomics &amp; MS Sample Prep, Tecan)
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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.
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Presenter: Cassandra Rusher, PhD (European Technical Support Specialist, Eprep)
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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.
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Moderator: Carrie Haslam (Associate Editor, SelectScience) 
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SelectScience: Streamline your sample preparation with Resolvex® prep

Streamline your sample preparation with Resolvex® prep

Specialists from Eprep will explain how the Resolvex® Prep simplifies chromatography and mass spectrometry sample preparation.

Sample preparation with Resolvex® prep

Join the MS Imaging SIG for an interactive discussion with authors on experimental design and data pipelines for analysis.
Reference material Nat Methods 20(10):1530-1536. PMCID: PMC10555842
Dr. Rosenberger, and EMBO postdoctoral fellow, will give an educational viewpoint of experimental design ad execution, discussing his results and data analysis in mice.
Caroline Weiss, a PhD student, will discuss transferring automating the developed pipeline for human sample and focus on applications in the clinical context. Dr. Rosenberger and Caroline Weiss work in the laboratory of Matthias Mann at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried, Germany.
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Presenter: Dr. Florian Rosenberger (EMBO)
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Presenter: Caroline Weiss (Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried, Germany)
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US HUPO: Spatial Single-Cell Mass Spectrometry in Liver Tissue Slices: Experimental Design and Pipelines for Analysis

Spatial Single-Cell Mass Spectrometry in Liver Tissue Slices: Experimental Design and Pipelines for Analysis

Join the MS Imaging SIG for an interactive discussion with authors on experimental design and data pipelines for analysis.

Spatial Single-Cell Mass Spectrometry in Liver Tissue Slices

Mass spectrometry (MS)-based omics technologies have revolutionized our understanding of molecular changes in organisms and are crucial for studying metabolism and related diseases through lipidomics and metabolomics.
Despite significant advances, there is still a need for robust analytical methodologies in data acquisition, data processing and annotation.
This webinar will demonstrate how LC-Zeno SWATH DIA outperforms conventional DDA in annotating metabolites and lipids in the model organism Gammarus fossarum. Additionally, the presentation will showcase the effectiveness of electron activated dissociation (EAD) in characterizing lipid species and elucidating metabolite isomers. Finally, the webinar will illustrate how EAD and high-resolution targeted approaches improve structural elucidation and molecular network construction.
Attend this webinar to:
<ul>
<li>Learn about the benefits of LC-Zeno SWATH DIA over conventional DDA methods for metabolite and lipid annotation
</li>
<li>Explore the implementation of EAD for enhanced lipid species characterization and metabolite isomer elucidation
</li>
<li>Understand how EAD improves structural elucidation and molecular network construction
</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Dr. Valentina Calabrese (Postdoctoral Researcher at Institute of Analytical Sciences)
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Valentina Calabrese received her Ph.D. in Analytical and Bioanalytical Sciences at University of Palermo, Italy and is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Analytical Sciences in Lyon, France. During her career, she specialized in high resolution, ultra-high resolution, and ion mobility mass spectrometry for application on fundamental topics and -omics research, such as metabolomics and lipidomics. Her research activity focuses on new method development and unknown compound annotation through high-resolution mass spectrometry and molecular networking in biological complex samples. She is currently involved in the study of sentinel freshwater organisms, as Gammarus fossarum and works on DDA and SWATH DIA methods with CID or EAD fragmentation strategies along with molecular networking construction for improving structural characterization of small molecules.
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Technology Networks: Enhancing MS-Based Omics Analysis in a Model Organism

Enhancing MS-Based Omics Analysis in a Model Organism

How LC-Zeno SWATH DIA outperforms conventional DDA in annotating metabolites and lipids in the model organism Gammarus fossarum.

Learn how Light Scattering can benefit your drug development!
A critical step in the development process for an antibody drug conjugate (ADC) is establishing scientifically sound analytical methods that measure key product quality attributes to support pre-clinical activities and downstream clinical release and stability testing. By leveraging key technologies and platform analytical methods, drug developers can expedite an early-phase biologics’ path to IND by removing analytical method development from the critical path.
Join us on an exploration of the analytical characterization required to confidently assess the ID, safety and efficacy of an antibody drug conjugate (ADC). We will start with a practitioners view on the requisite analytics and then shift to several case studies where multiple techniques, from mass spectrometry to light scattering, were used to interrogate these complex protein conjugates.
This webinar promises a comprehensive look at the analytical processes and technologies needed to successfully advance ADC development.
Key learning topics:
<ul>
<li>How to assess Identification, safety and efficacy of ADCs
</li>
<li>The requirements for characterisation are for ADCs
</li>
<li>How multiple techniques (such as mass spectrometry and light scattering) can be used together to understand complex protein conjugates.
</li>
</ul>
 Who should attend?
<ul>
<li>Quality Control and Drug Development Analytical Scientists, Lab Managers and Scientific Directors who are working with ADC characterisation or protein therapeutics in Pharma</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Eric Miller (Abzena)
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Dr. Eric Miller is an accomplished professional with a strong background in analytical chemistry. He has made significant contributions to the biotech industry, particularly through his work on the LabZient™ Analytical Platform.
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Eric began his journey as a Scientist at ClinMet. He has worked for Agilent Technologies and Pacira Pharmaceuticals before joining Abzena as Senior Director, Scientific Project Leaders, Analytical.
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His expertise lies in addressing the unique needs of biopharmaceuticals.
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Presenter: Colette Quinn, Ph.D. (Sr. Business Development Manager, Waters Corporation)
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Colette Quinn is a Sr. business development manager in the biopharmaceutical group at Waters Corporation. Her focus is around biophysical solutions and how to integrate biophysical and biochemical approaches to enable a “totality of evidence” based approach to problems.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Learning Advanced Analytical Technologies to Expedite the development of Antibody Drug Conjugates

Learning Advanced Analytical Technologies to Expedite the development of Antibody Drug Conjugates

Learn how Light Scattering can benefit your drug development.

Analytical Technologies for Antibody Drug Conjugates

Multiomic and multimodal spatial data from one tissue sample provides actionable information for disease related insights.
Leverage mass spectrometry in the post-genomic era to move beyond the biological determinants of DNA and RNA.Contextualize biological information with proteins and downstream molecules using an innovative benchtop system optimized for ease-of-use.
During this webinar, you will learn:
<ul>
<li>The multiomics capabilities of MALDI Imaging
</li>
<li>The benefits of spatial biology for disease based research
</li>
<li>Ease-of-use of neofleX, a benchtop mass spectrometer for spatial biology
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend:
<ul>
<li>Translational researchers who want advanced spatial biology tools with ease-of-use workflows
</li>
<li>Researchers focused on maximizing spatial multiomics capabilites
</li>
<li>Anyone interested in benchtop mass spectrometers with no compromise on quality register here
</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Mengzhe Zhang, Ph.D. Candidate, Bernd Bodenmiller Lab, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Presenter: Janina Oetjen, Ph.D., Imaging Applications Scientist, Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany
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Presenter: Kate Stumpo, Ph.D., Senior Market Manager, Bruker Scientific, Billerica, MA, USA
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Bruker:  LabCast: Spatial profiling to transform molecular pathway awareness using neofleX

 LabCast: Spatial profiling to transform molecular pathway awareness using neofleX

The multiomics capabilities of MALDI Imaging.

 LabCast: Spatial profiling to transform molecular pathway

<h4>Rebroadcast of the Live from the Lab: Solutions for Multi-Omics Research from June 13, 2024</h4>
Native nano-DESI mass spectrometry imaging of proteins up to 230 kDa: Advances in proteoform discovery and identification
In this presentation, Prof. Cooper discusses her recent work in developing native ambient mass spectrometry (NAMs) for structural analysis and spatial analysis of proteins.
In this session, you will hear how to
<ul>
<li>identify intact protein assemblies and protein-ligand complexes directly from tissue sections using Native ambient mass spectrometry (NAMs) </li>
<li>understand the structure and function of proteins and their role in complex biological systems </li>
<li>overcome challenges in NAM, including complex mass spectra and low abundance signals Can&#39;t attend the webinar broadcast? No problem! Register anyway and you will automatically receive the link to the recording.</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Prof. Helen Cooper (University of Birmingham)
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ThermoFisher Scientific: Advances in proteoform discovery and identification

Advances in proteoform discovery and identification

Native nano-DESI mass spectrometry imaging of proteins up to 230 kDa

Are you tired of dealing with inconsistent LC results? Are you looking to extend the life of your LC columns and improve lab efficiency?
Our upcoming webinar, LC Columns Tips &amp; Tricks, is designed to help you get the most out of your LC columns.
Our expert will share invaluable insights on:
<ul>
<li>Understanding LC column chemistry to optimize separations
</li>
<li>Proper handling of new LC columns for maximum lifespan
</li>
<li>Proven techniques to extend column life and reduce downtime
</li>
<li>Effective column maintenance and troubleshooting strategies
</li>
</ul>
This live webinar is an excellent opportunity to deepen your knowledge, improve your lab efficiency, and reduce operational costs. Whether you&#39;re a seasoned pro or just getting started, you&#39;ll walk away with practical knowledge to elevate your column performance and lifetime. Adham Ahmed will be presenting and answering your questions live.
Who Should Attend?
<ul>
<li>Laboratory Analysts and Scientists who are involved in small molecule pharmaceutical analysis
</li>
<li>Chromatographers seeking to optimize LC column performance
</li>
<li>Quality control professionals aiming to improve data reliability and reproducibility
</li>
<li>Research and development scientists working on method development and validation
</li>
<li>Lab Managers: Leaders looking to improve operational efficiency and extend the lifespan of lab equipment.
</li>
<li>Anyone involved in LC column selection, maintenance, and troubleshooting
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Adham Ahmed (Global Product Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
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Adham Ahmed has 15+ years of experience in particle development and functionality for chromatographic application. Presently, he is the Global Product Manager of the Hypersil BDS and ODS and other columns within the Thermo Fisher Scientific Portfolio. His experience includes working in R&amp;D, application specialist and Product management, with a focus on understanding customer’s challenges and laboratory needs.
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Thermo Scientific: LC Columns Tips & Tricks

LC Columns Tips & Tricks

Our upcoming webinar, LC Columns Tips & Tricks, is designed to help you get the most out of your LC columns.

Join this exclusive webinar to discover advanced strategies for enhancing the quality of lentiviral (LV) vectors in cell therapy manufacturing.Quality defects in LV vectors can significantly affect the efficacy and safety of final cell therapies. Despite their critical importance, there has been minimal focus on controlling and monitoring the quality of LV vectors used in cell therapy manufacture. Of particular concern is the risk of ‘breakthrough expression’ of the transgene, leading to CAR expression in producer cells and on the surface of the LV particle.&nbsp;&nbsp;In this webinar, Lentitek will demonstrate how its promoter system is designed to significantly reduce breakthrough expression of the transgene in producer cells, maximizing the functional LV titer during anti-CD19 CAR vector production. Additionally, the webinar will showcase the Leprechaun platform from Unchained Labs, which promises precise identification and monitoring of CAR expression on the LV surface. This webinar is essential for professionals dedicated to improving quality and safety of cell therapies.<blockquote>Presenter: Dr. Alex Shephard (Market Manager, Cell Therapy, Unchained Labs)Presenter:&nbsp;Dr. Adam Inche (Founder &amp; CEO, Lentitek)</blockquote>

Unchained Labs: Preventing the danger of unwanted CAR expression during lentivirus production

Preventing the danger of unwanted CAR expression during lentivirus production

Join this exclusive webinar to discover advanced strategies for enhancing the quality of lentiviral (LV) vectors in cell therapy manufacturing. 