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

Proper care and maintenance of HPLC columns are essential for getting accurate results and saving on replacement costs. Extending the HPLC column life not only ensures consistent performance but also reduces downtime and the need for frequent replacements.Routine maintenance is equally essential for sustaining column functionality. Correct handling of the column is paramount, ensuring strict compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications regarding pressure, pH, flow rate, and temperature.In the next section, we will explore these best practices in greater detail, offering further guidance on essential HPLC column maintenance strategies. Whether you’re working in a high-throughput lab, or conducting occasional analyses, these strategies will help you get the most out of your <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products?category=48&amp;manufacturerItems=50">HPLC columns</a>.<h3>Essential Guidelines for Extending HPLC Column Life</h3>By adopting these simple yet effective practices, you can greatly extend the HPLC column life while ensuring reliable, high-quality results in your analyses.<h4>Proper Column Handling</h4>HPLC columns should be handled with care to prevent physical damage or shock. The pump should not be started at high flow rates; instead, the flow rate should be gradually increased over several minutes. A pump pressure limit should be set to protect the column from over pressuring, as sudden pressure changes can lead to voids, negatively affecting the column’s performance.<h4>HPLC Column Conditioning and Equilibration</h4>Conditioning is a critical step for preparing a new or stored HPLC column by replacing the storage solvent with the desired mobile phase. Care must be taken to avoid introducing immiscible solvent mixtures into the column. Universally miscible solvents such as THF (tetrahydrofuran) or IPA (isopropyl alcohol) can be useful for this process when moving from normal phase to reversed phase solvent systems. Care must also be taken to ensure that solvents that may be damaging to a specific stationary phase are avoided.For example, if a reversed-phase column experiences phase collapse due to 100% aqueous mobile phases, it should be reactivated. This process involves running 100% acetonitrile at a high flow rate and a temperature as high as 60°C. It is essential to ensure no solid buffers precipitate from residual solvents. Depending on the column condition, between 50 and 100 column volumes are needed for complete reactivation and equilibration, restoring the column’s efficiency for future use.<h4>Optimizing Operating Conditions</h4>Optimizing operating conditions is paramount to enhancing HPLC column efficiency and prolonging their operational lifespan. A fundamental aspect of this is strict adherence to the manufacturer’s recommended temperature, pH and pressure parameters.Deviating from these limits, particularly by operating at elevated temperatures, can significantly hasten the degradation of the stationary phase and hardware, thereby compromising overall performance. Elevated temperatures can also narrow the pH operating range, exacerbating the risk of column degradation through phenomena such as peak broadening or diminished efficiency.Effective pressure management is equally crucial. Sudden pressure surges or mechanical shocks can result in bed voiding, leading to poor chromatographic performance, such as split peaks and reduced separation efficiency. Gradual ramping of flow and pressure, implemented each time the column is initiated, mitigates these risks. Many modern HPLC systems are equipped with automated flow-pressure ramping capabilities, ensuring smoother transitions and reducing the potential for column damage.In addition, vigilant monitoring of the mobile phase's pH is vital to the maintenance of HPLC column integrity. Deviations from the optimal pH range can cause significant harm to the stationary phase. For instance, leads to ligand hydrolysis which leads to a loss of stationary phase functionality and diminished column performance over time. High pH can lead to silica degradation. This weakens the silica structure, causing particle dissolution, void formation, and loss of column efficiency. Maintaining the pH within optimal boundaries is essential for preserving the column’s structural integrity and ensuring consistent chromatographic performance.Furthermore, incorporating inline filters and guard columns into the system serves as a proactive measure to prevent particulates and harsh sample matrices from damaging the analytical column. These preventive tools significantly enhance operational conditions and safeguard the column from contamination, ultimately contributing to extended HPLC column lifetime and reliable performance.<h4>Regular Column Maintenance</h4>Effective routine maintenance is paramount to extending the HPLC column lifetime and ensuring the consistent performance of HPLC columns. A critical aspect of this maintenance is the thorough washing of the column after each use to eliminate residual sample components and mobile phase contaminants.The cleaning process generally involves performing an isocratic or gradient wash using a solvent system similar to the one previously used on the column but substituting the buffer with HPLC-grade water. This helps effectively remove any residual buffer components from the column. This meticulous cleaning process is vital to preventing the accumulation of impurities that could compromise the stationary phase and lead to decreased efficiency over time.Post-cleaning, it is imperative to end-cap the column before storage to prevent the stationary phase from drying out, a condition that can negatively impact the column’s future performance. Proper capping or sealing ensures that the column remains in optimal condition, safeguarding its structural integrity and readiness for subsequent analyses.Additionally, utilizing an older HPLC system as a dedicated wash station can further streamline maintenance practices, freeing up live systems for active use. Consistently adhering to a rigorous cleaning and storage regimen not only enhances the longevity of HPLC columns but also guarantees the delivery of precise and reliable analytical results.For severe contamination or pressure buildup, backflushing may be necessary to dislodge tightly bound contaminants. However, backflushing should only be performed when absolutely necessary, as it can stress the column packing material. It is essential to consult the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting this method.

How to Extend the Lifetime of HPLC Columns?

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<h4>Live Interactive Web Series</h4>
We’ll work through a topic of the week (roughly 60 minutes) and discuss any questions that come up along the way. During these sessions, we’ll talk about how to care for your SEC-MALS or FFF-MALS system, help you brush up on your ASTRA and DYNAMICS data processing, discuss measuring dn/dc values and why dn/dc is important, and see how stable RI baselines are achievable.
Working with polydisperse samples? We’ll see how to leverage ASTRA’s distribution analysis and results fitting features. Special topics on error analysis, batch MALS work, and more.
The live interactive web series are 100% live sessions, with anonymous Q&amp;A welcome during and after the discussion. Free for all to attend.
<ul>
<li>Part 1 of 6: Why we love Multi-Angle Light Scattering! How MALS works and what it measures. Modes of operation and when to use them*
<ul>
<li>MALS theory and operating principles</li>
<li>Batch MALS vs. flow mode MALS: when and why</li>
<li>What MALS can and cannot measure directly</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Part 2 of 6: Getting to know your MALS hardware, including ‘proper care &amp; feeding’ of the system, practical guides for optimizing data quality, and how to know when your DAWN hardware needs special attention*
<ul>
<li>Understanding the MALS hardware internal and external components</li>
<li>Diagnosing hardware issues</li>
<li>How to help your MALS operate at its best</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Part 3 of 6: Let it flow - Leveraging MALS with Size Exclusion Chromatography SEC / Gel Permeation Chromatography GPC. Considerations for successful SEC-MALS / GPC-MALS operation. How to process ASTRA data on and after day 1*
<ul>
<li>Practical considerations for MALS in SEC/GPC mode</li>
<li>Understanding system settings &amp; coefficients such as inter-detector band broadening and normalization</li>
<li>Squeezing the most information from your SEC-MALS data</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Part 4 of 6: Advanced topics in ASTRA data analysis - uncertainty calculations, MW averages, mass recovery, distribution analysis, results fitting, and data exporting*
<ul>
<li>Understanding the ways ASTRA tracks and calculates system errors</li>
<li>Leveraging peak integration to understand what’s in your sample</li>
<li>When and why to use the various MW averages: Mn, Mw, Mz, Mp, Mavg, Mv, etc.</li>
<li>Efficient and easy ways to export exactly the data and results you want, right out of ASTRA</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Part 5 of 6: All about dn/dc values and concentration detectors (UV and RI) for MALS*
<ul>
<li>Understanding dn/dc, what it is, and how it is used with MALS</li>
<li>Measuring / determining dn/dc for your samples</li>
<li>UV detectors and their role in MALS</li>
<li>Mass recovery in ASTRA</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Part 6 of 6: MALS flow cell care: diagnosing and cleaning your flow cell*
<ul>
<li>How to avoid the need to clean your MALS flow cell in the first place</li>
<li>How to diagnose a dirty MALS flow cell</li>
<li>How to take apart and clean your MALS flow cell</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
*It is recommended but not required that you attend all the sessions in this series.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Andy Meyer
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Andy Meyer joined Wyatt Technology in 2001, serving for several years as an Applications Scientist, then as Dean of Wyatt&#39;s &quot;Light Scattering University&quot; and as Director of Customer Service &amp; Support. After managing multiple regions in North America, Dr. Meyer is now a Senior Application Scientist for Wyatt. As a Wyatt customer, he completed his Ph.D. in Applied Science – Polymer Chemistry from the College of William and Mary in Virginia.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: MALS flow cell care: diagnosing and cleaning your flow cell

MALS flow cell care: diagnosing and cleaning your flow cell

MALS flow cell care: diagnosing and cleaning your flow cell.

Dr. Wanqiu Zhang will report on the novel spatial multi-omics pipeline for integrating spatial lipidomics and transcriptomics data of prostate cancer.
Dr. Maria Mantas will report on quantitative mass spectrometry imaging of lipids in brain tissue using a multi class internal standard mixture.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Wanqiu Zhang (Machine Learning Scientist, Aspect Analytics)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Wanqiu Zhang obtained her PhD in the department of Electrical Engineering at KU Leuven (Belgium), specializing in machine learning, spatial multi-omics data analysis. She has joined Aspect Analytics as a machine learning scientist since she finished her PhD. She is currently actively leading and involved in multiple spatial multi-omics projects.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Maria Mantas (Bioinformatician, Aspect Analytics)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Maria Mantas obtained her PhD in Computational Comparative Genomics at the University of Edinburgh, specialising in molecular biology, genetics, phylogenetics and pathway analysis using Big Data. Since joining Aspect Analytics as a Bioinformatician in 2022, Dr. Mantas has been involved in various spatial multi-omics integration studies, involving proteomics, lipidomics and metabolomics data, as well as spatial transcriptomics and imaging mass cytometry. Many of her current projects also include integrations with the Allen Mouse Brain Atlas.
</blockquote>

New Frontiers in Spatial Omics

Join us for the next webinar in the series, hosted by the US HUPO MS Imaging SIG - New Frontiers in Spatial Omics

<h3>LC-MS/MS 201 webinar series</h3>
Advanced techniques for data acquisition and processing
<h4>Elevate your analytical expertise with advanced techniques and workflows</h4>
Sharpen your data acquisition and processing skills with our LC-MS/MS 201 webinar series. Based on our LC-MS/MS 101 webinar series, these sessions will go beyond the fundamentals of LC-MS/MS and introduce ways to advance your analytical methods and data processing workflows. Every other week, we will explore how to optimize SCIEX OS software with short, 30-minute expert-led presentations.
<h3>This webinar:</h3>
<h4>April 18, 2024</h4>
<h5>10:00 a.m. PT/ 1:00 p.m. ET - Troubleshooting at the source</h5>
<ul>
<li>Acquire the knowledge needed to optimize source parameters and identify and resolve ionization-related problems.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Other webinars from the series:</h3>
<h4>March 21, 2024</h4>
<h5>10:00 a.m. PT/ 1:00 p.m. ET - <a href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/3705">Mastering chromatography</a></h5>
<ul>
<li>Discover how to optimize your chromatography for even the most challenging compounds while creating and building LC methods.</li>
</ul>
<h4>April 4, 2024</h4>
<h5>10:00 a.m. PT/ 1:00 p.m. ET - <a href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/3706">It&#39;s a TRAP! Getting the most out of your QTRAP system</a></h5>
<ul>
<li>Learn when to utilize QTRAP functionality to create more selective and sensitive methods.</li>
</ul>
<h4>May 2, 2024</h4>
<h5>10:00 a.m. PT/ 1:00 p.m. ET - <a href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/3708">Automating data processing</a></h5>
<ul>
<li>Learn how to automate your data processing with custom flagging and rules for efficient data review in SCIEX OS software.</li>
</ul>
<h4>May 16, 2024</h4>
<h5>10:00 a.m. PT/ 1:00 p.m. ET - <a href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/3709">Excel strategies for mass spectrometry data analysis</a></h5>
<ul>
<li>Take an in-depth look at when and how to use Excel to increase your productivity.</li>
</ul>

Troubleshooting at the source (LC/MS)

Acquire the knowledge needed to optimize source parameters and identify and resolve ionization-related problems.

Join us for this exclusive webinar as we introduce the latest version of our OpenLab software.
Prepare to revolutionize your laboratory experience with unparalleled precision, fortified security, and tailored solutions for the dynamic laboratory world. Our software ensures seamless migration from legacy systems, empowering you to embrace the future with confidence. Experience enhanced performance and unwavering resilience in every operation.
Highlights:
<ul>
<li>Live Demo to show the latest advancements in OpenLab 2.8</li>
<li>Why OpenLab 2.8 matters for your biopharma workflows</li>
<li>Why OpenLab 2.8 matters for your data integrity</li>
<li>Why OpenLab 2.8 matters for your energy and chemicals analysis</li>
<li>Q&amp;A session – Because your questions matter</li>
</ul>
Register now and join us on this exciting journey!
<blockquote>
Presenter: Kevin Kölliker (Lab Informatics Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Kevin Kölliker is a Lab Informatics Application Engineer for Agilent Technologies.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
He studied Chemistry and Business informatics, and he worked as a Lab Technician, and as a Field Service Engineer before joining Agilent.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Combined he has more than 10 Years of Experience in the analytical laboratory and therefore met already multiple different workflows. He works together with the Lab Informatics Product Specialists to demonstrate the Power of OpenLab, and to customize it to meet the needs of our Customers.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Frederick Thibaut (Lab Informatics Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Frederick Thibaut is a Lab Informatics Application Engineer for Agilent Technologies.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
He holds a master in engineering from KU Leuven and informatics degree from the university of Michigan.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Before joining Agilent as an Enterprise Project Manager and Application Engineer he was working as an Informatics consultant.
</blockquote>

Agilent: Unveiling a Connection That Matters - OpenLab 2.8

Unveiling a Connection That Matters - OpenLab 2.8

Join us for this exclusive webinar as we introduce the latest version of our OpenLab software.

Reference standards must perform at a consistent level each and every time you use them. Variations in analyte concentration can disrupt analyses, impede your lab’s workflow, and lead to wasted time and money.
In order to create trust in the use of reference standards worldwide quality standards have been established through which the production of reference standards is regulated by numerous guidelines. The webinar gives insights how Restek as a manufacturer of certified reference materials meets these requirements. In total, there are 10 decisive steps that determine the quality of Restek&#39;s reference materials.
<ul>
<li>Learn what certified reference materials (CRMs) are, and why you need them.</li>
<li>Explore the quality controls needed to consistently ensure accurate reference standards.</li>
<li>Review what information is available in certificates and data packs</li>
</ul>

Restek Corporation: Build a Rock-Solid Analytical Foundation with Restek Certified Reference Standards

Build a Rock-Solid Analytical Foundation with Restek Certified Reference Standards

The webinar gives insights how Restek as a manufacturer of certified reference materials meets numerous guidelines and requirements.

Restek Certified Reference Standards

The scientific community aims to enhance transparency and reliability in published research, with a specific focus on the quality of biological reagents, notably recombinant proteins. Concerns have been raised regarding irreproducible results, prompting discussions on common quality issues associated with recombinant proteins and their impact on downstream applications. In response, professionals in protein purification and characterization have collaboratively developed guidelines for improved quality control.
These guidelines include minimal information requirements for protein identity, production parameters, and long-term stability, as well as a minimal set of quality tests for purity, homogeneity, and identity. Additional recommendations cover DNA contamination, “spectral and thermal denaturation signatures”, homogeneity, “competent fraction”, storage conditions, batch-to-batch reproducibility, and other factors based on intended applications. Evaluation of these guidelines over a one-year period suggests that their implementation can enhance experimental reliability and optimize protein quality. Investing in protein QC benefits all stakeholders in life sciences, including researchers, editors, and funding agencies, by improving data veracity and minimizing resource wastage.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. André Matagne (Full Professor at the University of Liège, Belgium)
</blockquote>

Waters: Quality control of purified proteins to improve research data reproducibility: improving the time-efficiency and quality of your results

Quality control of purified proteins to improve research data reproducibility: improving the time-efficiency and quality of your results.

Quality control of purified proteins

The recent pandemic has forced the field of medicine to witness groundbreaking advancements with the development and widespread adoption of novel therapeutic modalities, particularly concerning nucleic acid-based medicines. Among these, messenger RNA (mRNA), lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems, and viral vector-based medicines have emerged as transformative technologies, unlocking new possibilities for treating a myriad of genetic diseases and cancers. As such, ensuring the quality and integrity of these therapeutics becomes paramount.
Impurities and structural integrity issues can impact the safety and efficacy of these medicines. Herein lies the emerging significance of size exclusion chromatography (SEC) combined with MALS for impurity and integrity analysis. In this webinar, we will highlight the critical quality attributes using new 1000 Å ultrawide pore columns with MALS detection to resolve and analyze long-chain nucleic acids (RNA/DNA), lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and viral vector formulations.
<ul>
<li>Development of high-resolution and robust multiattribute methods for mRNA integrity and aggregate analysis</li>
<li>Method conditions for Intact Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) heterogeneity analysis</li>
<li>Aggregate analysis and elucidating degradation pathways with high efficiency and low adsorption hardware using the new 1000 Å ultrawide pore columns</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Adam Crowe (Sr. Manager Analytical Development, Precision NanoSystems ULC - part of Cytiva)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Adam Crowe manages a mult-discipline team at Precision NanoSystems ULC (part of Cytiva) tasked with developing novel analytical assays related to lipid nanoparticles (LNP) and nanomaterials for drug delivery. Notably, Adam and his team have increasingly leveraged cutting-edge technologies, such as LC-MS approaches, to tackle complexities of LNP characterization. Latest studies were focused on the detail characterization of impurities found in ionizable liquids.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Lavelay Kizekai (Principal Scientist, Waters Corporation, Milford, Massachusetts)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Lavelay Kizekai is a Principal Scientist at Waters Corporation. He joined Waters in 2009 and has since applied himself to developing new LC methods, leading column technology product development work, and establishing insight-based QC procedures for Waters products. His primary area of focus is biomolecule separations using Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC). He was a core member of the team that recently bought to market a column suited to platform methods for monoclonal antibodies and antibody drug conjugates. He is currently leveraging these SEC technologies and even newer breakthroughs for the characterization of gene-based therapeutics by multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS).
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Mandana Fasth (Principal Product Manager, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Mandana Fasth is the Global Principal Product Manager at Waters Corporation. She received her Master degree in Biochemistry from Uppsala university in Sweden. With more than 20 years&#39; experience working with biologics workflows such as Sized-Exclusion Chromatography and column development projects, she is a well versed at training and supporting scientists with method development for characterization and purification of biologics.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Unveiling CQA Insights for mRNA, LNPs and Viral Vectors by SEC and MALS with Novel 1000 Å Ultrawide Pore Particle Columns

Unveiling CQA Insights for mRNA, LNPs and Viral Vectors by SEC and MALS with Novel 1000 Å Ultrawide Pore Particle Columns

This webinar will highlight the critical quality attributes using new 1000 Å ultrawide pore columns with MALS detection.

CQA Insights for mRNA, LNPs and Viral Vectors by SEC/MALS

Join us LIVE for the Waters Journal Club.
This interactive session will bring together the MS community to discuss some of the most popular and exciting peer-reviewed publications in a friendly and open forum. 
Ahead of each meeting, we will send out a link to the discussion article, then during the session an expert will summarise the main findings and answer your questions. 
Be prepared make sure you <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02406">read Advancing Cyclic Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Methods for Studying Biomolecules: Toward the Conformational Dynamics of Mega Dalton Protein Aggregates</a>
We&#39;re going to be joined by ETH Zurich, one of the world&#39;s leading universities in science and technology, known for its cutting-edge research and innovation, pioneering effective solutions to the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
This paper describes how Waters&#39; SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS can be utilized for the analysis of large biomolecular systems, including temperature-induced protein aggregates of masses greater than 1.5 MDa, as well as a 63 kDa oligonucleotide complex.
Reasons to Attend:
<ul>
<li>Debate some of the most topical papers from all-time favourites to some of the latest releases</li>
<li>Focus on understanding the benefit of Cyclic IMS and how to get the most out of the system for native mass spectrometry and biomolecule analysis</li>
<li>Gain a greater understanding of applications and technologies by asking questions of the authors and/or expert panel</li>
<li>No pre-recorded content, authors will be LIVE and on camera to answer questions</li>
</ul>
Abstract: Native mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for the analysis of noncovalent complexes. When coupled with high-resolution ion mobility, this technique can be used to investigate the conformational changes induced in said complexes by different solution or gas-phase conditions. In this study, we describe how a new-generation high-resolution ion mobility instrument equipped with a cyclic ion mobility cell can be utilized for the analysis of large biomolecular systems, including temperature-induced protein aggregates of masses greater than 1.5 MDa, as well as a 63 kDa oligonucleotide complex. The effects of and the interplay between the voltages applied to the different components of the cyclic ion mobility spectrometry system on ion transmission and arrival time distribution were demonstrated using biomolecules covering the m/z range 2000–10,000. These data were used to establish a theoretical framework for achieving the best separation in the cyclic ion mobility system. Finally, the cyclic ion mobility mass spectrometer was coupled with a temperature-controlled electrospray ionization source to investigate high-mass protein aggregation. This analysis showed that it was possible to continuously monitor the change in abundance for several conformations of MDa aggregates with increasing temperature. This work significantly increases the range of biomolecules that can be analyzed by both cyclic ion mobility and temperature-controlled electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, providing new possibilities for high-resolution ion mobility analysis.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Julian Harrison (Staff of Professorship for Analytical Chemistry, ETH Zurich)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Julian Harrison received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Wollongong in 2020, working under the supervision of Prof. Jennifer L. Beck and Dr. Celine Kelso. In 2021, he was employed as a postdoctoral researcher at ETH Zürich under the direction of Prof. Renato Zenobi. ]
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
He works in multiple fields, primarily studying protein complexes, enzymes, snake venoms, and new therapeutics using native, temperature-controlled, and ion mobility mass spectrometry. In collaboration with Adam Pruška, he is also helping design a new temperature-controlled source, which will be the basis for their new company.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr . Adam Pruška (Staff of Professorship for Analytical Chemistry, ETH Zurich)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Adam Pruška studied analytical chemistry at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic and Justus-Liebig University in Germany under the supervision of Prof. Jan Preisler and Prof. Bernhard Spengler.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
He finished his M.Sc. in 2017, specializing in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and the multimodal bioimaging of tumor spheroids. Continuing his academic career, Adam obtained his Ph.D. at ETH Zurich in 2023, within the group of Prof. Renato Zenobi.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
His doctoral research focused on exploring the thermodynamics of nucleic acids, proteins, and their non-covalent complexes. He is embarking on an entrepreneurial path as a postdoctoral researcher, developing temperature-controlled electrospray ionization technology for commercial use.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Philipp Bittner (Student / Programme Doctorate at D-​CHAB, ETH Zurich)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Philipp Bittner graduated from the University of Regensburg, Germany, with a B.Sc. in Biology (2015) and an M.Sc. in Biochemistry (2018).
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
After finishing his first research project about photoresponsive enzyme complexes in Prof. Reinhard Sterner&#39;s group, he joined Prof. Renato Zenobi&#39;s native MS team for his Ph.D. thesis (2020).
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
His research now focuses on mass spectrometric investigations of modified collagen peptides, DNA-encoded chemical libraries, and antibody glycosylation patterns.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenters: Despoina Svingou (Student / Programme Doctorate at D-CHAB, ETH Zurich)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Despoina Svingou obtained her B.Sc. in Chemistry and M.Sc. in Natural Products Chemistry &amp; Pharmacognosy from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her research focused on developing LC-MS methods for the analytical determination of bioactive compounds in various complex matrices. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry at ETH Zurich under the supervision of Prof. Renato Zenobi.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
She utilizes cutting-edge techniques such as native mass spectrometry and gas-phase fluorescence spectroscopy to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases and develop novel methodologies to characterize amyloidogenic proteins and their complexes.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dale Cooper-Shepherd (Principal Scientist, Waters Corporation, UK)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dale Cooper-Shepherd undertook PhD studies at the University of Leeds and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford, UK. Throughout his training, Cooper-Shepherd specialized in applying MS techniques in the field of structural biology. He joined Waters in 2015 and since 2019 has been working on the SELECT SERIES of instruments.
</blockquote>

Waters: Waters Journal Club: Advancing Cyclic Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Methods for Studying Biomolecules

Waters Journal Club: Advancing Cyclic Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Methods for Studying Biomolecules

Waters' SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS can be utilized for the analysis of large biomolecular systems.

Advancing Cyclic Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry

In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR) is the European Union’s new set of rules aimed at improving the quality, safety and reliability of IVDs. The new regulation is impacting the in vitro diagnostic landscape, affecting laboratories using their own “Laboratory Developed Tests” (LDTs) and those compliant with certain accreditation e.g. standard EN ISO 15189.
In this webinar you will learn:
<ul>
<li>What is IVDR and what are the timelines</li>
<li>What are the requirements for in-house tests (LDTs)</li>
<li>What are the next steps for your lab</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Fabian Reijn (Diagnotix)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Magali Wolff (Tecan)
</blockquote>

Making sense of IVDR for LC-MS

In this webinar you will learn what is IVDR and what are the timelines, what are the requirements for in-house tests, and what are the next steps for your lab.

Based on The New ISO 8655 p. 10 for 2024
Event Program
<ul>
<li>Introduction and overview of what&#39;s new in the 2024 ISO 8655 part 10</li>
<li>Requirements and best practices</li>
<li>User qualification and re-qualification</li>
<li>POVA qualifitcation and requalification (routine testing, pass/fail rules, etc)</li>
<li>Solutions to fulfill requirements</li>
</ul>
In this live webinar, we will give you an overview of the ISO 8655 part 10, which was released in March 2024.
You will learn about updated requirements and how the new chapter can affect your lab. Ensure you are up to date with this new regulation while at the same time improving the quality of your results. 
We will also give you an overview of Rainin&#39;s solutions that help you comply with this new chapter of ISO 8655. As this is a webinar you will also have the chance to ask questions to our experts and discuss what aspects need to be considered in comp;iance with the new chapter. 
<blockquote>
Presenter: Irene Ni
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Martin Huber
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Fabian Troll
</blockquote>

Mettler-Toledo: User Guidance and Qualification in Pipetting

User Guidance and Qualification in Pipetting

In this live webinar, we will give you an overview of the ISO 8655 part 10, which was released in March 2024.