In this episode of ‪ChromatographyTalk‬, ‪Organomation‬ General Manager David Oliva sits down with Imad Haidar Ahmad, Scientific Research Director at Amgen leading separations for Discovery Chemistry and Externalization. Imad's career spans Novartis, Merck, and now Amgen, and his research on computer-assisted method development has landed multiple front covers in Analytical Chemistry.We dig into how his group builds retention models from as few as nine lab experiments to map an entire separation landscape — replacing weeks of trial and error with a resolution map you can query and rebuild from. Imad breaks down where this modeling approach struggles (large molecules, SFC, fully autonomous method development), walks through two-dimensional liquid chromatography in plain terms for anyone who's only worked in 1D, and shares the story behind his group's greenness-score mapping work — including where swapping acetonitrile for methanol worked, and where it didn't.We also talk career advice: what a typical day looks like leading a discovery-stage separations team, how undergrad and grad students can bridge the academia-to-industry gap, and what Imad sees as the field's biggest unsolved problem.<h3>Video Transcription</h3>Chromatographic method development is increasingly moving beyond trial and error toward workflows built on modeling, automation, multidimensional separations, and smarter use of data. In a recent interview, Haidar Ahmad discussed how these approaches are changing pharmaceutical analysis, why understanding the fundamentals of chromatography remains essential, and where some of the biggest opportunities in separation science still lie.Ahmad’s route into analytical chemistry was not entirely planned. As an undergraduate, he initially found inorganic and organic chemistry particularly attractive, but a final-year project focused on the analysis of additives in bread introduced him to the possibilities of analytical chemistry. During his PhD, his research moved into polymer analysis and structure–property relationships. His interest in chromatography deepened when he encountered two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC), particularly its ability to reveal forms of polymer heterogeneity that could not be adequately characterized using a single separation technique. This eventually led to postdoctoral work with Peter Carr, where Ahmad focused on chromatographic separations and the fundamentals of chromatography.His subsequent career in the pharmaceutical industry exposed him to different stages of drug development, from late-stage method development and validation to drug substance characterization, purification, and finally discovery-stage separations. That breadth of experience has shaped his view of chromatography as both a scientific discipline and a practical problem-solving tool. In late-stage development, the objective may be a highly robust method capable of successful validation and transfer between laboratories. In discovery, by contrast, speed becomes critical because teams may be working with thousands of molecules while trying to identify the best candidates to advance.&nbsp;<h4>Discovery-stage chromatography: speed, prioritization, and throughput</h4>For a separations team supporting drug discovery, the working day is shaped by a constant flow of requests from medicinal chemistry and other partner groups. The challenge is not simply to perform the analyses, but to decide which requests are most urgent, remove bottlenecks, communicate with project teams, and continuously improve existing workflows.According to Ahmad, one of the most important questions is whether a task can be done faster or in a more high-throughput way. Discovery laboratories operate under strong time pressure, and efficiency therefore becomes part of the scientific strategy rather than merely an operational concern. As he describes it, the work combines science, prioritization, leadership, and communication, all with the aim of moving the most important projects forward as quickly as possible.<h4>In silico modeling: letting the computer perform the experiments</h4>One of the central themes of Ahmad’s work is in silico chromatographic modeling. In practical terms, the approach begins with a carefully designed set of laboratory experiments—often around nine runs. The resulting data are fed into software that builds retention models describing how analyte retention changes with variables such as mobile-phase composition and temperature.The software can then generate a resolution map representing a much larger separation space than could realistically be tested experimentally. Instead of running dozens or hundreds of conditions by trial and error, the analyst can identify regions where critical peak pairs are predicted to achieve the best separation.For Ahmad, the value of these maps goes beyond simply finding the condition with the highest resolution. Each point on the map represents a chromatographic condition, while the visual output shows where poor and strong separations are expected. A broad region of good resolution is particularly useful because it points toward a more robust operating space rather than a narrowly defined optimum that might be sensitive to small variations in experimental conditions.He therefore prefers to think of a chromatographic model as a map or database, rather than simply an optimization tool. If an impurity later disappears from the process, the corresponding peak can be removed from the model and new conditions selected without repeating the complete experimental study. Conversely, if a new degradation product appears during stability studies, the peak can be added and the existing model used to search for updated separation conditions.<h4>Why trial and error still has a place</h4>Modeling does not mean that conventional trial-and-error method development has disappeared. Ahmad points out that it remains useful in early discovery, particularly for fit-for-purpose methods where speed is more important than achieving a fully optimized separation.The situation changes later in development. A method intended for validation, transfer, or long-term routine use carries much greater risk. Trial and error may identify a condition that appears satisfactory without revealing whether it represents the most robust region of the separation space. If that method later fails during transfer or routine operation, the consequences can be costly.For late-stage methods, the additional investment required to build a model can therefore reduce risk over the much longer lifetime of the analytical procedure.<h4>Models are only as good as the experiments behind them</h4>Chromatographic modeling is not automatic proof against poor method development. Ahmad compares the technology to a GPS: it is highly useful, but only if the analyst understands where they are trying to go.Careful experimental design remains essential. Incorrect dwell-volume or column-volume information, as well as insufficient column re-equilibration, can produce misleading predictions. Importantly, these problems may not be obvious when the experimental runs used to construct the model are compared with their calculated values. They may emerge only when the software begins predicting new conditions within the modeled design space.Modeling is also easier for some separations than others. Ahmad describes reversed-phase LC of small molecules as comparatively straightforward, while large biomolecules are more challenging because their retention can be highly sensitive to small changes in mobile-phase composition and temperature.Other separation modes present additional difficulties. Ahmad notes that his teams have found supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) particularly challenging to model successfully. Fully autonomous method development remains another unresolved goal: current tools can automate parts of optimization, but analyst input is still required.<h4>Why two dimensions can reveal what one dimension cannot</h4>Ahmad’s early interest in 2D-LC came from polymer characterization. He explains the principle simply: one-dimensional chromatography may answer one question about a sample, while two complementary dimensions can answer two.Two copolymers, for example, may have similar molecular size and therefore coelute in size-exclusion chromatography. A second separation mechanism based on interaction with a stationary phase may distinguish them according to chemical composition. Combining both dimensions provides a more complete description of complex distributions involving molecular weight, composition, sequence, and other forms of heterogeneity.Historically, the complexity of both instrumentation and software limited wider adoption of 2D-LC. Ahmad recalls systems requiring several computers and multiple software packages. That situation has improved substantially, and 2D-LC is now easier to implement across research and pharmaceutical development.Nevertheless, modeling multidimensional separations still presents challenges. While models can be built for individual fractions or dimensions, current software does not easily identify a common optimum across multiple models simultaneously. Much of this comparison still requires manual work.<h4>Bringing sustainability into method development</h4>Another area where Ahmad sees room for change is green analytical chemistry.Traditional pharmaceutical method development has understandably prioritized resolution, sensitivity, robustness, and turnaround time. Sustainability has often been treated as a secondary consideration, particularly at the analytical scale, where solvent use appears small compared with preparative chromatography or manufacturing.That mindset is beginning to change. Ahmad argues that greenness metrics should increasingly be incorporated directly into method-development software. If analysts could immediately see how changes in flow rate, gradient conditions, solvent choice, or other parameters affect the environmental profile of a method, sustainability could become part of routine optimization rather than an assessment performed after the method has already been developed.The objective, however, is not to pursue the greenest possible method regardless of analytical performance. Ahmad emphasizes the need to develop methods that are as green as possible while remaining fit for purpose. Modeling can potentially help balance these competing requirements by identifying conditions that preserve separation performance while allowing greener solvents or alternative chromatographic conditions to be introduced.<h4>Advice for young chromatographers: do not treat HPLC as a black box</h4>For students learning chromatography, Ahmad’s central recommendation is straightforward: do not treat the HPLC system as a black box.Rather than collecting chromatograms by making random changes, he encourages analysts to build a mental model of the separation. When temperature, gradient, or another parameter is changed, they should ask why retention or selectivity changed and use each experiment to improve their understanding of the system.He also recommends making use of educational resources on chromatographic fundamentals and method development and, importantly, not being afraid to experiment with instrument conditions. Modern systems are robust, but the analyst still needs to understand the underlying separation science in order to use them effectively.The same proactive attitude applies to career development. Ahmad strongly encourages students to seek industry internships and make connections beyond their own institutions. Conferences and poster sessions can provide natural opportunities to meet scientists from industry, discuss research, and ask about internship opportunities. Based on his own experience working with undergraduate and graduate interns, these collaborations can benefit both students and research teams and may strongly influence later academic or career decisions.<h4>What still needs to be solved?</h4>Asked about the biggest unresolved challenges in separation science, Ahmad does not begin with technology. Instead, he points to a shortage of well-trained analytical chemists with a strong understanding of chromatographic fundamentals.Alongside education, he identifies several technical opportunities. One is truly autonomous method development, where an instrument and software could optimize a separation without continuous analyst input. Another is the ability to predict chromatographic selectivity directly from molecular structure.Such capability could be especially valuable in high-throughput discovery environments. If a laboratory could predict which stationary phase and conditions were most likely to separate a particular set of compounds or isomers before entering the laboratory, method development could become considerably faster and more efficient.Taken together, Ahmad’s perspective points toward a future in which chromatography becomes increasingly model-driven, automated, multidimensional, and sustainability-aware. But the technology does not eliminate the need for chromatographic knowledge. On the contrary, as analytical tools become more powerful, understanding the fundamentals may become even more important—the software can explore the separation space, but the scientist still needs to know what question to ask and how to interpret the answer.<blockquote>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</blockquote><blockquote><h4>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</h4>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!You can find Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast in podcast apps:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL">Spotify</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185">Apple podcast</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography">podscan</a></li></ul>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos">YouTube channel</a></blockquote>

 In Silico Modeling, 2D-LC & Green Chromatography: Imad Ahmad on the Future of Method Development

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?

Researchers from CATRIN at Palacký University, together with colleagues from VSB – Technical University of Ostrava and Charles University, have developed a new graphene ink for producing inexpensive and sensitive printed sensors. Using single-atom engineering, they incorporated copper atoms into the material, enabling highly sensitive detection of dopamine – a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells. The approach, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.76796">presented in the journal Advanced Science</a>, has strong potential for use in medical diagnostics.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_8a02ad6a66.webp" alt="CATRIN: Atom by atom. Scientists reveal a new direction in medical diagnostics" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_8a02ad6a66.webp 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="2560">Single-atom engineering makes it possible to control the chemical reactivity of materials at the level of individual atoms. Its broader application in medical diagnostics has so far been limited by a lack of atomically engineered materials and printable inks based on them. Researchers have now developed a new class of single-atom-doped graphene materials as well as an ink for producing sensitive printed sensors. Copper proved particularly effective for dopamine detection, which is important for biomedical research and the development of advanced diagnostic technologies for diseases including Alzheimer’s disease.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_2_97e419f039.webp" alt="CATRIN: Atom by atom. Scientists reveal a new direction in medical diagnostics" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_2_97e419f039.webp 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="2560">“The NGA-Cu ink we developed enables the production of fully inkjet-printed, sustainable paper-based electrodes at very low cost. Each sensor requires only 1.3 micrograms of active ink, costs approximately one Czech koruna and provided a stable response for at least three months. The ink is also fully compatible with commonly available materials inkjet printers. This creates significant potential for producing affordable, digitally designed sensors whose function can be tailored atom by atom,” said&nbsp;the corresponding author of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.76796">paper</a> Michal Otyepka.The basis for this new generation of single-atom inks was nitrogen-doped graphene acid (NGA), which CATRIN researchers developed several years ago. They have now progressively enriched it with different individual metal atoms, including copper, iron and manganese.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_3_c15d831792.webp" alt="CATRIN: Atom by atom. Scientists reveal a new direction in medical diagnostics" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_3_c15d831792.webp 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="2560">“We found that the electrochemical response depends fundamentally on the type of atom used. While copper atoms significantly enhance the dopamine signal, other metals suppress it. What matters, therefore, is not only the presence of isolated metal atoms but also the specific metal involved. This is a very important finding for the further development of biosensors,” explained first author Martin-Alex Nalepa.The published results introduce a new class of sensing materials with considerable potential for medical diagnostics. The researchers present a broadly applicable platform for developing graphene inks containing individual metal atoms and open the way towards scalable, reproducible and material-efficient production of advanced electrochemical sensors.&nbsp;“We are only at the beginning and are fascinated by the new possibilities opening up before us. We can see that by changing the type of atom, we can control the sensitivity and selectivity of the sensor. In addition to dopamine, we can also determine immunoglobulins very precisely – antibodies whose levels and types may serve as important indicators of autoimmune or infectious diseases,” emphasised Radek Zbořil, a co-author of the paper.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_4_273cd760a5.webp" alt="CATRIN: Atom by atom. Scientists reveal a new direction in medical diagnostics" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_4_273cd760a5.webp 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="2560">Electrochemical biosensors can find applications not only in medicine but also in food quality control, drinking-water monitoring and environmental pollution monitoring. Their key components are functionalised electrodes, and graphene-based materials have proved particularly suitable for their production. A key factor in the success of the Olomouc researchers was the targeted preparation of graphene ink with the required properties.The research was supported by the TECHSCALE project under the Johannes Amos Comenius Programme.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_5_b1778f77f2.jpg" alt="CATRIN: Atom by atom. Scientists reveal a new direction in medical diagnostics: Project TECHSCALE (No. CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004587) is financed by the MEYS OP JAC Excellent research programme, supported by ERDF/ESF." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_5_b1778f77f2.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="620" height="87"><blockquote><h4>Article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.76796">Single-Atom-Enhanced Fully Inkjet-Printed Electrochemical Sensor for Dopamine Detection</a></h4>Martin-Alex Nalepa, David Panáček, Vítězslav Hrubý, Matěj Jendřišák, Rostislav Langer, Michal Langer, Petr Jakubec, Ivan Dědek, Vojtěch Kupka, Michal Mazur, Radek Zbořil, Michal OtyepkaAdv. Sci., 2026, e76796<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.76796">https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.76796</a><h6>licenced under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote><h4>Abstract</h4>Single-atom (SA) engineering offers atomic-level control over interfacial reactivity, yet the lack of printable SA-based inks hinders its practical translation into electrochemical sensing. Here, a fully water-based inkjet-printable ink is introduced based on nitrogen-doped graphene acid (NGA) hosting atomically dispersed Cu centers (NGA-Cu-ink). The ink enables digitally controlled, spatially defined deposition and fabrication of low-cost ($0.04 per sensor), fully inkjet-printed sustainable electrodes on paper. A comparison of NGA functionalized with different SA dopants (Cu, Mn, Fe, Ce) identifies a strong dopant-dependent electrochemical response, with Cu uniquely enhancing the analyte signal while other dopants suppress it, demonstrating that SA identity is a decisive design parameter in printed sensing interfaces profiling sensitivity and selectivity. The functional role of the NGA support is to provide dense anchoring sites (nitrogen and carboxylate groups) that stabilize atomically dispersed metal centers and create adsorption- and electron-transfer–active microenvironments. The NGA-Cu-ink yields enhanced dopamine oxidation, enabling quantitative detection on fully printed devices (limit of detection 9.7 µM; linear range 50–400 µM) and printed-on-electrode platforms (10.6 µM), while maintaining &lt;10% signal variation over 11 weeks. The approach establishes a general route to single-atom graphene-based inks for scalable, reproducible, and low-material-consumption manufacturing of advanced electrochemical sensors.

Atom by atom. Scientists reveal a new direction in medical diagnostics

Article

Academy

Scientists

Interview

Science and research

Video

The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) at Palacký University is a cutting-edge scientific hub dedicated to advancing research in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and biomedicine. At its core, CATRIN boasts outstanding scientific teams, featuring international researchers. We emphasize interdisciplinarity, foster global collaborations, and work to translate our research findings into practical applications.

CATRIN

Phenomenex is a global technology leader committed to developing novel analytical chemistry solutions that solve the separation and purification challenges of researchers in industrial, government and academic laboratories.

Phenomenex

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

Organomation

Separation Science

Agilent Technologies

Thermo Fisher Scientific

VWR/Avantor

SCIEX

Evosep Biosystems

Waters Corporation

N-linked glycosylation is a critically important and complex post-translational modification.
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In this The Lab Central Premiere, learn about Agilent&#39;s complete offering of glycan sample preparation and analysis consumables to support a comprehensive end-to-end N-glycan workflow solution.
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Presenter: Dr. Ashish Pargaonkar (Lead for Biopharma Workflow Commercialization, Agilent Technologies)
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Presenter: Ms. Paramjeet Khandpur (Biopharma Workflow Commercialization Lead, Agilent Techologies)
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Agilent Technologies: The Glycan Connection

The Glycan Connection

Learn about Agilent's complete offering of glycan sample preparation and analysis consumables to support a comprehensive end-to-end N-glycan workflow solution.

In this webinar, our expert speakers will focus on the Karl Fischer titration process, quality assurance, and relevant regulations such as pharmacopeias to improve application accuracy.
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<li>Overview of the Karl Fischer titration process
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Presenter: Bettina Straub-Jubb (Global Product Manager, Karl Fischer Titration at the life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany)
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Bettina is the Global Franchise Product Manager and lead expert for titration at Merck Life Science KGaA based in Darmstadt, Germany. She has more than 20 years’ experience in the instrumental analysis business, especially with Karl Fischer titration, general titration, reference materials, and diagnostics. Her responsibilities include improving and simplifying titration processes, driving new technologies, and advancing applications and reagents. She always works closely with the QC and application laboratories for titration as well as with the R&amp;D department to develop titration continuously. Bettina is a graduate engineer and holds a degree in Chemical Technology from the University of Applied Sciences, Darmstadt, Germany, and a degree as a Medical Technical Laboratory Assistant from the Medical Technical Academy Esslingen, Germany.
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Presenter: Thomas Hitz (Application Chemist, Mettler Toledo)
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Thomas Hitz studied biochemistry at the University of Zurich and completed his PhD in 2003 at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich in the Department of Material Sciences and Post Doctorate in 2006. He provides market support at Mettler Toledo and has more than 15 years&#39; experience in application development, sales, and customer training, and as a technical advisor for product development. He provides support for complex automation solutions and is an expert in automated Karl Fischer titration.
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Separation Science: How to Fulfil Regulatory Compliance with Your Karl Fischer Titration Process

How to Fulfil Regulatory Compliance with Your Karl Fischer Titration Process

Karl Fischer titration process, quality assurance, and relevant regulations such as pharmacopeias to improve application accuracy.

Regulatory Compliance & Your Karl Fischer Titration Process

The 1st key-note presentation will explore the pursuit of enhanced chromatographic performance in low-flow applications.
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The second part will take us to detection technologies. HPLC has seen the advent and often also decline of various techniques which were claimed to enable universal detection. The emphasis will be on the use of an instrumental technique that was published specifically for charged aerosol detection (CAD) and is referred to as inverse gradient with the goal to widely eliminate the influence of the mobile phase composition on the analyte response. Practical examples will address extractables &amp; leachables, but also very common excipients in biopharmaceutical formulations. The method uses multiple orthogonal detectors (UV, CAD, MS) combined with the inverse gradient technique to facilitate analysis of a chemically diverse range of analytes. 
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<li>How to achieve unparalleled quantitation accuracy and precision in high-throughput chromatographic separations 
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<li>Detection technologies
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Who should attend:
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<li>Lab managers and directors 
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Thermo Scientific: Leveraging innovative stationary phase architectures and multi-detection strategies in biopharma and proteomics research to enhance precision, efficiency, and results

Leveraging innovative stationary phase architectures and multi-detection strategies in biopharma and proteomics research to enhance precision, efficiency, and results

We will explore the pursuit of enhanced chromatographic performance in low-flow applications. The second part will take us to detection technologies.

Stationary phase & multi-detection in biopharma & proteomics

This webinar is your guide to get started with a fast and efficient, automated sample preparation protocol on the Opentrons OT-2.
Utilize protein aggregation capture (PAC) on magnetic microparticles in an end-to-end standardized and hands-off workflow, starting from protein lysate or plasma to peptide loaded on Evotips.
<h4>Why choose an automated workflow?</h4>
Automated sample preparation workflows have become a popular tool in proteomics laboratories for a number of reasons. With increased sample throughput on the Evosep One, you can prioritize numerous technical and biological replicates, adding robustness to downstream bioinformatic analyses.
By adopting full automation, you can gain precise control over protocols, ensuring reproducibility across samples and experiments. This minimizes batch effects, resulting in more reliable data for analysis and interpretation.
Furthermore, enhanced automation significantly reduces manual labor, enhancing reproducibility and providing researchers with more time for critical decision-making. This workflow also proves cost-efficient for large-scale applications, optimizing protein input for digestion.
<h4>AUTOMATED WORKFLOW FOR INTEGRATED SAMPLE DIGESTION AND EVOTIP LOADING FOR HIGH-THROUGHPUT CLINICAL PROTEOMICS</h4>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Anders H.Kverneland (MD &amp; Postdoctoral researcher at Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Herlev hospital)
</blockquote>
Protein identification and quantification is an important tool for biomarker discovery. With the increased sensitivity and shortened the analysis tim​e of modern mass spectrometers, sample-preparation remains a bottleneck and source of variability when studying large cohorts. To address this issue, we evaluated the use of a simple integrated workflow on the Opentrons OT-2 robot enabling both sample digestion and Evotip loading. Our results demonstrate high sensitivity combined with both reproducibility and stability even with very low sample inputs. The integration of the digestion and Evotip loading also strongly reduced the amount of reagents needed for the sample preparation. Using the integrated workflow, we evaluate the effects of cancer immune therapy on the plasma proteome in metastatic melanoma patients.
<h4>STANDARDIZED AND FULLY AUTOMATED DEEP PROTEOME PROFILING OF PLASMA INTEGRATED WITH EVOSEP ONE ENABLES LARGE-SCALE CLINICAL COHORT ANALYSIS</h4>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dorte Becker-Jensen (Application Manager at Evosep)
</blockquote>
This streamlined end-to-end workflow enables deep plasma profiling through the automated enrichment of membrane-bound vesicles and depletion of abundant proteins from a mere 4 μl of plasma. Integrated with the SCIEX ZenoTOF, it consistently identifies more than 3,500 protein groups, all with the ease of processing 30 samples per day at the push of a button.

Evosep: Elevate efficiency: The power of automation

Elevate efficiency: The power of automation

Get started with a fast and efficient, automated sample preparation protocol on the Opentrons OT-2.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have primarily been studied in the context of environmental contamination, but recent developments have led to exploring their impact in diverse areas such as food, bioclinical settings, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals.
This expert panel discussion will explore the lessons learned from environmental applications and how these insights can be transitioned to these other arenas. The conversation will navigate through the current challenges faced, examine technologies at our disposal, pinpoint unmet analytical needs, and map out next steps. In addition, an overview of the ever-evolving regulatory landscape will provide an important backdrop for the discussion.
By attending this presentation, you will:
<ul>
<li>Gain an understanding of the challenges involved when transitioning from environmental matrices.
</li>
<li>Recognize the current analytical solutions available and identify gaps that present opportunities for innovation.
</li>
<li>Understand the complexities and challenges in the regulatory landscape concerning PFAS analysis across diverse sectors.
</li>
<li>Be better equipped to develop an action plan for next steps in the journey of expanding PFAS analysis beyond its traditional environmental context.
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend
<ul>
<li>Anyone involved in PFAS analysis, method development, or research should consider joining this webinar. Questions outside the scope of the description are welcome and will be addressed if time allows.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Rock J. Vitale (Technical Director of Chemistry, Senior Principal at Environmental Standards, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Mr. Vitale has over 40 years of analytical and QA experience. Specifically, he has six years of analytical experience performing analyses for organic and inorganic contaminants in a variety of media by instrumental and classical methods, including research and development of analytical methodologies. As a Principal of Environmental Standards, Mr. Vitale oversees a staff of approximately 40 QA Chemists - one of the nation’s largest. He is a recognized expert in the following fields: organic and inorganic analysis and data quality assessment (including high-resolution PCBs, dioxins/furans, and PFAS); laboratory auditing; preparation or third-party review of QAPPS for complex analytical programs; methods development to accommodate project-specific data quality objectives (DQOs); design of QA programs; and agency negotiations.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Olga Shimelis (Analytical Chemistry R&amp;D Manager at the life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Olga Shimelis worked for MilliporeSigma in multiple R&amp;D roles at the Bellefonte, PA, USA site in the area of development of consumables for chromatographic separations. Olga holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Oklahoma, USA.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Emiliano De Dominicis (Chemistry Research Director at Mérieux NutriSciences Italia)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Emiliano is a researcher with over twenty years of experience in food and pharmaceutical safety, following both private and academic sectors, and he is now Director of Chemical Research - Project Manager at Mérieux NutriSciences. With a team dedicated to Research and Development in Analytical Chemistry, Emiliano is responsible for Mérieux NutriSciences&#39; R&amp;D lab, taking part in global research projects. Moreover, he actively participates in funded scientific projects (regional, national, and European) and scientific congresses as a speaker, and writes articles published in specialized scientific journals.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ruth Marfil-Vega (Senior Market Manager, Environmental at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Ruth Marfil-Vega has 20 years of expertise in environmental chemistry and engineering in the US and Europe. She has worked with the EPA and the utilities industry to design and execute comprehensive solutions for addressing new environmental and water quality issues, including PFAS, regulated and unregulated DBPs, and other emerging contaminants. Ruth has continued working with environmental stakeholders since she joined Shimadzu five years ago to make sure that analytical instrumentation and workflows enable their success. She graduated from the University of Valladolid (Spain) with a BSc in Chemistry, and from the University of Cincinnati with a PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Erin Baker (Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Erin S. Baker is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. To date, she has published over 160 peer-reviewed papers utilizing different analytical chemistry techniques to study both environmental and biological systems. Over the last four years, Erin also helped grow the Females in Mass Spectrometry group, where she served as the Events Committee Chair from 2019-2022. She is currently serving as the Vice President of Education for the International Lipidomics Society, a mentor for Females in Mass Spectrometry, and an Associate Editor for the Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry.
</blockquote>

Separation Science: Expanding PFAS Analysis Beyond Environmental Matrices

Expanding PFAS Analysis Beyond Environmental Matrices

Explore the lessons learned from environmental applications and how these insights can be transitioned to these other arenas.

Are you looking to transform your organization’s digital landscape? Does digital transformation seem like something that you aren’t able to attain just yet?
Join us for an engaging webinar where we delve into the Thermo Scientific Ardia Platform, a game-changing solution for scientists seeking to unlock the full potential of their data. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the Ardia Platform, showcasing its advanced data analysis and connectivity capabilities. Explore how the Ardia Platform can accelerate your scientific discoveries, streamline your workflows, and enable you to make data-driven decisions with confidence. Don&#39;t miss this opportunity to revolutionize your research with the Ardia Platform.
Who should attend?
<ul>
<li>Researchers looking to better analyze their chromatography and mass spectrometry data </li>
<li>Anyone involved with driving digital transformation in their organization </li>
<li>Lab managers, IT professionals, laboratory system administrators, and business leaders</li>
</ul>
 What you will learn?
<ul>
<li>How the Ardia Platform offers connectivity, scalability, and security
</li>
<li>Core applications of the Ardia Platform
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Larry West (Senior Enterprise Software Solution Sales Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Larry has worked with chromatography data systems for over 40 years. Today he is part of the Thermo Enterprise CDS Team and supports Chromeleon. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and began his work in chromatography at Whatman Inc in 1981. He enjoys the whole process of streamlining the needs of chromatographers to make their user experience the best it can be.
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: Simplifying digital transformation with the Thermo Scientific Ardia Platform

Simplifying digital transformation with the Thermo Scientific Ardia Platform

Thermo ScientificTM ArdiaTM Platform, a game-changing solution for scientists seeking to unlock the full potential of their data.

Digital transformation - Thermo Scientific Ardia Platform

Discover the ground-breaking technology that promises a whole new level of chromatographic performance in low-flow applications, making you rethink what&#39;s possible.
First, we&#39;ll show you how the latest advancements in column technology seamlessly integrate with the Vanquish Neo UHPLC system and cutting-edge Orbitrap mass spectrometers. Imagine achieving unparalleled accuracy and precision while handling up to 300 samples daily – this is the future of high-throughput chromatographic separations.
The 2nd Keynote part explores the ever-evolving landscape of HPLC detection techniques – specifically around universal detection! We’ll discuss what universal detection really means, delve into the power of Charged Aerosol Detection (CAD) and what advantages inverse gradient can bring to your analysis. This will all be demonstrated with practical examples addressing extractables &amp; leachables along with common biopharmaceutical excipients.
Learning points:
<ul>
<li>How to achieve unparalleled quantitation accuracy and precision in high-throughput chromatographic separations 
</li>
<li>Detection technologies
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend:
<ul>
<li>Lab managers and directors 
</li>
<li>Principal scientists 
</li>
<li>Laboratory analysts
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Katherine Lovejoy (Product Applications Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Katherine Lovejoy, Ph.D. has been an application chemist focusing on charged aerosol detection at the Thermo Fisher Scientific HPLC factory site since 2016 and has a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She has experience as a chemist reviewer at the FDA and as a scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Mauro De Pra (Product Application Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Mauro De Pra is Product Application Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Since he joined the company in 2010, he focused on product development, application development and support, and product marketing. Before joining Thermo Fisher Scientific, he worked as Analytical Development Scientist at MSD. Mauro holds a PhD in analytical chemistry from the University of Amsterdam.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. habil. Frank Steiner (Senior Manager Product Applications &amp;Scientific Advisor, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Frank Steiner is currently managing an applications laboratory and coordinating scientific collaborations in the HPLC organization of Thermo Fisher Scientific. He received his PhD degree in Chemistry in 1995 from the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany working on development of stationary phases for IC. He then became a postdoctoral research fellow at the CEA, Saclay in France focusing on elementary and isotopic analysis by IC and IC-ICP/MS in 1996. Frank returned to Saarland University in 1997 to conduct research on electro-driven separation, LC purification and MS coupling technologies and became an assistant professor in 2003, after receiving the university teaching credentials (habilitation).
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
In 2005 Frank joined Dionex GmbH in Germering, Germany now a part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, as the manager for LC systems. Frank played a significant role in developing and launching the Vanquish UHPLC systems. He published over 30 publications in refereed journals and more than 10 text book chapters on HPLC method development and optimization.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Jeff Op de Beeck (Staff Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Jeff Op de Beeck is currently Staff Scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific’s R&amp;D facility in Ghent where micro pillar array technology is developed and produced. His work under the supervision of Prof. Gert De Smet and Prof. Wim De Malsche formed the basis for the current micro Pillar Array Column, which is branded by Thermo Fisher Scientific as the µPAC™. He holds a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Antwerp and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Brussels.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Natalie Van Landuyt (Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Natalie Van Landuyt is currently Scientist at Thermo Fisher Scientific’s R&amp;D facility in Ghent where micropillar array technology is developed and produced. With expertise in biotechnology, she made contributions as an R&amp;D Developer at PharmaFluidics and Senior Developer Immuno Assays at MyCartis. Earlier, she demonstrated leadership as a lab manager and became experienced in nanoLC as senior research associate during her tenure at Pronota, a Protein Biomarker discovery company. Natalie has a degree in Industrial Engineering Biochemistry and Medical Laboratory Technology from KHBO – Oostende/Brugge, Belgium.
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: HPLC Reloaded Day 1 – Quantitative Excellence in Pharma & Biopharma

Quantitative Excellence in Pharma & Biopharma

Discover the ground-breaking technology that promises a whole new level of chromatographic performance in low-flow applications.

We will examine how small changes to your vials &amp; closures can lead to a big impact to your recovery rates and reproducibility in your workflow.
Let´s be realistic: you will never get 100% of your analyte out of your sample handling container but we can help to secure your valid sample and improve the accuracy of your results.
During this webinar, we will examine developments and tips to:
<ul>
<li>eliminate or at least reduce adsorption in an autosampler vial</li>
<li>reduce the risk of moving your analyte out of the target pks/pka value for reliable LC analysis</li>
<li>eliminate sample loss due to evaporation by poor seals</li>
</ul>
We hope you will leave this webinar with an understanding on how to identify small fixes to reduce or eliminate sample loss for significant improvements. The session will finish with a short Q&amp;A and include a live chat with an expert.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Detlev Lennartz
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Detlev Lennartz brings almost 30 years of experience in chromatography consumables (HPLC columns, GC columns, SPE cartridges, TLC products, and vials and closures). Twenty-four of those years he has been within product management developing and improving consumables for today’s researcher. His customer sales and technical support experience allows him to understand what challenges researchers face. The last twelve years Detlev has been the Thermo Scientific sample handling (autosampler vials, closures and well plates) worldwide product manager. Together, with a team of specialists, focusing on developing and launching new and innovative sample handling products, he hopes to share this knowledge to drive better efficiencies and improve results for researchers.
</blockquote>

VWR: How to reduce your sample loss to significantly improve your results

How to reduce your sample loss to significantly improve your results

We will examine how small changes to your vials & closures can lead to a big impact to your recovery rates and reproducibility in your workflow.

How to reduce your sample loss to improve your results

In this webinar, we will walk you through the use of Zeno SWATH DIA on the ZenoTOF 7600 system for high-performance proteomics analysis, highlighting the following:
<ul>
<li>Maximizing nanoflow chromatographic separation performance using IonOpticks Aurora SX series columns
</li>
<li>Achieving high sensitivity for protein detection and quantitation on low column loads of a complex digest standard, approximating single-cell protein levels
</li>
<li>Demonstrating depth of proteome coverage and quantitative fidelity with mixtures of digests from 3 different organisms, with protein ratios between mixtures accurately quantified using a label-free quantitation (LFQ) strategy
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Patrick Pribil (SCIEX)
</blockquote>

SCIEX: Pushing the boundaries of depth-of-coverage for nanoflow proteomics using Zeno SWATH DIA and IonOpticks Aurora SX series columns

Pushing the boundaries of depth-of-coverage for nanoflow proteomics using Zeno SWATH DIA and IonOpticks Aurora SX series columns

Using Zeno SWATH DIA and IonOpticks Aurora SX columns

Discover a new tool for multi projects search in Empower. This session shows you how you can use a new tool for answering questions that took a lot of effort in the past.

Waters Corporation: Waters Empower search tool

Empower search tool

This session shows you how you can use a new tool for answering questions that took a lot of effort in the past. 