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

The Analytical Scientist

Thermo Fisher Scientific

C&EN

SCIEX

Waters Corporation

As we aim to make our environment safer, it is important to detect contaminations at very low levels. Hundreds of pesticides are routinely used for crop protection across the globe and most of these pesticides can leach into our water systems. Therefore it is important to monitor these compounds down to very low levels in both environmental and drinking water. European regulations are under constant review, one good example is the proposed amendments to the Directive 2008/105/EC.
Given the challenges brought in by the new regulations, it is becoming ever so important to have sensitive and robust methodologies. The growing target list now include multiple pesticides groups such as pyrethroids, organochlorines and organophosphorus. 
Our recommendation for the GC amenable pesticides analysis is APGC. This technology allows analysts to reach lower levels than ever before. The APGC ionization is considered ‘soft‘ when compared with techniques such as EI, which means that less fragmentation is observed for many compounds. Reduced fragmentation simplifies pre-cursor ion selection, subsequently resulting in higher sensitivity and specificity in MS/MS analyses.
Join our webinar to find out how APGC could improve your methods with: 
<ul>
<li>Sensitivity</li>
<li>Selectivity</li>
<li>Robustness</li>
</ul>
You will also hear from the industry experts about their experiences about APGC and how it helps to advance them further and stay in line (or exceed) regulatory limits, while also dealing with throughput demands.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Rhys Jones (Principal Consulting Scientist, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Rhys has worked for Waters in research and development for 20 years with a strong focus on gas chromatography mass spectrometry. ​The early part of his career was spent developing and supporting the AutoSpec magnetic sector instrument. ​One of his current responsibilities is the research, development and support of the atmospheric pressure gas chromatography (APGC) chemical ionization source, which has allowed the full range of Waters’ mass spectrometry techniques to be applied to GC analyses.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Janitha de Alwis (JD) (Senior Applications Chemist, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Janitha de Alwis (known as JD) is an applications chemist in the European demo lab, based in Wilmslow, UK. His main role focuses on application development work for the food and environmental sector. JD takes great pride in speaking to, and advising, many food and environmental customers. His position requires him to be reactive and proactive to the changes in the food industry, such as changing regulations, topical issues and food safety risks.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Change the Game Part II - Pesticide Analysis with Atmospheric Pressure GC (APGC)

Change the Game Part II - Pesticide Analysis with Atmospheric Pressure GC (APGC)

Join our webinar to find out how APGC could improve your methods with: Sensitivity, Selectivity, Robustness.

Pesticide Analysis with Atmospheric Pressure GC (APGC)

Join us for this two-part webinar series where we will share successful techniques to effectively improve lab-scale HPLC purification to isolate and purify important target compounds.
There is a continuous demand for sufficient yields of high-purity compounds in research and development. Whether compounds are synthesized target molecules, isolated natural product bioactives, or an unknown impurity from an API synthesis, target compound diversity brings new challenges for LC purification. This requires scientists to have a greater understanding of how-to better leverage HPLC for achieving purification outcomes in lab-scale target clean up. With purity requirements and accelerated project timelines, understanding best approaches for preparative separations is valuable to meeting these objectives. We will discuss practical techniques and tools for improving your effectiveness in lab-scale HPLC purifications. 
Additionally, we will explore successful approaches to achieving purity and yields at first try, and ways to be more efficient and confident in isolating and purifying important target compounds.
Key Learnings from this series include:
<ul>
<li>Gain insights for applying simple techniques to improve lab-scale purifications
</li>
<li>Learn to scale your analytical – prep workflows predictably
</li>
<li>For problematic targets, gain confidence choosing successful strategies to meet purification goals
</li>
<li>Boost preparative workflow efficiency using Waters OBD columns
</li>
</ul>
Who Should Attend?
<ul>
<li>Scientists performing mg scale isolation and purification workflows
</li>
<li>Medicinal and Synthetic Chemists in Pharmaceutical &amp; Academia
</li>
<li>Scientists, novices to experts, using HPLC for lab-scale purification of target molecules
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Kathy Lawrence (Sr. Product Marketing Manager, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Kathy Lawrence is the Sr. Product Marketing Manager for prep column technologies at Waters Corporation. Early in her career, she was a discovery R&amp;D chemist and a CRO lab manager gaining valuable experience isolating natural products and synthesizing small molecule targets. Later, as Waters North America Purification Specialist, she travelled the continent supporting the success of others purifying targets at various scale. Kathy has held advanced leadership roles in marketing and business development in support of the commercialization of systems, services, and consumables. She holds a Masters degrees in both chemistry and business, is an author of some scientific publication, and is a patented product inventor.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Effective Strategies for Improved Outcomes in LC Purification

Effective Strategies for Improved Outcomes in LC Purification

Successful techniques to effectively improve lab-scale HPLC purification to isolate and purify important target compounds.

Strategies for Improved Outcomes in LC Purification

Welcome to The Analytical Scientist’s Trends and Challenges in PFAS Analysis forum!
Per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, are a family of synthetic substances used in everyday products, such as stain and grease-repellent coatings and have appeared in almost all foods and drinking water. Toxic at extremely low levels, regulators demand low detection limits, and the list of PFAS compounds under investigation continues to expand. 
We recently asked our readers for their thoughts on the challenges involved in PFAS analysis, whether current methods are up to the task, and what analytical advances may be on the horizon. 
Here, our panel of experts will discuss the survey findings and share their perspectives on the latest trends and best practices in PFAS analysis. 
The event will have three parts: 
<ul>
<li>Part I: A discussion of the results of our recent vendor-neutral audience survey (10-15 minutes).
</li>
<li>Part II: Technology/application-focused presentations from each of our speakers (15 minutes each).
</li>
<li>Part III: A chance for you to ask our speakers questions as part of an audience Q&amp;A (15 minutes).
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Day Powell (Environmental Application Specialist , Agilent)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Day has worked for Agilent as an Environmental Specialist for one year. Before this he worked for a major UK Water company (United Utilities) as a senior analyst responsible for developing new methodologies for both LC/MS and GC/MS applications.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Day has analysed PFAS for several years and helped United Utilities to gain UKAS accreditation for determining 47 PFAS by LC/MS in drinking water using direct injection to address the latest Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Marcus Chadha (EMEA Applications Specialist Manager, Agilent) Dr. Marcus Chadha has worked for Agilent for seven years where he first worked as an LC/MS Field Application Specialist before moving on to being the EMEA Applications Specialist Manager in 2021.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
In his roles he has collaborated with our Environmental and Food customers, developed new methods, and trained LC/TQ and LC-Q/TOF MS workflows to new and existing customers.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
He now coordinates these activities using his team of GC/MS and LC/MS application specialists. Marcus is also responsible for the market specialisation activities for the environmental market across Europe.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Linx Waclaski (Product Manager for Ion Chromatography, Metrohm USA)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Linx Waclaski is the Product Manager for Ion Chromatography at Metrohm USA, in Riverview, Florida. He has years of experience in multiple chromatographic techniques, including ion chromatography, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry, with extensive experience in R&amp;D and applications development.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
His chromatography applications experience extends across environmental, food safety, and life sciences industries. He has an M.S. in Forensic Science from Duquesne University.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ruth Marfil-Vega (Senior Market Manager - Environmental, Shimadzu)
</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.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Since Ruth joined Shimadzu five years ago, she has continued to work with environmental stakeholders to ensure that analytical instrumentation and workflows support their success.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
She earned a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Valladolid (Spain) and a PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Trends and Challenges in PFAS Analysis

Trends and Challenges in PFAS Analysis

Survey findings and perspectives on the latest trends and best practices in PFAS analysis.

Join us for our 3-Part series to Meet our Experts and discuss topics including:
<ul>
<li>History of HPLC column technology over the last 50 years and how advancements have helped address current separation challenges.
</li>
<li>Fundamentals of small molecule separations to enable you to develop methods more efficiently. 
</li>
<li>Solvent and column choices with UPLC to develop more environmentally friendly chromatography methods
</li>
</ul>
<h4>PART 3: Achieving Your Sustainability Goals with UPLC</h4>
Method development for reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separations has traditionally been conducted using acetonitrile-water or methanol-water gradients. Acetonitrile is often preferred because of its ability to dissolve a wide range of solutes, its low UV cutoff, compatibility with mass spectrometry detection, and lower viscosity. However, its use can also be problematic due to health and environmental concerns. This presentation will highlight how to reduce the use of acetonitrile while maintaining separation performance by using narrower ID columns containing smaller particles. Chromatography using alternatives to acetonitrile such as isopropanol or ethanol will be shown utilizing high-pressure LC instrumentation. Both techniques could be employed when developing more environmentally friendly LC methods.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Bonnie Alden (Principal Scientist, Research &amp; Development, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Bonnie Alden joined Waters Corporation in 1982 to work with Dr. Patrick McDonald to develop new Sep-Pak Cartridge SPE devices. During her career, she has been a member of teams that brought transformative chromatographic columns to market. These include Symmetry Columns which set the industry standard in reproducibility, 1st hybrid chromatographic packing of XTerra Columns, 2nd generation Ethylene Bridged Hybrid (BEH) and Charged Surface Hybrid (CSH) technologies, as well as the recent development of modern, mixed-mode stationary phases for challenging analyses, such as the retention and separation of polar acids. More than 35 years later, she is still an enthusiastic student of liquid chromatography and separation science. Bonnie is currently a principal scientist in the Small Molecule Portfolio Team where her research interests have focused on developing products to address the needs of scientists in the extensive field of small molecule drug development.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Achieving Your Sustainability Goals with UPLC

Achieving Your Sustainability Goals with UPLC

How to reduce the use of acetonitrile while maintaining separation performance by using narrower ID columns containing smaller particles.

The development and expansion of analytical methods for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food is essential for the continued monitoring of the United States (US) food supply and assessments of dietary intake.
In March of 2022, the European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) for halogenated persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Feed and Food released a guidance document covering priority PFAS of interest, including analytical method parameters and limits of quantification (LOQs). As a result, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began method extension work to incorporate ten new additional analytes to method C-010.02 including long chain perfluorosulfonic acids, fluorotelomer sulfonates, and perfluorooctane sulfonamide. In December of 2022, The European Union published Commission Regulation 2022/2388, establishing maximum levels for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) in certain foodstuffs, primarily fish, molluscs, crustaceans, and eggs. As a result, the FDA method was evaluated for performance in reaching EU required LOQs for both compliance and monitoring purposes. The FDA method was found to be able to reach all required LOQs for analytes in matrices with established maximum levels and with further method modifications, required LOQs could be met in fruits, vegetables, and milk.
Key Learning Points:
<ul>
<li>Understand the FDA’s approach for PFAS LOQs in various food matrices
</li>
<li>Learn about the EU reference lab guidance for PFAS in foods and how the FDA is taking a similar approach to food safety
</li>
<li>Take a deep dive into which PFAS are designated targets and which are being monitored for screening
</li>
</ul>
Who Should Attend:
<ul>
<li>Any scientists, lab analysts, food safety advocates, food manufacturers or anyone interested in food safety.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Susan Genualdi Ph.D. (Research Chemist, Food and Drug Administration)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Susan Genualdi is currently a Research Chemist in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at the Food and Drug Administration. Her research over the last 12 years has focused on developing methods for the analysis of direct and indirect food additives in food and food packaging and for the last 6 years has focused on PFAS analysis in foods. Prior to her work at the FDA, she received her PhD in Analytical Chemistry at Oregon State University and was a postdoctoral fellow at Environment Canada.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Richard F. Jack Ph.D. (Global Market Development Manager, Phenomenex)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Richard F. Jack, Ph.D. Richard is the Global Market Development manager for the environmental and food markets at Phenomenex corporation. He has over 18 yrs. experience with chromatography and mass spectrometry for the environmental, semiconductor, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Richard is a former EPA Scientific Advisor for the EPA’s panel on Hydraulic Fracturing, a coauthor for EPA 557 and 557.1 along with ASTM D8001 and updates to D4327 and D6919 methods. He is currently the Second Vice Chairman for the ASTM D19 subcommittee on water analysis. Richard received his Ph.D. in biochemistry and anaerobic microbiology from Virginia Tech University and Master’s in ecology from the University of Tennessee.
</blockquote>

Phenomenex: FDA’s Analytical Method for PFAS Detection

FDA’s Analytical Method for PFAS Detection

Understand the FDA’s approach for PFAS LOQs in various food matrices.

Glycosylation plays a crucial role in determining the pharmacological properties of biotherapeutics. The molecular heterogeneity of glycosylated biotherapeutics makes it difficult to provide thorough characterization of intact glycoproteins by mass spectrometry.
Current methods for analyzing biotherapeutics only measure fragments of the compound or rely on partial digestion of the glycans to reduce sample complexity. These limitations pose important risks and challenges for biotechnology companies that need to report human-compatible and consistent glycosylation, critical for drug safety and efficacy. 
We will present a new approach to glycoform fingerprinting that uses proton-transfer charge-reduction with gas-phase fractionation to analyze intact glycoproteins by mass spectrometry. The method provides a detailed landscape of the intact molecular weights present in biotherapeutic protein preparations in a single experiment and offers insights into glycoform composition when coupled with a suitable bioinformatic strategy. In addition, we highlight the application of charge detection native mass spectrometry (Direct Mass Technology mode) towards the elucidation of masses and aggregation of heterogeneous glycosylated biotherapeutics. 
Key Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>How to elucidate masses from heterogeneous glycosylated biotherapeutics 
</li>
<li>Learn how proton transfer charge reduction (PTCR) can simplify complex protein mixtures 
</li>
<li>Learn when to use PTCR based methods compared to Direct Mass Technology mode for analysis of biotherapeutics
</li>
</ul>
Who Should Attend:
<ul>
<li>Laboratory Managers 
</li>
<li>Biopharmaceutical Researchers 
</li>
<li>Protein Scientists
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Wendy Sandoval (Director, Translational Mass Spectrometry, Genentech)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ann Thayer (Contributing Editor, C&amp;EN Media Group)
</blockquote>

C&EN: Direct Analysis of Glycosylated Therapeutics

Direct Analysis of Glycosylated Therapeutics

New approach to glycoform fingerprinting that uses proton-transfer charge-reduction with gas-phase fractionation to analyze intact glycoproteins.

Are you ready to propel drug development and revolutionize the pharma industry?
On the quest to develop more effective drugs, the synergy between technology providers and scientists is paramount. Together, they generate reliable and reproducible results, accelerating new chemical entities through the pipeline. From research to commercialization, a continuous cycle of tests and workflows shapes the future, determining your success.
Discover new possibilities:
Unlock the potential of cutting-edge technology and master the art of making the right decisions. The 2-day event brings you interactive expert talks, enriching your knowledge and empowering you to embrace innovative techniques that save precious time at work. From the research of new markers to the drug development moving into non and GLP bioanalysis. Plan your next lab expansion with confidence.
Why attend?
<ul>
<li>Insightful expert talks: engage with 8 prominent speakers and key opinion leaders in the field
</li>
<li>Explore mass spectrometry in pharma: talks about research and quantitation of biomarkers, characterization of metabolites, drug quantitation and nitrosamine impurities, harness the power of mass spectrometry and plan your lab expansion with confidence
</li>
<li>Collaboration and networking: connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and build valuable connections within the industry
</li>
<li>Be the forefront of advancements: stay ahead of the competition by gaining insights into the latest trends and advancements in pharma technology
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Agenda Day 1: Wednesday, October 25</h3>
<h5>10:00 - 10:40 The Echo® MS system, a high throughout mass spectrometry, Revolution to accelerate hit finding and drug discovery</h5>
<ul>
<li>Celine Legros and Dany Jeanne Dit Fouque (Eurofins)</li>
</ul>
<h5>10:40 - 11:20 Qualification of lipid biomarker assays using chromatography with triple-quad mass spectrometry</h5>
<ul>
<li>Freddy Oosterbring (Ardena)</li>
</ul>
<h5>11:20 - 11:30 Break</h5>
<h5>11:30 - 12:10 Mass spectrometry, a useful aid in Alzheimer´s disease diagnosis</h5>
<ul>
<li>Jose Antonio Allué (Araclon)</li>
</ul>
<h5>12:10 - 12:50 LC-MS to analyze oligonucleotides: a tool for the characterization of new biotherapeutics</h5>
<ul>
<li>Margalida Artigues (IQS)</li>
</ul>
<h5>12:50 - 13:00 Final notes</h5>
<ul>
<li>Ferran Sanchez (SCIEX)</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Celine Legros (Drug Discovery, Partnership Director, Eurofins Discovery)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Celine Legros, PhD, Drug Discovery Partnership Director, is deeply involved in the design of complex projects, including Hit-Finding, Hit-toLead and Lead-Op programs. Prior to joining Eurofins, Dr. Legros was Scientific Project Leader in the Screening Department at the Institut de Recherches Servier, France, where she was involved in neuroscience, cardio-metabolic diseases, immune-inflammation, and oncology projects, from HTS through to Lead-Optimization. Dr. Legros holds a Ph.D. in Animal Physiology (melatonin circanual rhythm and melatonin receptors) from the University of Tours, France, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Blood Brain Barrier Group at King’s College London, UK.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dany Jeanne Dit Fouque (Development Analytic Engineer, Eurofins Cerep)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dany Jeanne dit Fouque, PhD, is a Mass Spectrometry Analytical Development Engineer at Eurofins Cerep. He has 7 years of experience in analytical chemistry with in-depth knowledge in UHPLC-MS/MS method development, enzymatic reaction and MS-Binding using mass spectrometry. Prior to joining Eurofins, he worked in the academic sector on several R&amp;D projects to develop and optimize a new methodology using UHPLC-MSn experiments to identify and quantify isomeric/isobaric compounds in mixture. Dr. Jeanne dit Fouque received his Ph.D. in Mass Spectrometry from the University of Brest, France.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Freddy Oosterbring (Senior Scientist, Deputy Director Laboratory, Ardena)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Freddy Oostebring, Manager Laboratory section chromatography and mass spectrometry at Ardena Bioanalysis. He holds a bachelor degree in Analytical Chemistry and has been working with triple quad mass spectrometry for more than 20 years. His expertise is in the field of method development for the analysis of small molecules, targeted lipids and peptides in biological matrices. Since 2019, he has been a member of the SCIEX Innovation Advisory Board.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jose Antonio Allué (Senior Scientist Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, R&amp;D Department, Araclon Biotech S.L., Ph.D. (Pharmacy) University of Barcelona, Spain.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Twenty-five years in the field of Biological Mass Spectrometry, fifteen of them dedicated to research in Alzheimer´s Disease by HPLC-MS/MS (MALDI, IMS-MS, Orbitrap-MS, reTOF-MS, TOF/TOF-MS, Ion-Trap-MS and Triple Quadrupole-MS). Applications of both, targeted and untargeted, proteomic techniques in the fields of immunology, metabolism, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Applications of High-Mass MALDI Mass Spectrometry for the analysis of protein complexes and vaccines. Label-free shotgun proteomics by Travelling Wave Ion Mobility Spectrometry coupled to TOF-MS. Applications of MS to the study of amyloid species in tissues and biofluids, including human, dog and transgenic mice models. Research focus: blood and cerebrospinal fluid amyloid biomarkers in Alzheimer´s Disease. Direct analysis of amyloid peptides in blood without immunoprecipitation enrichment.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Margalida Artigues (Responsable de IQS SCIEX Demo Lab, Instituto Químico de Sarrià IQS)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Margalida Artigues earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2019 from Ramon Llull University. She holds a Master&#39;s degree in Analytical Chemistry, as well as a Bachelor&#39;s degree in Chemistry, both from the same university. Since 2021, she has been leading the Mass Spectrometry Laboratory IQS-SCIEX Demo Lab, based in Barcelona, where she is an integral part of the research team at IQS Tech Transfer. In her current role, her mission is to promote research, facilitate technology transfer, and provide support in educational activities related to the LC-MS analytical technique.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Emiliano de Dominicis (Chemistry Research Director, Mérieux NutriSciences)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Emiliano De Dominicis 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 Research and Development in Analytical Chemistry dedicated team, Emiliano is responsible for Mérieux NutriSciences Global Research Projects and Scientific Center. Moreover, Emiliano De Dominicis actively participates in funded scientific projects (regional, national and European), scientific congresses as speaker, and writes articles published in specialized scientific journals.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Lukas Mogler (Sr Group Leader, Extractables and Leachables, Lonza DPS)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Lukas Mogler, Sr Group Leader Extractables and Leachables at Lonza DPS Basel Switzerland. He is a graduated diploma pharmacist holding a PhD from University of Freiburg, Germany. Worked in the field of Forensic Toxicology with focus on mass spectrometry and metabolism studies. Joined Lonza DPS in 2020, responsible for extractables and leachables and elemental impurities assessments.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ashwani Gaur (Senior Principal Scientist, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Syngene international Limited)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Ashwani Gaur, is Senior Principal scientist in Drug metabolism and Pharmacokinetics department of Syngene international Limited. Ashwani Joined Bioanalytical team in Ranbaxy research Lab soon after completing MS degree in Pharmaceutical Analysis from National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, India in 2004. Prior to Syngene, he worked in Advinus Therapeutics and Eurofins. Ashwani has contributed to small molecules drug-discovery projects internally and with large and medium size pharmaceutical companies around the globe specifically in lead identification/optimization stages. He leads a team of experts in LC-MS-based bioanalysis of small molecules, metabolites, prodrugs, biomarkers, complex bioanalysis involving chemical derivitisation and exposure determination new modalities like Protacs, ADC`s, oligonucleotides etc. in multiple biological matrices.
</blockquote>

Pharma conclave 2023 (Day 1)

Interactive expert talks, enriching your knowledge and empowering you to embrace innovative techniques that save precious time at work.

Are you ready to propel drug development and revolutionize the pharma industry?
On the quest to develop more effective drugs, the synergy between technology providers and scientists is paramount. Together, they generate reliable and reproducible results, accelerating new chemical entities through the pipeline. From research to commercialization, a continuous cycle of tests and workflows shapes the future, determining your success.
Discover new possibilities:
Unlock the potential of cutting-edge technology and master the art of making the right decisions. The 2-day event brings you interactive expert talks, enriching your knowledge and empowering you to embrace innovative techniques that save precious time at work. From the research of new markers to the drug development moving into non and GLP bioanalysis. Plan your next lab expansion with confidence.
Why attend?
<ul>
<li>Insightful expert talks: engage with 8 prominent speakers and key opinion leaders in the field
</li>
<li>Explore mass spectrometry in pharma: talks about research and quantitation of biomarkers, characterization of metabolites, drug quantitation and nitrosamine impurities, harness the power of mass spectrometry and plan your lab expansion with confidence
</li>
<li>Collaboration and networking: connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and build valuable connections within the industry
</li>
<li>Be the forefront of advancements: stay ahead of the competition by gaining insights into the latest trends and advancements in pharma technology
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Agenda Day 2: Thursday, October 26</h3>
<h5>10:00 - 10:40 Case studies from bioanalytical lab in DMPK, Syngene: SCIEX 7500 system and beyond</h5>
<ul>
<li>Ashwani Gaur (Syngene International Ltd)</li>
</ul>
<h5>10:40 - 11:20 Challenges in quantification of NDSRI’s</h5>
<ul>
<li>Dama Venugopal Rao (Dr. Reddy&#39;s Laboratories)</li>
</ul>
<h5>11:20 - 11:30 Break</h5>
<h5>11:30 - 12:10 Nitrosamine impurities in dermal products: from APIs and their salts (secondary amines) evaluations through analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry</h5>
<ul>
<li>Emiliano de Dominicis (Merieux)</li>
</ul>
<h5>12:10 - 12:50 Extractables and leachables assessments in biologics manufacturing</h5>
<ul>
<li>Lukas Mogler (Lonza)</li>
</ul>
<h5>12:50 - 13:00 Final notes</h5>
<ul>
<li>Ferran Sanchez (SCIEX)</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Celine Legros (Drug Discovery, Partnership Director, Eurofins Discovery)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Celine Legros, PhD, Drug Discovery Partnership Director, is deeply involved in the design of complex projects, including Hit-Finding, Hit-toLead and Lead-Op programs. Prior to joining Eurofins, Dr. Legros was Scientific Project Leader in the Screening Department at the Institut de Recherches Servier, France, where she was involved in neuroscience, cardio-metabolic diseases, immune-inflammation, and oncology projects, from HTS through to Lead-Optimization. Dr. Legros holds a Ph.D. in Animal Physiology (melatonin circanual rhythm and melatonin receptors) from the University of Tours, France, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Blood Brain Barrier Group at King’s College London, UK.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dany Jeanne Dit Fouque (Development Analytic Engineer, Eurofins Cerep)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dany Jeanne dit Fouque, PhD, is a Mass Spectrometry Analytical Development Engineer at Eurofins Cerep. He has 7 years of experience in analytical chemistry with in-depth knowledge in UHPLC-MS/MS method development, enzymatic reaction and MS-Binding using mass spectrometry. Prior to joining Eurofins, he worked in the academic sector on several R&amp;D projects to develop and optimize a new methodology using UHPLC-MSn experiments to identify and quantify isomeric/isobaric compounds in mixture. Dr. Jeanne dit Fouque received his Ph.D. in Mass Spectrometry from the University of Brest, France.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Freddy Oosterbring (Senior Scientist, Deputy Director Laboratory, Ardena)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Freddy Oostebring, Manager Laboratory section chromatography and mass spectrometry at Ardena Bioanalysis. He holds a bachelor degree in Analytical Chemistry and has been working with triple quad mass spectrometry for more than 20 years. His expertise is in the field of method development for the analysis of small molecules, targeted lipids and peptides in biological matrices. Since 2019, he has been a member of the SCIEX Innovation Advisory Board.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jose Antonio Allué (Senior Scientist Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, R&amp;D Department, Araclon Biotech S.L., Ph.D. (Pharmacy) University of Barcelona, Spain.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Twenty-five years in the field of Biological Mass Spectrometry, fifteen of them dedicated to research in Alzheimer´s Disease by HPLC-MS/MS (MALDI, IMS-MS, Orbitrap-MS, reTOF-MS, TOF/TOF-MS, Ion-Trap-MS and Triple Quadrupole-MS). Applications of both, targeted and untargeted, proteomic techniques in the fields of immunology, metabolism, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Applications of High-Mass MALDI Mass Spectrometry for the analysis of protein complexes and vaccines. Label-free shotgun proteomics by Travelling Wave Ion Mobility Spectrometry coupled to TOF-MS. Applications of MS to the study of amyloid species in tissues and biofluids, including human, dog and transgenic mice models. Research focus: blood and cerebrospinal fluid amyloid biomarkers in Alzheimer´s Disease. Direct analysis of amyloid peptides in blood without immunoprecipitation enrichment.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Margalida Artigues (Responsable de IQS SCIEX Demo Lab, Instituto Químico de Sarrià IQS)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Margalida Artigues earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2019 from Ramon Llull University. She holds a Master&#39;s degree in Analytical Chemistry, as well as a Bachelor&#39;s degree in Chemistry, both from the same university. Since 2021, she has been leading the Mass Spectrometry Laboratory IQS-SCIEX Demo Lab, based in Barcelona, where she is an integral part of the research team at IQS Tech Transfer. In her current role, her mission is to promote research, facilitate technology transfer, and provide support in educational activities related to the LC-MS analytical technique.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Emiliano de Dominicis (Chemistry Research Director, Mérieux NutriSciences)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Emiliano De Dominicis 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 Research and Development in Analytical Chemistry dedicated team, Emiliano is responsible for Mérieux NutriSciences Global Research Projects and Scientific Center. Moreover, Emiliano De Dominicis actively participates in funded scientific projects (regional, national and European), scientific congresses as speaker, and writes articles published in specialized scientific journals.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Lukas Mogler (Sr Group Leader, Extractables and Leachables, Lonza DPS)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Lukas Mogler, Sr Group Leader Extractables and Leachables at Lonza DPS Basel Switzerland. He is a graduated diploma pharmacist holding a PhD from University of Freiburg, Germany. Worked in the field of Forensic Toxicology with focus on mass spectrometry and metabolism studies. Joined Lonza DPS in 2020, responsible for extractables and leachables and elemental impurities assessments.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ashwani Gaur (Senior Principal Scientist, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Syngene international Limited)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Ashwani Gaur, is Senior Principal scientist in Drug metabolism and Pharmacokinetics department of Syngene international Limited. Ashwani Joined Bioanalytical team in Ranbaxy research Lab soon after completing MS degree in Pharmaceutical Analysis from National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, India in 2004. Prior to Syngene, he worked in Advinus Therapeutics and Eurofins. Ashwani has contributed to small molecules drug-discovery projects internally and with large and medium size pharmaceutical companies around the globe specifically in lead identification/optimization stages. He leads a team of experts in LC-MS-based bioanalysis of small molecules, metabolites, prodrugs, biomarkers, complex bioanalysis involving chemical derivitisation and exposure determination new modalities like Protacs, ADC`s, oligonucleotides etc. in multiple biological matrices.
</blockquote>

Pharma conclave 2023 (Day 2)

Developing targeted LC-MS/MS work to quantify key membrane receptors and antigens to evaluate drug targets and the effect of biotherapeutics is extremely challenging.
The expression levels of these proteins are often exceptionally low, the properties of these membrane proteins can limit the effectiveness of extraction and recovery, and the noises from biological matrices are typically high. Traditional methods often suffer from insufficient sensitivity and quantitative accuracy.
The focus of this webinar is to introduce an alternative method designed to implement more generic sample preparation steps in combination of strategic trap-elute chromatography, FAIMS selectivity, and sensitive LC-MS/MS acquisition utilizing selected reaction monitoring (SRM) on a premier triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Prof. Qu and his team will demonstrate confident quantitation of various membrane receptors and antigens that are important to the biotherapeutics. The presented workflow will also demonstrate advantages to streamlining method development to increase productivity.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Prof. Jun Qu (Assistant Professor, State University New York (SUNY) Buffalo)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jun Qu is a professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences of SUNY-Buffalo, and the director of Proteomics and Pharmaceutical Analysis Group in NY Center of Excellence in Life Sciences. His research is focused on the study of Clinical/Pharmaceutical Proteomics and Pharmaceutical Analysis by developing novel LC/MS-based strategies to markedly enhance the sensitivity, specificity, throughput and accuracy/precision for protein analysis in highly complex biological matrices. His research programs include i) highly sensitive and accurate characterization of biotherapeutics, targets and markers in pharmaceutical and clinical systems; ii) precise and large-scale global quantification of pathological proteomes using a novel MS1-based proteomic pipeline (IonStar); iii) sensitive identification, localization and quantification of post-translational modifications in tissue proteomes; iv) targeted investigation of marker proteins that are of high interests for clinical and pharmaceutical investigations. Qu lab is also one of the world leaders in LC-MS-based characterization of biotherapeutics in pre-clinical models. He has around 130 peer reviewed publications and &gt;70 grants funded as the principal investigator or co-investigator.
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: A new approach to perform ultra-sensitive, accurate, and absolute quantification of key membrane receptors and antigens in tissue and on cell surfaces

A new approach to perform ultra-sensitive, accurate, and absolute quantification of key membrane receptors and antigens in tissue and on cell surfaces

An alternative method designed to implement more generic sample preparation steps in combination of trap-elute chromatography, FAIMS and LC-MS/MS.

A new approach to perform ultra-sensitive, accurate

Low-flow chromatography is ideal when samples are limited, when enhanced sensitivity and high resolution are needed, and compatibility with certain detectors/instruments are required.
Choosing the appropriate low-flow column is critical to the success of any proteomic analysis. The diverse portfolio of Thermo Fisher Scienitific columns offers uncompromised performance with an easy-to-use format for nano and capillary LC-MS analysis. Achieving state-of-the-art performance from nano-flow LS-MS has never been easier.
In this webinar, we will present the Thermo Scientific low-flow chromatography (capLC/NanoLC) columns and demonstrate how they are specifically designed to push nanoLC separations further. Learn how deeper proteomic coverage is achieved with the Thermo Scientific integrated column-emitter setup (EASY-Spray) and innovative Thermo Scientific micro-pillar array column (µPAC) technology.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Robert van Ling (Product Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Robert van Ling has 20+ years of experience in nanoLC separations for proteomics LC-MS. In previous roles, he has participated in the introduction in a variety of low-flow products, like the Thermo Scientific™ UltiMate™ 3000 Systems and Thermo Scientific™ PepMap™ and EASY-Spray™ Columns. In the last few years, Robert has focused his activities on the development and commercialization of µPAC HPLC columns, and is keen to share his experience.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jeff Op de Beeck (Staff Scientist, Research &amp; Development, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
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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 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 micro-Pillar Array Column (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.
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Thermo Scientific: Push low-flow separations for LC-MS proteomic workflows further with integrated column-emitter and innovative micro-pillar array column (µPAC) technology

Push low-flow separations for LC-MS proteomic workflows further with integrated column-emitter and innovative micro-pillar array column (µPAC) technology

Thermo Scientific low-flow chromatography (capLC/NanoLC) columns and demonstrate how they are specifically designed to push nanoLC separations further.