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

DataApex

CEM Corporation

Separation Science

Agilent Technologies

Unchained Labs

SelectScience

Waters Corporation

Current paradigms for drug discovery rely heavily on the quick and effective separation of complex biomolecules. Specifically, a post-translational modification known as glycosylation, which involves adding sugar molecules to proteins, has the potential to significantly alter the structure and function of proteins. Historically, it has been difficult to select the appropriate platform for high-resolution analysis of complex N-linked glycans.
We will talk about current strategies for glycan examination of biotherapeutics by HPLC. The introduction of robust method best practices is planned. Method development strategies, including gradient and mobile phase optimization, will be discussed for resolving critical pairs. In addition, we will investigate strategies for increasing glycan resolution and separation.
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Presenter: Mohit Patel (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Mohit Patel is part of the CSD Online AE Team. His primary focus is to support SMLC, Bio-Columns, and consumables.
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Before joining Agilent, Mohit was an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Temple University. Mohit developed his passion for science through his experiences as a faculty researcher and a mentor. Mohit actively taught, developed curriculum, and served as senior personnel, with a leadership position, on funded grants, mentored research projects, and co-coordinator of STEAM related outreach services.
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Mohit has earned a Doctorate degree in Chemistry from Temple University in 2016.
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Glycan Analysis Overview, Method Optimization, and Analysis by HPLC

We will talk about current strategies for glycan examination of biotherapeutics by HPLC.

Glycan Analysis Overview, Method Optimization, and HPLC

Join our Bioprocess Symposium to learn from upstream bioprocess experts how direct LC-MS measurement of drug product quality attributes and cell media can enhance your bioprocess development.
Discover how accessible data can help you accelerate clone selection and process development and find out how to develop quicker more robust processes.
We’re excited to wrap up the symposium with a premier demonstration of our newest solution. Here we&#39;ll show you how a streamlined and easy to use interface, combining automated sample preparation with accessible LC-MS analytics, unlocks high quality data in just a few clicks. 
AGENDA:
<ul>
<li>Waters Bioprocess Solutions
</li>
<li>Accelerated upstream bioprocess development via integrated LC-MS analysis
</li>
<li>A case study on mAbs and CQAs
</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Ben Wilkes (Principal Biopharma Market Development Manager, Waters Corporation)
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Ben Wilkes is a Biopharma Field Marketing Manager for Waters, focussing on bioprocess solutions. Prior to joining Waters, Ben has spent over a decade in Research and Development in the biopharma industry, including roles at Lonza, Abzena and Sanofi-Genzyme. 
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<blockquote>
Presenter: Magnus Wetterhall (Global Marketing Manager – Bioprocessing, Waters Corporation)
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Magnus Wetterhall has more than 25 years’ experience in upstream &amp; downstream bioprocessing, advanced mass spectrometry, biomarker discovery, protein characterization, working at start-ups, large biotech companies as well as academics. Magnus earned his MSc. and Ph.D. degree in analytical chemistry at Uppsala University, Sweden. He has published over 40 scientific papers and 50 posters in the areas of mass spectrometry, biomolecule characterization and bioseparations, and has been an invited presenter at national and international conferences on these topics. He is currently the Global Marketing Manager at Waters Corporation – Bioprocessing, where he is dedicated to deliver analytical solutions to advance upstream and downstream bioprocess.
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Presenter: Carlotta Kortmann (Leibniz University Hannover, Institute of Technical Chemistry)
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Carlotta Kortmann has been working in the field of preparative and analytical chromatography for over half a decade. In 2020, she finished her MSc. degree in Life Science with a focus on bioprocess engineering and natural product chemistry at Leibniz University Hannover, Germany. In the course of her master’s program, she completed a research internship at Umeå University, Sweden dealing with neurodegenerative diseases by combining protein engineering with bioactive compound development. She subsequently started her Ph.D. at the Institute of Technical Chemistry in Hannover and is currently working on continuous downstream processing and the associated process consistency as well as product quality control of monoclonal antibodies throughout the production process.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Waters Bioprocess Virtual Symposium

Waters Bioprocess Virtual Symposium

How a streamlined and easy to use interface, combining automated sample preparation with accessible LC-MS analytics, unlocks high quality data in a few clicks.

The advancement of CRISPR-based gene editing tools into biotherapeutics offers the potential for cures to genetic disorders and for new treatment paradigms for even common diseases.
Arguably, the most important component of a CRISPR-based medicine is the guide RNA that dictates the on-target editing site as well as potential undesired off-target edits.
To ensure the spacer region is of high fidelity, top-down mass spectrometry was implemented to provide direct and quantitative assessments of highly modified gRNA. In addition to sequencing the spacer region and pinpointing modifications, top-down mass spectra were utilized to quantify single-base spacer substitution impurities down to &lt;1% and to decipher highly dissimilar spacers. 
To accomplish these results in an automated fashion, we devised custom software capable of sequencing and quantifying impurities in gRNA spacers. Notably, we developed automated tools that enabled the quantification of single-base substitutions, including advanced isotopic pattern matching for C &gt; U and U &gt; C substitutions, and created a de novo sequencing strategy to facilitate the identification and quantification of gRNA impurities with highly dissimilar spacer regions.
By attending this presentation you will:
<ul>
<li>Gain an understanding of gRNA spacer characterization by MS/MS.
</li>
<li>Learn about gRNA impurity analysis by MS/MS.
</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Luis A. Macias, PhD (Mass Spectrometry Scientist, Verve Therapeutics)
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Luis joined Verve in 2022 as a mass spectrometry scientist focusing on support and development of gRNA characterization methods. Prior to joining Verve, Luis was a graduate student in the Brodbelt lab at the University of Texas, where he developed mass spectrometry-based methods to examine structural features of proteins and lipids.
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Separation Science: Spacer Fidelity Assessments of Guide RNA by Top-Down Mass Spectrometry

Spacer Fidelity Assessments of Guide RNA by Top-Down Mass Spectrometry

Learn about gRNA impurity analysis by MS/MS.

Spacer Fidelity Assessments of Guide RNA

In this session, join Pascal Fuchsmann, Head of Flavor Analytics at the Agroscope research center, and Stefan Cretnik, Product Manager at CTC Analytics as they discuss a fully automated approach to vacuum in-tube extraction (V-ITEX), a simple and fully automated technique using PAL system autosamplers.
The application examples include flavors, fragrances, off-flavors, pesticides, and biomarkers by extractions directly from the food sample matrix, such as honey, bee wax, cheese, onions, blood, and urine.
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Presenter: Ederina Ninga (Postdoc, Research Group for Analytical Food Chemistry, Danish Technical University)
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Presenter: Gwen Lim (Specialist for automated sample preparation, CTC Analytics)
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Presenter: Thomas Preiswerk (Senior Account Manager, CTC Analytics)
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SelectScience: Analysis of flavors, pesticides, and biomarkers directly from complex food matrix using the automated vacuum in-tube extraction (V-ITEX)

Analysis of flavors, pesticides, and biomarkers directly from complex food matrix using the automated vacuum in-tube extraction (V-ITEX)

Fully automated approach to vacuum in-tube extraction (V-ITEX).

Automated vacuum in-tube extraction (V-ITEX)

Ion Mobility (IM) advancements in Software, Data Bases, AI and Machine learning are quickly improving capabilities to make unknown identifications, separate and ID isomers, as well as improve workflows associated with metabolomics, lipidomics, PFAS, and qual-quant screening.
In addition, IM measurements are significantly improved with HRdm High Resolution Demultiplexing. This is the first commercial IM instrument to enable the simultaneous combination of high drift resolution, while at the same time achieving all four of the following measurement capabilities: broad mass range in a single injection, multiplexing to increase sensitivity, compatibility with fast chromatographic acquisition rates , and highest precision in CCS measurements. For more accurate CCS predictions, the better precision in the CCS training set improves AI machine learning SW. This can significantly reduce the number of potential candidate structures to select from when making unknown identifications.
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Presenter: Xueyun Zheng, PhD (Integrative Omics Group, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)
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Agilent Technologies: LipidOz: an Open-source Tool for Automated Elucidation of Lipid Double Bond Positions from Ozone-Induced Dissociation-IMS-MS Data

LipidOz: an Open-source Tool for Automated Elucidation of Lipid Double Bond Positions from Ozone-Induced Dissociation-IMS-MS Data

LipidOz: an Open-source Tool for Automated Elucidation of Lipid Double Bond Positions from Ozone-Induced Dissociation-IMS-MS Data.

LipidOz: Elucidation of Lipid Double Bond Positions IMS-MS

Every organization has unique needs regarding their laboratory processes, workflows, and overall mission.
When considering ways to meet those needs, it is vital that an organization evaluates the potential resources they can implement, from laboratory instrumentation to software solutions. The goal is to add value and increase optimization. 
Selecting a software solution is a decision that will have a direct, intense impact on your lab. It will affect how efficiently your staff works, how streamlined your processes are, and how accurately your work can be accomplished. You want to make sure that the impact is positive. A laboratory information management system (LIMS) is a necessary resource because it can store and aggregate your data in one place, streamline your workflows and processes, and increase efficiency, reliability, and value – all which are limited when managed manually. It’s important to choose a solution that is easy-to-use, with minimal customization that addresses the key challenges of your industry and can integrate with existing instrumentation and software systems. Understand the key considerations when selecting a LIMS to best meet your goals and elevate your lab.
By attending this presentation you will learn about:
<ul>
<li>The value of choosing a LIMS solution that meets your laboratory’s requirements and needs
</li>
<li>The impact of making the right choice to elevate your lab’s productivity, efficiency, and ability to deliver high quality results
</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Adam Collins (Senior Product Specialist, Digital Science Solutions, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
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As Senior Product Specialist for Digital Science Solutions at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Adam specializes in providing software demonstrations and technical support for organizations across multiple industry sectors who are assessing Thermo Fisher Scientific’s LIMS solutions for their laboratory needs. He has over five years of experience as a technical product specialist for laboratory software. Adam has Doctor of Philosophy and Bachelor of Science degrees in Microbial Genetics and Microbiology from the University of Nottingham.
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Separation Science: How to choose the right LIMS solution

How to choose the right LIMS solution

Understand the key considerations when selecting a LIMS to best meet your goals and elevate your lab.

Free webinar focusing on new Clarity 9.0 features, including the improved workflow for batches, the new integration algorithm, and much more. We will add some Tips on how to use Clarity software effectively and provide space for your questions.

Clarity 9.0 Webinar 

Free webinar focusing on new Clarity 9.0 features, including the improved workflow for batches, the new integration algorithm, and much more.

Amino Acid Analysis is required in many applications related to foods, dietary supplements and animal feeds and is a fundamental tool for monitoring product QC and compliance with nutritional labeling.
AOAC International has recently published a standardized method (AOAC Official Method 2018.06) for the analysis of total amino acids in infant formulas and adult nutritionals by UHPLC-UV. For some samples, to obtain a full amino acid profile, the samples must first be hydrolyzed. Due to the varied properties of amino acids and diversity of sample matrices, hydrolysis, separation and detection represents an analytical challenge. Learn more about effective hydrolysis, separation and detection of amino acids in dietary supplements, plant-based meats, and pet food during a 3-part webinar series with CEM and Waters.
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Presenter: Alicia Douglas Stell, Ph.D. (Market Development Manager, Applied Markets, CEM Corporation)
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Dr. Alicia Douglas Stell has worked with CEM for the past 15 years, joining after completing her PhD in Analytical Chemistry. Her extensive background in chromatographic analysis and her mechanical expertise have been integral in the development of both instrumentation and novel applications. In her role as Market Development Manager, she is continuously exploring new applications and markets for innovative technology, focused around sample preparation.
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Presenter: Benedict Liu (Product Specialist, Organic Solutions, CEM Corporation)
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Benedict Liu graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2018 with a bachelor&#39;s degree in chemistry and mathematics. He joined CEM soon after and has been with the company for 5 years serving as an applications chemist and product specialist for the Molecular Sample Preparation division. In his time at CEM, Ben has worked to develop solutions for the extraction of organic pollutants in soils and product, microwave amino acid hydrolysis protocols, and automated extraction methods for PFAS in solid and semi-solid matrices.
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Presenter: Paula Phenix (Principal Product Marketing Manager, Waters Corporation)
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Paula is a Principal Product Marketing Manager at Waters with a focus on products for amino acid and glycan analysis. Prior to her current role in the Chemistry and Lab Automation Group, she was the Product Marketing Manager for Specialty LC and SFC Systems in the Instruments group. Before joining Waters, she held product management, marketing and sales roles for several companies (Life Technologies, Promega, MilliporeSigma) in the molecular biology, immunology, cell culture and single-use bioprocessing areas. Paula graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and from Johns Hopkins University with a Master’s degree in Business.
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Presenter: Ravali Alagandula, Ph.D. (Chemistry Market Development Manager, Waters Corporation)
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Ravali is a Chemistry Market Development Manager at Waters with focus on all chemistry consumables and lab automation products. She holds a Ph. D. in Analytical Chemistry from Cleveland State University. She started her career as an LC applications scientist at Restek, developing LC-MS/MS and sample preparation methods in clinical and life science markets. Most recently, Ravali was a Chemistry Account Manager at Waters supporting key accounts and customers to promote chemistry consumable business in all market areas.
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Waters Corporation: Easy & Efficient Amino Acid Sample Prep followed by Accurate Detection - a look at Dietary Supplements

Easy & Efficient Amino Acid Sample Prep followed by Accurate Detection - a look at Dietary Supplements

Learn more about effective hydrolysis, separation and detection of amino acids in dietary supplements, plant-based meats, and pet food.

A look at Dietary Supplements

In Part II we describe how Empower supports both Step 2 – Validation by translating your written SOP into an Empower Method Validation Manager (MVM) scheme and Step 3 – On-going verification through the setup of Trend reports in Empower

Waters Corporation: USP 1220 & ICH Q14-Q2(R2) Part II – Validation & Verification

USP 1220 & ICH Q14-Q2(R2) Part II – Validation & Verification

Validation by translating your written SOP into an Empower Method Validation Manager (MVM) scheme.

USP 1220 & ICH Q14-Q2(R2) – Validation & Verification

<h5>The Problem:</h5>Plasmid DNA (pDNA) is more popular than ever as a critical starting material for viral vectors and mRNA-LNPs, but its high cost means analytics need to deliver data from almost no sample. Knowing purity and total concentration is crucial when producing or working with pDNA, so you always need to monitor how much you have and when impurities are lurking. When samples aren’t pure pDNA, only looking at A260/230 and A260/280 ratios via spectrophotometry won’t help you find out the amount of plasmids you have and what else is really there.<h5>The Solution:</h5>Lunatic only needs 2 µL to quant and QC your pDNA, delivering spot-on results for up to 96 samples in just 10 minutes without any expensive dyes or standards. Besides QC’ing a boatload of plasmid preps, Lunatic also overcomes common hurdles to deliver results right on the money even when contaminants are present.<h5>The Proof:</h5>During this virtual seminar you’ll learn what Lunatic is all about and see how it quantifies plasmid DNA samples fast, accurately, and with just 2 µL of sample, no dilutions needed. We’ll check out how Lunatic’s lightning fast UV/Vis measurements spot any dirt in your samples, and take a sneak peek at other great tools to drive pDNA manufacturing success.<blockquote>Presenter:&nbsp;Kevin Lance PhD (Marketing Manager, Analytical Instruments, Unchained Labs)Presenter:&nbsp;Joanna Winkler (Application Scientist, Viral Vectors, Marketing Department, Unchained Labs)</blockquote>

Unchained Labs: Get a grip on your pDNA characterization with Lunatic

Get a grip on your pDNA characterization with Lunatic

You’ll learn what Lunatic is all about and see how it quantifies plasmid DNA samples fast, accurately, and with just 2 µL of sample