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

Agilent Technologies

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Shimadzu Corporation

Waters Corporation

Having good peak shape can improve resolution and produce accurate and reliable quantitation results. Problems with peak shape, like fronting, tailing, shoulders, and splits, are all indicative of chromatography issues.
We will discuss factors affecting peak shape, such as the column, sample, mobile phase, and more, and offer remedies for improving peak shape.
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Presenter: Golnar Javadi (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Golnar Javadi is an applications engineer providing online applications assistance and technical support for LC columns and supplies, Sample Preparation products, and Spectroscopy supplies.
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Before joining Varian and then Agilent, Golnar worked in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries on method development and quality control. She also taught college level chemistry courses for a few years.
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Golnar then joined Varian as a technical support specialist, providing customers with method development assistance and technical support on Sample Preparation (SPE, SLE, and Filtration), HPLC, GC, ToxiLab and DAT. After the Varian-Agilent merger, Golnar joined Agilent Technologies as an Applications Engineer. She provides technical support to customers on Sample Preparation products, Liquid Chromatography columns, and Spectroscopy supplies.
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Peak Shape and Why It Matters: How to Get Good Peak Shape

We will discuss factors affecting peak shape, such as the column, sample, mobile phase, and more, and offer remedies for improving peak shape.

Do you wish to quickly uncover the best nanoparticle formulation, and achieve accurate and reliable results in any dissolution tests for tablets or liposome drug products?
The Agilent NanoDis system provides formulation scientists with accurate release profiles of APIs using conventional dissolution test apparatus in an automated, compliant manner.
Attend this The Lab Central premiere to know more about our advanced solution for Nanoformulation release testing.
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Presenter: Mr. Nitin G (Product Specialist Dissolution, Agilent Technologies)
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Agilent Technologies: Nanoformulation release testing: Explained

Nanoformulation release testing: Explained

Uncover the best nanoparticle formulation, and achieve accurate and reliable results in any dissolution tests for tablets or liposome drug products?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic compounds that have been the focus of research development for targeted quantitation.
PFAS are present in a variety of consumer products as well as firefighting foam that collectively can be introduced into the environment. Due to the chemical structure, these compounds are hard to break down and are therefore labeled as forever chemicals. As such, once PFAS compounds have been introduced into the environment, they can leach from their origin into the environment and have been detected in surface waters, soils, dust, plant tissue, and even in the air. Recently, concerns have escalated not only for understanding the wider environmental impact, but animal and human health have evolved as research has now focused on detecting and quantifying in human plasma and tissue.
The focus of this webinar is to explore the range of sample types examined for routine PFAS detection and quantification. Dr. John Bowden will provide an overview of the challenges non-water matrices presents for extracting and quantifying including finding blanks and validating the workflows. In addition, research will cover new methods to introduce a wide range of PFAS onto UHPLC columns and perform low-level detection and quantification of PFAS in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. The second part of the webinar will focus on targeted PFAS quantitation using the Thermo Scientific™ TSQ Quantis™ Plus mass spectrometers supporting the EPA draft method 1633 which includes sample preparation using solid phase extraction (SPE) prior to LC-MS/MS analysis. The presented workflow will demonstrate key experimental strategies to improve laboratory productivity demonstrating not only effective sample preparation options but the software solutions critical to streamline the data processing to create standard reports.
Key learning objectives: 
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<li>Evaluation of the PFAS kits on the Thermo Scientific™ Vanquish™ UHPLC systems to minimize background interference to achieve stated LOQs
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<li>Review of new hardware and software components in the Thermo Scientific™ TSQ Plus mass spectrometers to boost PFAS analysis
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<li>Demonstration of Thermo Scientific™ Chromeleon™ Chromatography Data System (CDS) software designed to manage the entire experiment and provide comprehensive reports to increase laboratory productivity
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Who should attend?
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<li>Laboratories that are contracted for PFAS testing
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<li>Researchers looking for workflows to increase detection and quantitation limits
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<li>Regulatory agencies that are focused on developing new testing methods and requirements for PFAS studies
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<li>Existing Thermo Scientific™ TSQ and Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap™ mass spectrometer operators who are interested in the next-level performance and productivity with the TSQ Plus mass spectrometer platforms
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</ul>
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Presenter: Dr. John A. Bowden (Assistant Professor, University of Florida, (Gainesville))
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Dr. Bowden received his B.S. in Chemistry in 2003 and in 2008 received his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry both from the University of Florida. John was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at St. Louis University from 2009-2011, and then a Postdoctoral Fellow with the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Charleston, S.C. from 2011-2013 and then became a Research Chemist from 2013-2018. In 2018, John joined the University of Florida and has published over 60 journal articles and over 20 focusing on PFAS.
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Presenter: Kevin J. McHale, Ph.D. (Senior LC-MS Application Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
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Kevin is a Senior LC-MS Applications Scientist with Thermo Fisher Scientific. Starting his professional career in 1994 with DuPont Merck, Kevin helped implement “walk-up” LC-MS systems supporting synthetic medicinal chemists. In 1997, Kevin left to pursue his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry under the direction of Professor Rick Yost at the University of Florida. Kevin’s research focus was studying ion trap fundamentals and developing nano LC-MS/MS techniques. Upon completion in 2002, Kevin joined Thermo Fisher Scientific as an LC-MS Marketing Specialist supporting the Thermo Scientific™ TSQ Quantum™ triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. With over 21 years at Thermo Fisher, Kevin presently specializes in developing methodology for quantitative LC-MS analyses of small organic compounds on the Thermo Scientific™ TSQ and Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap Exploris™ mass spectrometer product lines.
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: Expanding the scope of PFAS screening and quantitation through targeted acquisition – water analysis and beyond

Expanding the scope of PFAS screening and quantitation through targeted acquisition – water analysis and beyond

Explore the range of sample types examined for routine PFAS detection and quantification.

Expanding the scope of PFAS screening and quantitation

<h5>Solving Problems that Matter: Risk Mitigation in the Pharma QC Laboratory</h5>
Expert Insights 3-Part Webinar Series: Risk Assessment, Control Strategies, and Intuitive Innovation to Improve Data Quality, Data Integrity and Lab Productivity. 
Pharma QC labs are facing increasing pressure on the cost of quality while maintaining compliance and assuring patient safety. From the harmonization of USP &lt;621&gt; to Empower™ workflows supporting data integrity to improving method transfer outcomes, you will learn from subject matter experts how to reduce errors and mitigate risk for reproducible data and enhanced productivity. 
Who should attend
<ul>
<li>Pharma QC Lab directors, managers and senior scientists with a drive to reduce errors, improve lab productivity and enhance data quality &amp; integrity.</li>
</ul>
<h3>PART 2 l Improving Method Transfer Outcomes with Intuitive Innovation</h3>
<ul>
<li>Wednesday, August 16th, 11:30-12:30 ET</li>
</ul>
Your LC systems need to support both legacy and new methods that can be operated repeatably anywhere in the world while meeting regulatory requirements. These requirements can also place a large burden on your analysts, but failing to perform necessary tasks could put your organization at risk.
This webinar will introduce our latest HPLC innovation – the Alliance iS HPLC System – that features improved enhanced temperature control to match global needs. Additional features include our intelligent method translator app (iMTA), method matching app, system audit trail and automated column history tracking.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Lise Gauthier (Principal Scientist, Waters Corproation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Lise Gauthier is Principal Scientist within the QA/QC Business Strategy group at Waters Corporation in Milford, MA. Prior to joining Waters in 2014, Lise worked as a scientist as Astra Zeneca for 20 years holding positions of increasing responsibility within Quality Assurance and Drug Discovery. Her current role at Waters includes system validation and evaluation of competitive systems.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation:  Improving Method Transfer Outcomes with Intuitive Innovation

 Improving Method Transfer Outcomes with Intuitive Innovation

Latest HPLC innovation – the Alliance iS HPLC System – that features improved enhanced temperature control to match global needs.

Method Transfer Outcomes with Intuitive Innovation

Dive into the world of biopharma analysis with us as we cover the essential aspects of oligonucleotides, a group of rapidly advancing drugs that offers promising treatments and holds great potential for personalized medicines.
We will showcase state-of-the-art solutions that support the entire workflow employed by Contract Drug Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs), from R&amp;D to validation and manufacturing. Get valuable insights into biopharmaceutical drug development and delve into the capabilities of our solutions, including our Nexera XS inert system, LCMS-9050 QTOF, and the latest LabSolutions Insight Biologics software.
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Introduction to the crucial aspects of oligonucleotides as therapeutics
</li>
<li>Understand the increasingly important role of LCMS in biopharma for manufacturing, QC, and confirmation
</li>
<li>Explore Shimadzu’s latest hardware and software solutions
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Neil Loftus (General Manager, Mass Spectrometry Business Unit (Overseas), Shimadzu Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Neil Loftus is an expert in developing new mass spectrometry technologies and innovative data processing workflows to solve complex analytical problems. As the General Manager of the Mass Spectrometry Business Unit (Overseas) at Shimadzu Corporation, he brings a wealth of experience to his current role. Neil&#39;s professional journey began at the London Hospital Medical College, where he focused on academic and pharmaceutical research applications in metabolism and pharmacokinetics. He then continued his work in clinical quantitative bioanalysis and metabolite identification in an industrial setting before transitioning into mass spectrometry. Throughout Neil’s career, he has remained deeply involved in mass spectrometry research and development. His contributions include publishing scientific papers on pharmaceutical metabolite identification and biomarker research, as well as generating new solutions to change the way we think about data and solve problems that matter.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Max Kosok (Senior Product Specialist (LCMS), Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
With more than 14 years of experience, Dr. Kosok is a passionate expert in mass spectrometry. He has received is PhD from National University of Singapore in Biochemistry doing proteomics research on triple negative breast cancer by high resolution LCMS. In 2020, he joined Shimadzu to deliver end-to-end LCMS application solutions for customers. In his current role as a Product Specialist for LCMS and previously as an application chemist, Dr. Kosok has worked with various pharma and biopharma customers. He has supported a multitude of applications from impurity analysis to biomolecule characterization, particularly on Shimadzu’s LCMS QTOF technology.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Towards the Future of Biopharma: Insights into Oligonucleotide Therapeutics

Towards the Future of Biopharma: Insights into Oligonucleotide Therapeutics

State-of-the-art solutions that support the entire workflow employed by Contract Drug Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs).

Insights into Oligonucleotide Therapeutics

The USP general chapter &lt;1220&gt; &quot;Analytical Procedure Life Cycle&quot; became official in May 2022. The adoption of this guideline makes your lab ready for the adoption of the ICH Q14 “Analytical Procedure Development” and Q2(R2) “Analytical Validation”, expected later in 2023.
These quality guidelines are relevant for both analytical development and QC testing at pharma companies. Empower and Waters solutions support all 3 steps of the guideline, namely: 
<ul>
<li>Development
</li>
<li>Validation
</li>
<li>On-going Verification
</li>
</ul>
In Part I we will describe how Empower supports Step 1 – Development through the integration with selected QbD software that enables the required DoE approach.
<blockquote>
Presnter: Andrea Gheduzzi (Principal Pharma Development Specialist)
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: USP <1220> and ICH Q14/Q2(R2) using Empower / Part I - Development

USP <1220> and ICH Q14/Q2(R2) using Empower / Part I - Development

Development through the integration with selected QbD software that enables the required DoE approach.

USP <1220> and ICH Q14/Q2(R2) using Empower - Development

This series is comprised of four different, dissolution focused, lightning talks. Sessions have been optimized to give you the information you need in a flash - less than 30 minutes per session. Topics include tips for preventing failures, improving efficiency, and more!
This presentation covers the basics of adapting the dissolution environment for low-dose, extended-release dosage forms (e.g., medical devices).
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ken Boda (Dissolution Product Specialist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Ken joined Varian (now Agilent) in 2005 as an Applications Engineer, is now a Product Specialist. Prior to working with Agilent, he worked in pharma specialized in dissolution testing and method development. He works with customers in determining the best systems for their needs and optimizing their work flows. He has also helped educate customers on dissolution science through webinars, the Dissolution Discussion Group, LinkedIn, etc.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: A How-To Guide for Release Rate Testing of Medical Devices

A How-To Guide for Release Rate Testing of Medical Devices

This presentation covers the basics of adapting the dissolution environment for low-dose, extended-release dosage forms (e.g., medical devices).

While making a UV-Vis measurement is simple, making an accurate measurement requires an understanding of instrument parameters and their effects on the measurement. Parameters include Baseline correction, spectral bandwidth, data interval, and many additional settings.
This presentation will provide an insight into these parameters and more.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Mark Fisher, PhD (Application Engineer, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Mark, an Application Scientist for Agilent Technologies, has over 35 years of experience in molecular spectroscopy. He has held roles in Agilent&#39;s UV-Vis-NIR, fluorescence, and atomic absorption product portfolios. In addition to identifying industry trends and new business needs, Mark&#39;s responsibilities include application development, pre and post-sales support, as well as acting as a customer advocate for new product and technology opportunities. Mark received his doctorate in analytical chemistry from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Scott Melis, PhD (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Scott Melis has a PHD in Physics from Georgetown University in Washington, DC and started with Agilent in 2021 as a Molecular Spectroscopy Application Scientist. In his graduate work, Scott studied nanoparticle formation and growth for a variety of applications. Projects that he worked with include developing processes to deposit and characterize semiconducting molecular nano-cocrystals for use in optoelectronic devices as well as controlling polymer nanoparticle size through rapid mixing conditions.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Understanding UV-Vis Instrumental Parameters

Understanding UV-Vis Instrumental Parameters

This presentation will provide an insight into baseline correction, spectral bandwidth, data interval, and many additional settings

In this work, we present novel, automated, and integrated software to support these workflows using LC HRAM MS instruments.
Purity and sequencing data are presented for a multitude of oligos including antisense, aptamer, and long synthetic samples.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Shashank Jain, PhD (Mass Spec product specialist, New England, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Relieve the Pressure of Oligo Characterization by Implementing Automated Workflows

Relieve the Pressure of Oligo Characterization by Implementing Automated Workflows

Novel, automated, and integrated software to support these workflows using LC HRAM MS instruments.

Oligo Characterization by Implementing Automated Workflows

Are you using Chromeleon CDS but don’t feel like an expert just yet? Are you interested in a CDS that is intuitive and user-friendly? Whether you’re a day-to-day user or just curious about a new CDS, this is the webinar for you!
What this session covers:
<ul>
<li>Fundamentals of Chromeleon CDS</li>
<li>How to create custom reports</li>
<li>New features in Chromeleon 7.3.2 CDS</li>
<li>Benefits of upgrading from workstation to enterprise with the Ardia Platform</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Seth Sheridan (Product Specialist III, Enterprise CDS, Americas, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Seth is an Enterprise CDS technical specialist who has supported Thermo Fisher’s Chromeleon software for over 3 years. Prior to this, he used Chromeleon and other CDS systems in labs at DuPont, DOW, and Eurofins. He holds a B.S. in Chemistry and Biochemistry and enjoys working closely with chromatographers to solve their software issues and improve their processes.
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: Learn the secrets of Chromeleon CDS: Expert advice and tips

Learn the secrets of Chromeleon CDS: Expert advice and tips

Fundamentals of Chromeleon CDS. How to create custom reports. New features in Chromeleon 7.3.2 CDS. Benefits of upgrading from workstation to enterprise.