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

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Science and research

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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

Technology Networks

Unchained Labs

Thermo Fisher Scientific

SelectScience

VWR/Avantor

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Waters Corporation

Recent technological advancements have greatly expanded the options for high-quality mass spectrometry equipment. With significant progress in GC-MS, LC-MS, and gas generators, critical analyses can now be conducted with enhanced effectiveness and efficiency.
Join our technical webinar to gain a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge MS equipment and the latest innovations in utilizing hydrogen as a carrier gas. Discover the advancements, including Agilent&#39;s quadrupole time-of-flight LC-MS and PEAK Scientific&#39;s nitrogen gas generator, designed to optimize competitiveness and productivity in your analytical workflows.
<h5>Attend this webinar to:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Learn about why there is a huge drive to switch to hydrogen as a carrier gas for GC</li>
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<h3>1. Novel Mass Spectrometry Technologies Expand Future of Biomarker Discovery Research</h3>
<ul>
<li>Diane Turner (Director and Senior Consultant, Anthias Consulting Ltd)</li>
</ul>
Gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) instruments are used for a wide variety of critical analyses and presents a topic of growing importance as the industry collectively moves away from helium as a carrier gas due to availability and pricing to suitable alternatives such as hydrogen.
In this webinar, Dr. Diane Turner from Anthias Consulting Ltd will focus on the innovations around using hydrogen as a carrier gas and explore the associated benefits as well as address the challenges involved.
<h5>In his talk, she will cover:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Why there is a huge drive to switch to hydrogen as a carrier gas for GC</li>
<li>The associated benefits and negatives of using hydrogen</li>
<li>A ‘to do’ list of parameters to re-optimize when switching to hydrogen</li>
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<h3>2. Be Ready for Future Challenges With an Intelligent LC-MS Solution</h3>
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<li>Christian Klein (Product Manager LC/Q-TOF and IM-QTOF, Agilent Technologies)</li>
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Many labs are faced with an ever-increasing sample load, while instrumentation and resources remain at a steady level. As a consequence, instrument throughput and uptime are critical factors to maintain competitiveness and productivity.
In this webinar, Dr. Christian Klein will show how you can meet these challenges with the newest time-of-flight LC-MS from Agilent. See examples of complete workflows demonstrating performance, robustness and throughput for food safety screening applications.
<h5>In his talk, he will cover:</h5>
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<li>Time-saving efficiencies and meeting future challenges with instrument intelligence</li>
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<h3>3. How Can a Gas Generator Benefit Your Lab?</h3>
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Labs face challenges every day and lab gas should not be one of these problems. On-site gas generators play a pivotal role in helping labs to streamline workflows while providing high-quality gas for LC-MS analysis.
In this webinar, Petra Gierga from PEAK Scientific will be discussing the benefits a gas generator can provide your lab over cylinders, dewars or bulk supply. Removing the need for repeated cylinder deliveries, cylinder contracts, manual handling and changing of cylinders – an in-house gas generator can reduce costs, increase productivity and improve your lab’s sustainability efforts.
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Technology Networks: Breaking the Boundaries: The Latest Innovations in Mass Spectrometry

Breaking the Boundaries: The Latest Innovations in Mass Spectrometry

Technical webinar: overview of cutting-edge MS equipment and the latest innovations in utilizing H2 as a carrier gas, LC/Q-TOF or N2 gas generators.

The Latest Innovations in Mass Spectrometry

There is a lot of interest in adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), especially as vectors for gene therapy. AAVs are good candidates for this application due to their ability to infect both dividing and non-dividing cells without eliciting a strong immune response. Before AAV products can be released, they require unambiguous identification.
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This virtual event will provide you with expertise on:
<ul>
<li>LC/MS workflows for the identification of AAV capsid proteins and impurities</li>
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<li>IEX workflows to determine empty/full capsid ratios</li>
</ul>
Confirmed presentations
<ul>
<li>Introduction to the Analysis of Adeno-associated Virus Particles</li>
<li>AAV Capsid Protein Analysis using high resolution LC/MS</li>
<li>Multiple Peptide-Based Attributes of AAV with a Comprehensive LC/MS Method</li>
<li>Analytics of AAV based Gene Therapeutics</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
<ul>
<li>Analytical development scientists</li>
<li>CDMO and CRO lab personnel</li>
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Agilent Technologies: Agilent AAV Workflow Summit: From Identity Confirmation to Aggregate Analysis

Agilent AAV Workflow Summit: From Identity Confirmation to Aggregate Analysis

Join us for half a day of virtual presentations on AAV analytical workflows

Agilent AAV Workflow Summit: From Confirmation to Analysis

Expansion of the MRM Toxicology Screening Methodology for Use With Waters Xevo TQ-S micro Tandem mass spectrometry has gained popularity over the years owing to its analytical sensitivity and selectivity, especially when used in MRM mode.
MRM can be used for quantitative analysis as well as targeted qualitative screening. Broad screening techniques that can detect a wide variety of toxicants in complex biological matrices are very much in demand in forensic toxicology laboratories.
At Waters, we have provided and supported, ready-to-implement MRM based toxicology screening solutions for almost two decades. 
This session will detail the further development of the popular Xevo TQ-S micro method and the expansion of the MRM Toxicology Screening Methodology which includes the addition of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) and other new drug classes.
Learning objectives – what you will learn:   
<ul>
<li>Expansion of the MRM nominal mass screening method</li>
<li>How the samples were prepared and data utilized</li>
<li>Total number of substances added and their drug classes</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Nayan. S. Mistry (Senior Application Scientist, Forensics, Research &amp; Development, Waters Corporation, Waters Corporation)
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<blockquote>
Nayan Mistry is a Senior Application Scientist at Waters Corporation. Nayan joined Waters in 2009 and is part of a global team dedicated to performing research and development of applications and analytical solutions for Forensic Toxicology. 
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Nayan’s key focus is on toxicology screening and he has expertise with both nominal mass and accurate mass-based screening using UNIFI and Waters_Connect application software. Nayan plays a key role in the development of these solutions and in the expansion of associated libraries. Currently Nayan is playing a key role in the development and support of the recently launched Xevo G3 QTof mass spectrometer in addition to other responsibilities for the nominal mass applications. His favourite aspect of the role is customer support - Nayan is greatly involved in global on-site customer support and training and has presented his work at conferences worldwide.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Expanded Screening with a Nominal Mass Tandem Quadrupole System

Expanded Screening with a Nominal Mass Tandem Quadrupole System

This session will detail the further development of the popular Xevo TQ-S micro method and the expansion of the MRM Toxicology Screening Methodology.

Screening with a Nominal Mass Tandem Quadrupole MS

Join us for this exciting new demo series where we take you into our application laboratories to see the SELECT SERIES MRT in Action and explore different workflows from the beginning to the end. Register now for the demo series and see for yourself how MRT can expand the possibilities in your research.
We kickstart the series with an overview and demonstration of the technology and highlight the unique benefits when high mass resolution and sub-ppm accuracy combine with the speed of Time-Of-Flight. 
Join us to see how to run samples, experience the latest software for data acquisition, visualization, and interpretation. Register now for this event and see for yourself how MRT can expand the possibilities in your research.
The session will conclude with a live Q&amp;A where members of the Waters Discovery MS portfolio science team will be on hand to answer all of your questions. 
Why Should You Attend?
<ul>
<li>Learn about the operation of the novel SELECT SERIES MRT technology and see it in Action!</li>
<li>Find out about the unique capabilities of this instrument and how the different acquisition modes can be applied to measure complex samples.</li>
<li>Discover the benefits and flexibility of this technology for a wide range of applications including small and large molecule LC-MS and Imaging.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Martin Palmer (Principal Consulting Scientist, MS Discovery Program, Waters Corporation)
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<blockquote>
Martin Palmer is a Principal Scientist in the Discovery Mass Spectrometry team at Waters Corporation. He has over 20 years’ experience at Waters, most recently leading the scientific contribution required for the evaluation, development and commercialization of new MS technologies including the SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS and MRT.
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Martin collaborates extensively with customers to ensure their analytical challenges are understood and addressed by the next generation of high resolution mass spectrometers.
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Martin received his Ph.D. in Mass Spectrometry from Sheffield Hallam University, UK (1999). His scientific work has aided the commercialisation of over 10 mass spectrometers, resulted in over 30 publications and two patents.
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Explore What’s Possible with MRT – Uncompromised Performance

Join us to see how to run samples, experience the latest software for data acquisition, visualization, and interpretation.

In this webinar we’ll see how implementing automation solutions can benefit analytical labs and empower life science researchers with the tools to significantly improve their experiments, obtaining superior data and more reliable outcomes. Join us to learn more about how automation and the connected lab have been utilized to improve analytical method development workflows of scientific researchers.
Method development is a critical, often time consuming, process for analytical laboratories. Imagine being able to create robust and precise analytical methods more quickly by streamlining the optimization process. Through laboratory automation, researchers can rapidly test and refine multiple method parameters simultaneously. Automated equipment performs the tedious and repetitive tasks, and thereby reduces potential errors and variability. Connected with regulatory compliant-ready software, technology transforms laborious manual procedures to error-free, robotic workflows with improved reproducibility and productivity in a fully traceable environment. 
<h5>Key Learning Objectives:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Learn how automation can add efficiency to your method development processes
</li>
<li>Discover the benefits of automating tedious, repetitive tasks
</li>
<li>Be introduced to an ecosystem of connected laboratory automation solutions
</li>
</ul>
<h5>Who Should Attend:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Method Development Scientists 
</li>
<li>Researchers 
</li>
<li>Automation Engineers
</li>
<li>Laboratory Managers &amp; Directors
</li>
<li>Lab Technicians and Technologists
</li>
<li>Project Managers
</li>
<li>Companies/Labs/Organizations Involved in Testing and Analysis
</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Don Trinite (Senior Principal Technical Support Specialist, Waters Corp.)
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Presenter: Meagan Callis (Principal Product Marketing Manager, Waters Corp.)
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Presenter: Kelly McSweeney (Contributing Editor, C&amp;EN Media Group)
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C&EN: Improving Analytical Method Development through Automation and the Connected Lab

Improving Analytical Method Development through Automation and the Connected Lab

In this webinar we’ll see how implementing automation solutions can benefit analytical labs.

Improving Analytical Method Development through Automation

Water content can affect product quality, texture, shelf-life, chemical stability and reactivity across a wide variety of industries.
Karl Fischer titration is a universally accepted method for measuring water content in all types of substances, including chemicals, oils, pharmaceuticals and food.
In this webinar we will share best practices in KF titration so that users can be confident in their moisture-content results.
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Presenter: Allison Reiter
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Allison Reiter is the Global Product Manager for Honeywell’s Hydranal Karl Fischer titration reagents. She has a BS in Chemical Engineering and has held various technical roles across Honeywell since joining the company in 2014
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Avantor: Get the most out of your Karl Fischer titration

Get the most out of your Karl Fischer titration

In this webinar we will share best practices in KF titration so that users can be confident in their moisture-content results.

Superficially porous particles (SPPs) have advantages over traditional fully porous particles (FPPs) when packed into columns for chromatographic separation of biomolecules. Due to the presence of a solid silica core, analytes have a smaller distance to travel within a particle, thus minimizing diffusion due to mass transfer effects. Combined with a large pore diameter and a thin, porous shell, these particles can yield highly efficient peaks even for large proteins such as monoclonal antibodies.
In this webinar, you will learn about the advantages of using SPP-packed BIOshell™ columns for various large molecule separation challenges. Aspects of peptide mapping, intact analysis and middle-up analysis will be reviewed, and strategies for improving these assays will be provided. In addition, a unique 1.5 mm I.D. column geometry and its advantages in improving sensitivity and making methods more sustainable will be reviewed. Finally, strategies for characterizing oligonucleotides will be discussed in relation to how BIOshell™ can assist in analyzing this class of biomolecule.
Key learning objectives
<ul>
<li>Discover the importance of SPP particle architecture (pore size and shell thickness) and how it contributes to high-efficiency separations of biomolecules
</li>
<li>Explore how column chemistry can play a role in improving peptide mapping accuracy
</li>
<li>Learn how extra column dispersion can affect chromatographic performance and discover strategies to mitigate it
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
<ul>
<li>R&amp;D scientists/method developers (from Pharma, Clinical, University)
</li>
<li>R&amp;D supervisors/managers (from Pharma, Clinical, University)
</li>
<li>QC scientists (from Pharma, Clinical, University)
</li>
<li>QC managers (from Pharma, Clinical, University)
</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Cory E. Muraco (MilliporeSigma)
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<blockquote>
Cory Muraco is the Biomolecule Workflows Product Manager at MilliporeSigma, Bellefonte, USA. Muraco joined the company in 2013, starting in the Chemical Standards division, developing and validating analytical methods for testing the purity of certified reference materials using GC and LC methods. In 2022, Muraco started his current role, where he is tasked with supporting the design, development, and execution of the marketing and R&amp;D strategies around MilliporeSigma’s bioanalytical strategy.
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Presenter: Jemima Arnold (Editorial Team, SelectScience)
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Jemima studied Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Bristol, UK, and as a member of the Editorial team, she now plays an integral role in shaping the content on SelectScience.
</blockquote>

Merck: Breaking the Boundaries of Biomolecule Separation with BIOshell™ UHPLC Columns

Breaking the Boundaries of Biomolecule Separation with BIOshell™ UHPLC Columns

Advantages of using SPP-packed BIOshell™ columns for various large molecule separation challenges.

Biomolecule Separation with BIOshell UHPLC Columns

As scientists, we are continually looking for ways to increase productivity and automation to drive laboratory excellence. An advanced chromatography data system (CDS) can play a pivotal role in achieving these goals.
In this webinar, you’ll hear from experts about the impact their CDS has on their laboratory operations and how their choice of CDS has made their lives easier by significantly cutting data processing time and streamlining their workflows. Learn how they ensure that every single process from injecting samples to reporting final results is controlled in one secure, centralized location.
Attend this webinar to:
<ul>
<li>Learn how to accelerate data processing, reporting and reviewing to work faster
</li>
<li>Understand how to simplify your analytical workflows within your CDS to deliver ease of use
</li>
<li>Learn how to take control of your data by securing it in one location
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Laércio Fernandes (Product Market Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
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<blockquote>
Presenter: Kayleigh Arthur (Lead Validity and Compliance Scientist, Owlstone Medical Ltd)
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Presenter: Brian Alliston (Director, B. Alliston Limited)
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Technology Networks: Next-Level CDS: Boost Productivity and Simplify Operations

Next-Level CDS: Boost Productivity and Simplify Operations

The impact CDS has on laboratory operations and how choice of CDS has made lives easier.

The main goal of metabolic profiling is to understand the metabolic changes that occur in response to specific stimuli, such as diseases, environmental factors, drugs, or genetic modifications.
By comparing the metabolic profiles of healthy and diseased samples, researchers can identify unique metabolic signatures associated with specific conditions.
These biomarkers can be potentially valuable for the early detection of disease, monitoring treatment response, and understanding disease mechanisms. In this webinar Dr. Gómez-Romero at the NPC, London, discusses how they undertake large scale metabolic phenotyping studies and the opportunities and challenges they face. 
This webinar focuses on:
<ul>
<li>What is metabolic phenotyping?
</li>
<li>The workflow for large-scale LC/MS based metabolomic
</li>
<li>Experimental design for untargeted biomarker discovery
</li>
</ul>
Key learning objectives:
<ul>
<li>The importance of study design in large-scale metabolomic phenotyping 
</li>
<li>How platform stability increases confidence in results 
</li>
<li>How to maximize metabolomic phenotyping data from LC/MS experiments
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend:
<ul>
<li>Scientists in academia, industry, core research laboratories and biomedical research
</li>
<li>Researchers undertaking metabolomic and lipidomic experiments particularly those conducting large scale experiments
</li>
<li>Anyone with an interest in mass spectrometry who wants to learn more
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr María Gómez- Romero (Mass Spectrometry and Chromatography Manager, MRC-NIHR National Phenome Centre, Imperial College London, UK)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
As LC-MS platform lead in the National Phenome Centre (NPC) at Imperial College London (ICL), Maria oversees the application of mature LC-MS methods and technologies to collaborative projects, ensuring timely completion of the ongoing project deliverables. Her primary research interest focuses on the development, validation and application of profiling and targeted UHPLC-MS methodologies in metabolic phenotyping for the analysis of biological samples (e.g. urine, blood products, faecal and tissue extracts, cells,) with epidemiological and clinical applications.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Maria studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Granada (UGR, Spain) completing her final year design project in University College London. Upon completing her BSc she undertook an MSc in Chemistry and Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry at UGR. In 2011 she started working at ICL as a research associate until 2017, when she joined NPC.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: ASMS 2023: Metabolic profiling, mass spectrometry and the National Phenome Centre

ASMS 2023: Metabolic profiling, mass spectrometry and the National Phenome Centre

How to undertake large scale metabolic phenotyping studies and the opportunities and challenges you face.

ASMS 2023: Metabolic profiling, mass spectrometry

<h5>The Problem</h5>Manual buffer exchange methods take up tons of your precious time and are a pain to manage in large numbers - often leaving you with inconsistent results and playing catch up to meet your deadlines.<h5>The Solution</h5>Big Tuna is a fully automated buffer exchange platform that can exchange and concentrate up to 96 samples in parallel – with just 30 minutes of setup. By automating the previously painful and error prone process of buffer exchange and concentration, Big Tuna gives researchers the consistent sample handling, degrees of process control and throughput that just aren’t possible with manual methods.<h5>The Proof</h5>Tune in to learn how Big Tuna has helped tons of labs and CDMOs smash their buffer exchange bottlenecks for proteins, mAbs, nucleic acids, AAVs and LNPs. We will show formulation case studies for both mAbs and AAVs that will showcase the type of real recovery results of less than 96% you can expect from automating your buffer exchange with Big Tuna.<blockquote>Presenter:&nbsp;Del Ray Jackson (Market Manager, Buffer Exchange &amp; Automation, Unchained Labs)Moderator: Andre Mueller, PhD (Marketing Manager, Biologic Solutions, Unchained Labs)Andre Mueller, PhD, is the Product Manager for Aunty and Honeybun at Unchained Labs, where he supports the development of biologic and gene therapy drugs. He specializes in fluorescence, static and dynamic light scattering, focusing on biophysical characterization of proteins and viral vectors. His research background spans from structural biology to plant physiology, with experience in labs across Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and the USA. Andre earned his PhD at the Carlsberg Laboratory and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University.</blockquote>

Unchained Labs: Chuck the buffer exchange time suck with Big Tuna

Chuck the buffer exchange time suck with Big Tuna

Tired of manual buffer exchange? Learn how Big Tuna automates up to 96 samples, saving time and boosting consistency for proteins, mAbs, AAVs, and more.