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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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

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Unchained Labs

The CRISPR/Cas system has been increasingly used as a genome editing tool with applications that include disease treatment. The safety and efficacy of these genetic medicines depend on the stability and purity of each molecular component, which can be assessed and characterized by numerous analytical techniques.
Biopharma 101 is intended to give you an introduction to analytical workflows for specific therapeutic modalities. In this webinar, our expert speakers will focus on various gene editing systems and how you can utilize analytical instrumentation to characterize the various components. 
<h5>Attend this webinar to learn how to:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Characterize an engineered Cas9 protein, its amino acid mutations and post-translational modifications using LC-MS/MS</li>
<li>Evaluate purity and sizing of CRISPR systems with capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) to overcome technical challenges and minimize impacts of higher-order structure</li>
<li>Determine RNA integrity and purity, critical to ensuring the efficacy of RNA-based therapeutics and vaccines</li>
<li>Understand plasmid quality with capillary gel electrophoresis laser-induced fluorescence (CGE-LIF)</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Paula Orens (Market Development Manager, SCIEX)
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Presenter: Steven Calciano (Business Development Manager, SCIEX)
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SCIEX: Biopharma 101: Analysis of CRISPR Gene Editing Systems

Biopharma 101: Analysis of CRISPR Gene Editing Systems

We will focus on various gene editing systems and how you can utilize analytical instrumentation to characterize the various components. 

Learn about the function and advantages of the new control panel including creating instruments, creating projects, activity logs, storage types and paths.
Learn the basic operations of user privileges including assigning permissions and roles, and license utilities.
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Presenter: Richard Mutkoski (Laboratory Informatics Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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<blockquote>
Richard Mutkoski has been a field representative for over 27 years for both hardware and software. In his current role as an Informatics Application Engineer, Rich presents technical solutions of the OpenLab suite of products to customers worldwide. Prior to his tenure at Agilent Rich spent 15 years in a variety of Pharma QA/QC and R&amp;D positions providing him a unique understanding of those workflows, bottlenecks and challenges.
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Agilent Technologies: Openlab CDS ChemStation Edition - Getting Started

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The FDA guidance for Computer System Assurance (CSA) is intended to reduce the time and effort of the Computerized System Validation (CSV) process without compromising regulatory compliance or data integrity.
The regulated life science industries generally consider the CSV process as burdensome and as a hindrance to adopting new automation technologies that could greatly improve the efficiency and productivity of their business. In this presentation we will examine the six major points of the CSA guidance and how they can be used to improve your CSV process. We will also examine Agilent’s validation services, our process efficiencies, and how we intend to integrate elements of the CSA guidance.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Michael Korbel (Sr. Compliance Consultant, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Michael has over 22 years of experience in regulated environments in the pharmaceutical and bio-tech industries. Half of Michael&#39;s career has been spent on the customer side of the industry in both IT and laboratory positions, supporting, qualifying, and validating regulated instruments and computerized systems. The other half has been spent providing consultative compliance service programs from the vendor side of the industry. His experience includes technical support and validation of both standalone and enterprise laboratory informatics systems, as well as instrument qualification, preventive maintenance, and relocation services. Michael’s current role at Agilent Technologies is to create new compliance consulting services for our regulated customers and implement them globally. Michael holds a B.S. in Biology, with minors in Chemistry and Environmental Science.
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Agilent Technologies: New FDA guidance “Computer System Assurance” and Agilent Validation Service Offerings

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The six major points of the CSA guidance and how they can be used to improve your CSV process.

New FDA guidance “Computer System Assurance”

Now that you are using the OpenLab CDS system, why are you still using Excel?
Unlock the incredible calculation potential of your system. You have run a triplicate injection of standards and would like to determine the percent recovery of your samples against the average of those standards. This session will introduce you to the method of being able to do just that within OpenLab CDS WITHOUT the use of Excel.
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Presenter: Richard Mutkoski (Laboratory Informatics Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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<blockquote>
Richard Mutkoski has been a field representative for over 27 years for both hardware and software. In his current role as an Informatics Application Engineer, Rich presents technical solutions of the OpenLab suite of products to customers worldwide. Prior to his tenure at Agilent Rich spent 15 years in a variety of Pharma QA/QC and R&amp;D positions providing him a unique understanding of those workflows, bottlenecks and challenges.
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Agilent Technologies: Calculate Percent Recovery of Samples in OpenLab CDS

Calculate Percent Recovery of Samples in OpenLab CDS

The method of being able to do just that within OpenLab CDS WITHOUT the use of Excel.

This seminar introduces a powerful feature in OpenLab CDS: Custom Calculator.
OpenLab CDS users or chromatographers thinking of moving to OpenLab CDS from another data system can see how this unique feature allows the addition of user defined chromatography calculations directly into the OpenLab CDS data system.
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Presenter: Kathleen O&#39;Dea (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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<blockquote>
Kathleen O’Dea has a 20 year history with Agilent’s OpenLab products. As an Informatics Application Engineer, Kathleen has visited customers around the world in a wide variety of market areas, helping them to select and implement OpenLab software products.
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Agilent Technologies: Introducing the Custom Calculator in OpenLab CDS

Introducing the Custom Calculator in OpenLab CDS

Powerful feature in OpenLab CDS: Custom Calculator.

Integration is essential to chromatography for the identification and determination of peak area and height.
Although Software does an excellent job with integration, chromatography is not always perfect and careful consider must be given to integration.
In this presentation, three essential integration topics are covered: Integration parameters--some basic parameters must be understood when reviewing chromatography to ensure optimal analyses. Integration techniques--the most appropriate for solving some common problems are discussed. Finally, manual intervention--given the overall goal to achieve robust integration, when and why manual integration should be performed.
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Presenter: Greg Hunlen (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Gregory Hunlen has served as an Application Scientist with Agilent Technologies since 2012. He applies his expertise to the Agilent Infinity II series of LC instruments, providing knowledge of LC solutions such as two dimensional LC and LCMSD workflows. He also delivers product demonstrations and lunch &amp; learns. As a key value, Greg likes to talk about maximizing the use of all features our technologies provide. Often, instruments are under-utilized perhaps as a lack of understanding of all that they can offer. When we explore these features, we discover that we can truly optimize the efficiencies of our instruments. Prior to joining Agilent, Greg spent 20 + years in the pharmaceutical research industry on the liquid phase chromatography side of drug development.
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Agilent Technologies: HPLC Integrate with Confidence

HPLC Integrate with Confidence

Integration parameters--some basic parameters must be understood when reviewing chromatography to ensure optimal analyses.

Are you an analyst, manager, or reviewer who needs to get work done but may not be in the lab?
Especially important today, remote access is a key feature that can increase productivity, reduce compliance costs and is a key part of a disaster recovery plan. This virtual seminar introduces options for thin client technology enabling all Masshunter, ChemStation or OpenLab CDS products to be accessed outside the lab, whether this is at from nearby desks, across sites, or from home.
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Presenter: Mike Ratto (Lab Informatics Applications Specialist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Mike Ratto has been with Agilent for 29 years as a field representative for both hardware and software products. In his current role as an Informatics Application Specialist, Mike presents technical solutions of OpenLab family of products to customers all over the world.
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Agilent Technologies: Agilent Software products and Architecture to enable work from home options

Agilent Software products and Architecture to enable work from home options

Options for thin client technology enabling all Masshunter, ChemStation or OpenLab CDS products to be accessed outside the lab.

Agilent Software products and Architecture to enable work

Are you an analyst, manager, or reviewer who follows the social distancing guidelines but need to get work done without full access to your lab?
Especially important today, Remote Access is a key feature that can increase productivity, reduce compliance costs and can be an integral part of a disaster recovery plan. This virtual seminar introduces options using “Thin Client technology which enables all Masshunter, ChemStation or OpenLab CDS products to be accessed outside the lab, whether this is at from nearby desks, across sites, or from home.
Our learning objectives during this 1 hour session are as follows:
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<li>An introduction to “Thin Client” technology
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<li>Data and instrument access options from lab, office or home with OpenLab
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<li>Learn technology options that support Social Distancing in the laboratory
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Presenter: Mike Ratto (Lab Informatics Applications Specialist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Mike Ratto has been with Agilent for 29 years as a field representative for both hardware and software products. In his current role as an Informatics Application Specialist, Mike presents technical solutions of OpenLab family of products to customers all over the world.
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Agilent Technologies: OpenLab CDS/ECM Remote Access Solutions to support Social Distancing in the Lab

OpenLab CDS/ECM Remote Access Solutions to support Social Distancing in the Lab

Options using “Thin Client technology which enables all Masshunter, ChemStation or OpenLab CDS products to be accessed outside the lab.

OpenLab CDS/ECM Remote Access Solutions

Agilent has a suite of products that help you advance your laboratory operations and meet new social distancing guidelines.
Crosslab Connect can utilize data collected in OpenLab ECM to capture lab-wide instrument utilization data and present them in dashboards helping you increase efficiency with data driven decisions concerning your instrument assets. iLab operations software is a web based lab and instrument management tool that can help you schedule and share instrument resources so only a planned amount of users can use the intended space or equipment.
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Presenter: Melissa Zeier (Applications Expert, Lab Productivity Solutions)
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Melissa has been in the drug development, testing, and laboratory services industries for approximately 15 years. She began her career in big pharma working in high throughput biomarker testing, then moved into the pre-clinical contract testing field specializing in chiral analyte method development for LC-MS/MS. Melissa transitioned to auditing GLP bioanalytical studies before exercising her expertise in the pharma and biopharma sectors as a business intelligence analyst, driving product and service development in the pre-clinical testing industry for a top 3 preclinical CRO prior to joining Agilent. Now, with Agilent, Melissa works in a presales capacity to assist with technical topics and conversations about laboratory productivity solutions. Melissa has a B.S. in Chemistry with minors in Cellular Biology and Mathematics, an M.S. in Analytical Chemistry, and an M.A. in Applied Economics.
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Presenter: Rick Chrisos (Account Manager, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Rick primarily works with enterprise research administration and lab operations across the United States. Dual-wielding as a newly minted member of the Informatics Product Specialist and Team Lead for iLab Operations Software Americas, Rick is responsible for designing solutions to enable his clients to digitize their lab into a virtual landscape. Outside of his role with Agilent, Rick enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle as a “New Englander” and can often be seen accompanied by his dogs. Rick holds a B.S. in Business Administration &amp; Marketing from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.​
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Agilent Technologies: Advance Laboratory Operations by Measuring Instrument Utilization and Scheduling Assets to Meet Social Distancing

Advance Laboratory Operations by Measuring Instrument Utilization and Scheduling Assets to Meet Social Distancing

Suite of products that help you advance your laboratory operations and meet new social distancing guidelines.

Crosslab Connect and data collected in OpenLab ECM

<h5>The Problem:</h5>Wringing every drop of data from a tiny sample volume of your AAV can be the difference between understanding what’s really going on with your sample and leaving questions unanswered. In AAV characterization, there’s always a need for rapid answers on metrics like capsid titer, genome titer, empty/full ratio, aggregation, and total protein or DNA quant. Together all that data can paint the picture of what’s going on in your sample and your process, but with so many characterization options available knowing how they all stack up can make it a challenge to pick the right analytical tool.<h5>The Solution:</h5>To get the most data from the smallest sample volume, Stunner combines UV/Vis, static and dynamic light scattering (SLS &amp; DLS) to give a full read-out in about a minute on just 2 µL of AAV sample. Uniting these three techniques creates a uniquely robust approach to a classic light scattering method that goes toe-to-toe with other techniques. In this webinar we’ll cover how Stunner is being used and published to show how it stacks up in the world of AAV analytics and process development.<h5>The Proof:</h5>We’ll check out how Stunner’s technologies provide a robust method useful for rapid sample QC, optimizing downstream purification chromatography, and improving the workflow of other common analytical assays. Whether you’re working with fractions, coming off a purification column or trying to pick the best sample for a sample-hungry assay, we’ll show data and case studies on how well Stunner can accelerate your AAV characterization to save you sample and time.<blockquote>Presenter:&nbsp;Kevin Lance PhD (Marketing Manager, Analytical Instruments, Unchained Labs)Moderator: Martha Perez, PhD (Marketing Director, LNP Solutions, Unchained Labs)</blockquote>

Unchained Labs: Uncover way more AAV data in one shot on Stunner

Uncover way more AAV data in one shot on Stunner

Need more data from less AAV? See how Stunner delivers genome titer, empty/full ratio, and more in 2 µL—fast, accurate analytics without draining your sample.