In this episode of ‪ChromatographyTalk‬, ‪Organomation‬ General Manager David Oliva sits down with Imad Haidar Ahmad, Scientific Research Director at Amgen leading separations for Discovery Chemistry and Externalization. Imad's career spans Novartis, Merck, and now Amgen, and his research on computer-assisted method development has landed multiple front covers in Analytical Chemistry.We dig into how his group builds retention models from as few as nine lab experiments to map an entire separation landscape — replacing weeks of trial and error with a resolution map you can query and rebuild from. Imad breaks down where this modeling approach struggles (large molecules, SFC, fully autonomous method development), walks through two-dimensional liquid chromatography in plain terms for anyone who's only worked in 1D, and shares the story behind his group's greenness-score mapping work — including where swapping acetonitrile for methanol worked, and where it didn't.We also talk career advice: what a typical day looks like leading a discovery-stage separations team, how undergrad and grad students can bridge the academia-to-industry gap, and what Imad sees as the field's biggest unsolved problem.<h3>Video Transcription</h3>Chromatographic method development is increasingly moving beyond trial and error toward workflows built on modeling, automation, multidimensional separations, and smarter use of data. In a recent interview, Haidar Ahmad discussed how these approaches are changing pharmaceutical analysis, why understanding the fundamentals of chromatography remains essential, and where some of the biggest opportunities in separation science still lie.Ahmad’s route into analytical chemistry was not entirely planned. As an undergraduate, he initially found inorganic and organic chemistry particularly attractive, but a final-year project focused on the analysis of additives in bread introduced him to the possibilities of analytical chemistry. During his PhD, his research moved into polymer analysis and structure–property relationships. His interest in chromatography deepened when he encountered two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC), particularly its ability to reveal forms of polymer heterogeneity that could not be adequately characterized using a single separation technique. This eventually led to postdoctoral work with Peter Carr, where Ahmad focused on chromatographic separations and the fundamentals of chromatography.His subsequent career in the pharmaceutical industry exposed him to different stages of drug development, from late-stage method development and validation to drug substance characterization, purification, and finally discovery-stage separations. That breadth of experience has shaped his view of chromatography as both a scientific discipline and a practical problem-solving tool. In late-stage development, the objective may be a highly robust method capable of successful validation and transfer between laboratories. In discovery, by contrast, speed becomes critical because teams may be working with thousands of molecules while trying to identify the best candidates to advance.&nbsp;<h4>Discovery-stage chromatography: speed, prioritization, and throughput</h4>For a separations team supporting drug discovery, the working day is shaped by a constant flow of requests from medicinal chemistry and other partner groups. The challenge is not simply to perform the analyses, but to decide which requests are most urgent, remove bottlenecks, communicate with project teams, and continuously improve existing workflows.According to Ahmad, one of the most important questions is whether a task can be done faster or in a more high-throughput way. Discovery laboratories operate under strong time pressure, and efficiency therefore becomes part of the scientific strategy rather than merely an operational concern. As he describes it, the work combines science, prioritization, leadership, and communication, all with the aim of moving the most important projects forward as quickly as possible.<h4>In silico modeling: letting the computer perform the experiments</h4>One of the central themes of Ahmad’s work is in silico chromatographic modeling. In practical terms, the approach begins with a carefully designed set of laboratory experiments—often around nine runs. The resulting data are fed into software that builds retention models describing how analyte retention changes with variables such as mobile-phase composition and temperature.The software can then generate a resolution map representing a much larger separation space than could realistically be tested experimentally. Instead of running dozens or hundreds of conditions by trial and error, the analyst can identify regions where critical peak pairs are predicted to achieve the best separation.For Ahmad, the value of these maps goes beyond simply finding the condition with the highest resolution. Each point on the map represents a chromatographic condition, while the visual output shows where poor and strong separations are expected. A broad region of good resolution is particularly useful because it points toward a more robust operating space rather than a narrowly defined optimum that might be sensitive to small variations in experimental conditions.He therefore prefers to think of a chromatographic model as a map or database, rather than simply an optimization tool. If an impurity later disappears from the process, the corresponding peak can be removed from the model and new conditions selected without repeating the complete experimental study. Conversely, if a new degradation product appears during stability studies, the peak can be added and the existing model used to search for updated separation conditions.<h4>Why trial and error still has a place</h4>Modeling does not mean that conventional trial-and-error method development has disappeared. Ahmad points out that it remains useful in early discovery, particularly for fit-for-purpose methods where speed is more important than achieving a fully optimized separation.The situation changes later in development. A method intended for validation, transfer, or long-term routine use carries much greater risk. Trial and error may identify a condition that appears satisfactory without revealing whether it represents the most robust region of the separation space. If that method later fails during transfer or routine operation, the consequences can be costly.For late-stage methods, the additional investment required to build a model can therefore reduce risk over the much longer lifetime of the analytical procedure.<h4>Models are only as good as the experiments behind them</h4>Chromatographic modeling is not automatic proof against poor method development. Ahmad compares the technology to a GPS: it is highly useful, but only if the analyst understands where they are trying to go.Careful experimental design remains essential. Incorrect dwell-volume or column-volume information, as well as insufficient column re-equilibration, can produce misleading predictions. Importantly, these problems may not be obvious when the experimental runs used to construct the model are compared with their calculated values. They may emerge only when the software begins predicting new conditions within the modeled design space.Modeling is also easier for some separations than others. Ahmad describes reversed-phase LC of small molecules as comparatively straightforward, while large biomolecules are more challenging because their retention can be highly sensitive to small changes in mobile-phase composition and temperature.Other separation modes present additional difficulties. Ahmad notes that his teams have found supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) particularly challenging to model successfully. Fully autonomous method development remains another unresolved goal: current tools can automate parts of optimization, but analyst input is still required.<h4>Why two dimensions can reveal what one dimension cannot</h4>Ahmad’s early interest in 2D-LC came from polymer characterization. He explains the principle simply: one-dimensional chromatography may answer one question about a sample, while two complementary dimensions can answer two.Two copolymers, for example, may have similar molecular size and therefore coelute in size-exclusion chromatography. A second separation mechanism based on interaction with a stationary phase may distinguish them according to chemical composition. Combining both dimensions provides a more complete description of complex distributions involving molecular weight, composition, sequence, and other forms of heterogeneity.Historically, the complexity of both instrumentation and software limited wider adoption of 2D-LC. Ahmad recalls systems requiring several computers and multiple software packages. That situation has improved substantially, and 2D-LC is now easier to implement across research and pharmaceutical development.Nevertheless, modeling multidimensional separations still presents challenges. While models can be built for individual fractions or dimensions, current software does not easily identify a common optimum across multiple models simultaneously. Much of this comparison still requires manual work.<h4>Bringing sustainability into method development</h4>Another area where Ahmad sees room for change is green analytical chemistry.Traditional pharmaceutical method development has understandably prioritized resolution, sensitivity, robustness, and turnaround time. Sustainability has often been treated as a secondary consideration, particularly at the analytical scale, where solvent use appears small compared with preparative chromatography or manufacturing.That mindset is beginning to change. Ahmad argues that greenness metrics should increasingly be incorporated directly into method-development software. If analysts could immediately see how changes in flow rate, gradient conditions, solvent choice, or other parameters affect the environmental profile of a method, sustainability could become part of routine optimization rather than an assessment performed after the method has already been developed.The objective, however, is not to pursue the greenest possible method regardless of analytical performance. Ahmad emphasizes the need to develop methods that are as green as possible while remaining fit for purpose. Modeling can potentially help balance these competing requirements by identifying conditions that preserve separation performance while allowing greener solvents or alternative chromatographic conditions to be introduced.<h4>Advice for young chromatographers: do not treat HPLC as a black box</h4>For students learning chromatography, Ahmad’s central recommendation is straightforward: do not treat the HPLC system as a black box.Rather than collecting chromatograms by making random changes, he encourages analysts to build a mental model of the separation. When temperature, gradient, or another parameter is changed, they should ask why retention or selectivity changed and use each experiment to improve their understanding of the system.He also recommends making use of educational resources on chromatographic fundamentals and method development and, importantly, not being afraid to experiment with instrument conditions. Modern systems are robust, but the analyst still needs to understand the underlying separation science in order to use them effectively.The same proactive attitude applies to career development. Ahmad strongly encourages students to seek industry internships and make connections beyond their own institutions. Conferences and poster sessions can provide natural opportunities to meet scientists from industry, discuss research, and ask about internship opportunities. Based on his own experience working with undergraduate and graduate interns, these collaborations can benefit both students and research teams and may strongly influence later academic or career decisions.<h4>What still needs to be solved?</h4>Asked about the biggest unresolved challenges in separation science, Ahmad does not begin with technology. Instead, he points to a shortage of well-trained analytical chemists with a strong understanding of chromatographic fundamentals.Alongside education, he identifies several technical opportunities. One is truly autonomous method development, where an instrument and software could optimize a separation without continuous analyst input. Another is the ability to predict chromatographic selectivity directly from molecular structure.Such capability could be especially valuable in high-throughput discovery environments. If a laboratory could predict which stationary phase and conditions were most likely to separate a particular set of compounds or isomers before entering the laboratory, method development could become considerably faster and more efficient.Taken together, Ahmad’s perspective points toward a future in which chromatography becomes increasingly model-driven, automated, multidimensional, and sustainability-aware. But the technology does not eliminate the need for chromatographic knowledge. On the contrary, as analytical tools become more powerful, understanding the fundamentals may become even more important—the software can explore the separation space, but the scientist still needs to know what question to ask and how to interpret the answer.<blockquote>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</blockquote><blockquote><h4>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</h4>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!You can find Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast in podcast apps:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL">Spotify</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185">Apple podcast</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography">podscan</a></li></ul>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos">YouTube channel</a></blockquote>

 In Silico Modeling, 2D-LC & Green Chromatography: Imad Ahmad on the Future of Method Development

Proper care and maintenance of HPLC columns are essential for getting accurate results and saving on replacement costs. Extending the HPLC column life not only ensures consistent performance but also reduces downtime and the need for frequent replacements.Routine maintenance is equally essential for sustaining column functionality. Correct handling of the column is paramount, ensuring strict compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications regarding pressure, pH, flow rate, and temperature.In the next section, we will explore these best practices in greater detail, offering further guidance on essential HPLC column maintenance strategies. Whether you’re working in a high-throughput lab, or conducting occasional analyses, these strategies will help you get the most out of your <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products?category=48&amp;manufacturerItems=50">HPLC columns</a>.<h3>Essential Guidelines for Extending HPLC Column Life</h3>By adopting these simple yet effective practices, you can greatly extend the HPLC column life while ensuring reliable, high-quality results in your analyses.<h4>Proper Column Handling</h4>HPLC columns should be handled with care to prevent physical damage or shock. The pump should not be started at high flow rates; instead, the flow rate should be gradually increased over several minutes. A pump pressure limit should be set to protect the column from over pressuring, as sudden pressure changes can lead to voids, negatively affecting the column’s performance.<h4>HPLC Column Conditioning and Equilibration</h4>Conditioning is a critical step for preparing a new or stored HPLC column by replacing the storage solvent with the desired mobile phase. Care must be taken to avoid introducing immiscible solvent mixtures into the column. Universally miscible solvents such as THF (tetrahydrofuran) or IPA (isopropyl alcohol) can be useful for this process when moving from normal phase to reversed phase solvent systems. Care must also be taken to ensure that solvents that may be damaging to a specific stationary phase are avoided.For example, if a reversed-phase column experiences phase collapse due to 100% aqueous mobile phases, it should be reactivated. This process involves running 100% acetonitrile at a high flow rate and a temperature as high as 60°C. It is essential to ensure no solid buffers precipitate from residual solvents. Depending on the column condition, between 50 and 100 column volumes are needed for complete reactivation and equilibration, restoring the column’s efficiency for future use.<h4>Optimizing Operating Conditions</h4>Optimizing operating conditions is paramount to enhancing HPLC column efficiency and prolonging their operational lifespan. A fundamental aspect of this is strict adherence to the manufacturer’s recommended temperature, pH and pressure parameters.Deviating from these limits, particularly by operating at elevated temperatures, can significantly hasten the degradation of the stationary phase and hardware, thereby compromising overall performance. Elevated temperatures can also narrow the pH operating range, exacerbating the risk of column degradation through phenomena such as peak broadening or diminished efficiency.Effective pressure management is equally crucial. Sudden pressure surges or mechanical shocks can result in bed voiding, leading to poor chromatographic performance, such as split peaks and reduced separation efficiency. Gradual ramping of flow and pressure, implemented each time the column is initiated, mitigates these risks. Many modern HPLC systems are equipped with automated flow-pressure ramping capabilities, ensuring smoother transitions and reducing the potential for column damage.In addition, vigilant monitoring of the mobile phase's pH is vital to the maintenance of HPLC column integrity. Deviations from the optimal pH range can cause significant harm to the stationary phase. For instance, leads to ligand hydrolysis which leads to a loss of stationary phase functionality and diminished column performance over time. High pH can lead to silica degradation. This weakens the silica structure, causing particle dissolution, void formation, and loss of column efficiency. Maintaining the pH within optimal boundaries is essential for preserving the column’s structural integrity and ensuring consistent chromatographic performance.Furthermore, incorporating inline filters and guard columns into the system serves as a proactive measure to prevent particulates and harsh sample matrices from damaging the analytical column. These preventive tools significantly enhance operational conditions and safeguard the column from contamination, ultimately contributing to extended HPLC column lifetime and reliable performance.<h4>Regular Column Maintenance</h4>Effective routine maintenance is paramount to extending the HPLC column lifetime and ensuring the consistent performance of HPLC columns. A critical aspect of this maintenance is the thorough washing of the column after each use to eliminate residual sample components and mobile phase contaminants.The cleaning process generally involves performing an isocratic or gradient wash using a solvent system similar to the one previously used on the column but substituting the buffer with HPLC-grade water. This helps effectively remove any residual buffer components from the column. This meticulous cleaning process is vital to preventing the accumulation of impurities that could compromise the stationary phase and lead to decreased efficiency over time.Post-cleaning, it is imperative to end-cap the column before storage to prevent the stationary phase from drying out, a condition that can negatively impact the column’s future performance. Proper capping or sealing ensures that the column remains in optimal condition, safeguarding its structural integrity and readiness for subsequent analyses.Additionally, utilizing an older HPLC system as a dedicated wash station can further streamline maintenance practices, freeing up live systems for active use. Consistently adhering to a rigorous cleaning and storage regimen not only enhances the longevity of HPLC columns but also guarantees the delivery of precise and reliable analytical results.For severe contamination or pressure buildup, backflushing may be necessary to dislodge tightly bound contaminants. However, backflushing should only be performed when absolutely necessary, as it can stress the column packing material. It is essential to consult the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting this method.

How to Extend the Lifetime of HPLC Columns?

Researchers from CATRIN at Palacký University, together with colleagues from VSB – Technical University of Ostrava and Charles University, have developed a new graphene ink for producing inexpensive and sensitive printed sensors. Using single-atom engineering, they incorporated copper atoms into the material, enabling highly sensitive detection of dopamine – a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells. The approach, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.76796">presented in the journal Advanced Science</a>, has strong potential for use in medical diagnostics.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_8a02ad6a66.webp" alt="CATRIN: Atom by atom. Scientists reveal a new direction in medical diagnostics" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_8a02ad6a66.webp 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="2560">Single-atom engineering makes it possible to control the chemical reactivity of materials at the level of individual atoms. Its broader application in medical diagnostics has so far been limited by a lack of atomically engineered materials and printable inks based on them. Researchers have now developed a new class of single-atom-doped graphene materials as well as an ink for producing sensitive printed sensors. Copper proved particularly effective for dopamine detection, which is important for biomedical research and the development of advanced diagnostic technologies for diseases including Alzheimer’s disease.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_2_97e419f039.webp" alt="CATRIN: Atom by atom. Scientists reveal a new direction in medical diagnostics" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_2_97e419f039.webp 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="2560">“The NGA-Cu ink we developed enables the production of fully inkjet-printed, sustainable paper-based electrodes at very low cost. Each sensor requires only 1.3 micrograms of active ink, costs approximately one Czech koruna and provided a stable response for at least three months. The ink is also fully compatible with commonly available materials inkjet printers. This creates significant potential for producing affordable, digitally designed sensors whose function can be tailored atom by atom,” said&nbsp;the corresponding author of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.76796">paper</a> Michal Otyepka.The basis for this new generation of single-atom inks was nitrogen-doped graphene acid (NGA), which CATRIN researchers developed several years ago. They have now progressively enriched it with different individual metal atoms, including copper, iron and manganese.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_3_c15d831792.webp" alt="CATRIN: Atom by atom. Scientists reveal a new direction in medical diagnostics" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_3_c15d831792.webp 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="2560">“We found that the electrochemical response depends fundamentally on the type of atom used. While copper atoms significantly enhance the dopamine signal, other metals suppress it. What matters, therefore, is not only the presence of isolated metal atoms but also the specific metal involved. This is a very important finding for the further development of biosensors,” explained first author Martin-Alex Nalepa.The published results introduce a new class of sensing materials with considerable potential for medical diagnostics. The researchers present a broadly applicable platform for developing graphene inks containing individual metal atoms and open the way towards scalable, reproducible and material-efficient production of advanced electrochemical sensors.&nbsp;“We are only at the beginning and are fascinated by the new possibilities opening up before us. We can see that by changing the type of atom, we can control the sensitivity and selectivity of the sensor. In addition to dopamine, we can also determine immunoglobulins very precisely – antibodies whose levels and types may serve as important indicators of autoimmune or infectious diseases,” emphasised Radek Zbořil, a co-author of the paper.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_4_273cd760a5.webp" alt="CATRIN: Atom by atom. Scientists reveal a new direction in medical diagnostics" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_4_273cd760a5.webp 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="2560">Electrochemical biosensors can find applications not only in medicine but also in food quality control, drinking-water monitoring and environmental pollution monitoring. Their key components are functionalised electrodes, and graphene-based materials have proved particularly suitable for their production. A key factor in the success of the Olomouc researchers was the targeted preparation of graphene ink with the required properties.The research was supported by the TECHSCALE project under the Johannes Amos Comenius Programme.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_5_b1778f77f2.jpg" alt="CATRIN: Atom by atom. Scientists reveal a new direction in medical diagnostics: Project TECHSCALE (No. CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004587) is financed by the MEYS OP JAC Excellent research programme, supported by ERDF/ESF." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Atom_po_atomu_Vedci_ukazali_novy_smer_v_lekarske_diagnostice_5_b1778f77f2.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="620" height="87"><blockquote><h4>Article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.76796">Single-Atom-Enhanced Fully Inkjet-Printed Electrochemical Sensor for Dopamine Detection</a></h4>Martin-Alex Nalepa, David Panáček, Vítězslav Hrubý, Matěj Jendřišák, Rostislav Langer, Michal Langer, Petr Jakubec, Ivan Dědek, Vojtěch Kupka, Michal Mazur, Radek Zbořil, Michal OtyepkaAdv. Sci., 2026, e76796<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.76796">https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.76796</a><h6>licenced under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote><h4>Abstract</h4>Single-atom (SA) engineering offers atomic-level control over interfacial reactivity, yet the lack of printable SA-based inks hinders its practical translation into electrochemical sensing. Here, a fully water-based inkjet-printable ink is introduced based on nitrogen-doped graphene acid (NGA) hosting atomically dispersed Cu centers (NGA-Cu-ink). The ink enables digitally controlled, spatially defined deposition and fabrication of low-cost ($0.04 per sensor), fully inkjet-printed sustainable electrodes on paper. A comparison of NGA functionalized with different SA dopants (Cu, Mn, Fe, Ce) identifies a strong dopant-dependent electrochemical response, with Cu uniquely enhancing the analyte signal while other dopants suppress it, demonstrating that SA identity is a decisive design parameter in printed sensing interfaces profiling sensitivity and selectivity. The functional role of the NGA support is to provide dense anchoring sites (nitrogen and carboxylate groups) that stabilize atomically dispersed metal centers and create adsorption- and electron-transfer–active microenvironments. The NGA-Cu-ink yields enhanced dopamine oxidation, enabling quantitative detection on fully printed devices (limit of detection 9.7 µM; linear range 50–400 µM) and printed-on-electrode platforms (10.6 µM), while maintaining &lt;10% signal variation over 11 weeks. The approach establishes a general route to single-atom graphene-based inks for scalable, reproducible, and low-material-consumption manufacturing of advanced electrochemical sensors.

Atom by atom. Scientists reveal a new direction in medical diagnostics

Article

Academy

Scientists

Interview

Science and research

Video

The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) at Palacký University is a cutting-edge scientific hub dedicated to advancing research in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and biomedicine. At its core, CATRIN boasts outstanding scientific teams, featuring international researchers. We emphasize interdisciplinarity, foster global collaborations, and work to translate our research findings into practical applications.

CATRIN

Phenomenex is a global technology leader committed to developing novel analytical chemistry solutions that solve the separation and purification challenges of researchers in industrial, government and academic laboratories.

Phenomenex

Organomation, founded in 1959, designs and manufactures high-quality nitrogen evaporators and extraction systems. Known for innovation and durability, their lab instruments are used globally for efficient sample preparation with strong customer support.

Organomation

Agilent Technologies

Bruker

GERSTEL

Wiley

C&EN

Evosep Biosystems

Waters Corporation

...
<blockquote>
Presenter: Scott Melis, PhD (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Scott Melis has a PHD in Physics from Georgetown University in Washington, DC and started with Agilent in 2021 as a Molecular Spectroscopy Application Scientist. In his graduate work, Scott studied nanoparticle formation and growth for a variety of applications. Projects that he worked with include developing processes to deposit and characterize semiconducting molecular nano-cocrystals for use in optoelectronic devices as well as controlling polymer nanoparticle size through rapid mixing conditions.
</blockquote>

Agilnt Technologies: UV/Vis Software Bootcamp

UV/Vis Software Bootcamp

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to promote alternative methods to animal testing and the EU and a few other countries have even moved to ban the import and sale of cosmetics that have been tested on animals. The Amino acid Derivative Reactivity Assay (ADRA) Method developed by Fujifilm, is an innovative alternative test method for skin sensitization without the use of animals and it was adopted by the OECD in 2022 as a reliable test method.
In this webinar, we will present the technical background of the ADRA method, the use of reagent kits to perform ADRA testing, and our solutions for ADRA analysis that deliver both enhanced selectivity and high-speed testing. Register for this webinar and learn more about how the ADRA method will help you better test the safety of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. 
<h5>Key Learning Objectives:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Outline of the OECD TG442C (ADRA: Amino acid Derivative Reactivity Assay) </li>
<li>Overview of ADRA kits and related products </li>
<li>How to conduct ADRA testing using HPLC</li>
</ul>
<h5>Who Should Attend:</h5>
<ul>
<li>R&amp;D and Manufacturer of Cosmetics </li>
<li>Companies considering Alternative Methods to Animal Testing </li>
<li>Industries interested in Alternative Methods to Animal Testing</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Toshihiko Kasahara, Ph.D. (Safety Eval. Center, ESG Div., Senior Expert, Fujifilm Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Suguru Kitagawa (International Sales, EU Region, Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ayako Nomura (Analytical Instr. Div., Application Specialist, Shimadzu Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Melissa O&#39;Meara (Forensic Science Consultant, C&amp;EN Media Group)
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: The Newest Alternative to Animal Testing for Skin Sensitization

The Newest Alternative to Animal Testing for Skin Sensitization

In this webinar, we will present the technical background of the ADRA method and how to conduct ADRA testing using HPLC.

The Alternative to Animal Testing for Skin Sensitization

<h5>This series will focus on:</h5>
<ul>
<li>An overview on how to ensure your LC system is performing optimally as well as the three main mechanisms that are available to adjust the selectivity of a separation</li>
<li>Allowable changes related to USP&lt;621&gt; with highlights on cost and time savings when modernizing your method</li>
<li>Column chemistry suggestions and tips on how to choose the appropriate column during method development</li>
</ul>
<h5>Who should attend?</h5>
Laboratory managers and scientists who would like to understand how method modernization can save you time and money, those who want to reduce method development time, and those who are curious about how to bring new technology into their laboratory.
<h3>PART 2: USP MONOGRAPHS: HOW TO MODERNIZE METHODS AND STILL BE IN COMPLIANCE</h3>
<ul>
<li>Review the allowable changes to USP monographs for gradient and isocratic assays</li>
<li>Examples of modernized assays from HPLC to UHPLC or UPLC</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Kenneth Berthelette (Senior Scientist, Waters Corporation Chemistry and Consumables Group)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Ken earned his Bachelor&#39;s of Science degree in Professional Chemistry from Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater Massachusetts, in 2010. He has been with Waters Corporation since March 2012 and has worked on several product launches including CORTECS columns, UPC2 Torus and Trefoil columns, and the Atlantis Premier BEH Z-HILIC column. He changed job functions in 2021 and now supports Chemistry Aftermarket initiatives. His focus on applications and customer education has led to several seminars and webinars on topics including method development, method modernization and transfer, HILIC separation techniques, and LC system troubleshooting.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: USP MONOGRAPHS: HOW TO MODERNIZE METHODS AND STILL BE IN COMPLIANCE

USP MONOGRAPHS: HOW TO MODERNIZE METHODS AND STILL BE IN COMPLIANCE

Review the allowable changes to USP monographs for gradient and isocratic assays. Examples of modernized assays from HPLC to UHPLC or UPLC.

USP: HOW TO MODERNIZE METHODS AND STILL BE IN COMPLIANCE

Thousands of polymeric compounds and materials have been developed over the years to optimize the properties and performance of products spanning nearly every industry. There are a few areas where characterizing these products can be important: first is performing a quick polymer identification for recycling purposes; second is quality control to identify product defects or failures; and third is reverse engineering to facilitate product development in a highly competitive marketplace.
Infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy are especially useful for the analysis of polymers in an industrial setting because in most cases it does not require sample preparation or expensive consumables. Examples will be presented demonstrating the effectiveness of IR and Raman analysis in each of these categories.
Mass Spectrometry (MS) has become an indispensable tool for polymer analysis and has been widely used to study polymer structure and composition, end groups and additives, molecular weight distribution, and so on. MS analysis is extremely sensitive, allowing the detection and identification of minor polymer components and synthesis by-products, as well as low-level impurities and products of decomposition. Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) allows performing rapid MS analysis without lengthy pre-separation and with minimal sample preparation. MALDI MS can provide structural and copolymer composition information, as well as be used for imaging of polymer surfaces, characterization of complex polymer mixtures, and many other analytical tasks.
In this webinar, we will discuss several MS analytical techniques and their applications for polymer analysis using real-life examples from the industry and academia.
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Presenter: Sergey V. Shilov, Ph.D. (R&amp;D Product Manager for North America, Bruker Optics)
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<blockquote>
Dr. Sergey V. Shilov is the R&amp;D Product Manager for North America at Bruker Optics. Sergey joined Bruker in 2001. He is responsible for the support and development of new applications for the Bruker research FTIR systems. He received his Ph.D in 1992 from the Russian Academy of Sciences in Polymer Physics and his M.S. from St. Petersburg State University (Russia) in Physics in 1986. Alexander Von Humboldt foundation (Germany) awarded him research fellowship in 1996. Sergey published 37 papers in peer-reviewed journals. His research interests include time-resolved FTIR spectroscopy, surface science, polymer and life-science applications. 
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Presenter: Kushal Modi (Business Development Manager, Polymers, and Industrial Chemicals, Bruker Applied Mass Spectrometry)
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Kushal Modi has been serving the scientific community for over 10 years. He joined Bruker in 2022 under the Applied Mass Spectrometry division after a legacy with Waters Corporation. He is a leading expert as a Business Development Manager and is currently supporting the polymers and industrial chemical markets nationally. 
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Presenter: Dr. Rebecca Pool (Editor Microscopy and Analysis, Wiley, Moderator)
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Rebecca is news editor of Microscopy&amp;Analysis and a freelance science journalist with a doctorate in Materials Science. She has published in Wiley Analytical Science, Nature Photonics, SPIE Photonics Focus, Physics World, Sci Fi Generation, Engineering and Technology magazine, WorldSteel and more.
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Wiley Analytical Science: Effective Analysis of Polymers Using IR, Raman Spectroscopy, and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

Effective Analysis of Polymers Using IR, Raman Spectroscopy, and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

Examples will be presented demonstrating the effectiveness of IR and Raman analysis and will discuss several MS techniques and apps for polymer analysis.

Polymers Using IR, Raman Spectroscopy, and MALDI-TOF MS

Get ready for Nitrosamines - The LC/MS Edge, a series of virtual connect that explores the latest updates, insights, and technical knowledge on nitrosamines in India.
Join us for the first session, focused on the growing concern of nitrosamines in the Indian pharmaceutical industry. Learn about the perspective of Indian Pharmacopoeia on regulation, evolving market landscape, growth opportunities and the role of LC-MS/MS in nitrosamine assessment studies. Experts will discuss the perspectives of evolving regulations and how companies can adapt these solutions, followed by a Q&amp;A discussion. Nitrosamines pose a significant risk to public health, making it crucial for companies to be aware of the latest regulations and market trends. Stay ahead of the curve and ensure compliance with latest regulatory requirements. Don&#39;t miss out on this valuable opportunity. 
Why should you attend?
<ul>
<li>Gain insights into the perspective of Indian Pharmacopoeia on assessment of nitrosamines.</li>
<li>Understand the current market landscape and growth opportunities.</li>
<li>Learn about compliance requirements and how to navigate them.</li>
<li>Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and updates related to nitrosamines in India.</li>
<li>Improve your professional development &amp; scientific understanding by enhancing your knowledge and skills related to nitrosamines assessment workflows and LC/MS.</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Mr. Arvind Kumar Sharma (Scientific Assistant, Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare - Government of India)
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With six years of experience as a Scientific Assistant at Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, he has played a key role in the current development of Indian Pharmacopoeia Reference Substances (IPRS) and Impurity Reference Substances. He has been engaged in the preparation and updating of draft monographs for publishing in Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP). Additionally, he has played a major role in the development of the latest edition of the National Formulary of India 2021 and has been involved in work related to the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI). He holds a a M. Pharmacy in Pharmacology from Sinhgad Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pune and a B. Pharmacy from the College of Pharmacy, IPS Academy Indore. He has authored several articles published in international journals and organized and represented IPC at various national and international conferences and workshops. He has also participated in joint inspections for registration of manufacturing units and testing laboratories.
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Presenter: Dr Kuldeep Sharma (Sales Development Manager - Pharma, Agilent Technologies India Pvt Ltd)
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Kuldeep Sharma has over 19 years of experience in area/s of Bioanalytical research, Drug metabolism &amp; pharmacokinetics and Pharma regulatory compliance. He has accomplished PhD in Biotechnology. His professional journey covers over 12 years in Analytical research (associated with R&amp;D’s of Zydus Cadila, Lambda, Pliva and Jubilant Biosys) and last 7 years in analytical instruments sales, marketing &amp; business development. With over 21 research articles published in international Journals, He presents convention of continues learning.
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Agilent Technologies: Nitrosamines - The LC/MS Edge 1st Edition: Indian Pharmaceutical Industry Perspective & Evolving Regulatory Landscape

Nitrosamines - The LC/MS Edge 1st Edition: Indian Pharmaceutical Industry Perspective & Evolving Regulatory Landscape

Join us for the first session, focused on the growing concern of nitrosamines in the Indian pharmaceutical industry.

Nitrosamines - The LC/MS Edge 1st Edition

<ul>
<li>Wait what?! Who knew!? There are so many things that a mass spec can do.
</li>
<li>I&#39;ve used it for years, yes this may be true.
</li>
<li>I&#39;ve processed some samples, more than a few.
</li>
<li>But between me and you, I had no idea all the things it could do!
</li>
<li>From sample prep to separation, you just won&#39;t believe…
</li>
<li>All of the tips and tricks we have up our sleeve.
</li>
<li>So, take a few minutes, about 15 should do.
</li>
<li>And learn all the things your mass spec can do.
</li>
</ul>
An easy to follow guide detailing how to set MS scan parameters for an LCMS experiment will be presented. Scan speeds for reproducible quantitation, chromatographic resolution, retention time definition, proper threshold adjustment for optimum datafile size, and how this can result in faster processing times will all be discussed.
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Presenter: Rebecca Glaskin, Ph.D. (LC/MS Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Rebecca Glaskin is an LC/MS Application Scientist at Agilent with a focus on BioPharma applications supporting the LC-Q/TOF and IM-QTOF platforms. Prior to joining Agilent, Rebecca received her Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Indiana University in the lab of Professor David Clemmer. While there she designed and constructed home-built instruments, pushing the limits of the mobility resolution that can be obtained with a circular drift tube for the separation of biomolecules (peptides, proteins, carbohydrates, and metabolites). While there, she also studied hydrogen/deuterium exchange of proteins in the gas-phase as a function of time and pressure. Rebecca then went to Boston University as a Postdoctoral Associate in the lab of Professor Catherine Costello to develop a database containing collision cross section values for glycans, peptides, and glycopeptides utilizing Agilent Technologies 6560 IM-QTOF. This database can be used to determine how the collision cross section is altered with the addition of individual saccharide units. The trendlines obtained from this database will be used to predict collision cross sections for glycopeptides based on the conformation and structure of the specific glycoform.
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Presenter: Jim Lau, PhD (HRAMS LC/MS Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Jim Lau received his Ph.D. From the University of Colorado. There he worked in the laboratories of Peter Albersheim and Robert Shapiro. This work involved the structure elucidation of plant natural products and, in particular, elucidating the structures of oligosaccharides derived from plant cell wall polysaccharides. This work was done in the early days of LCMS and made use of DLI-LCMS and (at the time) recently invented Thermospray-LCMS.
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After the completion of his Ph.D., Jim joined Hewlett-Packard to work on LCMS ionization techniques with Paul Goodley during the early days of Electrospray-LCMS. He then moved to work on field applications and collaborations with Hewlett-Packard’s LCMS customers. More than 30 years later, Jim continues to work with Agilent’s customers in High Resolution Accurate Mass applications of LCMS. While involved in many areas of HRAMS LCMS, his recent work has focused on the area of Screening/Qual&amp;Quant of small molecules and on the high throughput confirmation of oligonucleotide synthesis.
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Agilent Technologies: How to set MS Scan Parameters for your LCMS Experiment

How to set MS Scan Parameters for your LCMS Experiment

An easy to follow guide detailing how to set MS scan parameters for an LCMS experiment will be presented.

Targeted workflows are particularly interesting for identifying established biomarkers in various applications. The focus on these workflows, coupled with technological advancements, is continually expanding the boundaries of high-throughput targeted analysis.
<h3>Next Generation of absolute protein Quantitation in Biological Matrixes; higher multiplexicity while faster, robust and sensitive</h3>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Christoph Borchers (Mcgill university)</li>
</ul>
The accurate and rapid determination of protein concentrations using multiplexed multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with isotope-labeled internal standards has the potential to revolutionize biochemistry and medical sciences. The combination of an Evosep One LC with an Agilent QQQ6495C allows a several-fold reduction of analysis time while maintaining high multiplexicity. As an example, we show the use of a multi-protein method for the absolute quantitation of 270 proteins, combined with metabolomics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to analyze the plasma of a COVID cohort for prediction of survival. Moreover, optimization of the Evosep/6495C combination allowed adaptation of the 270-protein MRM method to a 24-minute gradient, thus doubling the throughput compared to before.
<h3>Development of a LC-MS/MS Method for Measurement of Fusion Sarcoma Proteins in Plasma</h3>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Phd. AnThony Maus (Clinical Mass Spec. Development Laboratory, Mayo Clinic)</li>
</ul>
Sarcoma is general term for a group of over 70 cancers that are classified using genomic techniques to identify characteristic gene fusions in tumor tissues. However, this technique requires relatively invasive biopsies and is not conducive to monitoring disease progression or response to treatment. Measurements of fusion protein biomarkers in plasma would overcome these limitations. We sought to develop an LC-MS/MS method capable of performing these measurements by conducting discovery experiments on cell lines with an EvoSep coupled to an Exploris 480 mass spectrometer. Using these data, we developed a targeted method and performed measurements in plasma samples.

Targeted Workflows

Targeted workflows are particularly interesting for identifying established biomarkers in various applications.

Targeted LC/MS Workflows

Webinar in collaboration with the Polish Society of Metabolomics.
<h3>14:00 - 14:20 Benefits of Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometry (TIMS) for Metabolomics and Lipidomics</h3>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Stefanie Wernisch ( Business Development Manager Metabolomics/Multiomics, Bruker Daltonics Bremen, Germany)</li>
</ul>
After revolutionizing the area of proteomics, trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS) is now conquering the fields of metabolomics and lipidomics. Bruker&#39;s unique timsTOF technology addresses the complexity of biological samples by adding an orthogonal dimension of separation before mass spectrometric analysis, thus reducing the complexity of MS/MS data and improving annotation confidence for untargeted analysis. The ability to determine Collisional Cross Sections (CCS) can further aid identification and outlier detection in lipidomics studies.
<h3>14:20 - 14:40 SpatialOMx® for in-depth 4D-Lipidomics™</h3>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Janina Oetjen (Application Specialist MALDI Imaging, Bruker Daltonics Bremen, Germany)</li>
</ul>
The combined possibilities of ESI and MALDI in one instrument enables powerful SpatialOMx® applications. In short, ion mobility-based annotation can connect confident LC-TIMS-MS/MS identification with meaningful spatial information from MALDI Imaging, specifically in the field of lipidomics. Further, segmentation results based on lipid imaging can define specific regions of interest for subsequent, in-depth analysis. Thus, the information content of MALDI Imaging can be enhanced with SpatialOMx® workflows on the timsTOF fleX platform.
<h3>14:40 - 15:00 Application Round-up: 4D-Metabolomics™ and 4D-Lipidomics™</h3>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Matthias Szesny (Application Scientist Metabolomics, Bruker Daltonics Bremen, Germany)</li>
</ul>
We will highlight the capabilities of the timsTOF platform and introduce new applications, method developments, and software solutions in the field of metabolomics and lipidomics. Those help scientists gain a faster and deeper understanding of diverse research areas such as health and disease as well as agriculture.

Bruker: Expanding the Horizons of 4D-Metabolomics and 4D-Lipidomics

Expanding the Horizons of 4D-Metabolomics and 4D-Lipidomics

Benefits of TIMS for Metabolomics and Lipidomics. SpatialOMx for in-depth 4D-Lipidomics, Application Round-up: 4D-Metabolomics and 4D-Lipidomics.

Learn how to automate your SPE procedures with the LCTech FREESTYLE™ system for various sample types.
Presenter: Fred Foster (Applications Scientist)

GERSTEL: Automation of Solid Phase Extraction Procedures using a Novel Robotic Automation Platform

Automation of Solid Phase Extraction Procedures using a Novel Robotic Automation Platform

Learn how to automate your SPE procedures with the LCTech FREESTYLE™ system for various sample types.

Automation of Solid Phase Extraction - Automation Platform

This Seminar is designed to help chemists and lab managers become more familiar with the workings of Agilent’s newest software - OpenLab CDS.
Participants will listen to an Agilent expert and watch a series of live demonstrations.They will have amble opportunity to ask their own specific questions during the course of this seminar. Customers that are new to OpenLab CDS or are using an older software package from Agilent such as ChemStation would benefit from seeing the future of their laboratory software.
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Presenter: Richard Mutkoski (Laboratory Informatics Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Richard Mutkoski began with Agilent (HP) in 1995. He has been an Application Engineer in Agilent’s Laboratory Informatics for the past 18 years. Prior to his career at Agilent Rich spent 12 years in a variety of small pharmaceutical firms in both R&amp;D and QA/QC capacities affording him first-hand knowledge of those workflows, bottlenecks and challenges.
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Agilent Technologies: Get The Most Out of Your OpenLab CDS System – An Exploration of Agilent’s Newest Chromatography Data System

Get The Most Out of Your OpenLab CDS System – An Exploration of Agilent’s Newest Chromatography Data System

Become more familiar with the workings of Agilent’s newest software - OpenLab CDS.