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

Metrohm

Agilent Technologies

Thermo Fisher Scientific

SelectScience

Shimadzu Corporation

Waters Corporation

Ion Chromatography (IC) is an established and useful analytical tool for pharmaceutical applications. Many times, IC is faster, easier to implement, and offers significant advantages over traditional wet chemistry methods. In fact, the United States Pharmacopeia has modernized a substantial number of monographs to stipulate IC methods for numerous pharmaceutical assays of APIs and analysis of impurities and excipients.
In this webinar, you will hear about recently validated IC methods for various assays and their associated impurities and challenges associated with some magnesium-based OTC products.
We will also review the basics of IC and various sample preparation techniques to overcome difficult sample matrices. A live Q&amp;A session will be hosted at the end of the webinar to address any questions you may have. Key learning points of this webinar:
<ul>
<li>Understand newly validated IC methods for pharmaceutical applications.</li>
<li>Learn how ion chromatography can be used for fast and reliable salt identification, assay, and impurities. </li>
<li>Learn what strategies are available for automation of sample preparation to deal with difficult sample matrices.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Linx Waclaski (Product Manager Ion Chromatography, Metrohm USA)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Linx Waclaski is the Product Manager for Ion Chromatography at Metrohm USA in Riverview, Florida. He has years of experience in multiple chromatographic techniques, including ion chromatography, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry, with extensive experience in R&amp;D and applications development. His chromatography applications experience extends across environmental, food safety, and life sciences industries. He has an M.S. in Forensic Science from Duquesne University.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Shibu Paul (Product Specialist Ion Chromatography, Metrohm USA)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Shibu Paul, Product Specialist for Ion Chromatography at Metrohm USA, has more than 30 years of experience in the food, environmental and instrumentation industries, working in positions from bench chemist to laboratory director. He has a Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry from Cochin University of Science &amp; Technology, India and an M.B.A. from the University of South Florida.
</blockquote>

Metrohm: Ion Chromatography for Pharmaceutical Applications

Ion Chromatography for Pharmaceutical Applications

Recently validated IC methods for various assays and their associated impurities and challenges associated with some magnesium-based OTC products.

We have an exciting virtual three-day agenda with great speakers from industry experts, workshops, and poster sessions.
Come and listen to industry experts to discover IC in the world of
<ul>
<li>Glycan research</li>
<li>Pesticides</li>
<li>Metabolomics </li>
<li>Pharmaceutical analysis</li>
<li>Industrial processes</li>
<li>Geochemistry</li>
<li>Food and beverage</li>
</ul>
Discover tools, tips, and tricks to get the most out of your IC analysis in our IC workshops.
Registration and the agenda will be available soon - Watch this space.

Thermo Scientific: Global IC Symposium 2023

Global IC Symposium 2023 - Day 1

We have an exciting virtual three-day agenda with great speakers from industry experts, workshops, and poster sessions.

Thermo Scientific Global IC Symposium 2023

Chromium content and impurity analysis of plating baths using ion chromatography provide a highly accurate and easily automated solution compared with traditional wet chemistry methods. Quality control of these and similar plating bath sample types is essential for dialing in bath performance.
Attend this session to learn how The Armoloy Corporation recently replaced tedious, manual analysis of their chromium baths with IC to monitor chromium and ionic contaminants. You’ll also learn how to combine this knowledge with the fundamentals of IC so that you can apply this to other sample types. Take part in our live Q&amp;A after the presentation to get your specific questions answered by our experts. 
<h5>Who should attend?</h5>
<ul>
<li>Analysts, technicians, chemists who want to learn how IC can simplify their analysis, eliminating more cumbersome techniques</li>
<li>Quality lab managers considering implementing IC into their lab</li>
</ul>
<h5>Key learning points</h5>
<ul>
<li>Learn how IC can be used to simplify multiparameter analyses and eliminate tedious wet chemistry methods</li>
<li>Understand how IC can be used as an important tool for quality control in industry</li>
<li>Learn the basics of IC from a theoretical and equipment standpoint</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Kris Johnson (Chemist, Armoloy)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Kris Johnson is a chemist at Armoloy where he has been for four years and recently completed his CEF. He handles the chemical and metallurgical testing and heads R&amp;D, among other things. Kris graduated from the chemistry program at Northern Illinois University where he was also a researcher and was recognized in three different published articles. He uses his knowledge in the plating industry to participate in the Aerospace Materials Specifications B Committee to review and update several of these specifications used by numerous laboratories worldwide.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Bikash Chouhan (Applications Specialist, Metrohm USA)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Bikash Chouhan is an Applications Specialist for Ion Chromatography at Metrohm USA. He completed his PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). His area of research during his PhD was in Capillary Scale Ion Chromatography. He has worked as a Post Doc at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UTA and as a Senior Scientist in IC at Eurofins, before joining Metrohm USA. He is currently involved in expanding IC applications to more unique and challenging sample matrices.
</blockquote>

Metrohm: Analysis of Plating Baths with Ion Chromatography

Analysis of Plating Baths with Ion Chromatography

Learn how The Armoloy Corporation recently replaced tedious, manual analysis of their chromium baths with IC to monitor chromium and ionic contaminants.

Novel dosage forms require novel dissolution techniques and instruments. Drug-eluting stent testing, transdermals, implants, contact lenses, medical devices, and a variety of other products require absolute control over evaporative losses and assurance of analytical sample integrity. The dissolution testing is frequently done using ultralow volumes in the 5–10 mL range.
In this webinar, we will explore tools and techniques that address the challenges of these types of analysis by examining several examples and case studies.
<h5>Key learning objectives</h5>
<ul>
<li>Discover dissolution techniques for novel formulations</li>
<li>Explore case studies for small-volume dissolution testing</li>
<li>Learn about the Agilent 400-DS</li>
</ul>
<h5>Who should attend?</h5>
<ul>
<li>Dissolution users, lab managers in R&amp;D and QC, and drug/device manufacturers</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Karen Krauel-Goellner (Product Manager Dissolution Systems, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Karen Krauel-Goellner is a registered pharmacist and holds a PhD from the University of Otago, NZ, in the area of formulation development. Krauel-Goellner previously held research positions at universities and Boehringer Ingelheim, and worked as a clinical supply manager at Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica. In 2013, Krauel-Goellner joined Agilent Technologies and is currently a Global Product Manager for Agilent Dissolution Systems. 
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Georgina Wynne Hughes (Editorial Team, SelectScience)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Georgina studied at Birmingham University where she gained a BSc in Biomedical Science, and an MSc by Research in Cancer and Genomic Sciences, which focused on defective autophagy in rare neurodegenerative diseases. As a member of the Editorial team, she now plays an integral role in shaping the content on SelectScience.
</blockquote>

Select Science: Overcoming Dissolution Challenges with Low-Dose Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices

Overcoming Dissolution Challenges with Low-Dose Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices

We will explore tools and techniques that address the challenges of these types of analysis by examining several examples and case studies.

Dissolution with Low-Dose Pharmaceuticals and Medical

While the application of Mass Spectrometry (MS) Imaging is rapidly growing, its usage is largely limited to experienced scientists. Shimadzu’s Benchtop MALDI-TOF, however, offers a compact, affordable, and user-friendly option to all. Moreover, when combined with the automated matrix applicator (iMLayer suite), our Benchtop MALDI-TOF provides a game-changing solution suitable to all users regardless of skill level.
In this webinar, we will showcase how our workflow offers simplified sample preparation, a complete imaging solution in a compact footprint, an imaging starter kit customizable based on your needs, and intuitive software for data analysis. This workflow will be suitable in research applications from analysis of small molecules such as lipids to large molecules such as protein, peptides, polymers etc.
Join us to learn how you can become an expert in MS imaging with Shimadzu&#39;s MALDI-TOF today.
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Learn how Shimadzu offers total solutions for MALDI Imaging</li>
<li>Learn about our patented Two-step Vapour Deposition Method for optimal sample preparation</li>
<li>Learn about our user-friendly interface for easy data analysis of MALDI Images</li>
<li>Applications of Shimadzu&#39;s Benchtop MALDI Imaging suite</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Naatasha Isahak (Product Specialist, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Naatasha Isahak is a Product Specialist for MALDI and Life Sciences Products from Shimadzu Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. She has received her PhD from the University of Sydney (Chemistry) working on surface initiated polymerisation on silica nanoparticles using RAFT polymerisation and bioorthogonal conjugation of peptides using Native Chemical Ligation. She then spent 5 years working on developing platforms for stem cells and organoids characterization that included working with microfluidic devices and helical polymers. Naatasha joined Shimadzu in 2022 to expand her experiences to MALDI characterization on materials and biological samples.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: MALDI-Imaging For All: A Researcher’s Guide

MALDI-Imaging For All: A Researcher’s Guide

Join us to learn how you can become an expert in MS imaging with Shimadzu's MALDI-TOF today.

Complement your Empower CDS with sample management, equipment inventory and data archiving.
<ul>
<li>How isolated is your Empower CDS network?</li>
<li>Do you manually transcribe sample information?</li>
<li>Do maintain paper logbooks for your system usage?</li>
<li>Do you deal with the life of your data after processing and reporting?</li>
</ul>

Waters Corporation: CDS and LMS integrated to single product

CDS and LMS integrated to single product

Complement your Empower CDS with sample management, equipment inventory and data archiving.

Join us in this webinar to discuss on basics of GPC technology and respective details of instruments, separations, and parameters in GPC analysis. Along with respective principles and uses for various types of large/polymer samples.
In this webinar, we will discuss:
<ul>
<li>Introduction of GPC</li>
<li>GPC Separation principles</li>
<li>Instrument detectors and respective uses</li>
<li>What does GPC give?</li>
<li>Interpretation of GPC data</li>
</ul>
By attending this webinar you will learn: The basics of GPC along with details of various detection techniques, parameters, separation mechanism and interpretation of data.
*Attend all 3 sessions and get a digital certificate from Agilent
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Ramaprasad Ganni (Technical Support Specialist, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Ramaprasad Ganni has 21 years of experience in the field of Chromatography and Column chemistries. Working with Agilent technologies India, since 2008 in Chemistries and Supplies division. Previously Worked for Elsevier GmbH, and Millipore India Pvt, Ltd. Responsible for Workflow solutions development, providing technical support, and trainings. Experienced in Sample prep, HPLC, GC, Mass spec and GPC Chromatography technologies.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Fundamentals of Gel Permeation Chromatography Analysis

Fundamentals of Gel Permeation Chromatography Analysis

The basics of GPC along with details of various detection techniques, parameters, separation mechanism and interpretation of data.

<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>
Electrospray ionization (ESI) is the most common ionization technique used in LC-MS, however not all samples are best analyzed by ESI. Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization (APCI) is a complementary technique that can work well with small molecules that are more non-polar or neutral. Considerations for solvent and mobile phase additives to optimize APCI performance will be discussed.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Emily Parry, PhD (LC/MS Applications Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Emily has been with Agilent for four years. Prior to joining Agilent, Emily developed methods for environmental contaminants in a variety of human and environmental matrices using both targeted and untargeted mass spectrometry techniques. She worked as a researcher at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Public Health Institute. She received her Ph.D. degree in Environmental Chemistry from the University of California, Davis.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: From Liquid to Ions…. Eliminate your Fears switching from Electrospray ionization (ESI) to Atmospheric Pressure chemical Ionization (APCI)

From Liquid to Ions…. Eliminate your Fears switching from Electrospray ionization (ESI) to Atmospheric Pressure chemical Ionization (APCI)

ESI vs. APCI. Considerations for solvent and mobile phase additives to optimize APCI performance will be discussed.

From Liquid to Ions…. Switching from ESI to APCI

<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 1 : CREATING GREAT CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHODS USING A SYSTEMIC APPROACH</h3>
<ul>
<li>Learn how column chemistry, organic solvent, and mobile phase pH influence chromatographic selectivity</li>
<li>Learn how to implement a systemic method development approach</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: CREATING GREAT CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHODS USING A SYSTEMIC APPROACH

CREATING GREAT CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHODS USING A SYSTEMIC APPROACH

Systemic method development approach. Learn how column chemistry, organic solvent, and mobile phase pH influence chromatographic selectivity.

CREATING CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHODS - SYSTEMIC APPROACH

This year we invite you to ignite your mind to Be Curious about what Ion chromatography (IC) can do with its versatility in many detections across the IC application spectrum to improve your workflows and solve challenges.
During this three day virtual event, learn from a panel of experts how the latest IC applications are helping colleagues achieve breakthroughs, and walk away with valuable information on how advancements in IC can increase laboratory analytical capabilities. 
Although each day is convenient for a specific region, you can attend any session on any day. All sessions and workshops will be available for on-demand viewing after the event concludes.
<h3>Day 1 Agenda | April 18 | North and South America</h3>
Discover IC column development, and where it’s headed with mass spectrometry, as they can be an integral detection for carbohydrate profiling and environmental metabolites characterization. Learn how standalone IC can solve industrial samples and degradation products with comprehensive IC information, all at once.
<h5>11:30 EDT: Opening Plenary: The Past, Present, and Future of IC Column Development</h5>
<ul>
<li>Alexandra Zatirakha (Thermo Fisher Scientific, IC/SP R&amp;D, Sunnyvale)</li>
</ul>
<h5>12:30 EDT: Characterizing Carbohydrate Degradation Products from Bacteroides Thetaiotaomicron to Understand Bacterial Dextran Utilization in the Gut</h5>
<ul>
<li>Neil Rumachik (Thermo Fisher Scientific, IC/SP R&amp;D, Sunnyvale)</li>
<li>Fiona Cuskin (Newcastle University, UK)</li>
</ul>
<h5>1:30 PM EDT: Toward Comprehensive Chemical Characterization of Metabolomic Using Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid Mass Spectrometer Coupled with Ion and Liquid Chromatography Techniques: Dissolved Organic Matter as an Example</h5>
<ul>
<li>Hussain Abdulla (Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, Texas A&amp;M University-Corpus Christi)</li>
</ul>
<h5>2:30 PM EDT: The Use of Ion Chromatography in the Monitoring of Degradation Products from the Electrochemical Treatment Of Organic Compounds</h5>
<ul>
<li>Emily Tossi (Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte)</li>
</ul>
<h5>3:30 PM EDT: Ion Chromatography as a Tool for Industrial Problem Solving</h5>
<ul>
<li>Isaac Negrete and Stephen Fosdick (Dow)</li>
</ul>
<h5>4:30 PM EDT: Workshop: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once IC!</h5>
<ul>
<li>Kelly Femrite (IC/SP Product Support, Sunnyvale)</li>
<li>Carl Fisher (IC/SP Product Marketing, Sunnyvale)</li>
<li>Criss Corchard-Keeler (Service Marketing Manager, CMD/MOL Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li>
</ul>