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

CEM Corporation

Agilent Technologies

SelectScience

SCIEX

Evosep Biosystems

Waters Corporation

Separation of highly polar compounds such as pharmaceuticals, metabolites, and biomarkers can be challenging using traditional reversed-phase methods on regular C18 columns.
In this webinar, we will discuss available alternatives such as ion pairing, use of polar bonded phases, or polar modified columns. We will also discuss the benefits of selecting alternative modes of separation, such as HILIC and Ligand Exchange chromatography.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Golnar Javadi (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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<blockquote>
Golnar Javadi is an applications engineer providing online applications assistance and technical support for LC columns and supplies, Sample Preparation products, and Spectroscopy supplies.
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Before joining Varian and then Agilent, Golnar worked in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries on method development and quality control. She also taught college level chemistry courses for a few years.
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Golnar then joined Varian as a technical support specialist, providing customers with method development assistance and technical support on Sample Preparation (SPE, SLE, and Filtration), HPLC, GC, ToxiLab and DAT. After the Varian-Agilent merger, Golnar joined Agilent Technologies as an Applications Engineer. She provides technical support to customers on Sample Preparation products, Liquid Chromatography columns, and Spectroscopy supplies.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Analysis of Polar Analytes by LC - What are the Options?

Analysis of Polar Analytes by LC - What are the Options?

In this webinar, we will discuss available alternatives such as ion pairing, use of polar bonded phases, or polar modified columns.

Unlock new perspectives with our accurate mass 101 webinar series.
Accelerate your workflows and expand your knowledge around accurate mass with these informative webinars.
In this webinar series, SCIEX applications scientists will explain the benefits of using accurate mass, sample analysis, instrument operation and data processing in real-time.
Get the inside scoop and register today!
<h3>Accurate mass 101: non-targeted analysis</h3>
Join us for this webinar to see how to discover the unknown using non-targeted analysis. We will showcase workflows and strategies to drive success with suspect screening and non-target identification. Discover the ability to identify peaks of interest and confidently identify unknown compounds.

SCIEX: Accurate mass 101: non-targeted analysis

Accurate mass 101: non-targeted analysis

SCIEX applications scientists will explain the benefits of using accurate mass, sample analysis, instrument operation and data processing in real-time.

Unleash the power of DIA and enable the exploration of complex biological systems with unprecedented depth and precision for large-scale quantitative protein analysis combined with short methods on the Evosep One.
<h3>Global proteomics with Evosep and DIA-PASEF</h3>
Recent progress in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, as well as sample preparation and search algorithms for spectra deconvolution and identification, plays an important role in bringing proteomics to the forefront of drug discovery and development. Nanoflow liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry is one of the most essential elements in a proteomics workflow. The four dimensional ion detection achieved with the latest generation of Bruker’s trapped ion mobility spectrometers led to superior speed and sensitivity. Evosep One liquid chromatography platform offers speed and robustness while maintaining, even exceeding previously achieved performance level with high-performing nano LC systems. We share here some results only possible with this combination of LC-MS and dia-PASEF.
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Presenter: Anh Reynolds (Scientist, Bristol Myers Squibb)
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<h3>Extending sensitivity limits with Evosep and Slice-PASEF</h3>
Sensitivity improvements in LC-MS proteomics have recently led to exciting new applications, such as comprehensive proteomic profiling of single cells or 2-dimensional proteomics of tissue slices. In this talk, I will describe Slice-PASEF, a new acquisition technology for timsTOF instruments, which, in combination with the DIA-NN data analysis software, provides a fold-change signal boost. When paired with the Evosep system, Slice-PASEF allows to achieve high sensitivity in robust high-throughput workflows, paving a way for accessible sensitive proteomics on a large scale.
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Presenter: Vladim Demichev (Group Leader, Quantitative ProteomicS, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin)
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Pixabay/sethink: Revolutionizing proteomics with Evosep-DIA

Revolutionizing proteomics with Evosep-DIA

Global proteomics with Evosep and DIA-PASEF & Extending sensitivity limits with Evosep and Slice-PASEF.

In this third session of a four-part ‘Fundamentals of Spectroscopy’ course, having previously covered the ‘why’, we’ll now focus on the ‘how’. There is currently a dizzying array of tools available for spectroscopy, but the fundamental goal remains the same.
Here we will discuss the current state-of-the-art common spectroscopy components – spectrometers, detectors, and associated optics – as well as their historical development. We will discuss some of the technological breakthroughs that have made the heroic measurements of yesterday commonplace practice today, as well as how different equipment has evolved to suit the particular needs of different experiments.
Key learning objectives
<ul>
<li>Discover the function of a spectrograph and how the earliest spectrographs achieved this</li>
<li>Understand the difference between a prism and grating spectrograph and learn why grating spectrographs are significantly more common</li>
<li>Consider what is meant by “dispersion” in a spectrometer, what is spectral resolution, and how the two concepts relate to each other</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
<ul>
<li>Academic researchers</li>
<li>R&amp;D scientists</li>
<li>Lab technicians</li>
<li>Principal investigators</li>
<li>Laboratory, facilities or corporate managers</li>
<li>Postdoctoral research assistants</li>
<li>Undergraduate and PhD students</li>
<li>Engineers or software engineers</li>
<li>Teaching fellows</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Adam Wise (Andor Technology)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Adam Wise is an applications scientist at Andor Technology, specializing in spectroscopy and scientific cameras. He earned his PhD working with John Grey at the University of New Mexico, studying Raman spectroscopy of organic semiconductors. After his postdoctoral research at UMass Amherst, Wise entered the field of optical instrumentation, and continues to support research by helping scientists get the right cutting-edge tools.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Georgina Wynne Hughes (Editorial Team)
</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>

SelectScience: Optimizing equipment for optical spectroscopy

Optimizing equipment for optical spectroscopy

In this third session of a four-part ‘Fundamentals of Spectroscopy’ course, having previously covered the ‘why’, we’ll now focus on the ‘how’.

Accelerating Routine Food &amp; Beverage Testing with Optimized Methods
Explore the latest technology and methodology solutions to help you deliver results more easily and efficiently for routine Food and Beverage QC testing for : Sugars, Sugar Substitutes Additives, Vitamins and Amino Acids.
<h3>EPISODE 1 - Sugars Analysis</h3>
Who Should Attend? 
This webinar is focused on profiling and quantifying mono and di-saccharides in food and beverage matrices for the following audience: food manufacturers, CRO, Academia and Research Laboratories.
What will you learn?
<ul>
<li>Impact on the choice of columns on your chromatograms</li>
<li>Profiling and quantifying mono and di saccharides in food and beverages</li>
<li>Choice of chromatographic techniques, columns and detectors</li>
<li>Mass Spectrometry advantages with QDa on this type of analysis</li>
<li>Challenges other labs in your domain are facing</li>
</ul>
<h3>Agenda</h3>
<h4>Routine LC Analysis of Mono and Disaccharides in Food and Beverages</h4>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Jinchuan Yang (Principal Scientist - Waters​)</li>
</ul>
Sugars can be found naturally in various foods and Beverages or are added to provide an array of functions, impacting nutrition, the sweetness and flavor of a product as well as mouth feel. With the increasing concerns of obesity and diabetes in many countries, the need to monitor sugar intake has grown in recent years. Consequently, now there are requirements to provide accurate information about added sugar content on food product labels to comply with current food labeling regulation. Monosaccharides fructose, galactose, and glucose, and disaccharides sucrose, lactose, and maltose are common sugar ingredients in foods. While low lactose and lactose-free products are available on the market, it is critical to ensure the label claim of these dairy based food products. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is the method of choice for the analysis of sugars. This webinar will highlight several approaches and considerations to improve your sugar analysis, increase sustainability and of course reduce your run time using High performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) as the method of choice and testing different BEH amide columns and showing different detectors performance.
<h4>Screening of methods for determining the sugar content of beverages</h4>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Giorgio Caldarelli (Senior Laboratory Analyst/RSPP, Campari Central laboratory - Campari Group)</li>
</ul>
We are pleased to receive a special guest Giorgio Caldarelli, from the company Campari Group. A big thanks for their participation and collaboration to share their expertise in our webinar. Giorgio Caldarelli, Senior laboratory Analyst at Campari Central Laboratory will be pleased to present Campari’s sugar analysis. In this presentation it will be exposed the reason Campari has chosen to analyze sugars on HPLC system going deeper in all aspects of the method. He will also share his expertise on other challenging applications developed on UPLC system. 
<h5>Live Q&amp;A session</h5>
<ul>
<li>Moderator: Cecile Pinto (Food &amp; Environmental Market Development Manager, South Europe - Waters)
</li>
<li>Speaker: Dr. Jinchuan Yang (Principal Scientist - Waters)
</li>
<li>Speaker: Giorgio Caldarelli (Senìor Laboratory Analyst/RSPP, Campari Central laboratory - Campari Group)
</li>
<li>Speaker: Andrea Perissi (Food &amp; Environmental MS Sales Specialist - Waters)
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Jinchuan Yang (Principal Scientist, Scientific Operations, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Jinchuan Yang is a principal scientist in the Scientific Operations at Waters Corporation. Since he joined Waters in 2002, his roles at Waters have mainly focused on application development, marketing development, as well as support for R&amp;D and training. His main technical expertise is in the food and the environmental analysis areas as well as in material characterization. He volunteers in technical groups at AOAC International and USP and serves as a member of expert panels in these organizations.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Giorgio Cardarelli (Senior Laboratory Analyst/RSPP - Central Laboratory, Campari Group)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Hired in the Sesto San Giovanni plant in 1992, he deals with the analysis of raw materials, semi-finished and finished products. In 1995, with the beginning of Campari&#39;s transformation from a single-product company to a corporate one, it moved to the Central Laboratory, specializing in, among other things, liquid chromatography (HPLC/UPLC/Ion Chromatography). The determined analytes include main products components, as sugars, dyes, organic acid, and limited substances.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Analysis of Mono and Disaccharides in Food and Beverages​

Analysis of Mono and Disaccharides in Food and Beverages​

Topics: Routine LC Analysis of Mono and Disaccharides in Food and Beverages; Screening of methods for determining the sugar content of beverages.

The ACQUITY Premier System delivers improvements in chromatographic performance and with the introduction of a fixed loop injector option, you can now add sample injection versatility to the already proven benefits of the ACQUITY Premier System.
Register for this webinar to learn more about how you can confidently migrate methods to this next-generation UHPLC system to tackle ever-increasing sample complexity with increased flexibility and the highest throughput.
Agenda
<ul>
<li>Application Spotlight: Biopharma method migration from Classic to Premier FL</li>
<li>Choosing the best autosampler for your ACQUITY Premier System</li>
<li>Benefits of the ACQUITY Premier Fixed Loop Injector for metal sensitive compounds</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Robert Birdsall (Principal Scientist, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Robert received his PhD in analytical chemistry from Purdue University, where he developed chromatographic methods in the characterization of proteins using sub-micron silica-based substrates. He joined Waters in 2013 and is currently leading a team of scientists providing analytical support in the development, commercialization, and application of Waters Technology.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jennifer Simeone (Principal Consulting Scientist, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jennifer Simeone is a principal consulting scientist within the QA/QC Business Strategy Group at Waters Corporation in Milford, MA. Prior to joining Waters in 2010, Jennifer worked for Charles River Laboratories where she gained extensive knowledge in bioanalytical LC/MS/MS of small molecules. Her current focus at Waters is development and evaluation of Waters and competitive LC and LC/MS instrumentation.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Norris Wong (Evaluation Scientist II, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Norris Wong is an Evaluation Scientist II at Waters Corporation, part of the Evaluations Team in Milford, MA that performs sustaining, verification, and validation testing on instruments and products. He graduated with a degree in Biochemistry from Bowdoin College. Prior to joining Waters in 2021, Norris worked in the pharmaceutical industry, performing extractable and leachable work in R&amp;D and cGMP environments. Norris has experience with a variety of instrumentation including HPLC, LC-MS, GC-FID, GC-MS, HS-GC-MS, and GC-MS-QQQ.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jim Karafilidis (Principal Product Marketing Manager, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jim Karafilidis is a Principal Product Marketing Manager for Waters Corporation where he has worked for 6 years in the LC systems group. He is responsible for Performance LC Systems, which include ACQUITY Premier, ACQUITY UPLC H-Class PLUS and ACQUITY UPLC I-Class PLUS systems.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Ultimate Chromatographic Performance with Fixed Loop Injections

Ultimate Chromatographic Performance with Fixed Loop Injections

How you can migrate methods to ACQUITY Premier UHPLC to tackle ever-increasing sample complexity with increased flexibility and the highest throughput.

Chromatographic Performance with Fixed Loop Injections

LC-MS/MS is rapidly becoming the gold standard for quantifying different classes of analytes in endocrinology research. The power of greater selectivity and analytical sensitivity using LC-MS/MS is critical in understanding the status of endocrine biochemical pathways. The enhanced performance observed on these platforms provides increased confidence in the results, enabling you to make better decisions based on more accurate information.
Greater analytical sensitivity is a goal that drives improvements in precision, leading to clearer insights into results down to low physiological concentrations. Here we will discuss the latest introduction to the Waters MassTrak™ IVD system family, which is shown to be analytically sensitive and efficient, helping to reduce cost and improve the quality of your data. 
Learning objectives: 
<ul>
<li>An introduction to the latest addition to Waters MassTrak IVD System for clinical laboratories
</li>
<li>The importance of selectivity in endocrinology research in obtaining high quality data
</li>
<li>How the latest addition to Waters MassTrak IVD System addresses the needs of those key endocrinology research applications, including steroid hormone analysis
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dominic Foley (Principal Scientist, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dominic is a Principal Scientist working at Waters Mass Spectrometry Headquarters in Wilmslow, UK. Having joined the company in September 2013, he has specialized in the development of LC-MS/MS clinical research applications, with expertise in steroid hormone analysis and protein/peptide quantification. In his role, he also collaborates with clinical customers in the development and implementation of LC-MS/MS methods in their laboratories.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dominic has worked in separation sciences for 14 years, following his ambition of improving the quality of healthcare. He started his career with ICON Development Solutions, a CRO in the north of the UK, where he worked as a LC-MS/MS method development and validation scientist supporting DMPK studies in drug discovery. In 2012, he joined Thermo Fisher Scientific to work in their Chromatography R&amp;D team as a Technical Support Specialist, working on the development of new chromatography and sample preparation products.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dominic received his BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of Manchester in 2006. He has presented his work at conferences around the world and has several publications in both the Microchemical Journal and the Journal of Chromatography A.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: David Ballantyne (Principal Product Manager, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
David Ballantyne is a Principal Product Manager at Waters Corporation, working within the Global Clinical Diagnostics Portfolio Management team. Having joined the company in 2005, he has held multiple roles throughout Manufacturing and R&amp;D. David has a background in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and began his career at Waters supporting GC-MS/MS technologies including Tandem Quadrupole and Magnetic Sector Mass Spectrometry.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
In 2018 he moved to his role in Product Management where is focus changed to Clinical Diagnostics, with a particular focus on LC – MS/MS Instrumentation and Informatics solutions. Over the last 5 years David has spent much of his time focused on understanding customer problems and translating them into new solutions.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: The Evolving Power of LC-MS/MS Technology within Endocrinology

The Evolving Power of LC-MS/MS Technology within Endocrinology

Here we will discuss the latest introduction to the Waters MassTrak™ IVD system family for clinical laboratories.

The Evolving Power of LC-MS/MS within Endocrinology

A key aspect of durable data is staying current with technologies and underlying platforms. With each new release of Empower Software, you have the opportunity to explore new functionality that will support your operations, as you strive to increase productivity and efficiency while also reducing risk across your entire organization. Whether you are a system administrator, scientist, or in quality, the release of Empower 3.8.0 brings you a new set of tools to support your goals.
Key points of discussion will be:
<ul>
<li>Updates to System Suitability</li>
<li>New features to simplify work and streamline workflows</li>
<li>Compliance and quality enhancements</li>
</ul>
Join us for a live discussion as we explore Empower 3.8.0. As always, don’t forget to bring your questions for this exclusive opportunity to ask our experts anything about Empower Software
<blockquote>
Presenter: Neil Lander (Principal Product Manager, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Neil has worked for Waters Corporation since 1994 and has held a variety of positions including Technical Support Specialist, Technical Trainer, Manager Customer Education and currently, Principal Marketing Manager focusing on Informatics solutions. He provides internal support for Empower Chromatography Data System and is focused on developing laboratory software solutions that help organizations achieve their scientific and operational objectives. Prior to joining Waters, he was an analytical chemist where he gained experience in both the cosmetics and specialty chemical industries.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Sukhdev Bangar (Principal Product Manager – HPLC, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Sukhdev Bangar is a Principal Product Manager at Waters Corporation in Waters QA/QC Divison. He has over 15 years’ experience in the area of LC and LC-MS applications. Starting life in industry at GSK working with OTC treatments of Dermatological ailments, Inhalation drug testing at 3M, followed by DMPK at AstraZeneca. In 2005 he joined Waters in the Global MS product management group working with R&amp;D to evaluate new MS hardware and software features from an end user perspective. In 2010 he joined the Americas MS demo lab and after a few years became the Team Leader for the Pharma group, leading the efforts in Quan/Qual application Demo’s. Since 2019 Sukhdev has held his current role working out of Waters HQ. His responsibilities include Waters next generation HPLC product line.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Lauren Wood (Empower Customer Success Manager, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Lauren is the Empower Customer Success Manager and is an Empower subject matter expert (SME). Lauren’s concentration is customer success through focus on the support process and defect resolution process for issues pertaining to Empower and/or third-party instrument drivers. Lauren liaises between customers and Marketing, Support, Engineering and CXKM to understand impact and to work with internal teams to prioritize, document, communicate, and resolve software issues. Lauren’s previous roles at Waters during her 30-year tenure have included phone support in Technical Service, Empower training in Customer Education, and Empower product management.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Empower Tips Special Edition: Ask Me Anything About Our Newest Empower Release - Empower 3.8.0

Empower Tips Special Edition: Ask Me Anything About Our Newest Empower Release - Empower 3.8.0

Join us for a live discussion as we explore Empower 3.8.0. As always, don’t forget to bring your questions about Empower Software.

Waters Empower Tips: Newest Release - Empower 3.8.0

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

Agilent Technologies: Maintaining Your UV-VIS Spectrometer

Maintaining Your UV-VIS Spectrometer

UV-VIS typical maintenance and some common validation tests will be discussed.

In this webinar, the successful purification of hydrophobic and difficult peptides is demonstrated using elevated temperature preparative HPLC.
Learn how the use of an integrated heating system enables both the direct translation of elevated temperature methods to the preparative scale, as well as improved purity and recovery.
Additionally, the benefits of Waters BEH reversed-phase columns for elevated temperature applications will be described.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Colin L. Simpson (Principal Scientist, CEM Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Colin Simpson is a Principal Scientist at CEM Corporation, and has over 12 years of experience developing and introducing improved technologies that serve the analytical testing and life science markets. In his current role, he is responsible for leading the development of improved approaches for peptide purification with a focus on both workflow solutions and instrumentation. He earned a B.A. in chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill and a M.S. in bioanalytical chemistry from UNC-Charlotte.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Kathy Lawrence, M.S., MBA (Sr. Product Marketing Manager Consumables and Lab Automation, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Kathy Lawrence is the Product Marketing Manager for Waters’ prep column technologies globally. Early on, she worked as both a discovery R&amp;D chemist for ag chem and pharma where she gained valuable experience synthesizing small molecule insecticides and potential medicinal therapies. During this time, she learned to really leverage the power of various liquid chromatographic techniques to purify target bioactives, evaluate physical properties of the same and develop new skills isolating natural products. Later, in a contract research environment, she successfully managed an analytical-services laboratory supporting discovery synthesis. Kathy worked consultatively with labs across numerous industries during her tenure as Waters North American Purification Specialist where she supported the success of Water’s Prep solutions. Since then, Kathy has held increasingly advanced leadership roles in marketing and business development in support of the commercialization of purification solutions including instruments, consumables, lab services, and biotechnologies. Kathy holds a graduate degree in Chemistry, an MBA, and is she is an author of a handful of journal publications in addition to being a patented product inventor.
</blockquote>

CEM Corporation: Using Elevated Temperatures to Enable the Purification of Hydrophobic and Difficult Peptides

Using Elevated Temperatures to Enable the Purification of Hydrophobic and Difficult Peptides

In this webinar, the successful purification of hydrophobic and difficult peptides is demonstrated using elevated temperature preparative HPLC.