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

Axion Labs and Training Institute

Agilent Technologies

Technology Networks

SelectScience

Waters Corporation

As the production and use of solar panels increases worldwide, there is an urgent need to find more effective and efficient photovoltaic materials testing techniques.
During this webinar, we will investigate how FTIR and UV spectroscopy can be used in a number of materials testing areas including material degradation, surface cleanliness, material identification and coating/adhesive thickness and quality analysis. We will also show how parameters relating to these applications can be measured effectively.
Attend this webinar to:
<ul>
<li>Gain an overview of the 4300 handheld FTIR system</li>
<li>Learn how to analyze photovoltaic material degradation and surface contamination</li>
<li>Understand the importance of material identification and coating/adhesive thickness testing</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Donald Inglis (Product Specialist Handheld/Portable FTIR and Raman Systems, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>

Technology Networks: How To Test Photovoltaic Cells Using FTIR and UV Spectroscopy Techniques

How To Test Photovoltaic Cells Using FTIR and UV Spectroscopy Techniques

We will investigate how FTIR and UV spectroscopy can be used in a number of materials testing areas.

Test Photovoltaic Cells Using FTIR and UV Spectroscopy

Join Agilent application scientists as they demonstrate our OpenLab CDS and MassHunter software for cannabis workflows. This webinar series will guide participants through optimizing the features of OpenLab CDS and MassHunter in order to save time and drive productivity to a higher level. Speakers will answer some of your most frequently asked software questions and share their tips and tricks. Each webinar in the series will cover a different workflow.
Key Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>How to set up correction equations and tune modes with the half mass acquisition, and how to set up and use UHMI and the element template function</li>
<li>How to use the EMF, Help, and Learning Center in MassHunter 5.1</li>
<li>​How to build processing methods for determining potency calculations</li>
<li>How to prepare calibration tables for use in determining cannabinoid levels</li>
<li>How to utilize custom calculations to prepare custom reports</li>
<li>Learn the quantitative workflow in OpenLab CDS</li>
<li>Learn to create LC/MS custom libraries.</li>
</ul>
Who Should Attend:
Lab managers, analysts, processors, growers, and other individuals who are responsible for cannabis potency, pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, or terpenes testing.
 
<blockquote>
Presenter: Brian Whiteley (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Brian Whiteley is an Application Scientist in the HPLC group at Agilent. Prior to joining Agilent, he spent over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry with various companies within their discovery chemistry groups. His research has focused on the synthesis, purification, and analysis of compounds generated in library format with an emphasis on purification and analysis by LC/MS. Brian currently focuses on cannabis potency applications, prep HPLC, and supporting Agilent customers HPLC applications. 
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Bill Long, PhD (Pre-Sales Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Bill received his B.S. degree from University of Delaware. He completed his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University, where part of his research included analysis of derivatized amino acids. He worked at Himont/ Montell Polyolefins/Basell in Wilmington Delaware and Elkton Maryland as a Research Scientist where he provided analytical support in HPLC, Polymer Fractionation, Size Exclusion Chromatography, and Regulatory Extractable Analysis in the development of new polymers and polymer additives. He joined Agilent Technologies in 2002 where he has worked in Technical Support, LC Columns R&amp;D and as an Application Scientist in the LC Columns Marketing Group. His current position is as a Pre-Sales Application Scientist in the Laboratory Solutions Group. He was a Member of the USP Council of Experts, Chemical Medicines 6, 2015-2020 and currently is a member of the American Chemical Society and the Delaware Valley Chromatography Forum.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Software for Cannabis Testing

Cannabis - Potency with LC/UV

Join Agilent application scientists as they demonstrate our OpenLab CDS and MassHunter software for cannabis workflows.

Join Agilent application scientists as they demonstrate our OpenLab CDS and MassHunter software for cannabis workflows. This webinar series will guide participants through optimizing the features of OpenLab CDS and MassHunter in order to save time and drive productivity to a higher level. Speakers will answer some of your most frequently asked software questions and share their tips and tricks. Each webinar in the series will cover a different workflow.
Key Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>How to set up correction equations and tune modes with the half mass acquisition, and how to set up and use UHMI and the element template function</li>
<li>How to use the EMF, Help, and Learning Center in MassHunter 5.1</li>
<li>​How to build processing methods for determining potency calculations</li>
<li>How to prepare calibration tables for use in determining cannabinoid levels</li>
<li>How to utilize custom calculations to prepare custom reports</li>
<li>Learn the quantitative workflow in OpenLab CDS</li>
<li>Learn to create LC/MS custom libraries.</li>
</ul>
Who Should Attend:
Lab managers, analysts, processors, growers, and other individuals who are responsible for cannabis potency, pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, or terpenes testing.
 
<blockquote>
Presenter: Sue D&#39;Antonio (Applications Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Sue D’Antonio joined Agilent (HP at that time) more than 30 years ago. For the last 15 years Sue has been an Applications Scientist in the Liquid Phase Separations Group. Sue’s application support extends to HPLC, UHPLC, CE and LCMS across a wide range of markets and customers.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Nik Lau (Field Application Chemist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Nik Lau graduated from Loyola University of Chicago with BS in Chemistry. He started his career in 1986 as an analytical chemist in the pharmaceutical industry developing and validating analytical methods. Nik joined Agilent in 1997 as a field service engineer and worked on almost all of the Agilent LC product line including multivendor LCs. Currently Nik is a field application chemist supporting HPLC.
</blockquote>

Cannabis - Potency with LC/MS

<h5>Key Learning Points</h5>
<ul>
<li>An overview of sample preparation strategies for synthetic oligonucleotides, including how to adjust experimental design depending on the oligo and sample matrix.
</li>
<li>Find ways ensure effective sample preparation and cleanup methods are implemented.
</li>
<li>Learn about method optimization for small volume sample extraction and clean-up solutions for oligonucleotides will be explored to further optimize challenging methods.
</li>
</ul>
<h5>Who Should Attend</h5>
Any Bioanalytical chemists new to working with oligonucleotides, or anyone new to oligonucleotide characterization by LC-MS

Phenomenex: Novel Oligonucleotide Sample Clean-up and Method Optimizations

Novel Oligonucleotide Sample Clean-up and Method Optimizations

Sample preparation strategies for synthetic oligonucleotides, including how to adjust experimental design depending on the oligo and sample matrix.

Oligonucleotide Sample Clean-up and Method Optimizations

Did you ever wonder:
<ul>
<li>How much aspirin is in that aspirin tablet?</li>
<li>How much caffeine is in your favorite soft drink?</li>
<li>How much ethanol is in your whisky? Beer? Cantaloupe?</li>
</ul>
Not only are you about to find out the answer to those questions…but you will learn how to answer those questions for yourself!
In each 1—hour labinar, we will analyze an actual sample from beginning to end. And just like in real life, this will involve sample prep, setting chromatographic parameters, calibration, sample analysis and report generation … and it’s a lot easier than you think.
Show up and I will prove it to you!

Axion Labs and Training Institute: Live Sample Analysis from raw material to final report

Analyze This! Live Sample Analysis from raw material to final report

Join us for our 2023 live-labinar series where we will analyze real samples by HPLC and GC.

Live Sample Analysis from raw material to final report

CHROMATOGRAPHY OF BIOSEPARATIONS 101 WEBINAR SERIES
This webinar series will cover the foundations of chromatography for the separation and analysis of peptides and proteins. Understanding the fundamentals of bioseparations will enable you to develop methods more efficiently. At the end of this series, you will be up to date on cutting edge principles and innovations surrounding bioseparations.
Who should attend? 
<ul>
<li>Those interested in a refresher on foundational principles and tips for bioseparations </li>
<li>Those revisiting which columns and mobile phases are optimal for which workflows </li>
<li>Those looking for an overview of industry advancements and new offerings</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Bill Warren (Principal Product Manager – Chemistry Technology Center, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Bill received his Masters in Microbiology and Immunology from University of Louisville School of Medicine. In 1986, he joined Waters Corporation as a senior applications chemist involved with the research and development of HPLC, FPLC, and Capillary Electrophoresis applications for the analysis and purification of proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. Following four years as a field based technical sales representative for Waters, Bill enjoyed a tenure as Manager, Core Product Evaluation Laboratory within the Waters Worldwide Marketing Organization. Bill currently is a Principal Bioseparation Columns Product Manager whose responsibilities involve assisting in the development and commercialization of innovative reagents and chromatography-based technologies for the separation, purification, and characterization of proteins and peptides.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
HOST: Zerene Manaloto (Chemistry Products Marketing Manager, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Zerene is a Chemistry Product Marketing Manager within the Americas Field Marketing team. She holds a Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s degree from Stevens Institute of Technology. Early in her career, Zerene was a research scientist at Bristol-Myers Squibb in Process Research &amp; Development involved in preparative scale purification and glass plant operations to support IND and clinical supplies of drug candidates. Prior to joining Waters, Zerene was in consumable field sales, supporting key accounts and customers within the pharmaceutical and clinical industries.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: CHROMATOGRAPHY OF BIOSEPARATIONS 101 WEBINAR SERIES

CHROMATOGRAPHY CONCEPTS FOR PEPTIDES AND PROTEINS

This webinar series will cover the foundations of chromatography for the separation and analysis of peptides and proteins.

CHROMATOGRAPHY CONCEPTS FOR PEPTIDES AND PROTEINS 

The lack of standardization and throughput in proteomics sample preparation has caused limitations within the field. Indeed, according to published reports, sample preparation traditionally accounted for 75% of the overall variability.
Automating the universal ProtiFi S-Trap™ proteomics sample preparation system with the Tecan Resolvex® A200 directly addresses this issue to yield a standardized, high-throughput proteomics workflow suitable for preparing all samples reproducibly, including samples that may contain additional contaminants such as surfactants in bioreactor supernatants.
In this webinar, Dr. John P. Wilson, Ph.D. and Dr. John D. Laycock, Ph.D., will share how to use the affordable, small-footprint A200 and S-Trap™ 96-well plates to quickly and easily prepare samples for proteomics analysis without further method development.
Join this free expert webinar to learn:
<ul>
<li>What the Tecan Resolvex®A200 is, how it operates, and how easy it is to use</li>
<li>The traditional difficulties and importance of reproducible sample preparation</li>
<li>How the combination of the A200 and the S-Trap™ sample preparation system affords a standardized, universal system that provides high reproducibility and throughput at low cost without change of protocol</li>
</ul>
Who should attend:
<ul>
<li>All scientists and end users, regardless of skill level, who are in or wish to conduct proteomic sample preparation</li>
<li>All scientists and end users who use the multi-attribute method (MAM) in the development, quality control, and production of biological drugs</li>
<li>All scientists and end users who seek a standardized solution to the difficulties in proteomics sample preparation</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. John P. Wilson (Founder and CEO, ProtiFi)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. John P. Wilson, Ph.D., is Founder and CEO of ProtiFi, an omics-solutions innovator with the goal to bring precision omics to life™, originally spun out of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL). Dr. Wilson has dedicated his career to developing new transformative technologies to increase the speed, robustness, and reproducibility of omics analyses. Technologies include the S-Trap and Si-Trap sample preparation systems, the engineered Tryp-N enzyme, and SimpliFi, ProtiFi&#39;s cloud-based, intuitive omics analysis platform. He received his Ph.D. from the Rockefeller University and postdoced at CSHL with Prof. Dr. Darryl J.C. Pappin, a founder of the field of proteomics.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. John D. Laycock (Director of Technology and Product Development, Tecan SP)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
John D. Laycock is the Director of Technology and Product Development at Tecan SP in Baldwin Park, CA. He attended the University of Florida and completed a dissertation in the area of tandem mass spectrometry of porphyrins and received a PhD in 1994. He joined the Center of Human Toxicology in 1995 as a Postdoctoral Associate responsible for introducing LC-MSMS methodologies to the lab utilizing GC-MS as the primary bioanalytical tool. He joined Amgen in Thousand Oaks, CA in 1998 where he was responsible for setup of the first small molecule GLP bioanalytical lab there. While at Amgen, he implemented laboratory automation, LIMS, and informatics to holistically streamline workflows for bioanalytical sample analysis and reporting throughout all stages of drug development. In 2015 he joined SPEware which was acquired by Tecan in 2016..With Tecan he has been responsible for launch of the Resolvex A200 and various chemistry consumable products into the global marketplace.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ellen Simms (Assistant Editor, SelectScience)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Ellen studied biological sciences at the University of the West of England, UK, before completing a master&#39;s in epidemiology from the University of Bristol. As a member of the Editorial team, she now plays an integral role in shaping the content on SelectScience.
</blockquote>

SelectScience: Automated proteomics sample prep: Realizing the need for higher throughput, robustness, and standardization

Automated proteomics sample prep: Realizing the need for higher throughput, robustness, and standardization

How to use A200 and S-Trap 96-well plates to quickly and easily prepare samples for proteomics analysis without further method development.

Automated proteomics sample prep: High throughput ...

Let your polar pesticides be our problem!
Polar pesticides, the most widely used group of agrochemicals in the world, are few of the most challenging compounds to be determined by analytical methods. So, laboratories, tasked with detecting and characterizing polar pesticides in diverse samples, had to work with complex individual or group methods with time-consuming derivatizations.
This is exactly what we aim to address through this exclusive Deminar “Let’s Talk Polar Pesticides”.
During this Deminar, our speakers will take you through the various aspects of the Polar pesticides problem, from regulatory guidelines to workflow solutions, live from Agilent Lab.
The topics address the following aspects for the Analysis of Polar Pesticides in Food:
<ul>
<li>FSSAI/EU guidelines and DG/SANTE</li>
<li>Specific analytical challenges to the analysis of Polar pesticides</li>
<li>Detailed workflow solution using Agilent LC-MS/MS</li>
<li>Sensitivity and matrix-based linearity in accordance with EU norms</li>
<li>Virtual Demo from Agilent Lab including actual sample preparation (with recovery experiments at LOQ level) and the final data as acquired in Agilent COE on actual samples</li>
</ul>
What You will Learn
<ul>
<li>LCMS based analysis of Polar Pesticides without derivatization.</li>
<li>Learn how to adreess peak tailing and sensitivity issue</li>
<li>Analysis of difficult food matrices such as cereals and tea.</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
Lab directors, managers and mass spectrometry analysts performing small molecule analysis in food 
<blockquote>
Presenter: Vikrant Goel (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Vikrant comes with an extensive 19 years of experience working in QA/QC, R&amp;D and Analytical roles and an expert in various LCMS technologies. His solution-based approach has been well accepted among LCMS fraternity from Pharma and Applied market segments, since 2004. He holds an M.tech in Biotechnology, PG Dip in Bioinformatics &amp; B. Pharm. He joined Agilent in 2010, as a Product specialist for LC/MS, after having worked with ILS Bioservices &amp; LabIndia Instruments. His passion towards solution, brought him back to the Application role, 6 years ago.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Let's Talk Polar Pesticides

Let's Talk Polar Pesticides

Our speakers will take you through the various aspects of the Polar pesticides problem, from regulatory guidelines to workflow solutions, live from Agilent Lab.

<ul>
<li>Receive a demonstration of how non-denaturing SEC-Native MS can be leveraged to streamline mAb characterization, including methods for the digestion of mAbs
</li>
<li>Listen in to a column selection discussion, which includes pore volume and column dimensions to ensure monomer and aggregate resolution, and optimize mobile phases for complex characterizations
</li>
<li>Learn about SEC combined with nHRMS, and how to select a SEC column
</li>
</ul>
Who Should Attend:
Any scientists wanting to learn how to combine their size exclusion chromatography and High-resolution Mass Spec for improvements in their mAb characertizations. 
<blockquote>
Presenter: Lorne Nelson (Senior Scientist - Field Applications, Phenomenex)
</blockquote>

Phenomenex: SEC-nHRMS for the Characterization of mAbs

SEC-nHRMS for the Characterization of mAbs

Receive a demonstration of how non-denaturing SEC-Native MS can be leveraged to streamline mAb characterization, including methods for the digestion of mAbs

Key learning objectives
<ul>
<li>Guidance to making Adjustments to chromatographic methods
</li>
<li>Column Phases, Particle Sizes, Internal diameter, Flow rate
</li>
<li>Composition, Injection volume, Dwell volume
</li>
<li>System suitability
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr.Heiko Behr (Senior Business Development Manager, Europe)
</blockquote>

CHROMATOGRAPHY CONCEPTS FOR PEPTIDES AND PROTEINS

Let's Talk Polar Pesticides

Harmonisation of Ph.Eur. 2.2.46 and USP 621

SEC-nHRMS for the Characterization of mAbs

Analyze This! Live Sample Analysis from raw material to final report

Cannabis - Potency with LC/MS

Cannabis - Potency with LC/UV

Novel Oligonucleotide Sample Clean-up and Method Optimizations

Automated proteomics sample prep: Realizing the need for higher throughput, robustness, and standardization

How To Test Photovoltaic Cells Using FTIR and UV Spectroscopy Techniques

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