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

Shimadzu Corporation

This exclusive Shimadzu Food Safety Webinar will provide an in-depth know-how about the various mass spectrometry (MS/MS) workflows that are needed to conduct high throughput pesticide analysis in challenging matrices.
You will learn about the latest state-of-the-art technologies that mass spec leaders are using globally to deal with pesticide analysis in difficult matrices such as spices and tobacco.
This webinar will be useful for anyone who is keen to learn about the latest advanced MS/MS technologies and will be particularly interesting for those who have faced difficulties while using challenging matrices.
By viewing this presentation you will learn...
<ul>
<li>about the practical aspects of MS/MS analysis using challenging matrices
</li>
<li>how these methods can be applied to such samples as spices and tobacco
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr Kaushik Banerjee
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr Kaushik Banerjee is a National Fellow and Principal Scientist from the ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune, India.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Spice Up Your Life with MS: Workflows for High Throughput Pesticide Analysis by MS/MS in Challenging Matrices such as Spices and Tobacco

Spice Up Your Life with MS: Workflows for High Throughput Pesticide Analysis by MS/MS in Challenging Matrices such as Spices and Tobacco

Know-how about the various mass spectrometry (MS/MS) workflows that are needed to conduct high throughput pesticide analysis in challenging matrices.

MS/MS Workflows for High Throughput Pesticide Analysis

This webinar will clarify the regulatory status and analytical methods applied for the analysis of mineral oil contaminants, in the form of both saturated (MOSH) and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), in edible oils and food contact materials.
While LC-GC-FID is the standard instrumentation to monitor the levels of these contaminants, multiple sample clean-up techniques must be performed to improve the method robustness and sensitivity.
Join us to learn how Axel Semrau and Shimadzu come together to deliver the best automated solution for your food safety analysis needs.
For the love of food!
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>An update on the regulatory status and analytical methods for MOSH/MOAH analysis
</li>
<li>LC-GC-FID is the standard instrumentation to monitor the levels of these contaminants
</li>
<li>Automated clean-up techniques for the analysis of MOSH/MOAH samples
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Yoann Costa (R&amp;D Engineer, Phytocontrol)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Started working for Phytocontrol in 2017 at the end of my study in chemistry. Currently a R&amp;D engineer working on development and validation of analytical method for contaminants in food. Had the opportunity to work on different types of contaminants in food such as pesticides and MOSH/MOAH with a large variety of analytical techniques (LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, LC-GC-FID,...)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Andreas Bruchmann (Managing Director, Axel Semrau GmbH &amp; Co KG)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
After studying Analytical Chemistry at the University of Bochum, Andreas Bruchmann joined Axel Semrau in 1992. He worked in different departments before becoming Managing Director in 2010. Now he is responsible for the business unit Chromatography, which supplies worldwide automated application solutions for the food and pharmaceutical industry. He was involved in the development of the CHRONECT MOSH/MOAH Workstation from the beginning in 2010.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ang May Yen (Application Manager, Shimadzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Graduated with a Master Degree in Science (Marine Biotechnology) and Bachelor Degree in Science (Industrial Chemistry) from Universiti Malaysia Sabah. 13 years experienced in handling and conducting training on analytical instruments such as UV-VIS spectrophotometer, Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography (GC), High Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (LCMS, LCMSMS) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GCMS, GCMSMS).
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Currently holding a position as Application Manager for Customer Support Centre, Analytical Instrument Division, Shimadzu Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: For the Love of Food! Food Safety and the Analysis of MOSH/MOAH Contamination

For the Love of Food! Food Safety and the Analysis of MOSH/MOAH Contamination

The regulatory status and analytical methods applied for the analysis of mineral oil contaminants, in the form of both saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons.

Food Safety and the Analysis of MOSH/MOAH Contamination

In this webinar, our panel of experts will discuss the market for alcohol-based hand sanitizers, the current regulatory environment, as well as analytical solutions including gas chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy to ensure the purity, potency, and safety of alcohols and hand sanitizers.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Nicole Zhang (Senior Product Specialist, Shimadzu Asia Pacific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Nicole studies in UK in Microbiology and Immunology, prior joining Shimadzu, she worked in different companies in analytical instrument industry for more than 10 years, from Chemist to marketing and in charge of different technologies from LC, MS to Spectro products. She joined Shimadzu at the year of 2018 as spectroscopy product specialist and in charge of food quality and safety market.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jackie (Product Specialist (GC &amp; GCMS), Shimadzu Asia Pacific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
After graduating from the National University of Singapore, Jackie has garnered over 6 years of research, training and facilitation experience. Jackie meets scientists from various industries to share technical knowledge and collect feedback, understanding their problems and helping them find well-suited solutions in GC-related analyses.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Stay Safe! Comprehensive Analysis of Alcohols and Hand Sanitizers

Stay Safe! Comprehensive Analysis of Alcohols and Hand Sanitizers

The market for alcohol-based hand sanitizers, the current regulatory environment, as well as analytical solutions including gas chromatography.

Comprehensive Analysis of Alcohols and Hand Sanitizers

In this new digital world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes essential to simplify workflow and increase efficiency.
New Nexera GPC System, which comes with Analytical Intelligence (AI) provides highly reliable analytical results by preventing potential problems and ensuring the instrument is always in a stable state, regardless of the skill, knowledge, or experience level of the analyst.
In this webinar, our speakers will introduce New Nexera GPC hardware and software includes analytical workflow automation and analytical intelligence (AI). Speakers will give an introduction of detectors selection for the GPC system and GPC columns selection.
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Understand the basics of GPC and learn about the suitable detectors for your application
</li>
<li>Learn about the various analysis techniques to improve your GPC analyses
</li>
<li>Explore the various applications using GPC
</li>
<li>Learn about the suitable columns for your GPC analyses and application
</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: David Chan (Assistant Product Manager, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)
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<blockquote>
Graduated from National University of Singapore, Chemistry major. David has acquired more than 10 years of experience in Medicinal Chemistry research for New Drug Discovery. Also, he has also accumulated 2 years of working experience as an Analytical Chemist. He has been with Shimadzu Asia Pacific for 7 years as Product Specialist for LC, providing technical advice to client as well as sales.
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<blockquote>
Presenter: Liw Wan Tung (Senior Application Chemist, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)
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Wan Tung, a senior application chemist, has been with Shimadzu for 8 years. She has 11 years of working experience in analytical science, specializing in HPLC. Wan Tung’s recent research work at Shimadzu has mainly focused on fully automated pre-column derivatization of amino acids in a variety of food and biopharmaceutical sample matrices. Prior to joining Shimadzu, Wan Tung started her professional career as a QAQC chemist in Pharmaceutical multinational company. Wan Tung earned her bachelor’s honours degree in chemistry in 2009.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Yap Siew Qi (Ph.D.) (Consumables Technical Specialist, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Yap Siew Qi is Consumables Technical Specialist at Shimadzu Asia Pacific. She joined the company after obtaining her PhD from National University of Singapore. At Shimadzu, she is responsible for the technical support of consumables in chromatography and spectroscopy. The products include GC/LC columns, UV cuvettes, vials and accessories. Her responsibilities include technical support of sales/engineers, customer support and producing applications.
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Shimadzu: Intelligent Solution for Stable Analyses: Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) Workflow and Selection

Intelligent Solution for Stable Analyses: Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) Workflow and Selection

New Nexera GPC hardware and software includes analytical workflow automation and analytical intelligence (AI).

Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) Workflow and Selection

This session will walk you through the importance of instrument performance in a typically a production or continuous use and regulated environments.
Understand the ways and means to maximise the usage time and minimize the downtime for Prominence-i. Let’s discuss more on consumables, replacement frequency and how to keep up our integrated LC!
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Maximizing Prominence-i productivity
</li>
<li>Avoiding Common Mistakes and Failures
</li>
<li>Best Instrument Operation and Maintenance Practises
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Chia Chun Chew (Regional Service Engineer, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)
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<blockquote>
Mr Chia Chun Chew holds Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore, he joined Shimadzu Asia Pacific since 2015. He is specialize in HPLC empower him in support Regional technical issue and key trainer of Prominence-i to field engineers, he is ready to deepen his learning on LC/LCMS. Prior joining Shimadzu he was a field engineer supporting semiconductor manufacturing environment to upkeep equipments productivity, which has put him in good position to think from customer point of interest.
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Presenter: Dhananjay Rajabhoj (Assistant Manager, Shimadzu Analytical (India) Pvt Ltd)
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<blockquote>
Mr. Dhananjay Rajabhoj holds Bachelor’s Degree of Engineering with specializations in Instrumentation and Control. He joined Shimadzu Analytical India Pvt Ltd since 2018 as Assistant Manager. He technically supports for LC/LCMS queries in pan India and responsible to conduct trainings on LC for field service engineers. Also, he involves critical trouble shooting cases as well as supporting sales cases for non-routing configuration. Previously he has served Healthcare and Pharmaceutical industry for last more than 15 years.
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Shimadzu: Prominence-i | User Maintenance Demonstration and Discussion

Prominence-i | User Maintenance Demonstration and Discussion

The importance of instrument performance in a typically a production or continuous use and regulated environments.

This series is perfect for anyone currently using Preparative LC, who&#39;d like to understand more, as well as those new to the technique or eager to learn more.
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Differences between Semi-micro and Analytical Scale Prep
</li>
<li>Things to consider in semi-micro and analytical scale purification
</li>
<li>Instrumentation and software advantages
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Earl Mckoy (Senior LC/LCMS Technical Specialist, Shimadzu UK)
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Semi-micro to Analytical Scale LC Purification

Semi-micro to Analytical Scale LC Purification

Differences between Semi-micro and Analytical Scale Prep.

This series is perfect for anyone currently using Preparative LC, who&#39;d like to understand more, as well as those new to the technique or eager to learn more.
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Principles, common issues and tips and tricks of Semi-Preparative Chromatography
</li>
<li>UFPLC - Ultra Fast Preparative and Purification LC
</li>
<li>Semi-preparative SFC Scale Purification
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Earl Mckoy (Senior LC/LCMS Technical Specialist, Shimadzu UK)
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Semi-Preparative Scale LC Purification

Semi-Preparative Scale LC Purification

Principles, common issues and tips and tricks of Semi-Preparative Chromatography.

The objective of this webinar is to guide LC users on LC column care &amp; troubleshooting.
Audience will learn about ways to maintain LC column performance and prolong column lifetime. Guidance to troubleshoot issues caused by LC column will be share in this webinar.
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Learning on maintaining LC column performance and prolong column lifetime
</li>
<li>Troubleshooting issues caused by LC column
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Yap Siew Qi (Ph.D.) (Consumables Technical Specialist, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Yap Siew Qi is Consumables Technical Specialist at Shimadzu Asia Pacific. She joined the company after obtaining her PhD from National University of Singapore. At Shimadzu, she is responsible for the technical support of consumables in chromatography and spectroscopy. The products include GC/LC columns, UV cuvettes, vials and accessories. Her responsibilities include technical support of sales/engineers, customer support and producing applications.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: LC Column Care & Troubleshooting

LC Column Care & Troubleshooting

Learn about ways to maintain LC column performance and prolong column lifetime.

As one of the most prominent innovators in LC technology, Shimadzu has set the New Benchmark in the LC innovation by developing the very first AI-enabled LC system, which allows Chemists to spend less time operating, and handling the instrument, as the instrument with its in-built Analytical Intelligence algorithm enables the system of performing automation workflow.
The ultimate objective is to achieve minimized system downtime, optimize efficiency &amp; maximize productivity, through the New Benchmarks in Intelligence, Efficiency and Design.
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Explore the New Benchmark of Intelligence of New Nexera Series
</li>
<li>Understand the New Benchmark of Efficiency in delivering higher performance and throughput
</li>
<li>Be intrigued by the New Benchmark of Design which promises full system expansion and flexibility
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: David Chan (Assistant Product Manager, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Graduated from National University of Singapore, Chemistry major. David has acquired more than 10 years of experience in Medicinal Chemistry research for New Drug Discovery. Also, he has also accumulated 2 years of working experience as an Analytical Chemist. He has been with Shimadzu Asia Pacific for 7 years as Product Specialist for LC, providing technical advice to client as well as sales.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: New Nexera Series, the First AI Enabled and IoT Driven LC

New Nexera Series, the First AI Enabled and IoT Driven LC

Explore the New Benchmark of Intelligence of New Nexera Series.

This series is perfect for anyone currently using Preparative LC, who&#39;d like to understand more, as well as those new to the technique or eager to learn more.
<ul>
<li>What is LC purification and how do you get the most out of the technique.
</li>
<li>How much sample can you expect to purify?
</li>
<li>Up-scaling basics
</li>
<li>Recycling and concentration
</li>
</ul>
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Presenter: Richard Hodgson (Pharmaceutical Market Specialist, Shimadzu UK Limited)
</blockquote>

Fundamentals of LC Purification