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

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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

Separation Science

Agilent Technologies

Technology Networks

Thermo Fisher Scientific

SelectScience

C&EN

Waters Corporation

<h5>Session 1: Recent Advances in Sample Prep for POPs</h5>
Sample prep for POPs analysis has to be one of the biggest bottlenecks in the analytical workflow. With such diverse matrices and compounds of potential interference, the sample preparation process can be very manual and therefore prone to introducing errors.
What if there was a way to automate this process, to extract your analyte of interest, whether a pesticide, dioxin or organic pollutant in a way that is robust, reproducible and enables your lab to become more efficient by handling multiple samples and extractions at the same time.
This webinar will show you how.
<h5>Session2: Persistent organic pollutants</h5>
are found everywhere around the globe. Since they are ubiquitous, they are a major issue in food analysis. GC-MS/MS can improve your sensitivity and the security of your results. Learn about the future in GC-MS/MS.
<h3>Who should attend:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Lab managers and analysts that have analytical challenges when testing food and beverages</li>
<li>QA/QC and research laboratories that want to keep up to date and also be ready for future challenges</li>
<li>Lab leaders who want to leverage the full analytical potential of their analytical instrumentation</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Kjell Hope (Technical research chemist, Pacific Rim Laboratories)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Kjell Hope is a technical research chemist at Pacific Rim Laboratories. He graduated with a Master of Science degree in Chemistry from Örebro University, Sweden and has been working in chemical analysis for 14 years. He has contributed to many projects in private industry and academia, including looking at PCBs in various foodstuffs and analyzing water for PFAS levels off the east coast of Africa. He contributed to characterizing the status of POPs, including OCPs, PCBs, and PAHs in the Campania region of Italy in collaboration with Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Italy. Through his work experience, he has gained vast knowledge of wet chemistry, primarily separation methods and instrumentation. He looks to incorporate new and emerging technologies into analytical processes at Pacific Rim Laboratories.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
**Presenter:**Chris Shevlin (Scientific and Educational Affairs Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Chris Shevlin is the Scientific and Educational Affairs Manager for Ion Chromatography and Automated Sample Preparation systems at Thermo Fisher Scientific. After graduating from the University of Buffalo, he started working in a pharmaceutical laboratory running HPLC, LC-MS and other chromatographic methods in a technical services and QC laboratory. After earning an MBA in 2004, Chris has worked in sales, product management and marketing with a few of the major analytical instrument manufacturers since then.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
In 2015, Chris joined Thermo Scientific working with their chromatography and mass spectrometry systems and in 2019 moved into a product marketing role for Ion Chromatography and Automated Sample Preparation business unit. In his current role, he is partnering with scientists on new applications through collaborations, developing scientific and educational content, and working with new products and innovations.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Chris’s entire professional career has been focused on chromatography and sample preparation. First as a chemist in the lab, then to sales and product and marketing management. This experience has helped Chris to have an in depth understanding of the challenges faced by analytical laboratories and how to improve their workflows and processes.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Petra Gerhards (Regional Marketing Manager EMEA GC, GC-MS, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Her background is over 30 years of experience in the field of GCMS, SPE and LCMS. Joined the EMEA Regional Marketing Team in 2016. She has been involved in a lot of workflow solutions combining Vials and Closures with SPE solutions, GCMS and LCMS. She works with KOL`s on data for regional specific marketing campaigns, organizes inhouse seminars and works on customer specific solutions. Her main expertise is in the field of Doping and Drugs of Abuse analysis.
</blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Emerging Topics in Food Safety

Contaminants in food - Sample preparation and POPs

Webinar will cover topics like Sample preparation in food analysis or Persistent organic pollutants analysis by GC-MS/MS.

Contaminants in the sample matrix can create chromatography issues, system down time, and unreliable test results. There are many options for sample cleanup. The ultimate technique that provides the cleanest sample is Solid Phase Extraction (SPE). In addition to providing a clean sample, SPE can increase the concentration of analytes if needed.
In this talk, we will discuss tips for selecting, developing, and implementing simple and successful solid phase extraction methods.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Golnar Javadi (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Golnar Javadi is an applications engineer providing online applications assistance and technical support for LC columns and supplies, Sample Preparation products, and Spectroscopy supplies.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Before joining Varian and then Agilent, Golnar worked in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries on method development and quality control. She also taught college level chemistry courses for a few years.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Golnar then joined Varian as a technical support specialist, providing customers with method development assistance and technical support on Sample Preparation (SPE, SLE, and Filtration), HPLC, GC, ToxiLab and DAT. After the Varian-Agilent merger, Golnar joined Agilent Technologies as an Applications Engineer. She provides technical support to customers on Sample Preparation products, Liquid Chromatography columns, and Spectroscopy supplies.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Tips for Developing Successful Solid Phase Extraction Methods

Tips for Developing Successful Solid Phase Extraction Methods

In this talk, we will discuss tips for selecting, developing, and implementing simple and successful solid phase extraction methods.

Tips for Developing Solid Phase Extraction Methods

Activated carbons are widely used for purification and separation applications. However, they are not employable as chromatography media due to the lack of chemical purity, irregular shape, poor mechanical integrity, and lack of reproducibility.
Carboxen® synthetic carbon adsorbents are a synthetic form of activated carbon. These synthetic carbons are derivatized resins. Due to their high purity, spherical shape, and outstanding mechanical properties, Carboxen® synthetic carbon adsorbents are well suited for use in low-pressure liquid chromatography (LPLC) applications. This chromatography media can withstand pressures up to 110 MPa, which is several orders of magnitude greater than other LPLC media. The tapered pores improve the adsorbent’s kinetic and thermodynamic efficiency, enabling greater capacity while operating at increased throughputs. The highly engineered, derivatized resins bring value in both adsorption and hydrophobic interaction chromatography.
These media bring value to a wide range of LPLC applications for both small and large molecule separations. As example, these adsorbents are used for clearance of high-risk impurities in biochemical purifications such as host cell proteins, trace metals, and extractables and leachables. These synthetic carbons have been trusted by NASA on several missions including their use on the International Space Station.
<h5>By attending this presentation you will...</h5>
<ul>
<li>learn about the features, advantages, and benefits of synthetic carbon separation media</li>
<li>understand how a carbon media derived from resin offers a unique stationary phase</li>
<li>discover several applications in both liquid and gas purifications where synthetic carbons bring value.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Joe Abrahamson (Global Product Manager, Carbon Adsorbents and LPLC, MilliporeSigma)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Joe Abrahamson received his Ph.D. from Penn State, where he studied carbon materials and engineering. Before joining MilliporeSigma, Joe spent several years in the carbon and materials industries as an R&amp;D scientist. Presently, Joe is the Global Product Manager for Carbon Adsorbents and LPLC at MilliporeSigma. Joe enjoys splitting his time between product management and product development.
</blockquote>

Separation Science: Carboxen® Synthetic Carbon: A Derivatized Resin for Process and Preparative Chromatography

Carboxen® Synthetic Carbon: A Derivatized Resin for Process and Preparative Chromatography

Webinar highlighting the advantages and value of synthetic carbon separation media in both liquid and gas purifications.

Carboxen Synthetic Carbon: A Resin for Chromatography

The inclusion of ion mobility into lipidomic workflows is rapidly becoming more common. The gas-phase separation afforded by ion mobility is complementary and cumulative to chromatographic separations and shotgun approaches. The benefits of using ion mobility are the generation of physio-chemical parameters (e.g., collisional-cross section (CCS) values) and reduction of mass spectral ambiguity resulting from isobaric and isomeric overlap. Combined, these benefits enable more robust and confident identification of lipid structures especially when confronted with complex sample matrices. Similar to other analytical techniques (e.g., chromatography and mass spectrometry), the utility and impact of ion mobility is greatly enhanced by increasing the resolution magnitude of the acquired data.
In the case of drift tube ion mobility on the Agilent 6560 platform, the use of high resolution demultiplexing (HRdm) pushes the effective resolving power of the ion mobility separation to a level where gas-phase separation of lipid isomers is achieved. We will demonstrate the advantages of including high-resolution ion mobility for lipid isomer identification in both LC-MS/MS and shotgun workflows. Specifically, we will highlight recent work from our lab to characterize intact oxidized membrane lipids using a multidimensional analytical workflow incorporating orthogonal chromatographic separations, ion mobility with HRdm, and tandem MS. Additionally, we will showcase our recent work to combine ion mobility with adduct consolidation to reduce isobaric interference, increase sensitivity, and maximize gas-phase separation to identify diastereomeric glycosphingolipids in viral envelope membranes.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jace W. Jones, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor, Associate Director of the Mass Spectrometry Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Jace W. Jones is an Assistant Professor and Associate Director of the Mass Spectrometry Center at the University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy. Dr. Jones received his BS degree from Whitworth University and PhD from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Washington. Prior to his current positon, he spent several years in industry and academia. His research program seeks to understand the synergistic relationship between chemistry and biology, and how this profound interaction influences human health. Specifically, his lab is focused on developing analytical platforms, based on chromatography, ion mobility, and mass spectrometry, to probe the structure/function dynamics of lipids. The knowledge gained by comprehensively characterizing lipid structure and precisely anchoring structure to biological function provides a unique opportunity to expound fundamental knowledge of disease/injury and provide insight for drug development targets.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: The Use of High-Resolution Ion Mobility for Structural Insight into Consequential Lipid Membrane Biology

The Use of High-Resolution Ion Mobility for Structural Insight into Consequential Lipid Membrane Biology

The use of high resolution demultiplexing (HRdm) pushes the effective resolving power of the ion mobility separation on Agilent 6560.

HR Ion Mobility for Structural Lipid Membrane Biology

The lab is running smoothly, but you are getting pressured to increase efficiency. You have hesitated to upgrade the lab data system; you fear it will be expensive and time consuming, and you know it will require additional funding. Getting management approval to make the change will require answers to questions that you can’t easily get. Or can you?
This webinar can prepare you for this important conversation with your manager. We interviewed two senior Agilent support and service personnel to answer questions that are frequently asked by lab managers and informatics specialists – following their recommendations will help you reduce the cost to change and focus on increasing your efficiency and security.
<h5>Key Learning Objectives:</h5>
<ul>
<li>See how updating software will improve the lab throughput</li>
<li>Learn the importance of replacing workstations with distributed systems</li>
<li>Understand the steps to reduce the overall project time·</li>
</ul>
<h5>Who Should Attend:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Lab managers and those planning migrations</li>
<li>Laboratory IT</li>
<li>Informatics specialists</li>
<li>All industries</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Christopher Prater (Product Support Specialist &amp; Informatics Support Specialist, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ryan O’Boyle (Laboratory Informatics Product Support Engineer, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Kelly McSweeney (Contributing Editor, C&amp;EN Media Group)
</blockquote>

C&EN: Three Winning Arguments to Get Management Approval for a CDS Upgrade

Three Winning Arguments to Get Management Approval for a CDS Upgrade

We interviewed two senior Agilent support and service personnel to answer questions that are frequently asked by lab managers and informatics specialists.

Three Winning Arguments to Get Approval for a CDS Upgrade

At Cayman Chemical we offer a wide range of contract services for custom chemical synthesis/analysis, assay development/screening and drug discovery. Automation enables us to enhance the productivity of our scientists and reduce the variability of our results. Flexibility is a necessity as clients are always requesting novel ways to conduct their experiments.
In this webinar, we will highlight the uses and adaptations of the Agilent Bravo liquid handling platform. Additionally, workflows pertaining to mitochondrial function using sensor-based platforms, cell staining for live cell imaging, cell-based assays and mid/high throughput enzymatic screening assays will be discussed.
<h5>Attend this webinar to learn about:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Learn how to reduce the variability, human error and manual labor of your research</li>
<li>Explore how the Bravo liquid handler can be configured to address a wide range of applications</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: David Hoffman (Scientific Director , Cayman Chemical - Contract Services Division)
</blockquote>

Technology Networks: Applied Versatility: Automated Liquid Handling for Many Applications

Applied Versatility: Automated Liquid Handling for Many Applications

In this webinar, we will highlight the uses and adaptations of the Agilent Bravo liquid handling platform.

Automated Liquid Handling for Many Applications

Sample throughput can be one of the most challenging aspects of using a UV-VIS Spectrometer. Scanning spectrometers are capable of collecting data extremely quickly but overall, certain measurements, like kinetics and thermal melts, can still be bottlenecked by the need to measure one sample at a time.
We will discuss in this webinar what to do in these scenarios - and how simultaneous data collection can speed up sample throughput and improve workflows.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Scott Melis, PhD (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Scott Melis has a PHD in Physics from Georgetown University in Washington, DC and started with Agilent in 2021 as a Molecular Spectroscopy Application Scientist. In his graduate work, Scott studied nanoparticle formation and growth for a variety of applications. Projects that he worked with include developing processes to deposit and characterize semiconducting molecular nano-cocrystals for use in optoelectronic devices as well as controlling polymer nanoparticle size through rapid mixing conditions.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Improving UV-Vis Efficiency with Simultaneous Data Collection

Improving UV-Vis Efficiency with Simultaneous Data Collection

We will discuss in this webinar what to do in these scenarios - and how simultaneous data collection can speed up sample throughput and improve workflows.

Improving UV-Vis Efficiency with Data Collection

SelectScience invites you to join fellow food scientists, manufacturers, and technology providers from across the globe for this unique event in the scientific calendar.
Join us online, in real-time, to discuss the very latest developments in food analysis, with a diverse range of topics including food safety analysis, food legislation and quality control, food pathogens, pesticides, mycotoxins, and more.
<ul>
<li>Keep up-to-date with major developments in food analysis</li>
<li>Access application notes, infographics, posters, and more</li>
<li>Network with scientists globally</li>
<li>Discover the latest technology launches</li>
</ul>
<h3>Agenda</h3>
<h5>13:30 (CEST) Opening address &amp; Poster session</h5>
<h5>14:00 (CEST) KEYNOTE SPEECH: Title tbc</h5>
<ul>
<li>Prof. Jana Hajšlová, UCT Prague</li>
</ul>
<h5>14:00 (CEST) KEYNOTE SPEECH: Characterization of Food and Drink by Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe (ASAP) Mass Spectrometry</h5>
<ul>
<li>Prof. Gene Hall, Rutgers University</li>
</ul>
<h5>14:45 (CEST) Can AI make our food safer?</h5>
<ul>
<li>Dr. Bert Popping, FOCOS Food Consulting</li>
</ul>
<h5>14:45 (CEST) Mycotoxins in plant-based meat alternatives: A safety issue or not?</h5>
<ul>
<li>Prof. Chiara Dall&#39;Asta, University of Parma</li>
</ul>
<h5>15:30 (CEST) Emerging trends and future directions in food testing: Measuring migration from food contact materials</h5>
<ul>
<li>Dr. Yelena Sapozhnikova, USDA-ARS; Cristina Nerín, University of Zaragoza; Tim Stratton, Thermo Fisher Scientific</li>
</ul>
<h5>15:30 (CEST) Pesticide residue analysis in cannabis: Method fundamentals and confirmation strategies</h5>
<ul>
<li>Dr. Julie Kowalski, JA Kowalski Science Support, LLC</li>
</ul>
<h5>16:30 (CEST) The food packaging synergy: Advantages, safety and integrity risks, and possible solutions</h5>
<ul>
<li>Prof. Salvatore Parisi, Lourdes Matha Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (IHMCT)</li>
</ul>
<h5>16:30 (CEST) From the lab to the table – food analysis with Raman microscopy</h5>
<ul>
<li>Andrea Richter, Witec</li>
</ul>
<h5>17:15 (CEST) Getting out of the weeds: Food pesticide analysis with Agilent GC/MS/MS</h5>
<ul>
<li>Joel Ferrer, Agilent</li>
</ul>
<h5>17:15 (CEST) Automated sample preparation for pesticides using QuEChERS extraction and cleanup</h5>
<ul>
<li>Dr. Hans-Joachim Huebschmann; Chiew Mei Chong, CTC Analytics AG; Gwen Lim, CTC Analytics – session sponsored by Pal System</li>
</ul>
<h5>18:00 (CEST) Utilizing new and unique GC column selectivities for optimal separation of dioxins, PCBs, and PAHs in environmental and food matrices</h5>
<ul>
<li>Dr. Ramkumar Dhandapani, Phenomenex</li>
</ul>
<h5>18:00 (CEST) LC-MS/MS: The key to analyzing PFAS in milk, infant formula, and related food ingredients</h5>
<ul>
<li>Dr. Lukas Vaclavik, Eurofins Food Integrity &amp; Innovation</li>
</ul>
<h5>18:45 (CEST) The wonderful gift of good water</h5>
<ul>
<li>Rex Simcox, Chattanooga Coca-Cola Co.</li>
</ul>
<h5>19:15 (CEST) Poster session</h5>

SelectScience: Virtual Food Analysis Summit 2022

Virtual Food Analysis Summit 2022

Join us to discuss the very latest developments in food safety analysis, food legislation and quality control, food pathogens, pesticides, mycotoxins, and more.

In this educational webinar series, we will go back to the basics of chromatography, mass spectrometry, data analysis and troubleshooting. Understanding the importance of the basics will enable you to be more effective in your laboratory. During each session we will cover a specific aspect of your LC or LC/MS system:
<ul>
<li>The theory of chromatography and requirements for great separations</li>
<li>The basics of your Liquid Chromatograph (LC): Pumps, injectors, and detectors</li>
<li>An Introduction to mass spectrometry (MS) systems</li>
<li>Considerations with System Suitability</li>
<li>Troubleshooting your LC and MS systems</li>
</ul>
<h3>**PART I | CHEMISTRY **</h3>
<ul>
<li>Theory of Chromatography</li>
<li>Creating Great Separation Methods</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Chris Collins, Ph.D. (Chemistry Account Manager, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Chris Collins joined Waters in 2018 as a Chemistry Account Manager covering Eastern North Carolina, providing support to customers on all chemistry and consumable products. He has over twenty years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry with a focus on LC/MS Method Development.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
HOST: Kieron Faherty, Ph.D. (Separations and Mass Spectrometry Field Marketing Manager, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Kieron Faherty is the Separations and Mass Spectrometry Field Marketing Manager for the Americas at Waters Corporation. He received his B.Sc. (Hons) in Chemistry from the University of Reading (Reading, Berkshire, UK) and his doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst, MA). He has held several field-based positions at Waters, most recently as a Field Applications Specialist focused on biopharmaceutical applications using Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry instrumentation.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
HOST: Alexandra (Allie) Ahern (Informatics Product Marketing Manager, Americas Field Marketing, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Allie Ahern has been with Waters for 10 years and is the Informatics Product Marketing Manager within the Americas Field Marketing Organization. Prior to Allie’s current role, she has held other roles at Waters including Service Marketing Product Manager, Implementation Project Manager, and Field Service Engineer.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Fall Back to Basics - Part 1: Chemistry

Fall Back to Basics - Part 1: Chemistry

PART 1 topics: Theory of Chromatography. Creating Great Separation Methods.

Fall Back to Basics - Part 1: Chromatography chemistry 

As population grows, demand for food consumption and global trade in the food industry has also increased. Hundreds of pesticides are routinely used for crop protection across the globe, traces of pesticides left in treated commodities are called “residues”.
Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 sets maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed and is under constant revision as shown by the recent amendment EU 2021/155, published February 9th 2021. A growing target list of pesticides in complex matrices, and the need for low limits of detection, bring various challenges to testing laboratories.
<h3>Pesticide Thursdays - A Waters&#39; 3-episode webinar series</h3>
<h4>Episode 1 - Multi-residue pesticides analysis: Leveraging modern software to increase laboratory efficiency</h4>
The first episode of Pesticide Thursdays, on 29th Sept, is dedicated to the Multi-residue pesticides analysis. Here, the focus will be on the modern workflow, with particular focus on efficient data processing with Waters’ MS Quan.
<h5>During this session we will demonstrate how:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Data processing can be efficiently performed with MS Quan</li>
<li>Compound optimization is performed</li>
<li>Reduce training needs with a modern, streamlined, and consistent user experience</li>
</ul>
Join us for the Pesticide Thursdays webinar series and learn more about Waters turn-key solutions developed to tackle pesticide residue analysis in food and feed.
We are looking forward to discussing these topics with you.
Your Analytical Foodies Team
<blockquote>
Presenter: Benjamin Wuyts (Senior Solution Support Specialist, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Benjamin initially joined Waters as an application chemist working in the Belgian demo lab, performing liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry demonstrations, support and training. In 2016 Benjamin became a European application chemist focusing on projects to support emerging applications. Benjamin has been focused over several years in establishing the Waters solution to the analysis of polar anionic pesticides, utilising novel column phases and LC-MS/MS technologies.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Multi-residue pesticides analysis: Leveraging modern software to increase laboratory efficiency

Multi-residue pesticides analysis: Leveraging modern software to increase laboratory efficiency

Here, the focus will be on the modern workflow, with particular focus on efficient data processing with Waters’ MS Quan.