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

Biotage

Agilent Technologies

SelectScience

Shimadzu Corporation

Waters Corporation

In this webinar we will discuss some important considerations to help maximize resolution when developing an HPLC method.
<ul>
<li>What should I consider in selecting a column for my separation goals?</li>
<li>What method parameters can I adjust to reduce the chance of method variability?</li>
<li>What role does my HPLC instrument play in optimizing a method?</li>
</ul>
Maximizing resolution with a robust and rugged method requires a strategy that addresses both chemistry and instrumentation.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Mark Powell (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Mark Powell is an Applications Engineer located at Agilent’s Little Falls site in Wilmington, DE. Before joining Agilent in 2011, Mark worked in the pharmaceutical industry synthesizing, purifying and analyzing drug candidates. He provides applications assistance and technical support for Agilent’s HPLC columns and consumables.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Tips to Help Maximize Resolution

Tips to Help Maximize Resolution

In this webinar we will discuss some important considerations to help maximize resolution when developing an HPLC method.

<h3>Key Learning Points:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Selecting a Stationary Phase 
</li>
<li>Column Screening
</li>
<li>Case studies
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Darshan Engineer (Sr. Business Development Manager, Phenomenex India)
</blockquote>

Phenomenex: Column Selection for Bioanalytical Method Development 

Column Selection for Bioanalytical Method Development

Selecting a Stationary Phase. Column Screening. Case studies.

Column Selection for Bioanalytical Method Development 

Polymer analysis is becoming ever more complex and important in product design and upholding safety standards across a wide range of industries. Analysis of polymeric materials has never been more key to meeting both your supply chain and customer requirements. The meet the experts series in designed to give you an insight into how polymer separation techniques can help you meet some of these analytical challenges, learn how to get the separation methods/techniques and truly interrogate your GPC/SEC data. Theres also an added bonus to discuss all of your polymer separation related questions to our panel of polymer analysis experts.
<h3>Session 3 - Getting to Grips with your Polymer Data - An Empower™ Tutorial – Neil Lander</h3>
<ul>
<li>Key aspects of a GPC processing method
</li>
<li>Working with different types of calibration, such as Relative, Universal, and Cumulative Matching Calibration
</li>
<li>Generating and interpreting results
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Neil Lander (Principal Product Manager, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Neil has worked for Waters Corporation since 1994 and has held a variety of positions including Technical Support Specialist, Technical Trainer, Manager Customer Education and currently, Principal Marketing Manager in Waters in the Informatics group. Neil provides internal support for Empower™ CDS software and is focused on developing laboratory software solutions that help organizations achieve their scientific and operational objectives. Prior to joining Waters Corporation, he was an analytical chemist where he gained experience in both the cosmetics and specialty chemical industries.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Getting to Grips with your Polymer Data - An Empower™ Tutorial

Getting to Grips with your Polymer Data - An Empower™ Tutorial

GPC processing method. Different types of calibration, such as Relative, Universal, and Cumulative Matching Calibration. Generating and interpreting results.

Grips with your Polymer Data - An Empower™ Tutorial

Polymer analysis is becoming ever more complex and important in product design and upholding safety standards across a wide range of industries. Analysis of polymeric materials has never been more key to meeting both your supply chain and customer requirements. The meet the experts series in designed to give you an insight into how polymer separation techniques can help you meet some of these analytical challenges, learn how to get the separation methods/techniques and truly interrogate your GPC/SEC data. Theres also an added bonus to discuss all of your polymer separation related questions to our panel of polymer analysis experts.
<h3>Session 4 - A Discussion of All Things GPC - A Meet the Experts Roundtable Discussion</h3>
<ul>
<li>Understand how to problem solve your polymer separation
</li>
<li>Better understand method development
</li>
<li>Find answers to your daily polymer challenges
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Neil Lander (Principal Product Manager, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Neil has worked for Waters Corporation since 1994 and has held a variety of positions including Technical Support Specialist, Technical Trainer, Manager Customer Education and currently, Principal Marketing Manager in Waters in the Informatics group. Neil provides internal support for Empower™ CDS software and is focused on developing laboratory software solutions that help organizations achieve their scientific and operational objectives. Prior to joining Waters Corporation, he was an analytical chemist where he gained experience in both the cosmetics and specialty chemical industries.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Don Trinite (Senior Principal Technical Support Specialist, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Don Trinite has been working at Waters Corporation for thirty-five years. Don is a Senior Principal Technical Support Specialist for Waters Technologies Corporation for the last twenty-nine years. He is involved in developing seminars for training users in methods development and methods transfer and troubleshooting for HPLC, UPLC, IC, GPC, Prep LC and UPC² ™. He is a key person in amino acid applications development and support. Recently, he has been involved with theAndrew+™ Robotic system, testing protocols for various amino acid sample protocols to automate different aspects of sample handling for these types of samples. He is also involved in troubleshooting for Data Handling and Networking Systems. Don has also developed methods for users and has had several application notes published. Prior to this, Don was in the field service organization for Waters as Senior Service Specialist and Service Manager for five years. He was previously employed in the chemical industry by UOP, Des Plaines, Illinois, in a chromatography service group supporting chemical synthesis, production and natural product research as a Senior Research Technician. Don has a total of 43 years of experience in the LC field.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Claudia Lohmann, Ph.D. (Senior Scientist, Materials Science, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Claudia Lohmann joined Waters Corporation in 2018 as a senior scientist working in the Chemicals and Materials group. Her area of focus is polymer characterization with Advanced Polymer Chromatography™ (APC™) and 2D chromatography along with method development and assisting in customer support. Throughout her industrial career, Claudia characterized organic and water-soluble polymers across a very broad molecular weight range using GPC/SEC with advanced detectors (light scattering, viscosity detection) as well as conventional calibration at ambient and high temperature. Areas of knowledge also include HPLC and spectroscopy.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jennifer Gough (Senior Scientist, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jennifer Gough is a senior scientist at Waters Corporation developing applications for advanced polymer chromatography and supporting the scientific operations team within the Materials Science group, and recently worked on a collaboration with James Browne from TA on the structure and property analysis of polylactic acid. Jennifer has 22 years in the chemical industry focused on polymer synthesis and characterization for Bostik Coating Adhesives and Cabot Inkjet Dispersions. During her career, Jennifer’s work has led her from the research, scale-up, and manufacture of polymeric materials, to an ATRP consortium with the Matyjaszewski group at Carnegie Mellon, and SANS analysis of inkjet dispersions at NIST.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: A Discussion of All Things GPC - A Meet the Experts Roundtable Discussion

A Discussion of All Things GPC - A Meet the Experts Roundtable Discussion

Understand how to problem solve your polymer separation. Better understand method development. Find answers to your daily polymer challenges.

A Discussion of All Things GPC - A Meet the Experts

Join us for a live webinar on US EPA Method 608.3 - Modern Sample Preparation Solution for Wastewater Labs.
US EPA Method 608 is a dual column method specifying an electrochemical detector (ECD) for analysis. The latest method revision, 608.3 specifically allows disk-based solid-phase extraction (SPE) to be used instead of liquid-liquid extraction.
This webinar provides specifics on establishing a successful 608.3 extraction protocol as well as tips for overcoming potential problems encountered by environmental laboratories.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Michael Ebitson (Director of Applications and Customer Support)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Michael is based in Salem NH where he supports Pre and Post sales workflow solutions and products for his customers. Michael enjoys working closely with customers using his knowledge and experience to assist them in overcoming their laboratory challenges and workflow hurdles. Michael has been practicing analytical chemistry for over 23 years. With his environmental biology and chemistry education coupled with his extensive experience he has developed and supported new and existing workflow solutions and products for customers in markets such as Pharmaceutical, Agriculture, Vitamins/Supplements and Environmental Testing. 
</blockquote>

Biotage: EPA 608.3: Modern Sample Prep Solution for Wastewater Labs

EPA 608.3: Modern Sample Prep Solution for Wastewater Labs

Specifics on establishing a successful 608.3 extraction protocol as well as tips for overcoming potential problems encountered by environmental laboratories.

In the words of Albert Einstein, &quot;We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.&quot; It takes outside the box thinking to continue to innovate and push the limits of what is possible. Each day you are your team work tirelessly to push those boundaries and create a better world, and Agilent is here to help you every step of the way. Instrument intelligence and innovation is of utmost importance, and together we can discover endless possibilities.
An enduring theme in human microbiome research has been understanding how trillions of bacteria in the human intestinal tract impact our physiology and immune function – likely through the metabolites they produce.
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, has focused on research of subjects undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT), a curative treatment for hematopoietic malignancies. Previous research work from our Center has demonstrated the intestinal microbiome is the primary reservoir for pathogenic bacterial species and can translocate into the systemic circulation. Beyond infection risk, recent research evidence also implicates intestinal microbiota diversity (and the metabolites produced) in shaping the emerging immune system following allo-HCT.
Both targeted and untargeted mass spectrometry approaches have been applied to identify the metabolites produced by intestinal bacteria that reach physiologically relevant levels in the systemic circulation. Applying a combination of analytical and data analysis strategies allows correlation of intestinal microbiome diversity with the circulating levels of many bioactive metabolites and investigate their impact on immune cell function.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
<h5>Key learning objectives</h5>
<ul>
<li>How mass spec can be applied to metabolomics research</li>
<li>Biomarker discovery in microbiome research</li>
</ul>
<h5>Who should attend?</h5>
<ul>
<li>Researchers interested in metabolomics and biomarker discovery</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Justin R. Cross, Ph.D. (Director, Donald B. and Catherine C. Marron Cancer Metabolism Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
</blockquote>

Select Science: Tracking molecules made by the human microbiome

Tracking molecules made by the human microbiome

Targeted and untargeted mass spectrometry approaches have been applied to identify the metabolites produced by intestinal bacteria.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a neurological condition that can lead to cognitive decline, physical and psychological impairments. The use of a controlled cortical impact (CCI) mouse model can effectively replicate TBI and the localized nature of the injury provides an ideal platform for visualizing in situ molecules affected by the injury, e.g., lipids within brain tissue.
Atmospheric Pressure Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/ionization (AP-MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) allows the study of localized, in situ molecules resulting from brain injury.
In this study, we highlight AP-MALDI imaging with a high sensitivity tandem quadrupole (TQ) and our data highlights the compatibility of using AP-MALDI on Agilent mass spectrometers to selectively detect and image endogenous mouse brain lipids.
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Presenter: Xi Qiu, PhD (LC-MS Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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<blockquote>
Xi Qiu is application scientist at Agilent, he earned his Ph.D. degree from the department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Chemistry at University of Illinois at Chicago. Prior to joining Agilent, he worked at Johnson and Johnson where he focused on large molecule quantification using LC-MS at intact and peptide level as well as contract research organizations leading large molecule LC-MS group performing protein, protein conjugates, peptide, and oligos analysis.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Imaging Lipids in a Brain Injury model with AP-MALDI on Agilent Tandem Quadrupole Mass Spectrometers

Imaging Lipids in a Brain Injury model with AP-MALDI on Agilent Tandem Quadrupole Mass Spectrometers

In this study, we highlight AP-MALDI imaging with a high sensitivity tandem quadrupole (TQ) and to selectively detect and image endogenous mouse brain lipids.

Imaging Lipids in a Brain Injury with Agilent  AP-MALDI

Oligonucleotides including small interfering RNA, antisense oligonucleotides, aptamers, and CRISPR guides have become fast growing modalities in recent years. Along with the development of these candidates has come the increased need for robust analytical methods and easy to use data analysis workflows to characterize them. Critical quality attributes of oligo samples include the determination of the target, confirmation of its sequence, and identification of impurities present each of which can be time consuming, difficult, and tedious. As such, software that supports and automates these efforts can be of great value.
In this work, we present novel, automated, and integrated software to support these workflows using HRAM MS data.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Peter Rye, Ph.D. (LC/MS Applications Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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<blockquote>
Presenter: Peter is a pre-sales Application Engineer with Agilent Technologies. He has been with Agilent for 10 years developing LC, RapidFire, and mass spec methods on a wide range of molecules. Prior to Agilent, Peter worked in analytical development groups for BioTove and BIOCIUS, the original companies that developed the RapidFire platform. In his spare time, you can find Peter relaxing with his wife and kids in Beverly Massachusetts, trying to fix the many problems with his home, or staying active outdoors.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Comprehensive, Automated, and Integrated Software for Oligonucleotide Characterization and Sequence Confirmation

Comprehensive, Automated, and Integrated Software for Oligonucleotide Characterization and Sequence Confirmation

In this work, we present novel, automated, and integrated  software to support oligonucleotides characterization workflows using HRAM MS data.

Oligonucleotide Characterization and Sequence Confirmation

While solid dosage forms like tablets are still the widely used option for the delivery of medication, there is an increasing need for alternative dosage forms. Medical devices are on the rise and when combined with a drug, they most likely also need to undergo dissolution testing, which can be challenging with the conventional apparatus. Many novel dosage forms, e.g. electro spun fleeces, microneedle patches, implants also require modifications to the dissolution apparatus we know. Join us for a discussions on these challenges and how they can be overcome.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Karen Krauel-Göllner, PhD (Product Manager Dissolution, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Karen Krauel-Göllner is a registered pharmacist and holds a PhD in Pharmacy from the University of Otago, New Zealand. Karen has worked in various roles in the field of pharmaceutical development. For the last 5 years she has been working with Agilent Technologies and currently holds a position as product manager for dissolution systems.
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<blockquote>
Presenter: Ken Boda (Dissolution Product Specialist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Ken joined Varian (now Agilent) in 2005 as an Applications Engineer and is now a Dissolution Product Specialist. Prior to working at Agilent, he worked in pharma specializing in dissolution testing and method development. As a Dissolution Product Specialist, Ken works with customers in determining the best systems for their needs and optimizing their work flows. He has also helped educate customers on dissolution science through webinars, the Dissolution Discussion Group, LinkedIn, and other channels.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Bryan Crist (President, DissoAssist Consulting)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Bryan is currently the president of DissoAssist consulting based in Wilmington, NC since 2021. He provides consulting, coaching, and training services for dissolution and drug release in the pharmaceutical industry, specifically, the areas of product and method development and validation, technology transfer, regulatory and compendial compliance, automation, troubleshooting, aberrant data investigation, apparatus and instrument qualification, SOP development, and laboratory audits.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Previously, Bryan was a Scientific Affairs Manager with Agilent Technologies located in Cary, North Carolina, USA. His activities from 1997 until 2021 had focused on providing method and technical application support for dissolution and drug release testing in the pharmaceutical industry as well as working with VanKel, Varian and eventually Agilent R&amp;D, Marketing and Sales teams. Prior to 1997, Bryan performed analytical testing, supervised, and managed pharmaceutical laboratories with Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck, AAI and Abbott Laboratories until he joined the dissolution equipment manufacturer VanKel.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Bryan has developed and routinely conducts numerous seminars related to dissolution and drug release testing. He’s provided numerous talks at exhibitions and conferences and has published numerous articles in journals and book chapters on dissolution related techniques and topics. He received his B.S. degree in Chemistry from Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, North Carolina. Bryan has been a former member of the USP Biopharmaceutics Expert Committee and is presently a member of several USP Expert Panels on Performance Verification Testing, Capsules, Performance Tests for Semisolid Dosage Forms and Solubility Criteria for Veterinary Drugs. He’s a Steering Committee member of the AAPS In-Vitro Release Dissolution Testing (IVRDT) Community Leadership Team, co-founder and co-moderator of the Dissolution Discussion Group (DDG) and is a current member of the American Chemical Society.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Vivian Gray (Founder VA Gray Consulting; Managing Director of Dissolution Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Vivian has spent the last 40+ years involved in all aspects of dissolution testing and evaluating new dissolution technology. At the United States Pharmacopeia, she enjoyed a long career serving first as a bench chemist, supervisor and lastly as a liaison to various expert USP committees, including the Biopharmaceutics and Dissolution Expert Committee. In 1997, Vivian joined the DuPont-Merck Pharmaceuticals Company Analytical Research and Development Section as the Head of the Dissolution Group.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Vivian has been an invited speaker for conferences on 70 occasions (28 of these were international invitations), lecturing especially in the areas of dissolution method development and validation, FDA requirements in dissolution testing, troubleshooting dissolution method problems, and new dissolution technology and dosage forms. She is a proactive participant in the field as demonstrated by 54 publications, including 6 book chapters. Vivian has co-authored a book on dissolution testing called “Handbook of Dissolution Testing”, Third Edition, published in 2004.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Current Practices for the Dissolution Testing of Medical Devices, Combination Products, and Novel Dosage Forms

Current Practices for the Dissolution Testing of Medical Devices, Combination Products, and Novel Dosage Forms

Join us for a discussions on challenges and how they can be overcome.

Practices for the Dissolution Testing of Medical Devices

Nitrosamine compounds are classified as probable human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Ever since the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notification in June 2018 about levels of these impurities in pharmaceutical API, they have been a reason of continuous discussion globally for analytical scientist, patients and regulators.
After June 2018, the number of recalls and 483’s have been on a rise for not only angiostenin II receptor blockers (-ARB, also called as sartans) but also for other products like Ranitidine, Metformin etc. FDA, European Medicine Agency (EMA) and International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) have constantly set and update the guidelines in measuring impurities in pharmaceutical products. Holistic solution to measurement of nitrosamines need both GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS technologies.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Mrunal Jaywant (Senior Director – R &amp; D, USP India)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Pravin Makwana (General Manager - QC, J.B.Chemicals &amp; Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Nilesh Dhamorikar (Director , QbD Research and Development Lab Pvt Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dheeraj Handique (Deputy Manager-CSC, Shimadzu Analytical (India) Pvt. Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dheeraj Handique is working as Deputy Manager-CSC at Shimadzu Analytical (India) Pvt. Ltd. since 2008. He holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Analytical Chemistry from Bombay Institute of Technology, Mumbai, with total experience of 17 years in analytical field industries.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
At Shimadzu, his role involves pre-sales and post-sales application support to pharma, chemical, food safety and flavor and fragrance industry customers pertaining to trouble shooting, tech transfer, method development and validation. His key areas are to suggest complete system configuration with total solution related to GC, GCMS/MS instruments to customers. To his credit he has around 30 posters published in international conferences.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
His expertise lies in analysis of drug substances and products, various food matrices, flavor and fragrance matrices with cutting edge technology like GCMS/GCMSMS/HS/TD from Shimadzu with hands on experience on critical sample preparation steps involved. He delivers lectures on Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, headspace and thermal desorption techniques at various national conferences.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Also, he has been very actively involved in the performance evaluation of various chromatographic and advanced technologies available with Shimadzu like GC, GCMS, GCMSMS, HS, TD etc.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Shailendra Rane (Ph.D.) (Deputy Manager-CSC, Shimadzu Analytical (India) Pvt. Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Shailendra Rane is Ph.D. in chemistry from Mumbai university and currently working with Shimadzu Analytical (India) Pvt. Ltd. as Deputy Manager CSC since 2008. At Shimadzu, his role involves pre- and post-sales application support to pharma, food safety and bio-similar customers pertaining to trouble shooting, tech transfer, method development and validation. To his credit he has 10 publications in various international journals of repute and around 35 posters he published in national and international conferences.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
His expertise lies in analysis of drug substances and products, various food matrices and bio-molecules with cutting edge technology like LCMS/LCMSMS from Shimadzu with hands on experience on critical sample preparation steps involved. He delivers lectures on liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry at various national conferences. Also, he has been very actively involved in the performance evaluation of various chromatographic and advanced technologies available with Shimadzu like SFC, MALDI-ToF etc.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Rashi Kochhar Rebello (Manager, Marketing Communications, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Rashi has been part of Shimadzu for 13 years now. She has worked extensively with Chromatographic and MS solutions in different capacities. Her expertise lies in supporting workflows for different markets and segments including Biopharma, Pharma and Food. With this background, her current role is to design communication packages for analytical solutions in Shimadzu Asia Pacific.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Digital Classroom: Confidently Analyse Nitrosamine Impurities by GC-MS/MS & LC-MS/MS

Confidently Analyse Nitrosamine Impurities by GC-MS/MS & LC-MS/MS

Holistic solution to measurement of nitrosamines need both GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS technologies.

Tips to Help Maximize Resolution

EPA 608.3: Modern Sample Prep Solution for Wastewater Labs

Comprehensive, Automated, and Integrated Software for Oligonucleotide Characterization and Sequence Confirmation

Tracking molecules made by the human microbiome

A Discussion of All Things GPC - A Meet the Experts Roundtable Discussion

Imaging Lipids in a Brain Injury model with AP-MALDI on Agilent Tandem Quadrupole Mass Spectrometers

Confidently Analyse Nitrosamine Impurities by GC-MS/MS & LC-MS/MS

Column Selection for Bioanalytical Method Development

Getting to Grips with your Polymer Data - An Empower™ Tutorial

Current Practices for the Dissolution Testing of Medical Devices, Combination Products, and Novel Dosage Forms

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