<div><p><strong>In 2025, two outstanding young female researchers, Drs. Filipa Oliveira and Stella Gonsales, both originally from outside the Czech Republic, received prestigious JUNIOR STAR grants from the Czech Science Foundation (GAČR). JUNIOR STAR enables early career researchers to establish their own independent research groups and significantly advance their scientific careers. Their projects reflect cutting-edge research in materials science and sustainable chemistry, highlighting the international reach and welcoming research environment at UCT Prague.</strong></p><p><strong>Dr. Stella Gonsales is also a&nbsp;laureate of the Dagmar Procházková Fund, which supports promising scientific projects in sustainable and advanced organic chemistry. Another recipient of this grant is Dr.&nbsp;Anna Valunchene, whose research complements UCT Prague’s&nbsp;sustainability goals. This dual funding underlines Stella’s&nbsp;remarkable achievements and the wide scope of innovative research at UCT Prague.</strong></p><p><strong>Both Filipa and Stella are actively looking for motivated students and researchers to join their teams, offering a&nbsp;unique opportunity to work at the forefront of science in a&nbsp;vibrant and supportive environment.</strong></p></div><div><h3><strong>Interview with Filipa Oliveira: Pioneering tubular MXenes for supercapacitor energy storage</strong></h3><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_2_da6e538579.jpeg" alt="VŠCHT Prague: JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science: Filipa Oliveira" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_2_da6e538579.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1500" height="999"></p><h5><strong>Congratulations on receiving the JUNIOR STAR grant. What does this achievement mean for you and how will it influence your next steps?</strong></h5><p>Thank you. It’s&nbsp;a huge achievement to receive this prestigious grant. It gives me the opportunity to establish my own research group here at UCT Prague. The JUNIOR STAR program supports talented young scientists in building their teams and accessing resources. This means I&nbsp;now have the support to focus fully on my research about tubular MXenes and their application in supercapacitors.</p><h5><strong>Why are tubular MXenes so innovative for energy storage?</strong></h5><p>MXenes are a family of 2D materials with a layered, accordion-like structure and known for their excellent electrical conductivity. Our innovation is to produce them with a tubular morphology, combining the high conductivity and redox activity in superior ion-transport tubular architectures. Their open, hollow structure increases surface area, ion diffusion and charge transport. This could translate to faster, more efficient supercapacitors, critical for sustainable energy technologies.</p><h5><strong>How did your scientific interest lead you to this field?</strong></h5><p>Global challenges around green energy made me focus on materials that can improve energy storage. MXenes stood out because changes in the composition and structure can significantly change their properties. I&nbsp;was curious about how tuning different metallic elements in a&nbsp;tubular morphology can impact how MXenes perform and how to optimize them for practical applications.</p><h5><strong>What challenges have you encountered?</strong></h5><p>One major challenge is their stability: MXenes oxidize quickly which deteriorates performance. Another challenge is understanding how synthesis conditions of both MXenes and their precursors (MAX phases) must be adapted to create and preserve tubular morphologies since their synthesis mechanisms differ from conventional MXenes. Additionally, effectively communicating the project in the funding proposal to show to reviewers why I&nbsp;should obtain this funding was also a&nbsp;challenge, but thanks to mentorship and collaboration, I&nbsp;overcame these hurdles.</p><h5><strong>What motivates you most about working at UCT Prague?</strong></h5><p>The support from colleagues and the excellent technical infrastructure make it a&nbsp;great place to work. Also, being a&nbsp;former member of Professor Sofer’s&nbsp;leading group in 2D&nbsp;materials is inspiring and led me to this achievement.</p><h5><strong>How do&nbsp;you see your professional development going in the future?</strong></h5><p>The grant will help me build my own team, acquire equipment, and develop collaborations. My long-term vision is to contribute significantly to sustainable energy solutions and scientific progress both locally and internationally.</p><h5><strong>You are looking for new team members. What kind of students or scientists do&nbsp;you need?</strong></h5><p>We are currently welcoming enthusiastic master's&nbsp;students, PhD candidates, and postdocs who are passionate about materials science and eager to explore new frontiers in MXenes and energy storage. If you love curiosity-driven research and want to be part of a&nbsp;growing international team, we encourage you to join us.</p><h3><strong>Interview with Stella Gonsales: Catalysis as a&nbsp;key to polymer recycling</strong></h3><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_3_3d0ded6274.jpeg" alt="VŠCHT Prague: JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science: Stella Gonsales" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_V_prestizni_soutezi_GACR_uspely_dve_zahranicni_vedkyne_z_VSCHT_3_3d0ded6274.jpeg 233w," sizes="100vw" width="1499" height="1000"></p><h5><strong>Congratulations on your JUNIOR STAR grant and also being awarded the Dagmar Procházková Fund. What does receiving both mean to you and how will they shape your work?</strong></h5><p>Thank you. Both grants are hugely important. The JUNIOR STAR grant allows me to expand my group and resources for research into catalytic recycling of polymers, while the Dagmar Procházková Fund supports complementary projects such as synthesizing new biodegradable polymers. Together, they help tackle the plastic waste problem from multiple scientific angles.</p><h5><strong>Could you explain your research in layperson’s&nbsp;terms?</strong></h5><p>Most plastics have strong carbon-carbon bonds. We insert more cleavable double bonds into polymers that can be broken down by catalytic reactions called olefin metathesis, making recycling on a&nbsp;molecular level more feasible.</p><h5><strong>What makes the JUNIOR STAR grant particularly important for your research and career development?</strong></h5><p>The JUNIOR STAR grant is a&nbsp;prestigious and highly competitive funding opportunity aimed at excellent early-career scientists within eight years of completing a&nbsp;Ph.D. It provides up to 25&nbsp;million CZK over five years, allowing recipients to establish independent research groups and pursue innovative scientific topics. This grant is crucial for building a&nbsp;solid foundation, acquiring necessary equipment, and recruiting talented team members, enabling the pursuit of ambitious projects that can significantly contribute to both the Czech scientific community and global challenges.</p><h5><strong>What collaborations support your research?</strong></h5><p>The collaboration between UCT Prague and the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB) of the Czech Academy of Sciences primarily provides financial and technical support. The cooperation helps with funding, access to advanced equipment, and operational resources needed for running research projects.</p><h5><strong>What advice would you give young scientists aiming to succeed?</strong></h5><p>I&nbsp;encourage thinking outside the box and combining diverse knowledge you acquire during your career to address complex problems that are exciting and relevant to you.</p><h5><strong>Your laboratory bears the name of Otto Wichterle and was ceremonially opened in the presence of Professor Kamil Wichterle. How does Wichterle’s&nbsp;legacy inspire you personally?</strong></h5><p>Wichterle’<s>’</s>s&nbsp;innovative spirit motivates me to push creative boundaries and pursue novel solutions in sustainable chemistry.</p><h5><strong>What are your visions for the future?</strong></h5><p>I&nbsp;aim to build a&nbsp;research group that advances sustainable polymer recycling, contributing to environmental responsibility and the circular economy.</p><h5><strong>You are recruiting people for your team. What skills do&nbsp;they need to have?</strong></h5><p>We are looking for talented Ph.D. students and postdocs experienced in air-sensitive catalysis techniques. If you want to contribute to transformative research in sustainable chemistry and join a&nbsp;dynamic team, this is a&nbsp;great opportunity.</p></div>

JUNIOR STAR Grants at UCT Prague: Two talented women from abroad driving innovation in science

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 06, 2026

<p><strong>Scientists at IOCB Prague are uncovering new details of gene transcription. They have identified a previously unknown molecular mechanism by which the transcription of genetic information from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into ribonucleic acid (RNA) can be initiated. The researchers focused on a specific class of molecules known as alarmones, which are found in cells across a wide range of organisms and whose levels often increase under conditions of cellular stress. The results were published in the prestigious scientific journal </strong><i><strong>Nature Chemical Biology</strong></i><strong>.</strong></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_bc2bfffa6c.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague/Tomáš Belloň: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: Dr. Hana Cahová, head of the Chemical Biology of Nucleic Acids research group." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_bc2bfffa6c.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1335"></p><div><p>Molecules of ribonucleic acid can carry a variety of chemical modifications at one end, known as caps. In eukaryotic organisms, including human cells, the best-known cap plays an important role in RNA stability and in regulating its subsequent fate. In recent years, however, it has become clear that alternative, non-canonical RNA caps also exist, although their formation and the mechanisms by which they are attached to RNA remain only partially understood. These include alarmone caps, formed by dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules, that protect cellular RNA at moments when the cell is under threat.</p><p>In their study,<strong> </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cahova.group.uochb.cz/en"><strong>Dr. Hana Cahová</strong></a> and colleagues examined bacterial RNA polymerase and investigated how this enzyme can initiate transcription using dinucleoside polyphosphates (NpNs) instead of the standard RNA building blocks. For the first time, the scientists described, at the atomic level, how RNA bearing an alarmone cap can be generated directly at the initiation of gene transcription. They also observed that NpNs bind through a different type of base pairing than is typically observed.</p><p>The work was significantly shaped by <strong>Valentina Serianni from Hana Cahová’s team</strong>, who demonstrated the ability of dinucleoside polyphosphates to initiate gene transcription, and by <strong>Jana Škerlová</strong>, who focused on the structural analysis of RNA polymerase. Using cryogenic electron microscopy data, she showed how dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules bind within the active site of RNA polymerase – that is, the core of the enzyme where genetic information is transcribed. Together, their findings help to elucidate the processes that accompany the transcription of genetic information from DNA to RNA.</p><p>Hana Cahová adds: <i>“We’re describing something that truly occurs in cells and that we’re now able to observe directly at the level of individual molecules. This allows us to answer fundamental questions about cellular processes, such as how cells adapt to stress. RNA plays a central role in this, as it carries the cascade of information underlying any cellular response – for example, to threatening conditions caused by nutrient deprivation or temperature shock.”</i></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_2_0fe88ff9e9.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague/Tomáš Belloň: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: Dr. Tomáš Kouba, head of the Cryogenic Electron Microscopy core facility." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_2_0fe88ff9e9.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1335"></p><div><p>Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was central to the project. This part of the work was led by<strong> Dr. Tomáš Kouba</strong>, one of the authors of the study. <i>“Cryogenic electron microscopy allows us to freeze biological molecules in a state very close to their natural form and then determine their three-dimensional structure. This makes it possible to look directly into the active centers of enzymes and observe their function down to the atomic level,”</i> he explains.</p><p>Last year, IOCB Prague opened a new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cryoem.group.uochb.cz/en"><strong>cryo-EM center</strong></a><strong> </strong>that is unique within the Czech research environment. State-of-the-art cryogenic electron microscopes are housed in a specially designed building and enable the study of biological processes with exceptional structural precision.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_3_4d881e7a58.jpg" alt="IOCB Prague: Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription: This work shows how NpnNs initiate bacterial transcription. Cryo-EM reveals how nucleobases pair with the template: one in canonical and one in reverse Watson–Crick mode, providing a structural basis for their function as non-canonical RNA caps." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_UOCHB_Vyzkum_z_UOCHB_odhaluje_dosud_nepoznany_zpusob_prepisu_geneticke_informace_3_4d881e7a58.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2000" height="1077"></p><blockquote><h4><strong>The Original article</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-025-02134-5"><strong>Molecular insight into 5′ RNA capping with Np<sub>n</sub>Ns by bacterial RNA polymerase</strong></a></h4><p>Valentina M. Serianni, Jana Škerlová, Anna Knopp Dubánková, Anton Škríba, Hana Šváchová, Tereza Vučková, Anatolij Filimoněnko, Milan Fábry, Pavlína Řezáčová, Tomáš Kouba &amp; Hana Cahova&nbsp;</p><p>Nat. Chem. Biol. 21 (2026)</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-025-02134-5">https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-025-02134-5</a></p><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"><strong>CC-BY 4.0</strong></a></h6></blockquote><h4><strong>Abstract</strong></h4><p>RNA capped with dinucleoside polyphosphates has been discovered in bacteria and eukaryotes only recently. The likely mechanism of this specific capping involves direct incorporation of dinucleoside polyphosphates by RNA polymerase as noncanonical initiating nucleotides. However, how these compounds bind into the active site of RNA polymerase during transcription initiation is unknown. Here, we explored transcription initiation in vitro, using a series of DNA templates in combination with dinucleoside polyphosphates and model RNA polymerase from <i>Thermus</i> <i>thermophilus</i>. We observed that the transcription start site can vary on the basis of the compatibility of the specific template and dinucleoside polyphosphate. Cryo-electron microscopy structures of transcription initiation complexes with dinucleoside polyphosphates revealed that both nucleobase moieties can pair with the DNA template. The first encoded nucleotide pairs in a canonical Watson–Crick manner, whereas the second nucleobase pairs noncanonically in a reverse Watson–Crick manner. Our work provides a structural explanation of how dinucleoside polyphosphates initiate RNA transcription.</p></div></div>

Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription

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The University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague is a natural centre of first-rate study and research in the area of chemistry in Czechia and is one of the country's largest educational and research institutions focused on technical chemistry, chemical and biochemical technologies, material and chemical engineering, food chemistry, and environmental studies.

UCT Prague

The Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague) is a leading scientific institution in the Czech Republic, recognized internationally. Its primary mission is basic research in the fields of chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, organic and material oriented chemistry, chemistry of natural compounds, biochemistry and molecular biology, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. 

Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences

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LECO Paradigm Flow Modulator and Shift Flow Splitter

Paradigm RFF Flow Modulator with Shift Flow Splitter boosts GC×GC peak capacity while maintaining constant MS/FID split ratios, enabling accurate, repeatable quantitation across full volatility ranges.

<p><strong>The Paradigm Flow Modulator with Reverse Fill-Flush (RFF) technology dramatically expands chromatographic peak capacity across the full volatility range while preserving quantitative accuracy. The RFF modulator fills a fixed-volume sample loop with effluent from the first-dimension column and then rapidly flushes it onto an orthogonal second-dimension stationary phase. This true comprehensive GC×GC transfer ensures excellent repeatability, robust quantitation, and high-quality separations for complex samples.</strong></p><h3><strong>Key features</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Reverse Fill-Flush (RFF) modulation</strong> for true comprehensive GC×GC with complete analyte transfer</li><li><strong>Novel chromatography splitter</strong> with two channels of pressure assistance</li><li><strong>Designed for high flows</strong> required for RFF modulation (≈20 mL/min)</li><li><strong>Constant MS/FID split ratio</strong> maintained throughout the entire run, including oven temperature ramps</li></ul><h3><strong>ChromaTOF makes modulation simple</strong></h3><p>Paradigm eliminates complex offline flow calculations. Integrated <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/41"><strong>ChromaTOF® software</strong></a> automatically performs all required calculations via a straightforward interface. The resulting methods are optimized to deliver complete analyte transfer, excellent peak shapes, and high chromatographic resolution—without manual trial-and-error.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Chromatof_flow_calculation_6b8ca60f99.jpg" alt="LECO Paradigm Flow Modulator and Shift Flow Splitter: ChromaTOF Software identifies method calculation improvements for RFF modulation" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Chromatof_flow_calculation_6b8ca60f99.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="670" height="426"></p><h3><strong>A shift forward in chromatographic analyses</strong></h3><p>The <strong>Shift Flow Splitter</strong> introduces a novel splitting mechanism that maintains a constant split ratio between MS and FID across the full GC oven program. Compared to traditional splitters, Shift delivers superior quantitative accuracy with minimal internal standardization, greatly simplifying compound-level and group-type quantitation in GC and GC×GC workflows.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_LECO_Paradigm_G_Cx_GC_prutokovy_modulator_a_Shift_splitter_5_245c7c2fde.jpg" alt="LECO Paradigm Flow Modulator and Shift Flow Splitter:   Close-up on the Shift Flow Splitter installed in a GC oven" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_LECO_Paradigm_G_Cx_GC_prutokovy_modulator_a_Shift_splitter_5_245c7c2fde.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2925" height="825"></p><h3><strong>Software-optimized detector performance</strong></h3><p>ChromaTOF automatically balances and optimizes the flow directed to TOFMS and FID, ensuring proper peak shapes and matched sensitivity for reliable qualitative and quantitative results.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Optimize_flow_e51d505415.jpg" alt="LECO Paradigm Flow Modulator and Shift Flow Splitter:   ChromaTOF Software automatically optimizes flow rates" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Optimize_flow_e51d505415.jpg 207w," sizes="100vw" width="808" height="608"></p>

LECO QuadJet™ SD

GC×GC-FID system combining thermal modulation and ChromaTOF software to reduce coelution bias, boost resolution, and deliver accurate quantitation of complex samples—without sacrificing productivity.

<p><strong>The QuadJet SD is a comprehensive GC×GC-FID solution designed to reveal the true chemical composition of complex real-world samples. By combining the universal sensitivity of flame ionization detection (FID) with the dramatically increased chromatographic resolution of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC), QuadJet SD minimizes coelution-driven bias and delivers a far more accurate representation of sample composition than conventional one-dimensional GC.</strong></p><p>Unlike straight GC-FID, where unresolved peaks inflate detector response and introduce systematic error, GC×GC separates compounds using two orthogonal mechanisms within a single run. True GC×GC instruments—such as the QuadJet SD from <span>LECO</span>—use active modulation to quantitatively slice the effluent from the first column and refocus it onto the second column. This approach preserves quantitative integrity while unlocking orders-of-magnitude gains in peak capacity and signal-to-noise ratio.</p><h3><strong>Key Benefits</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Enhanced separation power</strong> for highly complex mixtures</li><li><strong>Reduced noise and bias error</strong> compared to conventional GC-FID</li><li><strong>Integrated </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/41"><strong>ChromaTOF-based software</strong></a> for acquisition, processing, classification, and reporting in one environment</li><li><strong>Classification tools</strong> that simplify component identification</li><li><strong>Cryogen-free modulation option</strong> eliminates the need for liquid nitrogen dewars</li></ul><h3><strong>Theory of Operation</strong></h3><p>In GC-FID analysis, compound quantitation relies on peak area. As sample complexity increases—diesel fuels being a classic example with thousands of constituents—the likelihood of coelution rises sharply. Coeluting compounds produce artificially elevated FID responses, leading to high-bias errors.</p><p>GC×GC overcomes this limitation by performing two independent chromatographic separations in a single experiment. Thanks to the orthogonal selectivity of the two columns, compounds that coelute in the first dimension are efficiently separated in the second. In the QuadJet SD, eluting peaks from the primary column are quantitatively segmented by the modulator and cryo-focused before entering the secondary column, generating extremely narrow second-dimension peaks—often as short as <strong>50 ms</strong>—while maintaining accurate quantitation.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Quad_Jet_SD_2_bbb51b2254/LECO-QuadJettm-SD-2_l.webp" alt="LECO: QuadJet™ SD 2 – Processing of acquired GC×GC data using LECO ChromaTOF software" width="923" height="543"></p><h3><strong>Thermal Modulation</strong></h3><p>Thermal modulation represents the highest-performance approach for GC×GC, and LECO’s implementation sets the benchmark for ruggedness, reliability, and analytical performance. The QuadJet SD employs a <strong>dual-stage, quad-jet thermal modulator</strong> positioned between the two columns. This design enables on-column cryo-focusing, dramatically improving peak detectability and resolving power, and delivering an <strong>order-of-magnitude improvement in signal-to-noise</strong>.</p><p>For laboratories seeking lower operating costs and simplified workflows, a <strong>consumable-free thermal modulator</strong> (no liquid nitrogen) is available. This option maintains excellent performance for moderately volatile compounds while eliminating cryogen handling.</p><h3><strong>Modulators and Instrument Options</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Thermal modulator choices</strong>:<ul><li>Liquid-nitrogen-cooled thermal modulator</li><li>Consumable-free thermal modulator</li></ul></li><li><strong>Optional inlets</strong>: S/SL, PTV, and MMI</li></ul><p>Designed with productivity in mind, the QuadJet SD combines ease of use with an industry-leading secondary oven for the second-dimension column. For laboratories ready to move beyond conventional GC and truly see what has been hidden by coelution, QuadJet SD delivers the next dimension in analytical insight.</p>

LECO GCxGC FLUX flow modulator

Flux GC×GC flow modulator simplifies GC×GC analysis using diverting flow principles. It offers robust, cost-effective modulation without cryogens, ideal for complex, concentrated samples.

<p><strong>Our innovative Flux GC×GC flow modulator was designed with one goal in mind—to make GC×GC more routine, accessible, and easier for you. The flow modulator's concept is based on the sound and easily understood principles first articulated by Seeley et al. on diverting flow. This extraordinarily simple design comprising of a cross shape and sideways T, is not only easy to setup and get started, but its ease-of-use makes it the most cost-effective option for GC×GC analysis.</strong></p><p>This flow-based modulator is perfect for those who want to perform robust GC×GC analysis, but who don't need the sensitivity of standard quad jet thermal modulation. Ideal samples should be complex, but relatively concentrated. Appropriate applications include petroleum and fragrance analyses such as the classic weathered crude oil example pictured below, which shows a GC×GC plot generated on our Pegasus® BT platform using the Flux flow modulator.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ee943ea0acb34a8d9c5b72e7ace10666/obrazek_l.webp" alt="LECO GCxGC FLUX flow modulator" width="957" height="523"></p><h4><strong>Theory of Operation: Diverting Flow</strong></h4><p>The first and secondary capillary columns are connected together through a simple tube with a fixed gap between the columns. A flow of gas (helium) is then used to inject into the second column or divert to waste. The precision timing and flows are all handled by our integrated software, therefore you just have to click one button to setup and begin performing flow modulation GC×GC on our Pegasus BT platform.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/508b477dd1604d15855f26d786d5b1e4/obrazek_l.webp" alt="LECO GCxGC FLUX flow modulator" width="1026" height="488"></p><p>Furthermore, no complex spreadsheets are needed to understand your method. This simple and robust design does not require cryogens to carry out GC×GC, which saves time and boosts efficiency in your lab.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/6796d4581c894291b9fab0088753cb8b/obrazek_l.webp" alt="LECO GCxGC FLUX flow modulator" width="918" height="545"></p>

LECO QUADJET Thermal Modulator

Consumable-free dual-stage thermal jet modulator for GC×GC delivering on-column cryo-focusing, higher peak detectability, superior separation, and reliable performance without liquid nitrogen.

<p><strong>The QUADJET Thermal Modulator from </strong><span><strong>LECO</strong></span><strong> delivers industry-leading performance for comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC). Compared to alternative thermal or valve-based modulators, QUADJET stands out for its exceptional ruggedness, long-term reliability, and superior modulation efficiency.</strong></p><p>This GC×GC modulation system uses a <strong>dual-stage thermal jet modulator</strong> positioned between the first- and second-dimension columns. The design enables true <strong>on-column cryo-focusing</strong>, significantly enhancing peak sharpness, detectability, and separation power—especially for co-eluting compounds in complex sample matrices.</p><h3><strong>Key benefits</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Highest modulation performance for GC×GC</strong><br>Enhances peak detectability and improves separation of co-eluting compounds.</li><li><strong>Dual-stage thermal jet design</strong><br>Provides efficient trapping and re-injection between columns.</li><li><strong>On-column cryo-focusing</strong><br>Improves sensitivity and separation of closely eluting analytes.</li><li><strong>Exceptional robustness and reliability</strong><br>Designed for routine, long-term GC×GC operation.</li></ul><h3><strong>Thermal modulation without liquid nitrogen</strong></h3><p>Unlike traditional cryogenic modulators, the <strong>QUADJET thermal modulator is consumable-free</strong>. It delivers the full performance benefits of thermal modulation <strong>without the need for liquid nitrogen</strong>, eliminating cryogen costs, logistical complexity, and downtime—while maintaining consistent, high-quality results.</p><p>The QUADJET Thermal Modulator is an ideal choice for laboratories seeking <strong>maximum GC×GC performance with minimal operational burden</strong>, particularly in demanding applications involving highly complex samples.</p>

ARC GCxGC Xpansion

ARC’s simple stop-flow modulator can be installed in minutes and turn any GC into a powerful multi-dimensional separation machine. ARC’s modulator emphasizes robustness, simplicity, and ease of use to allow anyone from a novice GC user to a veteran expert to generate valuable chemical data on the most complex samples. 

<h3><strong>No-fuss GCxGC solution</strong></h3>
<p>This affordable package includes free, open-source software (visualization only), and ARC’s lifetime support. For power users we offer GC Image software. </p>
<h3><strong>Why choose us?</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Affordable</strong></li>
<li><strong>Robust</strong> design</li>
<li>Simple and easy <strong>self-installation</strong> or <strong>professional installation</strong></li>
<li>Dramatically <strong>increased peak capacity</strong></li>
<li>Easily <strong>switch between 1D and 2D GC</strong></li>
<li><a href="https://www.activatedresearch.com/gcxgc_vis/"><strong>Free visualization software</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_ARC_G_Cx_GC_Xpansion_9536cf0985/ARC-ARC-GCxGC-Xpansion.jpg" alt="ARC: ARC GCxGC Xpansion solution"/></p>
<h3><strong>Why should I use GCxGC?</strong></h3>
<p>The separation of compounds by gas chromatography is typically performed using a single analytical column. As <strong>samples</strong> become <strong>more complex</strong>, it <strong>can become difficult to separate</strong> all the <strong>compounds</strong> from each other and they can start to <strong>overlap, or co-elute</strong>. Longer or narrower columns can be used to increase resolving power, but with diminishing returns.</p>
<p>Comprehensive <strong>two-dimensional GC</strong>, or <strong>GCxGC</strong>, drastically <strong>increases separation power</strong> by <strong>adding</strong> a <strong>second analytical column</strong> after the first column. A modulator placed between the two columns pulses the analytes from the first column onto the second column. When the columns are <strong>orthogonal in separation power</strong>, this technique can <strong>result in an order of magnitude increase in</strong> the number of <strong>analytes</strong> that can be <strong>detected</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>ARC’s solution</strong> takes advantage of <strong>stop-flow modulation</strong> to make GCxGC an attainable <strong>configuration for any analytical laboratory</strong>. It involves continually <strong>sampling</strong> the effluent from the <strong>first column into an accumulator tube</strong> and <strong>re-injecting</strong> it <strong>onto a second</strong>, smaller <strong>column</strong> with <strong>orthogonal separation</strong>. This second separation happens in the time it takes to accumulate the next sample. The <strong>pulse time</strong> is known as the <strong>modulation time.</strong></p>


Products from category GCxGC modulators - page 1

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