<div>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.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.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.</div><div><h3>Interview with Filipa Oliveira: Pioneering tubular MXenes for supercapacitor energy storage</h3><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"><h5>Congratulations on receiving the JUNIOR STAR grant. What does this achievement mean for you and how will it influence your next steps?</h5>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.<h5>Why are tubular MXenes so innovative for energy storage?</h5>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.<h5>How did your scientific interest lead you to this field?</h5>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.<h5>What challenges have you encountered?</h5>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.<h5>What motivates you most about working at UCT Prague?</h5>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.<h5>How do&nbsp;you see your professional development going in the future?</h5>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.<h5>You are looking for new team members. What kind of students or scientists do&nbsp;you need?</h5>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.<h3>Interview with Stella Gonsales: Catalysis as a&nbsp;key to polymer recycling</h3><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"><h5>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?</h5>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.<h5>Could you explain your research in layperson’s&nbsp;terms?</h5>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.<h5>What makes the JUNIOR STAR grant particularly important for your research and career development?</h5>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.<h5>What collaborations support your research?</h5>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.<h5>What advice would you give young scientists aiming to succeed?</h5>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.<h5>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?</h5>Wichterle’<s>’</s>s&nbsp;innovative spirit motivates me to push creative boundaries and pursue novel solutions in sustainable chemistry.<h5>What are your visions for the future?</h5>I&nbsp;aim to build a&nbsp;research group that advances sustainable polymer recycling, contributing to environmental responsibility and the circular economy.<h5>You are recruiting people for your team. What skills do&nbsp;they need to have?</h5>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.</div>

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

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 06, 2026

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 Nature Chemical Biology.<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"><div>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.In their study, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cahova.group.uochb.cz/en">Dr. Hana Cahová</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.The work was significantly shaped by Valentina Serianni from Hana Cahová’s team, who demonstrated the ability of dinucleoside polyphosphates to initiate gene transcription, and by Jana Škerlová, 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.Hana Cahová adds: “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.”<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"><div>Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was central to the project. This part of the work was led by Dr. Tomáš Kouba, one of the authors of the study. “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,” he explains.Last year, IOCB Prague opened a new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cryoem.group.uochb.cz/en">cryo-EM center</a> 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.<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"><blockquote><h4>The Original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-025-02134-5">Molecular insight into 5′ RNA capping with NpnNs by bacterial RNA polymerase</a></h4>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;Nat. Chem. Biol. 21 (2026)<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><h6>licensed 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>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 Thermus thermophilus. 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.</div></div>

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

Article

Application

Scientists

Science and research

Video

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

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

ARC Polyarc System

A Breakthrough Innovation Revolutionizing GC/FID Technology. The Polyarc System is transforming the way scientists use gas chromatographs with Flame Ionization Detectors.

The Polyarc system has a catalytic microreactor that enhances new and existing gas chromatographs (GCs) with flame ionization detectors (FIDs) by converting all organic compounds to methane molecules prior to their detection by the FID. In doing so, the Polyarc system reduces the need to perform time-consuming calibrations by creating a uniform detector response for truly universal carbon detection.
The Polyarc system gives scientists the capability to determine purity, quantify unknowns, qualify products, investigate, improve development and more in a simple, fast and more economical way that is transforming the industry.
<blockquote>
Available for gas chromatographs (GC) <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products?category=1&amp;manufacturerItems=10">Agilent</a> 5890, 6890, 7820, 7890, 8890, <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products?category=1&amp;manufacturerItems=1">Shimadzu</a> 2030, <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products?category=1&amp;manufacturerItems=3">Thermo Fisher</a>, Varian, Bruker a Scion GC.
</blockquote>
<h3>What is Polyarc?</h3>
The Polyarc is the next evolution of flame ionization detection (FID). The Polyarc converts the FID into a truly universal carbon detector using proprietary catalytic reactions that convert organic molecules to methane immediately prior to detection.
<h3>Why is it important?</h3>
The FID has two main challenges: lack of uniform response and low response to certain compounds. The Polyarc enhances your FID to solve these challenges by giving your FID a uniform response to nearly all organic molecules. The result is more accurate data, improved productivity, lab efficiencies, and the ability to detect more compounds.
<h3>How Does the Polyarc® System Work to Simplify and Improve GC/FID Quantification?</h3>
The Polyarc system has a catalytic microreactor that enhances GC/FIDs by converting all organic compounds to methane molecules prior to detection by the FID. The result?
A universal response for ALL organic molecules.
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_Polyarc_FID_vs_FID_Response_Factors_0f9c958558/ARC-PolyarcFID-vs-FID-Response-Factors.jpg" alt="ARC: Comaprison of Polyarc/FID vs FID Response Factors.jpg"/>
<h3>The Polyarc System Features an Optimized Design and Seamless Integration</h3>
The Polyarc system is the first commercial technology of its kind. The device uses proprietary technologies including novel catalysts, a specially designed 3D-printed micro reactor, and fast seamless integration into existing equipment.
The optimized internal design and catalyst microstructure maintains separation performance and peak shape while increasing sensitivity and enabling accurate quantification without calibration standards.
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_Optimalizovany_design_a_specialne_navrzeny_3_D_tisteny_mikroreaktor_Polyarc_70ccedc41e/ARC-Optimalizovany-design-a-specialne-navrzeny-3D-tisteny-mikroreaktor-Polyarc.jpg" alt="ARC: Specially designed 3D-printed micro reactor Polyarc"/>
<h3>Perform Cutting-Edge Chromatography on Any Organic Compound with a Polyarc® System</h3>
Realize a greater breadth of analysis with improved detection of compounds previously invisible or with an extremely low sensitivity by gas chromatography using FID only — while reducing the need for time intensive calibration.
The careful selection and robust catalyst design enables the analysis of a wide variety of compounds including a range of heteroatoms, compounds of various sizes, and samples containing common catalytic poisons (e.g., S).
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_Analyza_siroke_skaly_sloucenin_pomoci_Polyarc_systemu_3e18241358/ARC-Analyza-siroke-skaly-sloucenin-pomoci-Polyarc-systemu.png" alt="ARC: Polyarc system enables the analysis of a wide variety of compounds"/>
<h3>How Does the Polyarc System Compare to a Methanizer?</h3>
A conventional methanizer converts CO and CO₂ to methane, allowing low level FID detection of CO and CO₂. The significant advantage of the Polyarc system is that it converts all compounds to methane, allowing not only for the detection of CO and CO₂ , but also millions of other organic compounds.
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_Srovnani_systemu_Polyarc_s_metanizerem_7df16e09c7/ARC-Srovnani-systemu-Polyarc-s-metanizerem.jpg" alt="ARC: Comparison of the Polyarc System with a metanizer"/>

ARC Jetanizer (Methanizer)

The Jetanizer is the easiest and most robust methanizer.

<h3>What is Jetanizer™?</h3>
The Jetanizer is the easiest and most robust methanizer. A methanizer is a chemical reactor that converts carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide to methane to enable sensitive detection by a flame ionization detector (FID) from &lt;20 ppb to 100%!
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_Analyza_CO_2_od_1ppm_do_100_s_pouzitim_GC_jetanizeru_FID_9c922be2e9/ARC-Analyza-CO2-od-1ppm-do-100percent-s-pouzitim-GC-jetanizeru-FID.jpg" alt="ARC: CO₂ analysis from 1ppm to 100% with GC/Jetanizer/FID"/>
<h3>Why is it important?</h3>
<h4>Low-level detection of CO and CO₂ is important in:</h4>
<ul>
<li>catalysis </li>
<li>hydrogen (H₂) purity analysis </li>
<li>dissolved gas analysis (DGA)</li>
<li>greenhouse gas (GHG) analysis, </li>
<li>transformer oil gas analysis (TOGA)</li>
<li>ethylene/propylene monomers analysis </li>
<li>safe entry analysis, and more</li>
</ul>
Traditionally, large nickel-catalyst-filled tube methanizers are used, however, they are prone to frequent failures, and they are difficult and time consuming to operate and maintain. 
<blockquote>
Legacy nickel catalyst methanizers take 2-6 hours to install and replace. Jetanizers take &lt;5 minutes.
</blockquote>
ARC’s Jetanizer solves these challenges by improving response, robustness and ease of installation, by incorporating state-of-the-art catalysts into an FID jet. Moreover, the Jetanizer enables low level &lt;1 ppm formaldehyde analysis by GC avoiding the pitfalls of HPLC analysis of formaldehyde.
<blockquote>
For use with these GC models: <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products?category=1&amp;manufacturerItems=10">Agilent 5890, 6890, 7890, 8890, Intuvo</a>, <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products?category=1&amp;manufacturerItems=1">Shimadzu 2010, 2030 GC</a>.
</blockquote>
<h3>Benefits over Traditional Methanizers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Lower up-front cost</li>
<li>No extra plumbing: minimize fittings and leaks</li>
<li>No extra heater or controller: utilizes heat from FID</li>
<li>FAST installation: Less than 5 minutes</li>
<li>Ability to be used with formaldehyde</li>
<li>Higher sulfur tolerance</li>
<li>Higher catalytic activity = larger linear dynamic range</li>
<li>Free up space on the GC</li>
<li>No toxic metals: The Jetanizer™ does not contain nickel catalysts</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_Kalibrace_analyzy_CO_2_s_pouzitim_GC_jetanizeru_FID_2f0b6171fc/ARC-Kalibrace-analyzy-CO2-s-pouzitim-GC-jetanizeru-FID.jpg" alt="ARC: CO₂ analysis calibration with GC/Jetanizer/FID"/>

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

ARC Precision Split

ARC’s PrecisionSplit device allows scientists and chromatographers to take advantage of the quantitative power of the Polyarc/FID in combination with the mass identification power of the mass spectrometer, all in the same injection in real time.

<h3>Why does my MS need an FID?</h3>
A mass spectrometer (MS) provides valuable qualitative data, but poses several challenges to accurate quantification. Adding a flame ionization detector (FID) in parallel with the MS gives complementary quantitative carbon concentrations with minimal extra effort or equipment. We believe every MS needs an FID companion for quantitative analysis, especially for non-targeted analysis or tentatively identified compounds where quantification is desired.
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_Precision_Split_6271ed1240/ARC-Precision-Split.jpg" alt="ARC: Precision Split"/>
<h3>The benefits of a MS/FID split:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Virtually eliminate response factor variability</li>
<li>Quantify accurately (better linearity, more consistent response, fewer calibration errors)</li>
<li>Improve sensitivity for poor ionizers with the FID</li>
<li>Save your source!</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Data</h3>
Response factor (RF) variation in the mass spectrometer (i.e., the relative response of the MS to different chemicals) can lead to significant errors in quantification. Two compounds that have the same response/area in the MS can have concentrations that differ more than 100-fold (see <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0731708520304283">Jordi et al.</a>). 
As you can see below, the Polyarc/FID split can reduce this response factor variation so that accurate quantification of tentatively identified compounds is possible.
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_Variance_RF_u_MS_detektoru_8e02773edc/ARC-Variance-RF-u-MS-detektoru.jpg" alt="ARC: RF variation with MS"/>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_Variance_RF_s_Polyarc_FID_splittrem_ca7def3cb3/ARC-Variance-RF-s-Polyarc-FID-splittrem.jpg" alt="ARC: RF variation with Polyarc/FID split"/>

ARC ISOTOPE (COMBUSTION REACTOR FOR IRMS)

The World’s First Low Temperature Combustion Reactor for GCC-IRMS

Winner of <a href="https://theanalyticalscientist.com/techniques-tools/tasias-2018-strokes-of-genius">The Analytical Scientist Innovation Awards in 2018</a>, the ARC Isotope was developed for low-temperature combustion of steroids and hydrocarbons for carbon isotope measurements. 
The system easily integrates into existing instrumentation and outperforms conventional combustion reactors.
<h3>GCC-IRMS Chromatograms of steroids and alkanes using the ARC Isotope reactor show excellent performance and operability compared with legacy reactors.</h3>
<h4>Advantages Include:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Excellent Performance</li>
<li>Lower Operating Temperature</li>
<li>Reduced Complexity</li>
<li>Improved Robustness</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_GCC_IRMS_chromatogramy_steroidu_a_alkanu_s_pouzitim_reaktoru_ARC_ISOTOPE_d6299edd7a/ARC-GCC-IRMS-chromatogramy-steroidu-a-alkanu-s-pouzitim-reaktoru-ARC-ISOTOPE.jpg" alt="ARC: GCC-IRMS chromatograms of steroids and alkanes using ARC ISOTOPE reactor"/>
Data provided by Tobias, H.J., et al., Analytical Chemistry, <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.8b05043">Read More</a>

Products from ARC - page 1

Related content

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

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

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 06, 2026