<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

<p><strong>In the week of February 9, the following webinars await you in the field of gas / solid phase and especially Raman, FTIR, GC and GC/MS.</strong></p><blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinars"><strong>👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</strong></a></h4><p><strong>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database</strong> with over <strong>5 000 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars</strong>.</p></blockquote><div><div><div><div><div><div><h5><strong>1. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Process Raman – A Reliable and Versatile Tool for Downstream Process Monitoring and Control for mAb Production</strong></h5><ul><li>Tu, 10.2.2026 16:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/5808">Registration</a></li></ul><p>The presentation highlights how process Raman spectroscopy offers several advantages over traditional in-line UV-Vis analysis for process monitoring and metabolite production control in mAb manufacturing.</p><h5><strong>2. Wasson-ECE Instrumentation: The Data Driven Plant – How AI Transforms Chemical Manufacturing</strong></h5><ul><li>Tu, 10.2.2026 21:30 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/5744">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Explore how artificial intelligence is applied to improve process efficiency, monitoring, and decision-making in modern chemical manufacturing.</p><h5><strong>3. New Food Magazine: The Science of Next-Gen Ingredients – Fermentation, Formulation and Function</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 11.2.2026 16:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/5720">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Discover how fermentation-driven innovation is transforming functional food ingredients, with analytical insights to optimize flavour, functionality, and product stability.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Webinars LabRulezGCMS Week 07/2026

<p><strong>This study presents an analytical strategy combining QuEChERS extraction with low-temperature partitioning (LTP) for the determination of multiclass pesticide residues in cocoa beans by GC–MS. Extraction conditions were optimized using a fractional factorial design, resulting in a simple and efficient workflow suitable for complex cocoa matrices.</strong></p><p>The validated method showed satisfactory limits of detection and quantification, recoveries within 70–120%, and good overall performance. Application to cocoa samples from Brazil detected permethrin in several samples, demonstrating that the QuEChERS–LTP approach is an effective and reliable cleanup strategy for routine pesticide residue analysis in cocoa.</p><blockquote><h4><strong>The original article</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360"><strong>QuEChERS Combined with Low-Temperature Partitioning and GC–MS as an Analytical Strategy for the Determination of Multiclass Pesticide Residues in Cocoa Beans</strong></a></h4><p>Priscilla M. de Freitas Machado, Madson M. Nascimento, Paulo R. R. Mesquita, Manuela B. Nascimento, Lilian Lefol N. Guarieiro, Gisele O. da Rocha, Jailson B. de Andrade, Raildo M. de Jesus*</p><p>ACS Omega 2025, 10, 51, 63464–63473</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360">https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360</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><p><strong>Selected sections from the article follow. Formats and hyperlinks were adapted from the original.</strong></p><p>Cocoa is best known as the primary raw material for chocolate but is also processed into products such as cocoa butter, biscuits, cocoa honey, and cocoa powder. Cocoa powder is derived from roasted, pressed, and milled nibs, containing on average 20% (w/w) lipids on a dry basis and less than 9% moisture. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(3,4)</a></p><p>According to the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA), pesticides such as atrazine, bifenthrin, cyproconazole, metalaxyl, tebuconazole, trifloxystrobin, and permethrin are approved for use in Brazil. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a> However, among these, only metalaxyl, trifloxystrobin, and tebuconazole are authorized by the European Union. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(14)</a> Thus, investigating these contaminants in cocoa samples is of utmost importance, as Brazil is one of the largest cocoa exporters, supplying cocoa commodities to South America, the United States, and the European Union. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(2)</a> Furthermore, Organochlorine pesticides, in particular, belong to the class of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Although banned in many countries, they continue to be used in some developing nations because of their chemical stability, resistance to degradation, volatility, and high lipophilicity, which promote bioaccumulation and neurotoxicity. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(15)</a> Epidemiological evidence also associates their exposure with Parkinson’s disease, certain cancers, diabetes, and endometriosis. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(16)</a></p><p>Residues of pesticides in cocoa have been reported in various studies. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(17)</a> Analyzing pesticide residues in cocoa presents analytical challenges due to the matrix’s complexity, comprising high lipid content, fatty acids and esters, sugars, polyphenols, and caffeine. These components can interfere with extraction efficiency and contaminate analytical instrumentation. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(18)</a> Therefore, efficient sample preparation methods incorporating effective cleanup steps are essential for accurate residue determination.</p><p>Several techniques have been employed for multiresidue pesticide analysis in cocoa. For instance, Idowu et al. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(19)</a> quantified 14 organochlorines using Soxhlet extraction and silica/Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> cleanup, with GC ECD detection. Okoffo et al. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(20)</a> determined 13 organophosphates and 9 pyrethroids employing SPE cartridges (Envi-carb/LC-NH<sub>2</sub> and Bond Elute C18), acetonitrile extraction, and GC PFPD or GC ECD quantification. Yusiasih et al. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(21)</a> applied dispersive SPE with PSA, Florisil, and MgSO<sub>4</sub> for pyrethroids, followed by GC ECD and GC–MS.</p><p>Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a QuEChERS–LTP analytical procedure for the determination of multiclass pesticide residues in cocoa beans. The factors that affect the QuEChERS–LTP procedure efficiency were optimized. After validation, the procedure was employed to investigate the occurrence of 15 multiclass pesticides in cocoa samples.</p><h4><strong>Experimental Section</strong></h4><h5><strong>Instrumental Apparatus</strong></h5><p>Pesticide separation and identification were performed on a Shimadzu <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=GC-MS-QP2010SE"><strong>GC-MS-QP2010SE</strong></a> system (Kyoto, Japan) equipped with an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=AOC-20i"><strong>AOC-20i autosampler</strong></a>. Separation was achieved using an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=DB-5MS"><strong>Agilent DB-5MS capillary column</strong></a> (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 μm) with a stationary phase of 5% phenyl/95% dimethylpolysiloxane. The instrumental conditions were based on Nascimento et al. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(49)</a> and they are summarized in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#tbl4">Table 4</a>.</p><p>For quantification, the base peak was used, while two additional ions were monitored for confirmation (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360/suppl_file/ao5c10360_si_001.pdf">Table S2</a>) in accordance with SANTE guidelines. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(50)</a> A GC–MS/SIM chromatogram illustrating the separation of all target pesticides is presented in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#fig5">Figure 5</a>.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Figure_5_Extracted_ion_chromatogram_EIC_in_SIM_mode_of_the_target_pesticides_f2461c14f4.jpg" alt="ACS Omega 2025, 10, 51, 63464–63473: Figure 5. Extracted ion chromatogram (EIC) in SIM mode of the target pesticides obtained from the injection of a mixed standard solution at 100 μg L–1. Analytes are listed in order of elution: [1] Molinate (6.18 min); [2] α-HCH (8.15 min); [3] atrazine-d5 (8.69 min); [4] atrazine (8.75 min); [5] diazinon (9.31 min); [6] disulfoton (9.67 min); [7] dimethachlor (10.60 min); [8] metalaxyl (11.25 min); [9] p,p′-DDE (15.82 min); [10] cyproconazole I (16.50 min); [11] cyproconazole II (16.56 min); [12] p,p′-DDD (17.29 min); [13] ethion (17.34 min); [14] trifloxystrobin (18.43 min); [15] tebuconazole (19.13 min); [16] bifenthrin (20.47 min); [17] permethrin I (23.92 min); [18] permethrin II (24.18 min)." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Figure_5_Extracted_ion_chromatogram_EIC_in_SIM_mode_of_the_target_pesticides_f2461c14f4.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2080" height="835"></p><h5><strong>Application of the Proposed Procedure to Real Samples</strong></h5><p>In a 50 mL Falcon tube, 2.0 g of sample was weighed using an analytical balance (AUX320, Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan). A total of 2.0 g of salt (NaCl and Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> in a 1:1 w/w ratio) was added, followed by an aliquot of the atrazine-<i>d</i><sub>5</sub> solution (surrogate standard) to yield a final concentration of 250 μg kg<sup>–1</sup>. A mixture of acetonitrile (8.0 mL) and ultrapure water (2.0 mL) was then added. The system was vortexed (K40-10208, Kasvi, São Paulo, Brazil) for 3.0 min at 2500 rpm and centrifuged (MPW-351R, MPW Med. Instruments, Warsaw, Poland) for 10.0 min at 15 °C and 10,000 rpm. After phase separation, approximately 6.0 mL of the supernatant was transferred to a Falcon tube containing 150.0 mg of PSA sorbent. The mixture was vortexed again for 3.0 min at 2500 rpm and centrifuged for an additional 10.0 min under the same conditions. The tubes were then placed in the freezer for 24 h. Once the aqueous phase had frozen, the organic extract containing the analytes was collected, filtered through a Cytiva Whatman MiniUniprep G2 vial with a 0.20 μm membrane filter (Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA), and injected into the GC–MS system (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#fig6">Figure 6</a>).</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Figure_6_Schematic_representation_of_the_extraction_procedure_using_the_Qu_E_Ch_ERS_LTP_procedure_for_pesticide_extraction_in_cocoa_powder_samples_ed58549bcf.jpg" alt="ACS Omega 2025, 10, 51, 63464–63473: Figure 6. Schematic representation of the extraction procedure using the QuEChERS–LTP procedure for pesticide extraction in cocoa powder samples." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Figure_6_Schematic_representation_of_the_extraction_procedure_using_the_Qu_E_Ch_ERS_LTP_procedure_for_pesticide_extraction_in_cocoa_powder_samples_ed58549bcf.jpg 223w," sizes="100vw" width="1458" height="1022"></p><h4><strong>Results and Discussion</strong></h4><h5><strong>Evaluation of the Effect of Low and Ultralow Temperatures on the Analytical Response</strong></h5><p>Studies reporting the use of LTP generally employ a conventional freezer, which typically reaches −18 ± 2 °C as the minimum temperature. In this equipment, effective phase separation can require 8 to 24 h. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(35−37)</a> In contrast, ultralow temperature freezers (ultrafreezers) can reach −80 °C, leading to a substantial reduction in partitioning time. In this study, tests performed with the conventional freezer achieved satisfactory partitioning after 24 h, whereas in the ultrafreezer, complete partitioning was observed in only 20 min.</p><p>Considering the analytical response in terms of peak area (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#fig3">Figure 3</a>), higher signals were obtained when LTP was performed in a conventional freezer rather than an ultrafreezer. This behavior can be attributed to the partitioning mechanism. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(32)</a> Partitioning depends on cooling and the subsequent freezing of the aqueous phase. In the conventional freezer, the slower freezing rate provides sufficient time for the system to approach thermodynamic equilibrium, favoring analyte diffusion between phases. Under these conditions, analyte molecules have more time to migrate and distribute optimally before complete solidification. In contrast, the rapid freezing in the ultrafreezer may trap analytes in a nonideal distribution, reducing the efficiency of the partitioning process <a href="javascript:void(0);">(32)</a> (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#fig3">Figure 3</a>). According to these observations, the conventional freezer was selected for subsequent experiments.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Figure_3_Comparison_of_chromatographic_peak_areas_of_pesticides_after_partitioning_in_the_conventional_freezer_versus_the_ultrafreezer_9598bcfec3.jpg" alt="ACS Omega 2025, 10, 51, 63464–63473: Figure 3. Comparison of chromatographic peak areas of pesticides after partitioning in the conventional freezer versus the ultrafreezer." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Figure_3_Comparison_of_chromatographic_peak_areas_of_pesticides_after_partitioning_in_the_conventional_freezer_versus_the_ultrafreezer_9598bcfec3.jpg 175w," sizes="100vw" width="996" height="891"></p><h5><strong>Application to Real Samples</strong></h5><p>Fifteen samples were analyzed in triplicate, comprising two from the State of Pará and 12 from the State of Bahia, located in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, respectively. Among the 15 pesticides investigated, only permethrin isomers were quantified in four samples (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#tbl3">Table 3</a>). The herbicide molinate was also detected in three samples; however, its concentration was below LOQ. Permethrin isomers concentrations ranged from 17.1 ± 0.3 to 49.6 ± 1.8 μg kg<sup>–1</sup>. These values are below the MRL established by European Union regulation, which is 100 μg kg<sup>–1</sup>. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(42)</a> Although permethrin is not permitted in the European Union, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(42)</a> it remains authorized for use as insecticide in Brazil, particularly in crops such as cotton, rice, coffee, citrus, cabbage, beans, tobacco, maize, soybean, tomato, wheat, and grape. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a> However, no MRL values have been established for cocoa beans under Brazilian legislation. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#tbl3">Table 3</a> shows the concentration of detected compounds in the cocoa samples.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Table_3_Mean_Concentrations_mg_kg_1_Standard_Deviation_of_Target_Pesticides_Detected_in_This_Study_2427955699.jpg" alt="ACS Omega 2025, 10, 51, 63464–63473: Table 3. Mean Concentrations (μg kg–1 ± Standard Deviation) of Target Pesticides Detected in This Study" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Table_3_Mean_Concentrations_mg_kg_1_Standard_Deviation_of_Target_Pesticides_Detected_in_This_Study_2427955699.jpg 196w," sizes="100vw" width="1070" height="851"></p><p>To assess method performance for pesticides not detected in the cocoa samples, one of the analyzed samples was fortified with a mixed standard solution at concentrations of 50, 250, and 500 μg kg<sup>–1</sup>. The fortified analytes were subsequently detected in the chromatograms presented in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360/suppl_file/ao5c10360_si_001.pdf">Figures S2–S4</a>, indicating good response of the proposed method.</p><h4><strong>Conclusions</strong></h4><p>The QuEChERS–LTP procedure was successfully developed for the determination of 16 multiclass pesticide residues in cocoa beans. For the first time, ultralow temperature (−80 °C) was applied to accelerate the low-temperature partitioning process during pesticide extraction from cocoa beans. Nevertheless, conventional freezing at −12 °C proved to be more effective for the extraction of the target analytes.</p><p>Evaluation of the matrix effect demonstrated that matrix-matched analytical curves, constructed in an analyte-free cocoa bean extract, were more effective in compensating for matrix interferences than the use of analyte protectants.</p><p>The pyrethroid permethrin was quantified in four cocoa samples. However, the concentrations did not exceed the MRL established by European Union legislation.</p><p>Overall, the QuEChERS–LTP procedure proved to be a promising approach for pesticide residue determination, as it requires smaller volumes of solvents and reagents, involves fewer cleanup and extraction steps, and shows strong potential for application to other complex matrices.</p>

QuEChERS Combined with Low-Temperature Partitioning and GC–MS as an Analytical Strategy for the Determination of Multiclass Pesticide Residues in Cocoa Beans

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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. 

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<ul>
<li><strong>Listen to speakers and GC/Q-TOF users from the comfort of your home or office</strong></li>
<li><strong>Ask each speaker questions in the real-time Q&amp;A session following each broadcast</strong></li>
<li><strong>Virtually meet, chat, and exchange ideas with all participants, as well as with speakers</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>We look forward to seeing you at the virtual event.</p>
<h3><strong>Agenda</strong></h3>
<h5><strong>09:50 - 10:00 Welcome</strong></h5>
<h5><strong>10:00 - 10:30 GC/Q-TOF application in clinical metabolomics studies</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Simon Maria Kienle, Steno Diabetes Center</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>10:30 - 11:00 Evaluation of GC/Q-TOF in metabolic flux analyses: determination of 13C incorporation in intracellular metabolites of prostate cancer cell lines incubated in the presence of 13C-labelled substrates</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Pablo Rodriguez Gonzalez, University of Oviedo</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>11:00 - 11:30 Various applications of GC-EI-qTOF-MS in the field of metabolomics, lipidomics and environment</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Oliver J. Schmitz, University of Duisburg-Essen</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>11:30 - 12:00 Unveiling Generational Allergies: Metabolomic Insights into Gut Microbiota Using GC/Q-TOF-MS</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Fernanda Rey-Stolle, CEU San Pablo University</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>12:00 - 12:30 Updated and partially automated GC/Q-TOF screening for routine anti doping control analysis</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Wim Van Gansbeke, University of Gent</li>
</ul>
<h5>12:30 - 02:00 Break</h5>
<h5><strong>02:00 - 02:30 GC-MS in high resolution mode for analysis of the volatile profile of virgin olive oil</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Feliciano Priego Capote, University of Cordoba</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>02:30 - 03:00 Advancing MOSH/MOAH analysis by GC×GC-FID/Q-TOF</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Daniela Peroni, SRA Instruments</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>03:00 - 03:30 Applications of Thermal Desorption GC/Q-TOF in Pharmaceutical Analysis</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Yudong Wang, Astra Zeneca</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>03:30 - 04:00 SureMass as an advanced tool for data processing in discovery metabolomics</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Sandrien Desmet, VIB Metabolomics Core Gent</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>04:00 - 04:30 A Risk-Based Approach to Monitoring/Screening for Contaminants and the Benefits of the Masshunter Screener Workflow in Combination with GC-/Q-TOF Acquired Accurate Mass Data.</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Bryan White, Agilent Technologies</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>04:30 - 05:00 Accurate Mass Library for PFAS Analysis in Environmental Samples Using High Resolution GC/Q-TOF</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Sofia Nieto, Agilent Technologies</li>
</ul>


Agilent Technologies: 2023 GC/Q-TOF Virtual User Meeting

2023 GC/Q-TOF Virtual User Meeting

Q&A about low-cost, robust, and easy-to-maintain GC/Q-TOF instruments from Agilent.

<p><strong>In the first half of this webinar Hannah Calder will share how Markes’ thermal desorption (TD) equipment coupled to Agilent’s GC-MS systems can be used for PFAS analysis from air and materials.</strong></p>
<p>The presentation will examine how labs can take existing methodologies for air monitoring and materials testing to expand them to enable the analysis of new environmental contaminants – in this case PFAS. Analysis of PFAS in air and from materials is rapidly gaining<br/>momentum with multiple standard methods for monitoring of gas phase species using GC-MS in development globally to complement LC methods already in place.</p>
<p>In the second half of this webinar Markes’ Aaron Davies will discuss how labs can benefit from changing their pool of instruments across to hydrogen carrier gas. The example of US EPA method TO-15 will be used to highlight how the change to hydrogen and using HydroInert — an optimized source for hydrogen carrier gas — enables equivalent performance, a quicker turnaround time for sample analysis, and a significant cost saving. Both Markes Multi-Gas enabled TD instruments and Agilent GC/MS systems are certified safe for use with hydrogen carrier gas. When coupled with the new HydroInert source, mass spectral fidelity is retained and users can continue using existing helium based mass spectral libraries and quantitative methods.</p>
<p>By attending this presentation you will learn about:</p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Methods for monitoring volatile PFAS in air and from materials using thermal desorption-GC-MS</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>How incorporating an optimized hydrogen source can help spectral quality and chromatographic performance, and how to save money by switching to hydrogen carrier gas</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Who should attend:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Researchers interested in monitoring of organic compounds</p>
</li>
<li><p>Laboratory and project managers specialising in air samples</p>
</li>
<li><p>GC/MS scientists, analysts, and lab technicians</p>
</li>
<li><p>Environmental consultants</p>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Hannah Calder (Environmental Air Market Development Manager, Markes International)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Hannah Calder is Markes International’s Environmental Air Market Development Manager, specializing in the application of thermal desorption in environmental air monitoring. Hannah joined Markes International’s global team of technical experts in 2013 following her Masters degree in Chemistry obtained from Cardiff University. Hannah is active in the development of analytical standards for air monitoring internationally through ASTM and CEN. She has a comprehensive knowledge on the use of thermal desorption as an analytical tool for air analysis and has recently worked on projects for monitoring ozone depleting substances, ozone precursors, air toxics, and PFAS.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Aaron Davies (Commercial Marketing Manager for Thermal Desorption, Markes International)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Aaron Davies is the Commercial Marketing Manager for thermal desorption at Markes International. After graduating from Cardiff and Monash Universities with a PhD in Chemistry, Aaron has worked in industry as a Process and Product Development Chemist, GC GC/MS Product Specialist before finally focusing on his passion for thermal desorption. In his role, Aaron assists customers and partners on the effective use of thermal desorption for simplifying sample preparation and the benefits of using alternative carrier gases (such as hydrogen and nitrogen) to helium.</p>
</blockquote>


LabRulez/AI: Latest advances in GC/MS air analysis workflows: from PFAS to utilizing hydrogen carrier gas

Latest advances in GC/MS air analysis workflows: from PFAS to utilizing hydrogen carrier gas

How Markes’ thermal desorption (TD) equipment coupled to Agilent’s GC-MS systems can be used for PFAS analysis from air and materials.

Latest advances in GC/MS air analysis workflows

<p><strong>Following up from our very successful previous sessions, we are delighted to offer another panel discussion in the ever popular “Ask the Agilent Experts” series.</strong></p>
<p>Have you ever had a question about your GC/GCMS analysis and thought, “I have no idea what to do,” or that since the question seemed so simple, everyone must already know the answer and &quot;Am I the only one who doesn’t know what to do?” We can assure you that you are not alone. </p>
<p>If you have a question, we can guarantee that you are not the first nor the last person to ask the question. Sometimes the simplest of questions can have the most complex answers. A question about the leaks on your mass spectrometer can lead to a discussion about selecting the proper filaments. A question about troubleshooting a bad injection can lead to a conversation about syringes, plungers, and even vial septa. There’s no such thing as an easy answer because the answer always &#39;depends&#39; on many different factors. </p>
<p>We will discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about GC and GCMS that we have received, which may seem like simple questions, but they have anything but simple answers as well as new questions that we hope you will submit to us in advance with experts from Agilent as well as from the field.</p>
<p>By attending this presentation you will learn about:</p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Best practices with GC and GC/MS systems – from troubleshooting injections to how leaks can affect your mass spectrometer and why there is not always an easy answer to most GC(MS) questions</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Why different consumables are used for different applications - listen to Agilent scientists discuss the complexities of the most frequently asked questions they receive</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>What backflush is and how to set it up</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Vanessa Abercrombie (MFS, GC Applications Chemist, Agilent Technologies)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Vanessa has a broad background in GC and GC/MS, including experience as an instrument chemist at Bode Technology in Virginia working under contract to the FBI’s Laboratory Division. Prior to that, Vanessa worked for ETS Labs in St. Helena, California as an Analytical Chemist where she researched and developed quantitative separations by GC/MS and UHPLC for beer, wine, and spirits. She holds a Masters of Forensic Science from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Sonoma State University.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Samuel Haddad (Ph.D., Application Development Chemist, Agilent Technologies)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Samuel Haddad is a GC Application Development Chemist at Agilent Technologies in Wilmington, Delaware. Samuel specializes in GC and GCMS applications of trace analysis in environmental and heavy matrix samples. His specialty includes sample preparation techniques to separate analytes from matrix components and extraction from a wide variety of matrix including water, fish, aquatic life, soil, and complex fluids. Samuel holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Baylor University and a B.S in Biology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Diane Turner (Director &amp; Senior Consultant, Anthias Consulting Ltd)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>A Warwick University graduate, Diane completed her masters in Analytical Chemistry and started her career in environmental chemistry, later gaining significant experience as an Applications Chemist. Diane’s area of research through her PhD studies at The Open University was disease diagnosis. She has developed methods and given support and training for companies in most industries around the world for more than 20 years. Diane holds voluntary roles with The Royal Society of Chemistry and other scientific organizations.</p>
</blockquote>


LabRulez/AI: Ask the Agilent Experts - Part 5: GC and GC/MS Scientists Discuss & Answer Your Most Frequently Questions

Ask the Agilent Experts - Part 5: GC and GC/MS Scientists Discuss & Answer Your Most Frequently Questions

Best practices with GC and GC/MS systems. Why different consumables are used for different applications. What backflush is and how to set it up...

GC and GC/MS Scientists Discuss & Answer Your Questions

<p><strong>Comparing MS spectra to libraries of reference spectra is one of the most widely used and successful methodologies in the identification of unknown mass spectra. Using this approach, access to an expansive, quality dataset is critical to achieving reliable results.</strong></p>
<p>In this session we will introduce the latest release of the Wiley Registry® / NIST Mass Spectral Library 2023, which combines the power of two trusted MS spectral libraries to provide comprehensive compound coverage and ensure identification across multiple use cases and a wide variety of analytes.</p>
<p>In this session, we will also demonstrate through a series of live examples how this library can be used to successfully identify unknown spectra.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dr. Nadia Laschuk</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Dr. Nadia Laschuk is a Product Manager for Wiley Science Solutions, for which she manages new products and databases while supporting existing KnowItAll capabilities. Nadia previously completed her PhD in Materials Science from Ontario Tech University, where she performed research applying a wide array of instrumental techniques to analyze metal-organic coordination compounds. Nadia has since pursued cheminformatics and software, joining Wiley in 2022.</p>
</blockquote>


Wiley: Increase the Likelihood of MS Identification with the Wiley Registry / NIST Library

Increase the Likelihood of MS Identification with the Wiley Registry / NIST Library

The latest release of the Wiley Registry® / NIST Mass Spectral Library 2023, which combines the power of two trusted MS spectral libraries.

MS Identification with the Wiley Registry / NIST Library

<p><strong>Two years have passed since we hosted our first microplastics symposium.</strong></p>
<p>Since then, the microplastic landscape has witnessed significant developments—the impending release of the first ISO standard and ongoing advancements in SOPs. We are pleased that we can bring you together with experts in our field.</p>
<p>This digital conference aims to explore various crucial topics related to the analysis of microplastics, covering areas such as sampling, sample preparation, analysis, and evaluation.</p>
<h3><strong>Highlights – Why you should attend</strong></h3>
<h5><strong>Stay updated on microplastic analysis</strong></h5>
<p>Gain insight into the latest advancements and challenges in microplastic analysis. This seminar covers essential aspects such as sampling, sample preparation, and analysis techniques like spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and chromatography (pyr/TED-GC/MS). </p>
<h5><strong>Explore diverse applications</strong></h5>
<p>Discover the wide range of applications beyond microplastic analysis that can be addressed with a QCL-based IR imaging system like the LDIR 8700. Get an overview of its potential in areas such as materials, bio, and pharmaceuticals.</p>
<h5><strong>Take part in a live demo</strong></h5>
<p>Witness a live demonstration of an automatic microplastic analysis workflow. Experience firsthand how these techniques and technologies come together to address real-world challenges. Engage with Agilent experts who will answer any questions you may have.</p>
<h5><strong>Showcase your expertise</strong></h5>
<p>Actively participate by presenting your work and contributions in techniques like TED-GC/MS, pyr-GC/MS, and ICP-MS, which are crucial for microplastic analysis. Alternatively, highlight your knowledge of the versatile LDIR 8700 system, showcasing its applications in pharmaceuticals, material analysis, or bio sectors.</p>
<h3><strong>Agenda</strong></h3>
<h5><strong>09:00 Welcome Introduction &amp; Video of Geoff Winkett , Agilent Technologies</strong></h5>
<h5><strong>9:10 The World of Microplastics Up to Date an Overview</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Andreas Kerstan (Agilent Technologies)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>09:30 Hot news on Agilent LDIR, new developments, and future perspective</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Wesam Alwan , Darren Robey (Agilent Technologies)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>09:50 Release of Plastic Additives and Microplastic Particles from Different Consumer Products into Water under Accelerated UV Weathering Conditions</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Lars Hildebrandt (Scientist, Helmholtz Zentrum Hereon)</li>
</ul>
<p>Photodegradation of plastic products is known to accelerate weathering and the resulting release of chemical additives and particles to the environment, however these processes are complex. Here, eight different plastic consumer products were leached in double distilled water under exposure to strong ultraviolet (UV) light for ten days, and the chemical composition of the leachates was compared to their respective dark controls. The leachates and plastic particles were investigated with a wide battery of chemical analytical tools to broadly characterize the underlying processes and possible hazards. These covered (a) metal(loid) analysis, (b) microplastic analysis, (c) analysis of &gt;70 organic target analytes and (d) nontargeted screening of the extracts.</p>
<h5><strong>10:10 Identification of Polymers Using Machine Learning</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Xin Tian (Scientific Researcher, KWR NL)</li>
</ul>
<p>Microplastics and other polymers are found in the environment. For this reason, it is important to have reliable methods to identify them. Methods used to detect nano- and microplastics in the environment include Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, laser-directed infrared (LDIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)/pyrolysis. These measurement techniques can provide a lot of information, but sometimes require a database with a lot of high-quality data to compare measurement results. Machine learning (especially classification models) can help improve data processing and accuracy.</p>
<p>Recent research has looked at how machine learning can help improve the accuracy of identification with infrared spectroscopy. Different computer models were tested and examined to see if the accuracy increases and if it does not require an unreasonable amount of computing power and time. This research focused on finding an effective method for identifying polymers in the environment based on their mid-infrared spectroscopic signals.</p>
<p>Polymers are identified by infrared spectroscopy by comparing their spectra with spectra in a database/library. This works well for new polymers, which are clean and barely degraded. Since polymers from the environment are actually degraded, comparing their infrared spectra with spectra in the library is difficult. This is because the spectra in the library often have large deviations from the spectra of the measured polymers. Increasing the number of spectra in the library is not possible because the number of spectra of environmentally degraded polymers is almost infinite. The study therefore looked at whether the problem of small data sets can be addressed using machine learning. The research presents a data enrichment technique to generate spectra of degraded polymers from single spectra of a limited number of samples. Four models were tested using these spectra to identify polymers. The study shows that all the models achieve high success rates, thereby facilitating the identification of polymers from environmental samples. Moreover, the research shows that it is not necessarily the most advanced computer model (particularly deep neural network models) that yields the best results.</p>
<h5><strong>10:30 From the River to the Sea: Microplastics in Sediments of the Thames River</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Friederike Strock (Postdoc, German Federal Institute of Hydrology)</li>
</ul>
<p>Microplastics have been investigated for over 45 years especially in the marine environment, but only in the past years research has started to focus on freshwater environments. In the frame of the H2020 LABPLAS project, sediments along the course of the Thames river in its freshwater and estuarune part were studied in order to better understand the sources, transport, distribution and impacts of plastic pollution and to detect the amount of plastics transport via the rivers into the sea.</p>
<p>In the frame of the project, a winter and a summer campaign were conducted 2022 and samples taken from 6 sites within the study area. Sediment samples were taken with a Van Veen grabber from the edge of the river, wet sieved into different compartments (10 100 µm, 100 1000 µm, &gt;1000 µm), density separated and the organic matter digested. The plastics from the sediments were characterized with a Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR). The preliminary results reveal that microplastics are present in all samples. The amount of particles varies significantly between the sampling sites showing the importance of industrial emissions and cities.</p>
<h5><strong>10:50 Good Laboratory Practices to Characterize Microplastics Using Quantum-Cascade Laser Reflectance Absorbance Spectrometry</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Jose Manuel Andrade Garda (Professor Analytical Chemistry, University of A Corunna)</li>
</ul>
<p>The nowadays broad societal interest in microplastic pollution demands urgent responses and actions. For these be possible politicians must set rules which, in turn, are not possible at all without sound scientific data. Unfortunately, there is a general feeling that the experimental results obtained so far are not still fully comparable and, further, that the monitoring field where hundreds or samples are taken is not being fully considered. Scientific studies and future regulations depend critically on a reliable identification of the polymers (if any) that constitute the suspicious particles under study. Out of the various analytical techniques to characterize them a novel one based on reflectance-absorbance spectrometry, commercialized as LDIR, outstands. It uses a tuneablemid-IR quantum cascade laser (QCL) to imaging a reflective microscopy slide or a metal-coated filter in a remarkable small timeframe. This communication is meant to present best practice guides to overcome some obstacles/difficulties in routine measurements, and open a path for field monitoring; among them: the adequacy of the spectral range, the variation of the peak&#39;s intensities with the size of the particles; the speed of the analysis as a function of the instrumental setup; the criterion to identify unknown spectra (a tiered approach is finally suggested); and how to differentiate fibers and fragments semiautomatically. Also, an empirical dependence of the depth of penetration of the QCL laser in common plastic particles is approached first time.</p>
<h5><strong>11:10 Chemical Characterization of Microplastics using Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC-MS)</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo (Pull Professor of Analytical Chemistry, University of A Corunna)</li>
</ul>
<p>The implementation of monitoring programs for Microplastics requires reliable and standardisedmethods. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy techniques are the most commonly used for Microplastics analysis. However, thermal analytical techniques are currently gaining popularity. This presentation focuses on the potential of mass-based thermal analytical techniques, in particular, Pyrolysis coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), for the accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastics in environmental matrices. It outlines some advantages and good laboratory practices of this approach, the importance of method normalisation, and how it can provide detailed information on polymers and plastic additives.</p>
<h5><strong>11:20 Analysis of Fibrous Microplastics Using Laser Direct Infrared Imaging</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Monique Greiner (Research Associate, Hohenstein Laboratories)</li>
</ul>
<p>In the research field of microplastics the identification of their source is important in order to develop strategies to minimize the pollution. A major percentage of microplastics originates from textiles. One pathway into the environment are washing procedures because the textiles release fibers during the process. Therefore our aim was to find a fast and easy way to identify fibers. In our presentation we want to give insights in our approach to the analysis of fibrous microplastics with the LDIR 8700. We will talk about our strategies, the results we achieved and difficulties we faced.</p>
<h5><strong>11:40 Looking beyond the Polymer: Using Thermal Desorption GC MS to expand our understanding of Microplastics</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Jan Peter Mayser (Market Specialist, Markes International)</li>
</ul>
<p>Detecting and analysingmicroplastics in the environment is challenging. The method must be able to detect and distinguish between a large variety of polymers. Additives, such as hardeners, flame retardants and preservatives, used during the manufacturing process and other compounds, that can adhere to the surfaces of microplastics from their environment, can affect their toxicity assessment. These additives could be used to link the microplastics found in the environment to their original use or potentially even back to the manufacturer.</p>
<p>In this study, various salts were sampled and filtered and analyzed for their microplastic content. TD–GC–MS was used to identify and measure which concentration of the plastic PS, PET, PVC and Nylon 6 had been incorporated into the crystalline structure of the salt during evaporation. By using direct desorption and backflushing technology, a large sample size could be easily isolated from the lab environment during analysis while ensuring a large range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including the marker compounds for four polymers could be trapped and analyzed.</p>
<p>The VOC-profile of the microplastics not only gave information about the polymer and its concentration within the sample, but further information about the toxicity could be extracted. This enabled the determination and tentative identification of additional compounds in the samples, such as dimethyl ether, acrolein and cyclopentane. These are used in the process of manufacturing plastics, so could assist with identifying the source of the plastics. For the four analysed polymers distinct marker compounds could be identified and calibration curves determined for each polymer. In all of the real-world salt samples microplastics were identified, highlighting the ubiquitous nature of the microplastic contamination.</p>
<p>This further information about the origin of the polymer, as well as the origin of the microplastic particles can be gathered by investigating the full VOC-profile obtained by TD-GC-MS. This allows both additional polymer information and particle source characterization.</p>
<h5><strong>12:00 Tiny Problems</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Roxana Sühring (Assistant Professor in Analytical Environmental Chemistry, Toronto Metropolitan University)</li>
</ul>
<p>Microplastics have been on the front page of newspapers, a dominant topic for environmental research (and funding), and a recent focus for regulatory action across the globe. Their potential impacts have been classed as a planetary boundary threat and new studies are published daily, reporting microplastics virtually anywhere on the planet. But despite numerous publications, there are still a lot of open questions on how to effectively and reproducibly characterize microplastics. How can microplastic characterization be automized? What is the impact of additives or weathering on the characterization accuracy?</p>
<p>In this presentation I will provide an overview and the first results of a research collaboration between Agilent technologies and the Emerging contaminants lab at Toronto Metropolitan University that works on addressing some of these questions. Our research aims to create a versatile microplastic library using weathered and new plastics commonly found in the environment. This library will additionally be used as a training set for developing automated particle characterization for the LDIR.</p>
<h5><strong>12:20 Identification of Microplastic Particles in Soil Using LDIR</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Martine Graf, PhD (Student &amp; Senior Technician, Bangor University)</li>
</ul>
<p>The use of agricultural plastic has become increasingly concerning in an environmental setting in recent years; in Europe alone, an estimated 2.5 million tones of plastic mulch films are used each year. The use of mulch films for crop production has been promoted by governments worldwide due to its many benefits, however the removal of these films from the soil can be difficult due to their poor mechanical strength and fragmentation, and barriers such as poor incentives for farmers and underdeveloped infrastructure for collection and disposal. The latter often leading to the films being discarded or incinerated along field margins, or ploughed back into the fields, leading to an accumulation of plastic legacy in soil. To evaluate the microplastic pollution levels in agricultural soils, we are i ) conducting a global soil survey in all partner countries; ii) assessing the degradation and fragmentation of conventional and biodegradable plastic mulch films in soil, and measuring the resulting microplastic production rate; and iii) measure the degradation and movement of microplastic in soil after repeated application. Microplastics are extracted from soil using targeted methods for different polymer types, and analysed using fluorescent microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and LDIR spectroscopy.</p>
<h5><strong>12:40 Wrap up and open discussion</strong></h5>


Agilent Technologies: Agilent Microplastics Virtual Symposium 2023

Agilent Microplastics Virtual Symposium 2023

Explore various crucial topics related to the analysis of microplastics, covering areas such as sampling, sample preparation, analysis, and evaluation.

<p><strong>Non-alcoholic (NA) and low alcoholic beers (LABs) are growing in demand worldwide. However, dealcoholization or arrested fermentation leads to changes in the overall aroma and flavor profiles compared to full strength (FS) beer analogues.</strong></p>
<p>This webinar Dr. Tiffany Crawford, Kalsec Inc., Megan Harper, GERSTEL, Inc., and Matt Curtis, Agilent will discuss a semi-targeted method developed using DHS-GC-MS technology that allows for the improvement of NA beer flavor through the addition of specialized hops products. They will also examine the use of GC-MS-O technology to determine the source of off-odors in a plant extract matrix. A brief overview of the GERSTEL dynamic headspace (DHS), Thermal Desorption Unit (TDU), and olfactory detection port (ODP) systems will be highlighted in order to understand their contributions to this work. The Agilent 7250 GC/QToF functionality will also be reviewed, along with the software tools e.g. SureMass feature-finding and MassProfiler Professional.</p>
<p>Key learning objectives</p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Understand the analytical challenges in the determination of off-flavors and off-odors in complex matrices</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Discover how a combination of GERSTEL and Agilent instrumentation and software can improve analysis for food and beverage applications</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Explore how analytical techniques can be used to identify and solve sensory issues in food products</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Who should attend?</p>
<ul>
<li>Chemists and lab managers from contract testing labs and the food and beverage industry</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dr. Tiffany Crawford (Lead Scientist 1: Hops, Kalsec Inc.)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Dr. Tiffany Crawford works for Kalsec Inc. as a lead scientist in the hops business unit. In her role, she develops methods using GC-MS and LC-MS technology for the detection of small molecules of interest in different food matrices. She holds a Ph.D in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Megan Harper (Applications Scientist I, GERSTEL, Inc.)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Megan Harper works for GERSTEL, Inc. as an Applications Scientist. In her role, she applies her knowledge of GC-MS and sample extraction and introduction techniques to help solve complex problems for customers across the USA.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Matt Curtis (GCMS Application Scientist, Agilent)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Matt Curtis joined Agilent in 2013 as a GC/MS applications scientist in the Santa Clara, CA Center of Excellence. His primary responsibility is providing instrument demonstrations for customer interested in each technology Agilent offers: the GC/MS single quadrupole, triple quadrupole and the quadrupole Time-of-Flight. The variety of different samples submitted to the demo lab provides a unique knowledge of optimizing parameters for different applications to provide the best quality data from the instrument.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Ellen Simms (Editorial Team, SelectScience)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Ellen studied biological sciences at the University of the West of England, UK, before completing a master&#39;s in epidemiology from the University of Bristol. As a member of the Editorial team, she now plays an integral role in shaping the content on SelectScience.</p>
</blockquote>


SelectScience: GC-MS solutions for sensory analysis in non-alcoholic beers

GC-MS solutions for sensory analysis in non-alcoholic beers

Semi-targeted method developed using DHS-GC-MS technology that allows for the improvement of NA beer flavor through the addition of specialized hops products.

<p><strong>Discover the cutting-edge workflow for the analysis of Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons (MOSH) and Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) using GC×GC-TOFMS/FID.</strong></p>
<p>Join our exclusive webinar where we will delve into the exciting advancements in analytical technology that are revolutionizing the way we identify and characterize these crucial components.</p>
<p>What To Expect:</p>
<h4>GC×GC-TOFMS: Unraveling The Mysteries Of MOH</h4>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Learn how to set up a robust classification method using GC×GC-TOFMS and the MOH-mix, enabling precise and reliable analysis</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Witness the power of the classification method as we apply it to real samples, gaining valuable insights into various matrices</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Explore the market substances in mineral oils and understand how they aid in verifying and characterizing the contamination source</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Unravel the complexity of the MOAH fraction as we demonstrate the separation and identification of different ring systems, as discussed in the “Draft opinion update risk assessment of MOH in food for public consultation” by the European Food Safety Authority</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Figure_1_Schematic_view_of_the_GC_GC_TOFMS_FID_instrument_setup_b6949cc782/LECO-Figure-1-Schematic-view-of-the-GCGC-TOFMS-FID-instrument-setup.jpg" alt="LECO: Obrázek 1: Schematic view of the GC×GC-TOFMS-FID instrument setup"/></p>
<h4>GC×GC-FID: Expanding Possibilities For Mineral Oil Analysis</h4>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Discover the seamless hardware setup for aligning GC×GC-TOFMS and GC×GC-FID signals, combining the strengths of both technologies</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Explore our state-of-the-art software tool for quantifying MOSH and MOAH fraction with GC×GC-FID, which can be implemented for accurate verification of SCoPAFF values</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Dive into the capabilities of our innovative software tool for quantifying different ring systems within the MOAH fraction, enhancing the depth of your analysis</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Figure_2_GC_GC_contour_plot_of_LECO_s_MOH_mix_which_is_used_to_setup_the_classification_method_within_the_Chroma_TOF_software_44db161d98/LECO-Figure-2-GCGC-contour-plot-of-LECO's-MOH-mix-which-is-used-to-setup-the-classification-method-within-the-ChromaTOF(r)-software.jpg" alt="LECO: Obrázek 2: GC×GC contour plot of LECO’s MOH mix which is used to setup the classification method within the ChromaTOF® software"/></p>
<p>Why Attend:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>This webinar is a must-attend for scientists, researchers, and professionals in the field of analytical chemistry and food safety. Gain a deeper understanding of the latest techniques and technologies used in MOSH/MOAH analysis, equipping you with the knowledge to elevate your research and ensure compliance with industry standards.</strong></li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p> <strong>Presenter:</strong> Sebastiano Panto (LECO Europe B.V., Head of Separation Science Applications Europe)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Stefan Vinnenberg (LECO Instrumente GmbH, Account Manager DACH &amp; BeNeLux – Separation Science)</p>
</blockquote>


LECO: Unlock the Power of GC×GC-TOFMS/FID – MOSH/MOAH

Unlock the Power of GC×GC-TOFMS/FID – MOSH/MOAH

Exciting advancements in analytical technology that are revolutionizing the way we identify and characterize these crucial components.

<p><strong>Thermal desorption and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) is a well-established and proven analytical method for materials characterization.</strong></p>
<p>In combination with GC-MS, thermal desorption is used to identify additives and contaminants, and pyrolysis is a key tool for identifying involatile materials such as polymers, lacquers, paints, adhesives, plastics, and synthetic fibers.</p>
<p>This webinar will explain the basics of Py-GC-MS and how it can be applied to applications such as quality control, troubleshooting, and deformulation using applications of the Frontier Lab micro-furnace Multi-Shot Pyrolyzer combined with JEOL single quadrupole and high-resolution time-of-flight GC-MS systems</p>
<p>Attendees of this webinar will learn:</p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>How pyrolysis GC-MS is used to identify polymers, additives, and contaminants.</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>how hard and soft ionization methods provide complementary information.</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>about software tools and interpretation libraries for analysis</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Rojin Belganeh</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Rojin Belganeh is the Technical Director at Frontier Laboratories Americas. As a former user of Frontier products with more than ten years of experience in analytical instrumentation, Rojin is passionate about creating awareness about Frontier technology and providing technical support to users. Rojin graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She started her profession as an analytical chemist working with various analytical instruments, such as Pyrolysis GCMS, TGA, FTIR, and X-Rays for material characterization, polymer identification, and contamination analysis. She also holds an MBA degree concentrating in strategic marketing.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Robert “Chip” Cody</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Chip Cody has worked at JEOL USA, Inc. in Peabody, MA for the past 34 years and is currently Principal Scientist. Dr. Cody is responsible for developing the trapped-ion tandem-in-time MS/MS and MSn techniques, laser-desorption in a trapped ion mass spectrometer, Electron Impact Excitation of Ions from Organics (EIEIO), and is a coinventor of the DART ion source.  He has consulted with NASA on the Mars 2020 Rover project, served as Vice-President for Arrangements for the American Society of Mass Spectrometry (ASMS), was awarded the 2011 Anachem Award and a 2012 Purdue University Distinguished Alumni Award, and is currently on the Editorial Board for the ASMS journal and a member of the ASMS History Committee.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Bryan Katzenmeyer</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Bryan Katzenmeyer has over 15 years of experience specializing in mass spectrometry and separation techniques for characterizing materials, polymers, monomers, and small molecules. He obtained his Ph.D. in polymer/analytical chemistry at The University of Akron under Distinguished Professor Chrys Wesdemiotis and his M.S. and B.S. in chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Penn State, respectively. Bryan joined JEOL USA, Inc. in 2023, where he currently manages business development for mass spectrometry with an emphasis on the polymer and chemical industrial markets.</p>
</blockquote>


JEOL - Thermal Desorption and Pyrolysis-GC-MS for Deformulation and Material Characterization

Thermal Desorption and Pyrolysis-GC-MS for Deformulation and Material Characterization

Basics of Py-GC-MS and how it can be applied to applications such as quality control, troubleshooting, and deformulation.

Thermal Desorption and Pyrolysis-GC-MS for Deformulation

<p><strong>Join us in this live webinar, as our speakers take you on a virtual tour to our laboratories in Germany and Italy.</strong></p>
<p>There is a myriad of analytical challenges when performing analysis with GC-MS and one of the first is configuring the correct GC instrumentation for the application at hand. You will get to learn the key aspects of selecting the right GC instrumentation for your application, the benefits of GC-MS, advantages of moving to GC-MS/MS as well as what high resolution Orbitrap GC-MS can offer. Theory and real-world data examples will be given to highlight the benefits and limitations of each technique. Analysis of pesticides, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and PFAS will also be covered during this interactive session.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Daniel Kutscher (Application Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>After graduation in Chemistry in 2007, Daniel obtained his PhD from the University of Oviedo in 2011. In the same year he joined Thermo Fisher Scientific and has had different roles in application development and marketing. Currently, he manages the Application Development for trace elemental analysis and GC/GC-MS products.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dr. Nicholas Warner (Product Applications Specialist GC-MS, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Nicholas is a product specialist with a strong scientific background in GC and GC-MS applications. Originally from Canada, he has worked as an environmental researcher for 14 years within Norway before moving to join the Thermo Fisher Scientific team in Bremen, Germany in 2021. With a background in Environmental/Analytical chemistry, he is a specialist in the analysis of emerging harmful substances in the environment using gas chromatography mass spectrometry and high-resolution mass spectrometry.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Giulia Riccardino (Senior Product Applications Specialist GC-MS, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Giulia Riccardino is a senior applications specialist for the GC-GC/MS business unit. Before joining Thermo Fisher Scientific, she worked for more than 10 years as a biologist in a clinical and toxicology lab where she had an extensive experience with both gas and liquid chromatography. She started at Thermo Fisher Scientific as a product specialist for GC standalone and autosamplers and then joined the applications specialist team. Giulia holds a degree in Biology from the University of Milan with a further Specialization in Clinical Biochemistry.</p>
</blockquote>


GCMS webinars focusing on GC/MS - page 24

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