If you have been following my <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://concentratingonchromatography.com/">Concentrating on Chromatography podcast</a>, you know that I am constantly searching for the cutting edge of separation science. After years of interviewing the brightest minds in the field, it has become clear to me that the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/companies/218">Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop (MDCW)</a> is undeniably the best up-and-coming event in our industry.While I was unfortunately traveling in Asia during the most recent session, I was able to catch every detail thanks to the incredible work of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/companies/1">LabRulez</a>. A huge thank you to Ivo Novotný and the LabRulez team for providing <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg-M6fM-05MrGrDggkl_UKzzcHPWPmssh">Open Access video presentations</a> of the event. Their <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/">portal </a>is an invaluable resource for anyone who needs to find technical information quickly and efficiently.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Organomation_MDCW_The_Premier_Up_and_Coming_Event_in_Chromatography_2_65b378bf01.jpg" alt="Organomation: MDCW: The Premier Up-and-Coming Event in Chromatography" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Organomation_MDCW_The_Premier_Up_and_Coming_Event_in_Chromatography_2_65b378bf01.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1044" height="455"><h3>The Minds Behind the Magic</h3>I have had the privilege of featuring the core organizers of MDCW on my podcast, including <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/articles?search=Katelynn+Perrault+Uptmor">Katelynn Perrault Uptmor</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/articles?search=Dwight+Stoll">Dwight Stoll</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/articles?search=Petr+Vozka">Petr Vozka</a>. Their dedication to creating a space where forensic chemistry, environmental analysis, and metabolomics intersect is what makes this workshop so unique. The event is a perfect showcase for how multidimensional techniques—like GC×GC and 2D-LC—are essential for tackling the world's most complex samples.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Organomation_MDCW_The_Premier_Up_and_Coming_Event_in_Chromatography_265c9ec21e.jpg" alt="Organomation: MDCW: The Premier Up-and-Coming Event in Chromatography" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Organomation_MDCW_The_Premier_Up_and_Coming_Event_in_Chromatography_265c9ec21e.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="792" height="230"><h3>Where Sample Prep Meets High-Resolution Analysis</h3>As we often discuss at Organomation, even the most advanced chromatographic systems depend on meticulous sample preparation. Two presentations highlighted in the LabRulez playlist perfectly illustrate the critical role of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/what-is-solvent-evaporation">solvent evaporation</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/what-is-sample-concentration">sample concentration</a>.<h3>Chemical Fingerprints: Emma Macturk’s Quest for Hidden Data</h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W5197sp6IY">Emma Macturk</a>, working in Dr. Katelynn Perrault Uptmor’s lab, is redefining how we look at one of the oldest forms of forensic evidence: the fingerprint. While traditional forensics relies on the physical patterns of ridges and whorls, these are often incomplete or smudged in real-world scenarios. Emma’s research shifts the focus to the chemical residue left behind, which can provide vital "class characteristics" like the biological sex and relative age of a suspect.Her optimized workflow is a masterclass in handling complex biological matrices. Using a cotton swab to extract residue from surfaces, the samples are centrifuged and then "<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/article/5392">blown down</a>" (a critical concentration step for any trace analysis) before <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/what-is-reconstitution">being reconstituted for GC×GC-TOFMS</a>.What makes her work truly fascinating—and highly relevant for our readers at Organomation—is the discovery of anthropogenic compounds. Emma identified UVB blockers like octocrylene and various moisturizers hidden within the natural sterols and fatty acids of the skin. The power of multidimensional chromatography allows forensic scientists to resolve these external "lifestyle" markers from endogenous skin compounds, potentially providing a much more detailed profile of a suspect than a physical print ever could.<h3>The "Green" Revolution: Grace Saunders and the Future of Ballistics</h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClD4fjZMNtA">Grace Saunders</a> addressed a looming crisis in forensic ballistics: the shift toward "green ammunition." For decades, the gold standard for detecting gunshot residue (GSR) has been SEM-EDS, which looks for heavy metals like lead, barium, and antimony. However, modern environmental and health standards are leading manufacturers to omit these metals. This means that traditional standards are failing to identify GSR in cases involving green rounds.Grace’s research proposes a dual-pronged approach, using GC×GC to target Organic Gunshot Residue (OGSR). Her liquid extraction protocol is meticulous: samples are extracted in methanol, "<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/what-is-evaporation-to-dryness">evaporated to dryness under nitrogen</a>," and then reconstituted. This ensures that volatile and semi-volatile nitroaromatic compounds, such as nitroglycerin and diphenylamine, are concentrated enough for detection.By optimizing parameters like the modulation period (2.5 seconds) and switching to hydrogen carrier gas, Grace was able to resolve these critical markers from the complex background "noise" of human skin. Her work isn't just about better chemistry; it’s about legal survival. As she noted, forensic methods must meet Federal Rule 702 for admissibility in court. Without the organic profiling Grace is developing, evidence from a "green" firearm discharge might never make it past a judge.<h3>The Future of Chromatography</h3>The workshop also featured brilliant presenters like <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJm_JwHbArE">Ryland Giebelhaus</a>, whose work on the metabolomics of cannabis exposure during pregnancy shows the real-world impact of these technologies.The MDCW isn't just another conference; it is a community-driven powerhouse that bridges the gap between proof-of-concept and field-ready applications. Whether you are looking for advanced data reduction strategies or the latest in high-resolution mass spectrometry, this is the event to watch.<blockquote>If you missed it this year like I did, I highly recommend visiting the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?search=MDCW">LabRulez portal</a> to see the full breadth of research presented!</blockquote>

MDCW: The Premier Up-and-Coming Event in Chromatography

🎤Alex BrodyIn this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, we sit down with Alex Brody, an organic chemist at Aqua America, to discuss the rigorous analytical methods required for regulated drinking water testing.Alex walks us through the multi-step PFAS detection process using EPA Method 537.1, including extraction, nitrogen blowdown concentration, and LC-MS analysis. He explains why sample preparation and quality control are critical for achieving trace-level detection—and why these methods can't be rushed or simplified, even with new technologies available.We also explore taste and odor investigations, disinfection byproducts, and volatile organic compounds, plus the surprising reality of why regulated labs move slowly when adopting new instrumentation. You'll learn about the quality control checkpoints, peer review processes, and the misconceptions surrounding analytical turnaround times in compliance labs.<h5>Topics Covered:</h5><ul><li>Role of organic chemistry in regulated drinking water labs</li><li>EPA compliance requirements and regulatory bodies (EPA, PA-DEP)</li><li>PFAS detection using Method 537.1 and LC-MS</li><li>The critical importance of nitrogen blowdown sample concentration</li><li>Taste and odor analysis: MIB, Geosmin, and unknown compound identification</li><li>Why regulated methods evolve slowly (validation timelines, approval processes)</li><li>Quality control procedures: calibration checks, matrix spikes, surrogate standards, internal standards</li><li>Automated sample preparation and lab efficiency</li><li>Future PFAS regulations and Method 533 expansion</li></ul><h5>Ideal For:</h5><ul><li>Analytical chemists and environmental lab professionals</li><li>Water utilities and compliance officers</li><li>Chromatography practitioners interested in regulated workflows</li><li>Anyone curious about how drinking water safety is ensured</li></ul><h2>Video Transcription</h2><h3>Ensuring Safe Drinking Water Through Advanced Analytical Chemistry</h3><h4>Insights from a Regulated Water Testing Laboratory</h4>Analytical laboratories responsible for regulated drinking water testing operate under strict compliance frameworks to ensure the delivery of safe and reliable water supplies. In this interview, Alex, an organic chemist at Aqua America, outlines the scope of analytical work conducted in a modern water quality laboratory. The team primarily focuses on the determination of taste- and odor-causing compounds, disinfection byproducts, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These analyses rely heavily on GC-MS and LC-MS instrumentation, supported by rigorous maintenance programs to ensure continuous operational performance and data reliability.<h4>Regulatory Compliance and Quality Control in Drinking Water Analysis</h4>Operating as a regulated drinking water laboratory requires adherence to stringent requirements established by agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state-level regulatory bodies. Compliance is driven by extensive quality control protocols integrated into every analytical batch. Typical workflows include calibration verification, matrix spike recovery assessments, internal standard monitoring, and surrogate performance checks. Notably, analytical batches are often limited in sample number to accommodate a substantial proportion of quality control samples, reflecting the critical importance of data defensibility in regulatory reporting.One common misconception is the perceived speed at which results can be delivered. In reality, comprehensive sample preparation, including extraction procedures and validation steps, can extend turnaround times to a full working day or longer. Additionally, validated regulatory workflows impose limitations on the rapid adoption of new analytical technologies, as method modifications must undergo formal evaluation and approval before implementation.<h4>Analytical Strategies for Taste and Odor Investigations</h4>Taste and odor events represent a significant operational challenge for water utilities. Standard targeted methods are routinely applied for compounds such as 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin, which are commonly associated with earthy or musty sensory characteristics. When targeted analysis does not reveal the source, laboratories employ broad-scan GC-MS screening combined with spectral library interpretation to identify potential causative compounds. In some cases, sensory evaluation panels complement instrumental analysis, providing preliminary insight into potential treatment-related or environmental influences affecting water quality.<h4>PFAS Monitoring: Methodological Complexity and Trace-Level Sensitivity</h4>PFAS determination represents a rapidly evolving priority in drinking water monitoring. The laboratory currently applies EPA Method 537.1, with efforts underway to expand capabilities through certification for Method 533, thereby broadening analyte coverage. Analytical workflows typically involve solid-phase extraction followed by solvent evaporation using nitrogen-assisted blow-down techniques to achieve the trace-level sensitivity required for regulatory compliance. This concentration step is essential because PFAS compounds remain non-volatile under controlled evaporation conditions, enabling enhanced detection performance upon reconstitution and LC-MS analysis.<h4>Future Directions in Drinking Water Analytics</h4>Looking ahead, the primary technological driver in regulated water analysis is the demand for increasingly lower detection limits and expanded compound coverage. While regulatory frameworks can slow methodological innovation, laboratories continue to pursue efficiency improvements, such as automated sample preparation systems and optimized analytical workflows. These advances support the growing need to process high sample volumes while maintaining the stringent data quality standards required for public health protection.Ultimately, the work performed in regulated drinking water laboratories represents a critical intersection of analytical chemistry, environmental monitoring, and public safety. Continuous methodological refinement, coupled with advances in mass spectrometry and sample preparation technologies, will play a central role in addressing emerging contaminants and ensuring long-term water quality assurance.<blockquote>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</blockquote><blockquote><h4>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</h4>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!You can find Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast in podcast apps:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL">Spotify</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185">Apple podcast</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography">podscan</a></li></ul>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos">YouTube channel</a></blockquote>

Regulated Drinking Water Testing: PFAS Detection, Sample Prep & Real Lab Insights

Anna Vanluchene&nbsp;from UCT Prague’s&nbsp;Department of Chemical Engineering has received a&nbsp;prestigious start-up grant from the Dagmar Procházková Fund. However, she did not receive funding right away. In this interview, she describes how she developed ten versions of her&nbsp;Illuminating Flow&nbsp;project idea (combining photocatalysis with flow reactors for pharmaceutical synthesis). She explains why she considers perseverance to be crucial when applying for grants, how international experience has influenced her approach to team management, and how her research can reduce the chemical industry’s&nbsp;dependence on fossil fuels and imports from China.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_2_5b7d63b8e9.jpg" alt="VŠCHT Prague/Tomáš Balický: I waited two years for a start-up grant and wrote ten versions of my project idea" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_2_5b7d63b8e9.jpg 127w," sizes="100vw" width="1128" height="1387"><h5>What did the Dagmar Procházková Fund grant mean to you?</h5>I&nbsp;consider it to be a&nbsp;great success. It is the first injection of funding that will allow me to ensure full independence for my research endeavour, to start my own research group, and to fund students so I&nbsp;can get started properly.<h5>What have been your previous experiences with grants?</h5>During my doctorate, a cotutelle (international doctorate under dual supervision), I&nbsp;was funded by a&nbsp;grant from the French government. Then I&nbsp;worked at the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic (CAS) and received a&nbsp;Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship to go abroad. The idea for my now-funded project was developed about two years ago and, since then, I&nbsp;have gradually developed and adapted the idea for various grant calls. I&nbsp;submitted about ten different versions of the proposal. I&nbsp;did not receive a&nbsp;grant from the Dagmar Procházková Fund last year, but this year, my application was successful.<h5>This probably requires a&nbsp;great deal of patience and perseverance.</h5>Certainly, because the success rates for most grants have been declining for some time. But as a&nbsp;motivational example, I&nbsp;will tell the story of Timothy Noel, a&nbsp;Belgian professor of chemistry living in the Netherlands. He applied for the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) grant, which is among the most sought-after in Europe, seven times. But no failure deterred him and eventually he succeeded and opened the door to potentially massive grant funding. He was already one of the world’s&nbsp;top scientists in the field at that time and openly described his journey on his blog <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.noelresearchgroup.com/2022/03/17/my-personal-story-to-obtain-an-erc-grant-7-submissions-4-interviews-and-6-heartbreaks/">blog</a>.<h5>What advice does this convey to other grant applicants and early career researchers?</h5>Start early, read a&nbsp;lot, don’t&nbsp;give up, and—most importantly—apply repeatedly. Learn from rejections and overcome possible frustration from failures. Read blogs and books by successful people, where you will find not only the glorious results of their work, but also the hardships they faced over their entire journeys. Of course, building your team and laboratory is impossible without finances. I&nbsp;myself still hope that I&nbsp;will be able to receive even bigger grants in the future.<h5>How has your international experience influenced your scientific approach?</h5>A&nbsp;lot and on several levels. Different laboratories teach you how to do&nbsp;things differently. You gain varied experience about how different institutions function. You see other people’s&nbsp;positive motivations, their ability to be ambitious without negativity, their involvement in institutional matters, their openness to cooperation with companies (e.g., tech transfers, spin-offs). The most important thing is to broaden your horizons. I&nbsp;see going abroad as a&nbsp;necessity. What I&nbsp;have taken away the most is drive, great support, and the idea that scientific output is not just about metrics, but also about dedication to one’s&nbsp;topic.<h5>What is your Illuminating Flow: Transport Phenomena in Photocatalysis about, in layperson’s&nbsp;terms, and how is it unique?</h5>Most of today’s&nbsp;chemical industry is still based on thermal processes and fossil fuels. Photochemistry enables electrification, where the energy source is photons delivered by LEDs, which can generate electricity from renewable sources. Current research focuses mainly on chemical reactions and their mechanisms, but as a&nbsp;chemical engineer, I&nbsp;focus on designing processes and reactors suitable for industrial use. In batch reactors, light fades rapidly with distance from a&nbsp;source, so much of a&nbsp;reaction mixture is not illuminated. Flow reactors solve this problem, but they bring new challenges such as working with solid catalysts and subsequently scaling up production and achieving higher production rates of the desired chemicals at a&nbsp;given scale.One can imagine a&nbsp;transparent tube with a&nbsp;catalyst on the walls, upon which light shines and through which reactants flow. This project has a&nbsp;unique emphasis on engineering solutions and overall process efficiency.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_3_b978abf25c.jpg" alt="VŠCHT Prague/Tomáš Balický: I waited two years for a start-up grant and wrote ten versions of my project idea" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_3_b978abf25c.jpg 241w," sizes="100vw" width="1228" height="799"><h5>So, were you inspired by a&nbsp;gap in the market to connect photocatalysis with transport phenomena?</h5>Exactly. I&nbsp;combine my areas of expertise: microfluidics, photocatalytic degradation of organic substances (CAS), and synthesis (MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship). The idea itself is not new, and pharmaceutical companies are very interested in “greener” photochemistry, but in practice, there is often a&nbsp;lack of appropriate engineering solutions and apparatus for industrial use.<h5>What are the practical applications of your work and what substances are you focusing on?</h5>Mainly on pharmaceuticals and on the synthesis of so-called fine chemicals, which are often the building blocks for the production of pharmaceuticals. There is also a&nbsp;geopolitical dimension to this, i.e. less dependence on imports from China and sustainable synthesis in Europe where it makes economic sense.<h5>And what chemicals are you specifically talking about?</h5>For example, building blocks for advanced synthesis, compounds prepared by trifluoromethylation reactions, or products of oxidation reactions with singlet oxygen. At the same time, we focus on reactions that are, in the classical design process, less safe or technologically demanding, where new approaches, such as photochemistry in flow reactors, could be safer and have better process control. Of course, this is not a&nbsp;universal solution for all types of reactions.<h5>The goal of this project?</h5>I&nbsp;plan to start a&nbsp;fully functional laboratory and research team, create high-quality experimental data on selected molecules and based on them, try to build cooperation with industrial partners. Without data, it is impossible to come to companies with just an idea. Within three years, I&nbsp;would like to have results that can be realistically presented and further developed.<h5>What are the main challenges in transport phenomena during photocatalysis?</h5>The methodology for repeatability of experiments in photochemistry is relatively demanding and there are unforeseen obstacles in building apparatus. Also, the scale-up from microliters to a&nbsp;larger scale.<h5>What methodology will you use, and how big are the microreactors and their flow rates?</h5>I&nbsp;have two different directions in methodological design. The first direction involves microreactors the size of a&nbsp;laboratory slide. You make a&nbsp;structure using a&nbsp;laser, and then you have to cast it and make a&nbsp;microreactor. This allows you to quickly adjust the geometry of the reactor. This method is, of course, not applicable in the commercial setting, but it is ideal for studying transport phenomena and precise measurements.The second direction involves reactors that are flow cells. These are already larger, approximately 15 x 15 centimetres, and their flow rates are in the order of millilitres per hour. This is the initial scale that we will further increase during the project.<h5>There is a&nbsp;big difference between a&nbsp;flow rate of microlitres per hour and industrial needs. Will it not work differently in reality?</h5>Our research will focus on studying the phenomena themselves for now, and scaling will be addressed later. In addition, we will combine the experimental data obtained with computer simulations that will help design suitable conditions for a&nbsp;larger scale. For some high-value fine chemicals, these scales, combined with continuous operation or parallelization of reactors, may already be practically usable.<h5>What catalysts will you use and how will you attach them to the reactor walls?</h5>I&nbsp;am focusing on heterogeneous photocatalysis, and we will mainly use graphitic carbon nitride and its more advanced modifications. These are semiconductor materials that can be synthesized relatively easily and are suitable for immobilization on glass reactor walls. A&nbsp;key part of this project is the creation of a&nbsp;stable catalytic layer for long-term flow-through operations. To increase the contact of reactants with the catalyst, we will also consider multiphase modes, for example, gas bubbling, in order to disrupt the otherwise laminar flow.<h5>Why did you choose this field and the Department of Chemical Engineering?</h5>During my postdoc in Belgium, the department had an opening for an Assistant Professor position that caught my attention and I&nbsp;applied for it. I&nbsp;did my undergraduate, graduate, and initial doctoral studies here, and I&nbsp;love the department. I&nbsp;have a&nbsp;Bachelor’s&nbsp;degree in Chemistry.<h5>Are you collaborating with anyone?</h5>We collaborate with BUT Brno focusing on creating layers and immobilizing catalysts on glass, as well as with the Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. And as for organic synthesis, we are connected with Ghent University via postdoc internships. At the same time, my colleague Viola Tokárová and I&nbsp;received a&nbsp;Czech Science Foundation grant in cooperation with BUT Brno and Masaryk University, with our part of the project focusing on the use of flow reactors for photochemical reactions and testing the antibacterial properties of photocatalytic materials. And I&nbsp;am writing other grant proposals in which I&nbsp;am trying to build new collaborations.<h5>What does the creation of an independent research group at UCT Prague look like?</h5>I&nbsp;started by renovating the premises that were assigned to me and gradually building my team. It is important for research work to have Ph.D. students; I&nbsp;have already hired one and we will recruit more. In addition to building the group, I&nbsp;will engage in securing further funding for the group, so I&nbsp;will be writing more grant proposals. It is important to think far enough in advance when it comes to prospective funding for a&nbsp;research group.<h5>What type of students are you looking for?</h5>The laboratory and team I&nbsp;are building will be very multidisciplinary, just like the area I&nbsp;am working on. That is why I&nbsp;am looking for students who are attracted to true multidisciplinary research, those who, for example, have knowledge of engineering, but who don’t&nbsp;mind a&nbsp;little bit of pure chemistry. One student in their own right does not have to (and cannot) know every subject, so I&nbsp;will ideally have a&nbsp;team consisting of different people with different research backgrounds. Motivated, DIY-type students who would rather enthusiastically build or invent something themselves than conduct repetitive measurements. Organic or analytical chemists will also find their place here. If this topic is interesting to students in any way, they can definitely contact me. I&nbsp;am also open to interdepartmental cooperation with other UCT Prague Faculties.<h5>How would you describe your path to photocatalysis/chemical engineering?</h5>Studying Chemistry as an undergrad gave me a&nbsp;broad perspective, but I&nbsp;was gradually narrowing my focus and eventually chose engineering. Chemical engineering intrigued me with its logic and was the easiest for me to grasp at the time. But I&nbsp;have always enjoyed working on projects more than the studies themselves. Even during my Bachelor studies, I&nbsp;really enjoyed and was interested in the Professor Štěpánek Group’s&nbsp;projects, where I&nbsp;was doing something completely different than I&nbsp;do&nbsp;now. I&nbsp;only got into photochemistry during my time at CAS and then, during my postdoctoral fellowship, I&nbsp;devoted myself to electrochemistry. My current focus is, thus, a&nbsp;natural interlinking of all these areas. Consequentially, I&nbsp;developed an awareness of the necessity to become independent and return to the department with my own, different research agenda, which, in my opinion, is an important and correct basis for establishing my own research group.<h5>What is the biggest challenge of this project for you?</h5>The transition from being a&nbsp;postdoc to a&nbsp;leadership position is a&nbsp;big change for me and I&nbsp;think it is not talked about enough. It means a&nbsp;shift from my own experimental work to leading a&nbsp;team, planning and delegating tasks, and motivating students. From a&nbsp;practical point of view, one of the main challenges is the transfer of reactions from the microscale to functional systems, the construction of reactors, the immobilization of catalysts, and generally confirming that this direction makes sense in the long term and that it has future potential.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_1_66ac267e06.jpg" alt="VŠCHT Prague/Tomáš Balický: I waited two years for a start-up grant and wrote ten versions of my project idea" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_VSCHT_Praha_Na_startovaci_grant_jsem_cekala_dva_roky_a_napsala_deset_verzi_projektu_1_66ac267e06.jpg 155w," sizes="100vw" width="830" height="839">

I waited two years for a start-up grant and wrote ten versions of my project idea

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Science and research

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

Organomation, founded in 1959, designs and manufactures high-quality nitrogen evaporators and extraction systems. Known for innovation and durability, their lab instruments are used globally for efficient sample preparation with strong customer support.

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Agilent Technologies

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Wiley

There are many consumables in the GC flow path, and sometimes it can be tricky to know when it is time for a replacement.
Join us as we review the common consumables in the GC flow path and point out common signs or symptoms that indicate it may be time to do some maintenance.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Alex Ucci (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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<blockquote>
In his current position at Agilent, Alex provides application assistance and technical support for sample preparation products as well as GC and LC consumables. Before he joined Agilent in 2014, Alex was a graduate student at the Pennsylvania State University researching the morphology and surface properties of aerosol particles using a wide variety of analytical techniques. He has an MS degree in chemistry.
</blockquote>

Agilent technologies: How to Keep a Good Thing Going: Preventive and Routine Maintenance for Your GC System

How to Keep a Good Thing Going: Preventive and Routine Maintenance for Your GC System

Common consumables in the GC flow path and point out common signs or symptoms that indicate it may be time to do some maintenance.

Preventive and Routine Maintenance for Your GC System

Traditional QuEChERS clean-up of food and agricultural sample matrices for pesticide residue analysis relies on the dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) technique.
For analytical laboratories using dSPE workflows, the sample is shaken with dispersed SPE media to remove unwanted matrix components that negatively impact data quality. In this webinar, we will present a new technique that simplifies QuEChERS clean-up and enhances analytical performance when compared to traditional dSPE. ISOLUTE® cSPE for QuEChERS columns allow for a convenient, flow-through clean-up workflow for both AOAC and EN QuEChERS techniques. This new workflow eliminates several time-consuming processes, such as capping, shaking, de-capping, and sample transfer. In addition to labor reduction, the ISOLUTE® cSPE for QuEChERS process is more effective at removing unwanted matrix components. Compared to traditional dSPE, extracts processed using cSPE columns result in cleaner analytical baselines, making sample analysis easier, more accurate, and more reliable.
By attending this presentation, you will learn:
<ul>
<li>How to enhance analytical performance, making sample analysis easier, more accurate, and reliable.
</li>
<li>How to simplify sample preparation workflows by eliminating processing steps.
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend:
<ul>
<li>Analytical laboratories performing chemical residue analysis such as pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides.
</li>
<li>Laboratories testing food, agricultural, and cannabis samples.
</li>
<li>Lab bench, sample preparation, and extraction chemists.
</li>
<li>Lab analytical chemists performing gas and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (GCMS &amp; LCMS).
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Evan Walters (MSc) (Market Segment Manager, Biotage)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Evan Walters is passionate about science and analytical chemistry in environmental, food, and agriculture markets. A trained environmental chemist and geochemist, Evan uses his background in analytical chemistry to connect laboratories with products and workflow solutions to ensure their success. Evan received a Master of Science in Geochemistry from Southern Illinois University and is a published scientific author.
</blockquote>

Separation Science: Improving pesticide residue analysis following AOAC and EN methods with a new QuEChERS cSPE cleanup technique

Improving pesticide residue analysis following AOAC and EN methods with a new QuEChERS cSPE cleanup technique

New technique that simplifies QuEChERS clean-up and enhances analytical performance when compared to traditional dSPE.

Pesticide residue analysis & new QuEChERS column SPE cleanup

Vacuum and leak detection solutions are crucial elements in advanced industrial processes for the electrification of vehicles.
This webinar discusses the benefits of helium leak detection (HLD) for e-Vehicle manufacturing and offers real-world suggestions for improving the accuracy of the results and optimizing process flow.
Vehicle electrification provides additional challenges and opportunities for vacuum products related to energy storage, in addition to the conventional automobile applications’ vacuum needs for airbag integrity, HVAC component testing, power train production, and testing. E-vehicle battery technology requires a tightly sealed shell around the storage cells, and HLD is the only technology with the sensitivity and dynamic range capable of confirming the integrity of the battery enclosure for the life of the vehicle.
Join Sr Applications Engineer Bartly Carlson for this unique perspective on using HLD in E-vehicle manufacturing and test applications.
<blockquote>
 Presenter: Bartly Carlson (Sr. Applications Engineer, Vacuum Products, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Bart joined Agilent / Varian in 1989 and has held positions in pre- and post-sales applications, vacuum system design, field service, and customer support in his 30+ year career in Vacuum and Leak Detection. Bart supports Agilent’s Customers and Sales Teams in Canada, US, Mexico, and South America.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Leak Detection for E-Vehicle Applications

Leak Detection for E-Vehicle Applications

The benefits of helium leak detection (HLD) for e-Vehicle manufacturing and offers real-world suggestions for improving the accuracy of the results.

Method TO-15A, for the monitoring of air toxics, was released in 2020 and lowers the required method detection limit for all compounds covered by the method to 20 ppt.
This new, lower detection limit level challenges every aspect of the sampling and analysis process, especially blank levels. Background generated by instrumentation and sampling equipment has always been monitored for air toxic analysis, but these extremely low detection limits enhance the associated demands on the analyst.
In this webinar, we will show how the use of the UNITY-CIA Advantage-xr, a canister autosampler and pre-concentrator, combined with Kori-xr for innovative water removal enables a robust analysis at a range of humidities, in accordance with US EPA Method TO-15A. Within this, we will demonstrate how the analytical instrument overcomes the challenges related to the low detection limits and background and discuss the obstacles involved in extending this method to new species of concern such as ethylene oxide.
By attending this presentation, you will learn:
<ul>
<li>The changes necessary for achieving TO-15A defensible data</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
<ul>
<li>Researchers interested in monitoring of volatile organic compounds in air
</li>
<li>Laboratory and project managers specializing in air samples and air monitoring
</li>
<li>GC-MS scientists, analysts, and lab technicians
</li>
<li>Environmental consultants
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ericka Hachmeister (North America Applications Scientist, Markes International Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Ericka Hachmeister is the North America Applications Scientist for Markes International Ltd. Ericka spent 11 years working in R&amp;D and manufacturing focused on organic, surface, and compositional analysis, where she developed a passion for VOC analysis by TD–GC–MS from complex matrices. In 2021, Ericka joined Markes, where she has had the opportunity to expand her TD expertise to include canister-based analysis by developing a high throughput method that is TO-15A compliant. Ericka leverages her comprehensive knowledge on the use of thermal desorption as an analytical tool to support customer labs in the development and successful implementation of robust applications for cryogen-free analysis of VOCs.
</blockquote>

Markes: TO-15A: Is your pre-concentrator system up to the task?

TO-15A: Is your pre-concentrator system up to the task?

How the use of the UNITY-CIA Advantage-xr, a canister autosampler and pre-concentrator, combined with Kori-xr.

The regulatory landscape for N-nitrosamines (nitrosamines) in pharmaceuticals is evolving. Following the initial product recalls of 2018 and issuance of Article 31 and Article 5(3) relating to nitrosamines concern, our invited speaker, Lance Smallshaw, and industry colleagues formed the EFPIA Nitrosamines Working Group. Over the last 5 years there has been an abundance of guidance, Q&amp;As and pharmacopoeia general chapters from worldwide health authorities: ANVISA, FDA, EMA, Health Canada, Swissmedic, MHRA, PDMA, relating to both the control of simple N-nitrosamines: NDMA, NDEA, and the more recent discovery of the complex API derived nitrosamines (NDSRIs).
In this webinar, Lance Smallshaw, Head of Compendial Affairs at UCB Pharma S.A. (Belgium), will provide an overview of the regulatory landscape today including recent significant updates related to nitrosamines in human medicines. This webinar will also offer a perspective on the differences that exist between the health authorities, and explain how there is a continued need from the industry, to do more in order to harmonize these regional differences.
Key learning objectives
<ul>
<li>Understand the nitrosamine situation over the past five years and the impact on the pharmaceutical industry
</li>
<li>Discover key aspects of the latest regulations related to determining risk in new nitrosamines and understand the role of industry working groups
</li>
<li>Explore the continued need for harmonization between regional health authorities to tackle the global challenge of control of nitrosamines in pharmaceuticals
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
<ul>
<li>Those working in pharmaceutical analytical development, pharmaceutical QA/QC, and regulatory in innovative and generic pharma, contract testing, and research and manufacturing organisations (CTO, CRO, CDMO).</li>
</ul>
Certificate of attendance
All webinar participants can request a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary, for continuing education purposes.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Lance Smallshaw (Head of Compendial Affairs at UCB Pharma S.A.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Lance Smallshaw has 42 years’ experience in the pharma and biopharma industry. He spent 30 years at Eli Lilly and Company and for the past 12 years, he has worked at UCB Pharma S.A. (Belgium), where he is currently the Head of Compendial Affairs / Global Analytical Expert within the Regulatory Intelligence Network of UCB Global Sites Quality Operations. He has led QC Analytical Services, was Head Senior Scientist (Analytical Development), headed the Stability Operations Team, and been QA Representative for human and veterinary products, leading international technology transfer. At UCB, Smallshaw has led the development and strategy and worldwide implementation of ICH Q3D and ICH M7. Externally, as well as academic associate professor lectureships, his grounding in GMP and cGMP law has led to his co-chairing the executive foundation board of the ECA. In 2018, Smallshaw joined the EFPIA N-Nitrosamines Working Group.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ellen Simms (Assistant Editor, SelectScience)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>

SelectScience: An industry perspective of the current regulatory landscape for nitrosamines

An industry perspective of the current regulatory landscape for nitrosamines

 An overview of the regulatory landscape including recent significant updates related to nitrosamines in human medicines

Industry perspective of nitrosamines regulation

Join this webinar to explore the utility of hydrogen in chemical research, its associated risks, and a safer laboratory solution: H-Genie® Lite. This innovative, compact hydrogen generator employs unique patented cell technology to convert water into high-purity hydrogen gas, reaching pressures up to 50 bar (725 psi). As an ideal replacement for conventional hydrogen cylinders, it not only boosts lab safety but is also perfect for filling autoclaves and pressured containers.
Subsequently, we will delve into metal-catalyzed hydrogenation reactions. Heterogeneous catalysts like Pd/C are commonly employed for nitro group reductions and hydrogenation of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom double bonds. These catalysts also aid in O- and N- deprotection, yielding respective alcohols or amines, and in asymmetric hydrogenation reactions.
We’ll discuss the core principles of hydrogenation, featuring both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts, and highlight their significance in industrial applications. H-Genie® Lite seamlessly integrates with both batch and continuous flow chemistry hydrogenation processes.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Nándor Kánya, PhD (Head of Experimental Chemistry, ThalesNano)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Nándor graduated from Budapest University of Technology and Economics as a Pharmaceutical Engineer in 2016, followed by a PhD degree in synthetic organic chemistry from the University of Debrecen in 2021. He joined ThalesNano in 2021 as an Application Scientist and became the leader of Experimental Chemistry in 2022.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Thomas Colacot, PhD (R&amp;D Fellow and Director of Global Technology Innovation, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Thomas J. Colacot holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and an MBA. He joined MilliporeSigma in 2018 and currently serves as an R&amp;D Fellow and Director of Global Technology Innovation in the Life Science Business division. He is an expert in organometallics and homogeneous catalysis and has a strong track record of commercializing innovative products. Colacot has published over 120 peer-reviewed articles and holds 67 international patents. He has been recognized with various awards, including a lifetime achievement award from the Chairman and CEO of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. From 1995 to 2018, he was instrumental in establishing a successful homogeneous catalysis program at Johnson Matthey.
</blockquote>

Safe Hydrogenation in the Lab

Safe Hydrogenation in the Lab with H-Genie® Lite

Safe Hydrogenation in the Lab H-Genie® Lite

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), an emerging class of toxic anthropogenic chemicals persistent in the environment, are currently regulated at the low part-per-trillion level worldwide in drinking water. Quantification and screening of these compounds currently rely primarily on liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS).
To better meet the regulatory demands of rapid screening of these chemicals, the hyphenating of solid phase microextraction (SPME) with direct analysis in real time (DART) will be demonstrated. PFAS analysis screened rapidly by DART on the Bruker EVOQ triple quadrupole using LC free workflows demonstrates a significant increase in productivity whilst also presenting a more economical and a greener solution for the lab.
Join us live for the real-time analysis of PFAS with SPME-DART-MS and discover the power of our cutting-edge instrumentation and technologies. 
<blockquote>
Presenter: William Fatigante (Applications Scientist, DART-MS at Bruker Applied Mass Spectrometry)
</blockquote>

Bruker Applied Mass Spectrometry - Chromatography-Free Screening of PFAS Enabled Through SPME-DART-MS

Chromatography-Free Screening of PFAS Enabled Through SPME-DART-MS

Screening of PFAS Enabled Through SPME-DART-MS

Analyzing volatile analytes in a non-volatile matrix doesn’t have to be messy. This talk will introduce the user to the Headspace injection technique. We will go through method development and discuss the changes that can be made to your chromatography by optimizing your headspace parameters.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Simon Jones (GC Applications Engineer/Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Simon Jones has over 23 years of GC experience. For the last 16 years, he has been with Agilent as a GC applications engineer/scientist based out of the GC column manufacturing facility if Folsom California. In his roles he has assisted with application development, troubleshooting chromatographic issues, and assisting with instrument configurations. Prior to joining Agilent in 2005, he worked in an analytical lab for the power industry, developing and optimizing testing methodologies for insulating fluids and materials in transformers.
</blockquote>

Agilent: Understanding Headspace GC. Parameters to Make You Successful!

Understanding Headspace GC. Parameters to Make You Successful!

This talk will introduce the user to the Headspace injection technique.  We will go through method development and discuss optimizing your headspace parameters.

Understanding Headspace GC parameters

Wiley’s KnowItAll spectral software offers solutions to identify, analyze, and manage analytical data (IR, MS, NMR, Raman, and UV-Vis). Combined with Wiley’s comprehensive, high-quality spectral reference libraries, it provides an unparalleled solution for fast, reliable spectral analysis.
With the KnowItAll 2024 software release, Wiley continues to expand KnowItAll’s capabilities, including an integrated tool for multi-technique quantitative analysis that can greatly streamline your workflow; plus, many enhancements and upgrades to data management, processing, and reporting. In this release, we have also made advances to our NMR workflow and LC-MS databasing.
In this webinar, we will review the latest features and how they can impact your research and analyses.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Michelle D’Souza, Ph.D. (Product Manager, Software Products, Wiley Science Solutions)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. D’Souza brings years of insight and knowledge in the area of spectral informatics with leadership roles at Wiley and Bio-Rad Laboratories. In addition to multiple years as a scientific researcher at Abbott (now AbbVie) and DuPont. She has a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Northern Illinois University and a Masters in Analytical Chemistry form the Chinese Academy of Preventative Medicine. She earned a BS degree from the Chemistry Department of Beijing University.
</blockquote>

What's New in KnowItAll 2024

The latest features and how they can impact your research and analyses.

Ongoing helium srtages can cause unpredictability for gas chromatographers. This is impacting lab managers who have now to manage sensible price fluctuations and potential delivery interruptions with helium carrier gas for GC analyses.
There might be different approaches to address the consequences of helium shortage and increased costs. In many cases switching to alternative gas can be a suitable solution but there are situations where you really need to use helium as your carrier gas. Regulated methods, SOPs, or high-sensitivity GC/MS methods may require the use of helium. In these cases, helium conservation should be pursued.
<h4>In this webinar you will learn how to:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Take advantage of Gas Saver.
</li>
<li>Utilize the optional programmable helium conservation module for your Agilent GC.
</li>
<li>Check and maintain your helium infrastructure to prevent leaks.
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Praveen Arya (Application Engineer - GC/MS, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Praveen Arya, Application Engineer at Agilent technologies, has a commitment and appreciation for Gas-phase residue applications. In 2005, Mr. Praveen Arya completed his MSc. in Food Technology . After post-graduation, he served as a Senior Analyst at SGS, Gurgaon- a commercial testing laboratory for 6 years and developed expertise in Residue analysis using sophisticated chromatographic instruments such as LCMS and GCMS. After that, in 2011, He joined Agilent Technologies as an Application Engineer where he supported country-wide GCMS customers for resolving application issues and method development. He has more than 18 years of experience in residue analysis in food and environmental samples using various high end chromatographic and spectrometric techniques (GC, GCMS, GCMS/MS, TDS, Headspace, Purge &amp; trap etc.). His area of specialization includes new analytical method development and validation as per national and international guidelines.
</blockquote>

Agilent India: Helium Conservation and Alternatives

Helium Conservation and Alternatives

Helium Conservation and Alternatives to address helium shortage and increased costs