Concentrating on Chromatography

Dr. Emanuela Gionfriddo, Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University at Buffalo, joins host David Oliva to explore solid phase microextraction (SPME), green analytical chemistry, and PFAS analysis. Trained in Professor Janusz Pawliszyn's lab at the University of Waterloo — where SPME was invented — she shares how deep SPME theory reshaped her research and now drives her lab's work on environmental and biological chemistry.In this episode, Emanuela discusses how SPME complies with the 12 principles of green analytical chemistry, why her lab consistently produces the least waste in her department, and how biomimetic SPME devices using natural biopolymers like alginic acid and chitin reveal how pollutants bioaccumulate in the environment. She also covers her lab's PFAS research, including a surprising study testing mascara for PFAS contamination, the analytical challenges of volatile PFAS detection, and why field-deployable PFAS quantification isn't quite ready yet.Topics covered: SPME fundamentals, green analytical chemistry, PFAS detection, biomimetic extraction, mixed-mode sorbents, GC×GC for volatile PFAS, and emerging microplastics research.Connect with Dr. Emanuela Gionfriddo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emanuela-gionfriddo-60492659/Subscribe to Concentrating on Chromatography for more conversations with leading separation science researchers.

On this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, hosts David Oliva @Organomation and Candice Gokey are joined by Matthew Lewis @Bruker to unpack the new hybrid metabolomics workflow born from Bruker's acquisition of @biocrates .For 20 years, mass spectrometrists have had to choose between targeted quantitation and untargeted discovery. Matthew explains how chemical derivatization, high-resolution mass spec, and Biocrates' 1,000+ metabolite kits now let researchers get both — without running samples twice.Topics covered: - Why "there's no such thing as an untargeted platform, just an uninformed one" - How the Biocrates MX Quant Kits standardize sample prep and derivatization - NMR vs. mass spectrometry for metabolomics — and why electrospray ionization is metabolomics' "biggest Achilles heel" - Data-dependent (DDA) vs. data-independent (DIA) acquisition, explained simply - Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometry (TIMS) and collisional cross-section (CCS) as a "gas-phase chromatography" tool for resolving isomers and interferences - In silico derivatization software for annotating derivatized metabolites - The "digital metabolome archive": building future-proof, reanalysis-ready 4D data (MS1 + retention time + CCS + MS/MS) for AI-ready datasets - Why standardization — not just new features — is what will move the metabolomics field forwardMatthew also shares insights from Bruker's collaboration with Dr. Michael Witting at the Helmholtz Institute, and discusses the real-world sample constraints (biobanks, field research, precious cohorts) driving demand for do-more-with-less workflows.Guest: Matthew Lewis, Bruker — https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-reese-lewis/Co-host: Candice Gokey — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmgokey15/Host: David Oliva, Organomation#Metabolomics #MassSpectrometry #Chromatography #Bruker #Biocrates #Lipidomics #SystemsBiology #TIMS #IonMobility

If you take a handful of dirt from the roadside, it contains PFAS. The challenge isn't finding forever chemicals — it's finding all of them. Standard monitoring methods cover 40 to 50 PFAS species. Thousands more go completely unmeasured. That's the gap Dr. Viktoria Müller has spent her career trying to close.Viktoria is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Graz specializing in PFAS environmental fate, transport, and the fluorine mass balance. Her work spans ski slopes, rivers, wastewater treatment plants, bees, wild deer, shrimp, and the Ganges River — and it has made international headlines. In this episode, she breaks down what we're missing, why routine analysis creates a false sense of security, and what wildlife can tell us that instruments alone cannot.In this episode:- [00:01:30] Why PFAS is unavoidable — and what you can actually control- [00:02:00] The pizza box explanation: how Viktoria describes PFAS to non-scientists- [00:04:00] How her research path built from soil → ski slopes → snowmelt → rivers → wildlife- [00:05:00] What "closing the fluorine mass balance gap" actually means for environmental monitoring- [00:06:50] Ski wax and the 99% problem: targeted PFAS analysis only identified less than 1% of the total organofluorine in ski wax — what is the rest?- [00:11:00] LC-MS/MS vs. ICP-MS/MS vs. CIC for PFAS and fluorine analysis — and which one Viktoria would buy ("don't blame me later")- [00:18:50] TOP assay vs. ozonation: same precursor, different breakdown products — what that means for anyone relying on TOP assay data- [00:21:00] Honeybees as short-term local PFAS sentinels — and how a beekeeper biologist changed how Viktoria interpreted her own data- [00:24:00] Collectors or house cleaners? How to tell whether an animal is accumulating PFAS or just carrying it on the surface- [00:25:30] The roe deer liver study: 87% drop in PFAS from 1998 to 2022 — bans work, but the industry keeps replacing regulated compounds with unregulated ones- [00:33:00] Wastewater treatment plants downstream: more PFAS species coming out than going in — and what the mass balance approach revealed about why- [00:37:00] Personal aside: Viktoria's one regret about not taking her own blood sample before she started working with PFAS- [00:39:30] What's next: a funded proposal exploring PFAS in clouds and atmospheric chemistry — a topic almost no one is working onConnect with Dr. Viktoria Müller:Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Prq41XUAAAAJ&hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktoria-m%C3%BCller-8a1843a7/About Organomation:Organomation manufactures nitrogen blowdown evaporators and nitrogen generators used in PFAS sample preparation workflows, including EPA Methods 533, 537.1, and 1633. Learn more at organomation.com. @ChromatographyTalk is proudly produced by @Organomation #PFAS #ForeverChemicals #AnalyticalChemistry #EnvironmentalChemistry #MassSpectrometry #Chromatography

In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, David Oliva and co‑host Candi Gokey sit down with Dr. Pierre‑Hugues (PH) Stefanuto to explore how comprehensive GC×GC‑TOFMS breathomics is reshaping asthma research and personalized medicine. PH shares his journey from forensic applications (yes, even the “smell of death”) to non‑invasive exhaled breath analysis for chronic lung inflammation, and why he believes asthma is the perfect playground to translate breath research into real clinical impact.We dig into PH’s recent work on a complete GC×GC‑TOFMS workflow to improve asthma monitoring, including patient breath collection, VOC analysis, biomarker discovery, and robust data processing strategies. He explains how combining targeted markers like FeNO with VOC “breathprints” can improve asthma phenotyping and treatment decisions, and how his group identified potential VOC biomarkers such as hexane, 1‑propanol, 2‑hexanone, undecane, and nonanal.A major theme of this conversation is PH’s call to “fight the breath proof‑of‑concept paradigm.” Instead of stopping at small, under‑powered studies, his group pushes through large cohorts, rigorous validation, and clinically relevant study design so that breath analysis can actually make it into the clinic and, eventually, into patients’ homes. We also talk candidly about skepticism toward breath analysis, how overpromising has hurt the field, and what it takes to rebuild trust with clinicians and medical staff.We also cover:Why the Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop (MDCW) was designed to be a free, open‑access event, and how that philosophy supports open science, networking, and inclusion of early‑career scientists and lab staff.PH’s path from forensic GC×GC to clinical breathomics and chronic inflammation research, and how CSI‑inspired curiosity turned into a career in analytical chemistry.How untargeted molecular screening and rich VOC fingerprints complement conventional single‑marker tests and enable finer‑grained patient phenotyping.Why GC×GC‑MS often achieves higher annotation rates than LC‑MS in certain metabolomics applications, thanks to retention patterns, EI libraries (NIST/Wiley), and structured 2D chromatography.The future vision: patients blowing into a simple device (or even a phone‑connected system) to monitor lung inflammation at home, integrate with wearables and environmental data, and guide day‑to‑day asthma management.How AI and machine learning can help connect small‑molecule breath data to larger metabolic pathways and multi‑omics datasets, inspired in part by platforms like GNPS.PH’s thoughts on chromatography education, why analytical chemistry is underrepresented in curricula, and how we should prepare the next generation of clinicians and scientists for omics‑driven healthcare.If you’re interested in chromatography, mass spectrometry, breath analysis, asthma, or translational metabolomics, this is a deep yet accessible conversation that bridges instrumentation, statistics, and real‑world clinical needs.Keywords: breathomics, exhaled breath analysis, asthma monitoring, GCxGC, GC×GC‑TOFMS, multidimensional chromatography, volatile organic compounds, VOC biomarkers, untargeted metabolomics, personalized medicine, PH Stefanuto, Pierre‑Hugues Stefanuto, MDCW, Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop, FeNO, chronic lung inflammation, clinical mass spectrometry, analytical chemistry education, chromatography podcast, Concentrating on Chromatography, David Oliva, Candi Gokey

In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, host David Oliva is joined for the first time by co-host Candice (Candi) Gokey — PhD candidate at UC San Diego / San Diego State University and expert in LC-MS/MS method development for untargeted metabolomics to interview Jacob Russell, a third-year PhD student in the Riley Research Group at the University of Washington (Seattle).Jacob's research sits at the frontier of mass spectrometry based intact glycoproteomics, where the goal is to keep glycans attached to peptides during analysis — preserving the biological information that is lost when glycans are enzymatically removed. His lab, led by Prof. Nick Riley, develops new methods to tackle every stage of glycoproteomic analysis, from sample preparation and enrichment through data acquisition and bioinformatics.🔬 WHAT WE COVER:• What is the glycocalyx, and why does glycoproteomics matter for cancer, immunity, and protein biology?• N-linked vs. O-linked glycosylation: why they require completely different fragmentation strategies (HCD vs. ETD/EThcD)• Autonomous Dissociation-type Selection (ADS): how real-time library searching (RTLS) of oxonium ion ratios (m/z 138 vs. 144) enables on-the-fly selection of the right fragmentation method for N- vs. O-glycopeptides — published in J. Proteome Research (Sutherland, Veth, Russell et al., 2024)• How XGBoost machine learning outperforms RTLS by classifying ~50 oxonium ions simultaneously, recovering Core 2 O-glycopeptides that the simpler ratio-based method misses• Casanovo Foundation: a transformer-based foundation model for tandem mass spectra and how deep learning is reshaping glycopeptide classification (Sanders et al., arXiv 2025)• LacNAc-ase enabled glycoproteomics: using endo-β-galactosidase (EBG) to "trim" poly-LacNAc chains on N-glycans — uncovering previously undetectable glycoforms (ASMS 2026 presentation)• Cutaneous vs. uveal melanoma: comparing poly-LacNAcylated glycoproteins (including galectin-3 binding partners like CD63, LAMP-2, and basigin) between cell lines — and why uveal melanoma has a ~50% distant metastasis rate vs. ~5% for cutaneous • The future of intelligent data acquisition and real-time mass spectrometry• Candi's parallel world of untargeted metabolomics, coral-algae chemical communication, and GNPS/MassQL — and the surprising overlap with glycoproteomics🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:• Riley Research Group at UW: https://www.riley-research.com/• ADS Paper: Sutherland, Veth, Russell et al., J. Proteome Res. 2024, 23, 5606–5614• Casanovo Foundation: Sanders et al., arXiv 2025• GlyCounter software (Riley Lab, UW)• XGBoost (Chen & Guestrin, UW)• GNPS / MassQL (Dorrestein Lab, UCSD)👥 GUESTS:Jacob H. Russell — PhD Student, Dept. of Chemistry, University of Washington | Riley Research Group | Glycoproteomics | Mass Spectrometry | Machine LearningCo-host: Candice Gokey — PhD Candidate, UC San Diego / San Diego State University | LC-MS/MS Method Development | Untargeted Metabolomics | Coral Reef Holobiont Research🎙️ HOST: David Oliva | @ChromatographyTalk | @Organomation | @SeparationScience collaborator━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with researchers and industry leaders in analytical chemistry, chromatography, and mass spectrometry.#Glycoproteomics #MassSpectrometry #Chromatography #AnalyticalChemistry #MachineLearning #Glycans #Proteomics #Cancer #UVealMelanoma #LCMS #OxoniumIons #ETD #XGBoost #RileyLab #UniversityOfWashington #PodcastScience #Metabolomics```

Chemistry doesn't end when the reaction is finished. In many research labs, chromatography is what allows scientists to understand whether their chemistry actually worked.In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, we sit down with Dr. Madalyn Radlauer, Associate Professor of Chemistry at San José State University, to discuss how her research group combines polymer chemistry, catalysis, and chromatography to answer fundamental questions about catalyst design and reproducibility.We explore how polymer microenvironments influence catalyst performance, why star polymers have become an exciting research area, and how techniques like TLC, silica gel chromatography, gel permeation chromatography (GPC/SEC), and emerging GC-MS methods help guide discoveries in the laboratory.Dr. Radlauer also discusses mentoring undergraduate researchers, the importance of reproducibility in chemistry, and why chromatography is far more than just a purification step—it's a tool for scientific discovery.In this episode:* How polymer-supported catalysts work* Why catalyst microenvironments matter* The role of TLC, column chromatography, SEC, and GPC in research* Developing more reproducible catalytic reactions* Using chromatography to solve research problems* Transitioning from purification to GC-MS analysis* Mentoring undergraduate researchers* The future of polymer-supported catalysisLearn more about Dr. Radlauer and her research🔬 Research Grouphttps://www.sjsu.edu/radlauer/🏛️ San José State University Department of Chemistryhttps://www.sjsu.edu/chemistry/📄 Reproducibility and Autoxidation Publicationhttps://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c07532📄 Boyer Lab: Arm-First Star Polymers Using RAFThttps://pubs.rsc.org/py/article-abstract/2/8/1671/355906/Optimizing-the-generation-of-narrow-polydispersity📄 Hawker & Fréchet: Acid and Base Organocatalysts in the Same Pothttps://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.200502095🎙️ About Concentrating on Chromatography - @ChromatographyTalk Concentrating on Chromatography is a podcast exploring chromatography, sample preparation, mass spectrometry, analytical chemistry, and the scientists advancing laboratory research. Each episode features conversations with researchers, instrument experts, and industry leaders working to solve real-world analytical challenges.Subscribe for new interviews covering chromatography techniques, sample preparation, laboratory innovation, and analytical chemistry.#Chromatography #AnalyticalChemistry #Catalysis #PolymerChemistry #GPC #SEC #GelPermeationChromatography #Research #Chemistry #GCMS #STEM #Laboratory #SciencePodcast #OrganometallicChemistry

In this episode of @ChromatographyTalk , @Organomation General Manager David Oliva sits down with Michelle Taylor, Editor-in-Chief of LabCompare, to go behind the scenes of their groundbreaking two-part documentary series on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The conversation kicks off with a startling revelation: many of the world’s leading PFAS experts have completely stopped eating seafood due to high contamination levels discovered during testing. From there, we dive deep into the technical and regulatory challenges facing today's analytical laboratories.In this episode, we discuss:* The Laboratory Throughput Crisis: Why labs are currently "overwhelmed with samples" and how tiered testing—using single quad instruments for screening before moving to triple quads—is helping to manage capacity without sacrificing sensitivity.* The Battle Against Background Contamination: Why PTFE-free (PFAS-free) laboratory equipment is no longer optional when trying to detect "forever chemicals" at the parts-per-trillion and parts-per-quadrillion levels.* Complex Matrices (Seafood & Packaging): The technical hurdles of analyzing high-lipid samples like fish and the rising demand for migration testing as states like Rhode Island begin to phase out PFAS in food packaging.* Global Regulatory Shifts: A look at the "dual compliance model" required for labs supporting international exporters, especially with the European Union’s stricter enforcement compared to the U.S. monitoring approach.* The "Grand Challenge" of Unknowns: How EPA Method 1621 (Total Organic Fluorine) is helping labs close the mass balance gap and why the next generation of bench chemists must embrace **AI and data science** to manage the massive datasets generated by high-resolution mass spectrometry.* PFAS Destruction vs. Remediation: The promising (and problematic) methods for breaking the carbon-fluorine bond, and why incineration may inadvertently be spreading shorter-chain PFAS into the air.Whether you are a lab manager looking to future-proof your workflow or a chemist navigating the ever-evolving landscape of EPA Method 1633, this episode provides essential insights into the most pressing environmental crisis of our time.Watch the LabCompare Documentary Series:* Part 1: Preparing and Modernizing for Proposed National PFAS Regulations* Part 2: Forever Chemicals Contamination in Food and PackagingResources for PFAS Analysis:* Learn more about PTFE-free sample preparation at Organomation.com: https://www.organomation.com/ptfe-free-nitrogen-evaporators-for-pfas-analysis* Explore more analytical lab resources at LabCompare.com (https://www.labcompare.com)#PFAS #ForeverChemicals #Chromatography #EnvironmentalScience #LabCompare #Organomation #SamplePrep #EPA1633 #AnalyticalChemistry

In this episode of ⁨@ChromatographyTalk⁩ , @Organomation General Manager David Oliva sits down with Imad Haidar Ahmad, Scientific Research Director at Amgen leading separations for Discovery Chemistry and Externalization. Imad's career spans Novartis, Merck, and now Amgen, and his research on computer-assisted method development has landed multiple front covers in Analytical Chemistry.We dig into how his group builds retention models from as few as nine lab experiments to map an entire separation landscape — replacing weeks of trial and error with a resolution map you can query and rebuild from. Imad breaks down where this modeling approach struggles (large molecules, SFC, fully autonomous method development), walks through two-dimensional liquid chromatography in plain terms for anyone who's only worked in 1D, and shares the story behind his group's greenness-score mapping work — including where swapping acetonitrile for methanol worked, and where it didn't.We also talk career advice: what a typical day looks like leading a discovery-stage separations team, how undergrad and grad students can bridge the academia-to-industry gap, and what Imad sees as the field's biggest unsolved problem.Topics covered:- 00:00 – Imad's background: polymer analysis, a postdoc with Peter Carr, and the path through Novartis, Merck, and Amgen- 02:00 – How an undergrad project analyzing bread sparked a career in analytical chemistry- 06:00 – A day in the life leading a discovery-stage separations team- 08:00 – Advice for students bridging academia and industry- 12:00 – In silico modeling explained: how nine experiments can map a full separation- 14:00 – Reading a resolution map- 16:00 – Why trial-and-error gets risky at late-stage development- 20:00 – Where modeling breaks down: large molecules, SFC, and the case for autonomous method development- 24:00 – Two-dimensional LC, explained for anyone who's only run 1D- 27:00 – Why 2D-LC adoption has been slow — and what's changing- 29:00 – Mapping analytical greenness across the separation space- 32:00 – Acetonitrile vs. methanol: balancing green chemistry with performance- 35:00 – Advice for students: don't treat HPLC as a black box- 37:00 – The biggest unsolved problem in separation scienceConnect with Imad Haidar Ahmad: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imadhaidarahmad 🎧 Listen to Concentrating on Chromatography on Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL?si=n9GLz9zjSCOrVfXPxFPhng🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on chromatography, sample prep, and analytical chemistry.#chromatography #AnalyticalChemistry #HPLC #2DLC #MethodDevelopment #GreenChemistry #Pharma

What if you could assess a tumor's metastatic potential — without extensive sample prep — directly from tissue? Rachel Wood is working on exactly that.Rachel Wood is a PhD candidate at Queen's University (Kingston, Ontario), working jointly in the labs of Dr. Richard Oleschuk (Chemistry) and Dr. Chris Nicoll (Pathology & Molecular Medicine). Her research applies Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry — specifically the Liquid Microjunction Surface Sampling Probe (LMJ-SSP) and Desorption Electrospray Ionization (DESI) — to profile the metabolomics of non-metastatic and metastatic clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) cell lines. The long-term goal: a rapid, minimally invasive MS-based prognostic tool for kidney cancer.This is the first reported use of LMJ-SSP to assess metastatic status in ccRCC — and early PCA results are already showing distinct separation between cell line profiles.In this episode, David and Rachel cover:→ Why ccRCC is such a resistant biomarker problem despite active genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic research→ The clinical stakes of "diagnosed by accident" — and what a prognostic biomarker actually needs to do for a clinician→ How AIMS complements (not replaces) LC-MS in a discovery-phase cancer workflow→ LMJ-SSP vs. DESI: what each technique sees that the other misses, including spatial resolution differences (~1mm vs. ~50µm)→ Why Rachel runs LMJ-SSP on both a triple quad and a Q-TOF — and what each instrument contributes to the same research question→ How her lab repurposed a 3D printer as a custom automated XYZ sampling stage with 50µm movement precision→ Managing high-dimensional metabolomics data across two polarities, two cell lines, and two mass analyzers — the pipeline explained→ What unsupervised machine learning (PCA) showed in early results→ The path from cell lines to excised tumor tissue to, ultimately, liquid biopsies→ Advice for analytical chemists considering work at the chemistry–oncology interface🔗 CONNECT WITH RACHEL WOODLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-wood-7b64492a2/Queen's University – Oleschuk Lab: https://oleschuklab.ca/📬 CONCENTRATING ON CHROMATOGRAPHYWebsite: https://concentratingonchromatography.com/Organomation: https://www.organomation.com🔬 ABOUT ORGANOMATIONOrganomation manufactures nitrogen blowdown evaporators, nitrogen generators, and sample concentration instruments for analytical laboratories worldwide#MassSpectrometry #AmbientIonization #Metabolomics #KidneyCancer #ccRCC #DESI #AIMS #CancerResearch #AnalyticalChemistry #Chromatography #Biomarkers #LiquidBiopsy #ReanalCellCarcinoma #MachineLearning #PCA #LabScience #GradSchool #Queen'sUniversity #Oncology #SamplePreparation

What if you could compress 179 days of grueling laboratory workflow into just 14 hours?In this episode of @ChromatographyTalk , @Organomation General Manager David Oliva sits down with analytical chemist Laura Penabad to discuss her groundbreaking new research in biocatalysis and high-throughput screening. Evolving engineered enzymes typically requires checking thousands of variants—a massive bottleneck when traditional Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) runs take minutes per sample. Laura reveals how her team built a modular screening platform that shatters this limitation, running samples 128 times faster than standard methods without sacrificing analytical accuracy.Laura breaks down the "orchestra" of technologies making this possible, including coupling nanoliter droplet microfluidics with Cyclic Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry (cIM-MS) to separate complex chemical isomers in milliseconds. She also shares the chaotic but triumphant behind-the-scenes stories of her PhD journey—from presenting a "comically bad" early poster at ASMS to recruiting an undergraduate mechanical engineer to build custom automation software from scratch.If you are an early-career researcher, a mass spec enthusiast, or curious about the future of synthetic biology and machine learning in chemistry, this episode is packed with invaluable intuition and advice.#MassSpectrometry #AnalyticalChemistry #Chromatography #Biocatalysis #DirectedEvolution #IonMobility #PhDJourney #LabAutomation #WomenInSTEM #SyntheticBiology

Chromatography software hasn't fundamentally changed in decades — but the peaks it's trying to measure have gotten a lot harder to solve. In this episode of @ChromatographyTalk I sit down with Ron Brown, creator of PeakFit and PeakLab, and returning guest Dr. M. Farooq Wahab, analytical chemist and research engineering scientist at the University of Texas at Arlington, to dig into the real science (and art) of peak modeling.We cover why baseline subtraction and denoising matter before you ever touch a peak model, the difference between true mathematical deconvolution and the "deconvolution" most chromatographers mean when they say it, and why mass balance is the line between a valid peak model and bad science. Ron walks through the historical roots of peak modeling going back over a century, and explains how his HVL and generalized moment models build on pioneers whose work rarely gets the recognition it deserves.We also get into resolving completely co-eluting peaks using 3D PDA/DAD data, multivariate curve resolution, and derivative-based zero-crossing methods — techniques that go well beyond what a single chromatographic dimension can tell you. And we close with a candid conversation about generative AI's growing role in analytical chemistry: where it genuinely accelerates good science, where it's eroding foundational skills in newer chemists, and why Farooq argues AI is only as useful as the prepared mind using it.In this episode:- What peak modeling actually solves that chromatography alone can't- Why baseline correction and denoising come before any modeling step- The historical origins of peak fitting, from Carl Clarison to Van der Linden- True deconvolution vs. what the field commonly (and incorrectly) calls deconvolution- Why mass balance is non-negotiable in a valid peak model- Using the F-statistic and information criteria to choose the right model complexity- Resolving fully co-eluting peaks with 3D spectral data and MCR-ALS- Generative AI's expanding role in chromatographic data processing — and its risks for early-career scientistsAbout our guests:Ronald E. Brown is a chemical engineer trained at Purdue University with 36 years of experience developing chromatography and spectroscopy peak modeling software. He is the sole developer of PeakFit and PeakLab, used by spectroscopists, chromatographers, and defense researchers worldwide. His paper on detecting outliers in nonlinear regression using the false discovery rate has been cited more than 1,950 times.Dr. M. Farooq Wahab is an analytical chemist and research engineering scientist at the University of Texas at Arlington. He earned his PhD from the University of Alberta and focuses his research on data processing, non-linear denoising, deconvolution, and generative AI applications in analytical chemistry.🎧 Listen to more episodes of Concentrating on Chromatography: https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL?si=n9GLz9zjSCOrVfXPxFPhng🔗 Learn more about Organomation's nitrogen blowdown evaporators and sample prep instruments: https://www.organomation.com/#Chromatography #PeakFitting #AnalyticalChemistry #MassSpectrometry #Deconvolution #ChemometricsAI #HPLC #LabScience

Welcome back to another episode of Concentrating on Chromatography! In this episode of @ChromatographyTalk host David Oliva sits down with Dr. Ansgar Korf, CEO and Co-Founder of mzio GmbH, to explore how their vendor-agnostic platform is fundamentally changing how researchers and industrial users extract value from complex mass spectrometry data.Historically rooted in the open-source academic community as mzmine, Bremen-based mzio has evolved into a powerhouse for multimodal data analysis—spanning LC-MS, GC-MS, ion mobility MS, and MS-imaging. Ansgar pulls back the curtain on how laboratories can break free from proprietary vendor software stacks to streamline workflows across mixed-instrument fleets.We dive deep into their massive announcements from ASMS 2026, including FAIR-MS—an AI-powered initiative utilizing deep learning embeddings to automatically search and match new measurements against archived, historical data sets. We also break down the LIMMIC calibration project, their new small molecule and lipidomics dashboards, and how AI agents will shape the next 5 years of automated, real-time MS data acquisition.Whether you are an industry veteran or an early-career chemist, this episode is packed with insights on avoiding the "black box" of automated analysis while unleashing the true power of your lab's data.Mass Spectrometry, Chromatography, mzio, mzmine, FAIR-MS, LIMMIC, Lipidomics, Metabolomics, Open-Source Science, Analytical Chemistry, AI in Chemistry, Deep Learning, LC-MS, GC-MS, PFAS Analysis, Vendor-Agnostic Software, ASMS 2026

Can sustainability actually make laboratories more efficient—and more profitable?In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, @Organomation General Manager David Oliva sits down with James Connelly, CEO of My Green Lab, to discuss how a grassroots movement founded by scientists evolved into the leading global organization for laboratory sustainability.James explains why sustainability is no longer just a "nice-to-have" initiative, how major pharmaceutical companies and funding organizations are driving change, and why laboratory suppliers and instrument manufacturers are becoming increasingly important in helping scientists achieve their environmental goals.Topics include:🔬 How My Green Lab grew from an academic movement into a global standard💰 Why sustainable laboratories often deliver significant financial ROI🏭 The changing role of laboratory equipment manufacturers and suppliers📊 What Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions actually mean♻️ The ACT Eco Label and sustainable product design⚡ Renewable energy, recycled materials, and resilient supply chains🤖 AI-powered predictive maintenance and smart laboratory technologies🗑️ Emerging innovations in laboratory waste management🌎 Why sustainability is becoming a business imperative across life sciences🎓 The My Green Lab Ambassador and Accredited Professional programsWhether you're an analytical chemist, laboratory manager, instrument manufacturer, or simply interested in the future of scientific research, this episode provides practical insights into how sustainability is transforming laboratories around the world. Subscribe to @ChromatographyTalk for more conversations with leaders in chromatography, mass spectrometry, sample preparation, and analytical science.#Sustainability #GreenLab #MyGreenLab #LaboratoryScience #Chromatography #MassSpectrometry #AnalyticalChemistry #LifeSciences #ESG #SciencePodcast

Why should analytical chemists, chromatographers, and researchers care about science communication? Is publishing papers enough? How can scientists increase their visibility without spending hours on social media?In this episode of @ChromatographyTalk , David is joined by Lisa Jones and Johnnie Aycock, co-hosts of @TheNoonShow100.1 and creators of the upcoming BrightPath program on Alabama Public Radio. Together, they explore why communicating science matters—not just for public understanding, but for research funding, industry partnerships, talent development, and the future of innovation itself.From translating complex ideas with simple analogies to building relationships beyond the laboratory, this conversation offers practical advice for scientists who want their work to have a greater impact.In this episode:🔬 Why scientists need to tell their story beyond journal publications🎙️ How researchers can communicate complex science to non-scientists💡 Why visibility matters for funding, collaboration, and career opportunities🏭 Bridging the gap between academia and industry🤝 The importance of partnerships and advocacy for research📢 Practical first steps for chemists who want to promote their work🧪 Why conferences alone aren't enough to reach broader audiences🎓 How science communication can inspire the next generation of scientists🌎 The role of research in economic development and global competitiveness🎧 The vision behind BrightPath and bringing science stories to the publicMemorable topics discussed:Explaining chromatography through the analogy of making coffeeWhy researchers should "lead with why it matters"Lessons learned from interviewing scientists across AlabamaThe connection between research, workforce development, and economic growthHow communication can influence public support for scienceWhy showing up and building relationships often matters more than perfectionFeatured GuestsLisa JonesFormer University of Alabama Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry staff member (27 years)Co-host of The Noon ShowScience communication advocate and STEM enthusiastJohnnie AycockFormer President & CEO of the West Alabama Chamber of CommerceEconomic development leaderCo-host of The Noon Show🎙️ Concentrating on Chromatography explores chromatography, mass spectrometry, sample preparation, and the people advancing analytical science.If you enjoy conversations about analytical chemistry, LC-MS, GC-MS, sample preparation, and scientific careers, subscribe for future episodes featuring researchers, industry leaders, and innovators from around the world.#Chromatography #AnalyticalChemistry #MassSpectrometry #ScienceCommunication #STEM #Research #LCMS #GCMS #Chemistry #SciencePodcast #Scientists #AcademicResearch #Innovation #Spectroscopy #CareersInScience #ConcentratingOnChromatography

In this episode of @ChromatographyTalk David sits down with Dr. Darshil Patel, Assistant Professor of Forensic Science at the University of North Dakota, to discuss his remarkable journey from dentistry in India to becoming a leading researcher in forensic chemistry across Australia, Canada, and the United States.Dr. Patel shares how his work at human taphonomic facilities—commonly known as "body farms"—has helped advance our understanding of human decomposition and the volatile compounds released during the postmortem process. Using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS), his research aims to improve human remains detection, cadaver dog training, and the development of future electronic sensing technologies.Topics discussed include:🔬 How a dentist became a forensic scientist🌏 Working in Australia, Canada, and the United States⚰️ What human taphonomic facilities ("body farms") really do🧪 The chemistry of human decomposition📈 Why GC×GC-TOFMS excels at analyzing complex VOC mixtures🐕 How chromatography can improve cadaver dog training🤖 The future of electronic noses and human remains detection🏔️ Challenges posed by geography and environmental conditions🏫 Building a new forensic chemistry laboratory at the University of North Dakota🔍 The future of forensic chromatographyWhether you're interested in forensic science, chromatography, mass spectrometry, or the chemistry behind real-world investigations, this episode offers a fascinating look into one of the most unique applications of analytical chemistry.#ForensicScience #GCxGC #MassSpectrometry #Chromatography #Forensics #GCMS #TOFMS #AnalyticalChemistry #HumanDecomposition #VOCs #UniversityOfNorthDakota #CadaverDogs #BodyFarm #SeparationScience

In this episode of @ChromatographyTalk , David speaks with Joseph Corstvet from the Fernandez Lab at Georgia Tech about the future of mass spectrometry, LC-MS metabolomics, and the development of low-cost ionization technologies.Joe discusses his work using LC-MS lipidomics to monitor mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) senescence and explains how metabolomics could eventually become a real-world quality control tool for regenerative medicine and cell therapy manufacturing.The conversation also dives into triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and how these low-cost, modular ionization systems could help make mass spectrometry more portable, accessible, and affordable. Joe explains how TENG-powered electrospray ionization works, why it differs from traditional ESI, and how his group is exploring applications ranging from mass spectrometry imaging to mobile MS platforms.Topics include:• LC-MS metabolomics workflows• Lipidomics and MSC senescence• Biomarker discovery in regenerative medicine• Untargeted metabolomics challenges• TENG ionization technology• Portable and lower-cost mass spectrometry• Mass spectrometry imaging• Ion mobility and future MS trends• ASMS and the future of analytical chemistryIf you enjoy conversations about chromatography, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, and analytical chemistry innovation, be sure to subscribe to Concentrating on Chromatography.#MassSpectrometry #LCMS #Metabolomics #AnalyticalChemistry #Chromatography #Lipidomics #MassSpec #Ionization #ASMS #Biotech

What happens when you replace just one atom in an amino acid?In this episode of @ChromatographyTalk David sits down with JC Poutsma, Professor of Chemistry at William & Mary, to explore the fascinating world of gas-phase ion chemistry, peptide fragmentation, and the hidden molecular behavior revealed by mass spectrometry.Professor Poutsma explains how subtle structural changes in biomolecules can dramatically alter protein folding, fragmentation pathways, and biological activity. The conversation dives into unusual amino acids like canavanine, the “proline effect” in peptide fragmentation, ion mobility spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, and why understanding the fundamentals of chemistry still matters in modern analytical science.Whether you work in LC-MS, proteomics, physical chemistry, or analytical instrumentation—or you simply enjoy learning how molecules behave at the most fundamental level—this episode offers a fascinating look at the chemistry happening behind the spectra.Topics Discussed* What is gas-phase ion chemistry?* How mass spectrometers can function as reaction vessels* Why unusual amino acids matter* The chemistry of canavanine vs arginine* How one atom substitution changes protein behavior* Peptide fragmentation mechanisms in proteomics* The “proline effect” in tandem MS* Ion mobility spectrometry explained* IR spectroscopy for structural characterization* Why understanding analytical fundamentals still matters* Teaching chemistry in the age of AI and automation About the GuestJC Poutsma is a Professor of Chemistry at William & Mary whose research focuses on gas-phase ion chemistry, biomolecular structure, peptide fragmentation, spectroscopy, and the physical chemistry underlying mass spectrometry.#MassSpectrometry #Proteomics #AnalyticalChemistry #LCMS #MassSpec #Chemistry #IonMobility #Spectroscopy #PeptideFragmentation #PhysicalChemistry #ASMS #Chromatography

In this episode of @ChromatographyTalk David speaks with Colette Quinn, Senior Director within the Biologics Business at Waters Corporation, about the rapidly evolving world of pharmaceutical and biopharma QA/QC.As biologics become more complex, QA/QC labs are being pushed beyond traditional pass/fail testing toward deeper molecular characterization, advanced analytics, and data-driven decision making. Colette explains why “the product is the process” in biologics manufacturing, how chromatography and mass spectrometry are transforming QC workflows, and why orthogonal analytical techniques are becoming increasingly important for understanding critical quality attributes (CQAs).The conversation explores:* Why biologics QC differs fundamentally from small molecule pharma* The growing role of LC, HRMS, MALS, CE, and 2D-LC in QA/QC* Challenges surrounding aggregation, co-elution, heterogeneity, and higher-order structure* How automation, software, and machine learning may reshape future QC labs* The importance of data integrity and standardized workflows* Why advanced techniques like MALS and mass spectrometry are moving downstream into QC environments* How QC teams can think scientifically about adopting new analytical technologiesColette also shares insights on building high-performing analytical teams, the skills needed by the next generation of QC scientists, and where she believes the future of real-time release testing and biologics characterization is headed.Whether you work in chromatography, mass spectrometry, pharmaceutical analysis, biologics development, or analytical chemistry, this episode offers a detailed look at how modern QA/QC is evolving alongside increasingly sophisticated therapeutics.#Chromatography #MassSpec #Biologics #Pharma #Biopharma #QualityControl #QAQC #LCMS #MALS #AnalyticalChemistry #Waters #PharmaceuticalAnalysis #Biotechnology #2DLC #QC #MassSpectrometry

What makes capillary LC so powerful—and why are more scientists paying attention to it?In this episode of @ChromatographyTalk , David sits down with Samuel Foster of Axcend to discuss how capillary liquid chromatography is changing the conversation around LC-MS sensitivity, solvent consumption, instrument footprint, and chromatographic efficiency.Sam explains how lower flow rates can dramatically improve electrospray ionization performance, why capillary LC can reduce solvent usage by orders of magnitude, and where the technology is already making an impact in pharmaceutical, environmental, and radiopharmaceutical workflows.They also discuss common misconceptions about capillary LC, why older systems gave the technology a mixed reputation, and why modern advances may make now the right time for labs to take another look.Topics Covered:* What capillary LC is and how it differs from traditional HPLC* Why lower flow rates improve LC-MS sensitivity* Solvent savings and sustainability benefits* Extra-column effects and hidden performance killers* Applications in pharma, biologics, drugs of abuse, and radiopharmaceuticals* Is capillary LC ready for routine lab adoption?* The future of liquid chromatographyIf you work in LC, LC-MS, analytical chemistry, method development, or lab operations, this episode is packed with practical insight.👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with leaders in analytical science.#Chromatography #HPLC #LCMS #MassSpectrometry #AnalyticalChemistry #PharmaceuticalAnalysis #LabScience #CapillaryLC

How are PFAS regulations changing, and what role will ion chromatography play in the future of environmental testing?In this episode of @ChromatographyTalk , David interviews Jay Gandhi, PhD, Vertical Markets Manager at Metrohm USA, for an in-depth discussion on PFAS analysis, the rise of AOF (Adsorbable Organic Fluorine) testing, and the development of EPA 1621 and ISO 18127 standards.With more than 30 years of experience in ion chromatography, Jay shares valuable perspective on how the field has evolved—from early applications and NASA water recovery projects to today’s challenges involving PFAS, TFA, and emerging contaminants.Topics covered in this episode include:• What PFAS are and why they matter• The difference between targeted PFAS methods and AOF analysis• How combustion ion chromatography works• Behind the scenes of EPA 1621 and ISO 18127 method development• Regulatory trends in water, textiles, and food packaging• TFA analysis using IC-MS and IC-MS/MS• The future of ion chromatography in environmental labsWhether you work in analytical chemistry, environmental testing, water analysis, or chromatography, this episode offers timely insights from one of the industry’s leading experts.Subscribe for more interviews with scientists, researchers, and industry leaders.#PFAS #Chromatography #IonChromatography #EnvironmentalTesting #Metrohm #AnalyticalChemistry #MassSpectrometry #EPA