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

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

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<p><strong>LA-ICP-MS imaging, particularly in TOF mode, provides rapid, high-resolution elemental maps of complex geological materials, but quantitative accuracy is often limited by heterogeneous mineralogy. This study introduces a workflow using UMAP for unsupervised dimensionality reduction combined with k-means clustering to segment mineral phases directly from per-pixel elemental data.</strong></p><p>Cluster compositions are matched to known minerals based on stoichiometry, allowing phase-specific normalization and reducing quantification errors by up to 60%. Validated on dawsonite-bearing sandstones, the approach enables consistent phase-resolved geochemical comparisons across depth profiles and establishes UMAP as a practical tool for accurate, interpretable multielement imaging.</p><blockquote><h4><strong>The original article</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398"><strong>Mineral Phase-Resolved Quantification in LA-ICP-MS Imaging</strong></a></h4><p>Barbara Umfahrer, Jakub Buday, Pavel Pořízka, Jozef Kaiser, Paolo S. Garofalo*, and Detlef Günther*</p><p>Anal. Chem. 2026, 98, 1, 581–589</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398">https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398</a></p><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"><strong>CC-BY 4.0</strong></a></h6></blockquote><p><strong>Selected sections from the article follow. Formats and hyperlinks were adapted from the original.</strong></p><p>Since its introduction in 1985, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1)</a> Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has matured into a routine technique for both qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis, finding use in diverse fields such as geology, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(2−4)</a> biology, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(5,6)</a> materials science, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(7)</a> and cultural heritage. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(8,9)</a> Especially in comparison to liquid analysis techniques, the method excels through minimal sample preparation, negligible sample destruction, and low limits of detection, which enable trace element analysis. However, besides the availability of standard reference materials, a longstanding challenge of quantitative LA-ICP-MS is the need for a suitable internal standard to account for variations in ablation rate and transport efficiency, as well as instrumental drift. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(10)</a> Developed for applications in geological matrices, this requirement was elegantly circumvented by Liu et al. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(11)</a> through 100 wt % normalization, which assumes that all detected elements form oxides summing up to 100 wt %. This approach was conceptually inspired by the summed-spectrum normalization calibration procedure introduced by Leach and Hieftje in 2000, which emphasized the use of total signal intensities for robust internal standardization. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(12)</a> The 100 wt % normalization strategy was subsequently extended to the bulk analysis of carbonates. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a></p><p>Concurrently, the advent of time-of-flight (TOF) mass analyzers and the development of fast-washout laser ablation cells <a href="javascript:void(0);">(14−16)</a> have transformed LA-ICP-MS into a powerful imaging tool, capable of generating spatial maps across a variety of sample matrices at high data acquisition rates. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(17−19)</a> Furthermore, in comparison to, e.g., X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) or Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), LA-ICP-MS offers a high depth resolution of approximately 0.2 μm on glass, enabling precise measurement of fine-scale structures not only laterally but also in depth. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(18)</a> However, as the volume and complexity of these elemental images have grown according to the progressive advancement of the method itself, now consisting of gigabytes of data produced within minutes, manual data interpretation has become increasingly impractical. To uncover meaningful details and patterns, researchers have applied multivariate methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and k-means clustering to reduce dimensionality and delineate distinct regions within the images. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(20−23)</a> The nonlinear dimensionality reduction technique Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP), <a href="javascript:void(0);">(24)</a> which supports data interpretation with its capability to capture and separate subtle local structures, has first been employed to LA-ICP-MS bulk analysis data in 2024, where it was used to classify pyrite samples and discriminate between Pb and Zn deposit types. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(25,26)</a> In combination with elemental imaging, UMAP has recently been applied to biological tissue data sets as an exploratory analysis tool, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(27)</a> further enhancing the ability to visualize and interpret complex elemental distributions.</p><p>Despite these advances, no existing approach combines the unsupervised segmentation of mineral phases by UMAP with phase-specific normalization. In this study, we introduce a UMAP-driven workflow that (1) automatically segments distinct mineralogical phases within fine-grained geological matrices and (2) applies phase-specific 100 wt % normalization (e.g., oxide <a href="javascript:void(0);">(11)</a> or carbonate <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a>), thereby improving quantification accuracy and enabling phase-specific quantitative interpretation of mineral distributions in complex matrices.</p><h4><strong>Materials and Methods</strong></h4><h5><strong>LA-ICP-TOFMS Imaging</strong></h5><p>LA-ICP-TOFMS analyses were performed using a 193 nm ArF excimer laser (GeoLas C, Lambda Physik, Göttingen, Germany) coupled to an ICP-TOFMS instrument (icpTOF 2R, TOFWERK AG, Thun, Switzerland). Ablation was conducted in the modified parallel flow ablation cell (MPFAC) <a href="javascript:void(0);">(16,34)</a> under a He atmosphere (99.999%, Linde Gas Schweiz AG, Dagmersellen, Switzerland) with Ar (99.996%, Linde Gas Schweiz AG) used as the carrier gas. A piezoelectrically driven xyz translational stage (1 nm resolution, SmarAct GmbH, Oldenburg, Germany) enabled precise sample positioning. Laser, stage movement, and ICP-TOFMS data acquisition were synchronized using a custom-built imaging control system. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(19)</a> The system was optimized each day based on maximum sensitivity while ensuring a <sup>238</sup>U<sup>+</sup>/<sup>232</sup>Th<sup>+</sup> intensity ratio of 1.0 to 1.1 on NIST SRM 610 and a <sup>232</sup>Th<sup>16</sup>O<sup>+</sup>/<sup>232</sup>Th<sup>+</sup> rate of below 0.5%.</p><h5><strong>LIBS Imaging</strong></h5><p>The LIBS analyses were performed on a Firefly system (Lightigo, Czech Republic). The laser (1064 nm, 5 mJ, pulse duration ∼10 ns, diameter 6 mm, operating at 50 Hz) was focused on the sample with a singlet lens (focal length 50 mm) to a 30 μm spot. The spatial resolution of the acquired elemental maps, with a size of about 16 mm × 26 mm, was 20 μm. Plasma radiation is collected by a multifiber configuration with a collimator and an optical fiber (400 μm core diameter), which delivered the light to several Czerny–Turner spectrometers (resolution 0.25–0.4 nm). The spectral range of the spectrometers is 180–850 nm. The radiation is collected 1.5 μs after ablation, with a gate width of 15 μs.</p><p>Data processing was done with Python 3.11.8 in the Spyder environment and included background correction and per-pixel z-score normalization.</p><h4><strong>Results and Discussion</strong></h4><h5><strong>LIBS and XRD Measurements</strong></h5><p>To assess whether carbonate-based normalization <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a> is warranted, first, large-scale LIBS elemental intensity maps of the samples across about a third of the thin sections were acquired. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398#fig1">Figure 1</a> reveals the results for “Layer 2” of the Poggio del Gatto sandstone for selected elements. A complete mapping of all four thin sections can be found in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398/suppl_file/ac5c05398_si_001.pdf">Figures S3 and S6</a> in the Supporting Information. The maps reveal that C is strongly enriched in fracture veins as well as in finer-grained domains within the matrix and correlates with Ca, indicating carbonate minerals rather than oxides. Bulk XRD analysis identifies calcite alongside quartz, plagioclase, white mica, and kaolinite. These complementary observations confirm calcite as a major phase and thus justify the need for performing the 100 wt % normalization on a carbonate basis for pixels representing calcite.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Anal_Chem_2026_98_1_581_589_Figure_1_LIBS_elemental_intensity_maps_of_the_data_set_from_Layer_2_of_the_Poggio_del_Gatto_sandstone_mounted_on_a_microscope_slide_73ada1b7b8.jpg" alt="Anal. Chem. 2026, 98, 1, 581–589: Figure 1. LIBS elemental intensity maps of the data set from “Layer 2” of the Poggio del Gatto sandstone mounted on a microscope slide, depicting calcite veins and fine-grained structures within the matrix, underlining the need for carbonate-based normalization for specific pixels. Emission lines for evaluation are shown in the corresponding subfigure title. The epoxy used to fix the thin section on the slide is visible along the margin." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Anal_Chem_2026_98_1_581_589_Figure_1_LIBS_elemental_intensity_maps_of_the_data_set_from_Layer_2_of_the_Poggio_del_Gatto_sandstone_mounted_on_a_microscope_slide_73ada1b7b8.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2088" height="414"></p><h5><strong>Renormalization Based on Carbonates</strong></h5><p>Applying an oxide-based normalization to carbonate samples will introduce composition-dependent biases that cannot immediately be generalized as a singular numerical value. The difference between the molecular masses of carbonate CO<sub>3</sub><sup>2–</sup> and its oxide equivalent O<sup>2–</sup> yields an intrinsic bias on the order of a factor of about two, depending on the stoichiometry. Once this data is renormalized to a total of 100 wt %, the magnitude of the error becomes highly dependent on the specific elemental composition of the sample. An exemplary calculation illustrating this effect for a representative calcite pixel is provided in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398/suppl_file/ac5c05398_si_001.pdf">Table S2</a>, yielding a relative error of 79%. In practice, this error varies across the image according to the local phase composition. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398#fig6">Figure 6</a> illustrates the impact of normalization approaches for layer 2 of the samples as well as the spatial distribution of the resulting relative error. The figure presents Ca and Si elemental maps in two rows, while the first three columns compare different normalization strategies: normalization based on all oxides, normalization based on all carbonates, and a pixel-wise normalization guided by mineral phase identification, as outlined in the workflow proposed in this study. The final column displays the relative error between the bulk oxide- or carbonate-based normalization and the pixel-wise, phase-informed normalization.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Anal_Chem_2026_98_1_581_589_Figure_6_Comparison_of_normalization_strategies_for_Ca_and_Si_LA_ICP_TOFMS_elemental_maps_in_Layer_2_ce3a0c1a5c.jpg" alt="Anal. Chem. 2026, 98, 1, 581–589: Figure 6. Comparison of normalization strategies for Ca and Si LA-ICP-TOFMS elemental maps in “Layer 2” of the Poggio del Gatto sandstone. Rows show Ca (top) and Si (bottom); columns compare (1) oxide-based normalization, (2) carbonate-based normalization, (3) pixel-wise, phase-informed normalization (this study), and (4) relative error between the first two and the phase-informed approach." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Anal_Chem_2026_98_1_581_589_Figure_6_Comparison_of_normalization_strategies_for_Ca_and_Si_LA_ICP_TOFMS_elemental_maps_in_Layer_2_ce3a0c1a5c.jpg 202w," sizes="100vw" width="2088" height="1622"></p><p>For Ca (in this matrix primarily associated with calcite, a dominant carbonate phase in our samples), the relative error depicted quantifies the effect of applying oxide-based normalization across the entire image. This results in a systematic overestimation of the Ca concentration by approximately 60%. Conversely, for Si─in this matrix found mainly in quartz and various plagioclase phases─the error is shown for applying carbonate-based normalization across an oxidic matrix. In such cases, the Si concentrations are underestimated by roughly 10% to 40%, depending on the mineral phase.</p><p>These findings highlight that using a single normalization scheme across heterogeneous samples introduces substantial quantification errors. To mitigate this, the pixel-wise phase segmentation enabled by the proposed UMAP-based workflow offers a significant advantage, especially in fine-grained matrices. In short, phase-aware, pixel-wise normalization combines the strengths of both normalization approaches and proves to be highly beneficial.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4><p>This study demonstrates that phase-specific normalization, guided by unsupervised phase segmentation of LA-ICP-MS images, can substantially improve the accuracy of elemental quantification in fine-grained geological matrices. Rather than relying on a single global assumption (e.g., all oxides or all carbonates), the workflow adapts normalization to the actual mineralogy, minimizing systematic errors and enabling phase-resolved geochemical interpretation.</p><p>The segmentation step, based on UMAP embedding and <i>k</i>-means clustering, is fully unsupervised. However, the subsequent matching of clusters to specific minerals still relies on a limited set of preidentified stoichiometries and is therefore not yet fully unsupervised. Expansion to larger stoichiometric databases could help overcome this limitation and move toward automated mineral classification. A key challenge remains the similarity of cation ratios in certain mineral groups, which may still require complementary data to ensure robust assignments.</p><p>Overall, beyond the specific case of the Poggio del Gatto sandstone presented in this study, this work provides a framework for quantitative elemental imaging of complex geological samples and is readily transferable to other contexts that require spatially resolved composition-aware normalization. This contribution adds a practical implementation to a growing literature that already uses multivariate statistics to unlock the immense information depth of LA-ICP-TOFMS.</p>

Mineral Phase-Resolved Quantification in LA-ICP-MS Imaging

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

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<li><em>Presenter: Peer Kornas (LCMS Product Specialist, Agilent Germany)</em></li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Extraction of pesticides from food samples using QuEChERS</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><em>Presenter: Dr. Anshu Kumari</em></li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Element analysis of health &amp; fortified foods</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><em>Presenter: Dr. Vinay Jain</em></li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Spoiler Alert! The PFAS Lab of the Future</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><em>Presenter: Dr. TarunAnmol (Director, Global Environment &amp; Food markets, Agilent Technologies Inc)</em></li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Routine analysis of nitrosamine and dioxins in water using tandem Quadrupole GC-MS</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><em>Presenter: Dale Walker (GC/MS/MS Field Applications Specialist, Agilent Technologies)</em></li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>A need for standardized monitoring methodologies in Microplastics analysis</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><em>Presenter: Jeff Prevatt (Deputy Director, Treatment, Research &amp; innovation, PIMA County Wastewater Reclamation)</em></li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>On Demand  sessions: Pharma and BioPharma meeting at Auditorium</strong></h3>
<h5><strong>Analytical Method Lifecycle management - An Update</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><em>Presenter: Mr. Ansuman Mahato</em></li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Accurate Determination of Trace Nitrosamine Impurities in Sartan, Ranitidine and Metformin Based Drugs</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><em>Presenter: Dr. Soma Dasgupta</em></li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Automation and Workflow management – Improve efficiency &amp; reduce compliance risk</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><em>Presenter: Mr. Amit Ghate</em></li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Native Mode Analysis of Biologics Charge Variant Profiling Protein Therapeutics Using Ion Exchange Chromatography (IEX) Solutions</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><em>Presenter: Dr. Sathish Kumar Lakshmipathy (Principal Investigator BBRC, SyngeneInternational)</em></li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Biopharmaceutical Process Related Impurity Analysis - Regulatory Overview, Host Cell Protein and Leachables</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><em>Presenter: Dr. Dhananjay B. Patankar, PhD (Vice President of Biopharmaceutical Development, SyngeneInternational Ltd)</em></li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Fully automated 2D LC/MS for biotherapeutics charge variant characterization using Ion Exchange (IEX) and Reversed Phase (RP) Chromatography</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><em>Presenter: Prof. Anurag S. Rathore (Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Delhi)</em></li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Charge variants analysis of biotherapeutics by fully automated Capillary Isoelectric Focusing (cIEF) and High Res Mass Spectrometry</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><em>Presenter: Dr. James Xia (CEO &amp; Principal Scientist, CMP Scientific Corp)</em></li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>On Demand  sessions: “Tomorrow’s solutions for today”at Auditorium</strong></h3>
<h5><strong>Cary 3500 Uv-Visible system – One Instrument Multiple Possibilities</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><em>Presenter: Dr. Zainul Abid</em></li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Lowest cost of ownership using Agilent true simultaneous ICP-OES system</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><em>Presenter: Mr. Gaurav Kapadnis</em></li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Lab Wide Instrument Services</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><em>Presenter: Brian Duffy (Service Business Consultant)</em></li>
<li><em>Presenter: Brittany Stille (Product Manager, Lab-Wide Instrument Services)</em></li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>The benefits of dedicated Biocompatible UHPLC and chromatography column for analysis of Biomolecules</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><em>Presenter: Ms. Cornelia Vad (Senior Product Manager HPLC, Agilent Inc.)</em></li>
<li><em>Presenter: Dr. Andrew Coffey (Senior Application Chemist, Agilent Inc.)</em></li>
</ul>


Agilent Technologies: Virtual Total Agilent Experience 2021

Virtual Total Agilent Experience 2021 - Day 1

<p><strong>Emerging Topics in Food Safety is a new quarterly event series for 2022, designed to showcase food safety issues that are important in the European, Middle East and Africa regions. Each session will highlight different food safety topics covering those that are more familiar or emerging or hot topics.</strong></p>
<h5><strong>Session 1: Microplastics analysis in food by µFTIR and chemical images</strong></h5>
<p>The vast array of different plastic types available on today’s consumer market makes the qualitative or quantitative analysis of microplastics extremely challenging and there are no officially recognized methods available by now. During our speech, we will present the high adaptability of our developed and validated method for the microplastics detection and identification in different food matrices.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Federico Benetti (Ecsin LAB Director - part of Mérieux NutriSciences Group)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Federico Benetti has a degree in Biology and a PhD in molecular physiology and structural biology, both obtained at the University of Padua. He later joined the Laboratory of prion biology at SISSA (International School for Advanced Studies, Trieste).</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Since 2011, he focused his research on the sustainable development of nanotechnologies at ECSIN (European Centre for the Sustainable Impact of Nanotechnology), where he currently hold the position of Laboratory Executive Director.</p>
</blockquote>
<h5><strong>Session 2: Food packaging and microplastics analyses via automated FTIR Microscopy</strong></h5>
<p>We will present the workflow, spectra, and analyses for a food packaging multi-layer film and for microplastics. Using modern hardware and software tools, these can now be done quickly and simply by any level of user, giving far greater analytical utility to busy laboratories.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Dr. Michael Bradley (Senior Product Manager, FTIR and FTIR microscopy, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Dr. Michael Bradley taught graduate and undergraduate chemistry for 15 years, prior to becoming a field applications scientist with Thermo Fisher Scientific. He worked with teams to develop and launch the Thermo Scientific™ Nicolet™ iN10 FTIR Microscope and NicoletV iS10 FTIR spectrometers. He then led the development of the Thermo Scientific™ Nicolet™ iS50 FT-IR spectrometer and, most recently, the Thermo Scientific™ Nicolet™ RaptIR™ FTIR microscope. He is now Senior Product Manager, FTIR and FTIR microscopy with additional roles in FT-IR and Raman training and ongoing product development, helping customers utilize the spectroscopy tools and ensuring customer feedback reaches into next-generation tools. He also sits on the Editorial Advisory Board for Spectroscopy Magazine.</p>
</blockquote>
<h5><strong>Session 3: Pyrolysis/GC/MS for microplastic identification - benefits of high resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry</strong></h5>
<p>Today, microplastics are present in the terrestrial and aquatic environment. They may consist of not only the pure synthetic polymer but also include residuals of the monomer, plasticizers, flame retardants, and many other toxic additives that can have a negative impact on human health. Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (py-GC-MS) presents a promising alternative for identification and quantification of microplastics where throughput is critical. Application of Orbitrap mass spectrometry improves considerably the selectivity of the analysis and brings new opportunities of the pyrolysis products identification. Furthermore, this analytical approach enables time-saving detection of bulk amounts of micro- and nanoplastics below the lower size limit of the microscopy techniques.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Lukasz Rajski (Product Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Łukasz Rajski works as product application specialist at Thermo Fisher Scientific. He holds a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry. Łukasz has over 10 years of experience in pesticide residue analysis. He is an expert in the development and validation of analytical methods. Dr. Rajski works with advanced mass spectrometry techniques (both high-resolution and triple quadrupole) coupled to ultra-high performance liquid chromatography, high-performance ion chromatography, and gas chromatography. Łukasz Rajski is a co-author of numerous articles published in scientific journals.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3><strong>Who should attend:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Lab managers and analysts that have analytical challenges when testing food and beverages</li>
<li>QA/QC and research laboratories that want to keep up to date and also be ready for future challenges</li>
<li>Lab leaders who want to leverage the full analytical potential of their analytical instrumentation</li>
</ul>


Thermo Fisher Scientific: Emerging Topics in Food Safety

Contaminants in food - Microplastics

Microplastics in food by µFTIR and chemical images, Food packaging and microplastics, Pyrolysis/GC/MS for microplastic identification - HR Orbitrap MS.

<p><strong>A cathode’s active material is composed of lithium and, in the majority of the cases, one or several metals. Proportion and content of the main elements in cathode material can affect the performance and cost of the lithium battery significantly, and the content of impurities in the material alters the safety of the battery. Conclusively, accurate determination and quantification of the main elements, as well as trace impurities, becomes particularly important.</strong></p>
<p>Evaluation of batteries and battery components requires a variety of analytical methods that study materials and component surfaces at various scales. Common elemental analysis techniques are inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (<strong>ICP-OES</strong>) and mass spectrometry (<strong>ICP-MS</strong>) or structural analysis with electron microscopy (<strong>SEM</strong>). But also other techniques as <strong>FTIR</strong>, <strong>Raman</strong> and <strong>NIR</strong> are used.</p>
<p>In this webinar session we will highlight the benefits of several analytical techniques, including ICP-OES and SEM for battery cathode material and structural analysis. </p>
<h5><strong>Learning points:</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Learn about analytical solutions for lithium-ion battery material and structural analysis</li>
<li>Learn how IC, GC-MS, ICP-OES, and SEM support battery value chain from raw materials to recycling</li>
<li>Learn about different applications and performance demonstrated with selected analysis examples</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Who should attend:</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Battery material analysis laboratory managers and analysts</li>
<li>Battery cell manufacturers and their QA/QC personnel</li>
<li>Scientists working in battery research and development</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Simon Nelms (Product Marketing Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Simon joined Thermo Fisher Scientific in 1996 as an applications specialist for ICP-MS, before taking a 2-year postdoctoral sabbatical at IRMM in Belgium. He re-joined the company in 2000 and in 2014 moved into Regional Marketing for the EMEA area. Simon has recently joined the Product Marketing team, covering trace elemental analysis accessories and software.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Tomoko Vincent (Application Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Tomoko gained 10 years’ experience of ICP-MS (single quad and sector field ICP-MS) for the industrial research laboratory in Japan. In 2007, moved to the position of Application Specialist for ICP-MS at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Bremen where she supports the customer with the development and implementation of new methods and regulations in their laboratory.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Letian Li (Market Development Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Experienced Electron Microscopist focusing on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and DualBeam instruments, with a solid background in applications of FIB/PFIB, Nanomaterials, Dual beam systems, Metallography in Materials Sciences. Skilled professional focused in Materials Engineering and PhD from Loughborough University. Looking forward to developing and enhancing electron microscopy applications for battery research and industry.</p>
</blockquote>


Thermo Scientific: PowerUp: Solutions for lithium-ion battery material analysis and testing

Analysis of battery cathode materials

We will highlight the benefits of several analytical techniques, including ICP-OES and SEM for battery cathode material and structural analysis.

<p><strong>Characterization of geological materials, including elemental composition, chemical speciation, and phase determination, is of primary importance for assessing their natural resources as well as their exploration, beneficiation, and extraction processes for industrial needs.</strong></p>
<p>X-ray techniques, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), have long been essential tools in geological research. Due to the relatively quick and simple sample preparation, XRF has become the technique of choice for the analysis of rocks and minerals. New generations of XRF analyzers also permit analysis of small spots down to 0.5 mm as well as mapping of a selected area of a sample. These new possibilities open up the XRF technique to heterogeneous samples where segregations, defects, or inclusions can now be determined. Coupling these capabilities with standard-less analysis allows quantification of up to 79 elements of the periodic table on selected points or areas of the sample. On the other hand, XRD measurements of crystalline materials in combination with Rietveld refinement is widely recognized as the most powerful method for quantitative crystalline-phase analysis.</p>
<p>Deriving chemical and structural information from the fundamental vibrations of molecular bonds, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy also find many applications in geosciences research, including identification of minerals and their polymorphic forms, differentiation from other organic and inorganic materials, qualitative and quantitative determination of structural incorporated molecules and defects, characterization of thermal maturity, etc.</p>
<p>In this presentation, several real-world geological applications using X-ray and vibrational spectroscopic techniques will be presented. The complementarity of different analytical techniques will also be discussed.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Christopher Shaffer (Business Development Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Chris is the Business Development Manager for the Thermo Fisher Scientific Bulk Element Analysis (BEA) Division (x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence and optical emission spectroscopy). He has been with the BEA business since 2007. After graduating from college, Chris started his career at the Ferro Corporation managing an analytical laboratory, where he first learned the techniques of x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF). Chris left Ferro to join Thermo Fisher Scientific as an XRF applications specialist for North America. In 2011, he moved to Switzerland to become the product manager for the newly launched Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ Perform’X XRF. In 2013, Chris moved back to North America as Latin American business manager for the BEA group and in 2017, he moved to his current position.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Rui Chen (Applications Manager, Spectroscopy, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Dr. Rui Chen obtained his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Alberta, Canada, followed by an Alberta Ingenuity Postdoctoral fellowship. Rui has extensive experience in a wide range of analytical techniques including chromatography, mass spectrometry, and vibrational spectroscopy. Currently, he is the senior manager of the applications team at Thermo Fisher Scientific supporting vibrational spectroscopy, optical emission spectroscopy, x-ray fluorescence, x-ray diffraction, extrusion, and rheology product lines.</p>
</blockquote>


Thermo Scientific: Geological Applications Using XRF, XRD and Vibrational Spectroscopy

Geological Applications Using XRF, XRD and Vibrational Spectroscopy

Several real-world geological applications using X-ray and vibrational spectroscopic techniques.

Geological Applications Using XRF, XRD

<p><strong>Join Agilent and GERSTEL for a 3-day live virtual seminar discussing how you can assure safety, authenticity, and quality of alcoholic beverages. The focus will be on sharing the latest in technology developments and capabilities, new applications, and customer stories.</strong></p><h4>Presentation 1: Use of FTIR Technology for the Analysis of Sugars and Sweeteners in the Production of Alcoholic Beverages</h4><ul><li><i>Rogelio García Juárez, Pre-Sales Application Engineer – Agilent Technologies</i></li></ul><p>Currently, fast, and accurate methods are required for the analysis of raw materials and various sources to produce alcoholic beverages, for the rapid identification and quantification of these materials, let's review FTIR technology for process controls, as the ideal alternative to other techniques such as HPLC.</p><h5>Key Learning Objectives/What attendees will learn:</h5><p><strong>1. The use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Technology in applications for the alcoholic beverage industry.</strong></p><p><strong>2. Analysis for the identification and release of raw materials used in preparation of Spirits.</strong></p><p><strong>3. Quick methods to determine the concentration of sugars and sweeteners for process control.</strong></p><h5>Who Should Attend:</h5><ul><li>Producers of alcoholic beverages, distillates, prepared liqueurs, juices, and extracts.</li></ul><h4>Presentation 2: GC-MS Techniques for the Determination of 2-Methylisoborneol and Geosmin in Finished Whiskey</h4><ul><li><i>Nicole Kfoury, Applications Scientist, GERSTEL,Inc.</i></li></ul><p>2-Methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin are naturally occurring metabolites formed by bacteria and fungi, most often in surface water sources. They have musty/earthy odors and very low odor thresholds, meaning they can be smelled at concentrations of 1-10 ppt in water. As a result, products, such as whiskey, that use contaminated water in the process may have musty, earthy odors in the finished product. Due to the complexity of the whiskey matrix and the low odor threshold of MIB and geosmin, they can be challenging to quantify accurately. This work shows that a selectable, heartcutting 1D/2D-GC-MSD is required to accurately quantify MIB and geosmin in finished whiskey. &nbsp;</p><h5>Key Learning Objectives/What attendees will learn:</h5><p>1. <strong>Overview of solid phase microextraction (SPME) versus stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE).</strong></p><p><strong>2. Overview of multidimensional, heartcutting GC-MS.</strong></p><p><strong>3. How to accurately measure the concentration of 2-methylisoborneol and geosmin in complex samples such as whiskey.</strong></p><h5>Who Should Attend:</h5><ul><li>Analytical chemists in the food, flavor, fragrance, and beverage industries.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presnter: </strong>Rogelio García Juárez (Pre-Sales Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies)</p><p>Rogelio García is an Applications Engineer for Molecular Spectroscopy in UV-Vis, FTIR, and Raman techniques at Agilent México and Latin America. Rogelio has a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and a Master´s Degree in Environmental Engineering. He has worked in several developments of methods and applications in water, soil, and air, as well as in method design for the Pharmaceutical and Food industry. In this last one, he has developed an outstanding application method for alcoholic beverages such as Tequila using FTIR technology.</p><p><strong>Presnter:&nbsp;</strong>Nicole Kfoury, Ph.D. (Applications Scientist, GERSTEL, Inc.)</p><p>Dr. Nicole Kfoury is an Applications Scientist at GERSTEL, Inc. in Baltimore, MD. She joined GERSTEL after receiving her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry at Tufts University and working as a Research Scientist at the Tufts University Sensory and Science Center. She is responsible for developing methods for sample preparation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and creating a Sensory Directed Analysis program at GERSTEL. She teaches customer training, supports pre- and post-sales opportunities, and provides analytical support to customers in a wide array of industries including food, flavor, fragrance, forensic, environmental, and chemical industries.</p></blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Alcoholic Beverages Virtual Symposium: Spirits

Alcoholic Beverages Virtual Symposium: Spirits

How you can assure safety, authenticity, and quality of alcoholic beverages.

<p><strong>In this 4-part session you will gain insights and understanding of what you can do in the battery industry with varied technologies. From investigating solutes and electrodes, following battery cell behavior, and in situ research on energy storage materials the Bruker Scientists are sharing a wealth of knowledge for your research.</strong></p><p><strong>Session 1: 11:00 a.m.</strong></p><h5><strong>Powering the Future: Analytical Methods in Battery Research</strong></h5><p>Chemical understanding of batteries is essential for enhancing their performance, longevity, and safety. This session will highlight the role that analytical techniques play in battery research and development. By offering deep insights into the chemical, structural, and electrochemical properties of energy storage materials, these methods enable researchers to drive innovation and solve complex challenges. We'll provide an overview of key analytical approaches, including spectroscopy, solid-state NMR, and X-ray diffraction, and discuss their applications in advancing battery technology.</p><p><strong>Session 2: 11:25 a.m.</strong></p><h5><strong>Spectroelectrochemical Setup for Probing Reactions on Electrodes and in Electrolytes</strong></h5><p>Electrochemistry combined with vibrational spectroscopy provides powerful insights into electrochemical reactions and battery research through unique infrared and Raman signatures. The session will cover accessories, setup optimization, and applications like electro-oxidation of metal-organic complexes and lithium battery interface mapping.</p><p><strong>Session 3: 11:50 a.m.</strong></p><h5><strong>Advancements and Challenges of Solid-State NMR Technology for Battery Research</strong></h5><p>Solid-State Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a characterization technique applied to investigate the structural changes of/in battery materials. Advanced NMR approaches can be used to track and examine ion-exchange/diffusion across interfaces, electrolyte decomposition, dendrite formation, storage behavior of an electrode etc. during or following charging/discharging in order to understand electrochemical processes and improve battery properties.</p><p><strong>Session 4: 12:15 p.m.</strong></p><h5><strong>Charge and Structure: Understanding Batteries Through X-Ray Diffraction</strong></h5><p>X-ray diffraction (XRD) serves as a powerful tool for elucidating the structural properties of battery materials at the atomic scale. Modern XRD techniques can be used to understand the effects of cycling and synthesis methods on electrode stability and efficiency, ultimately guiding the development of next-generation energy storage solutions.</p><p><strong>Key Learning Objectives:</strong></p><ul><li>Gain an overview of current trends in battery technology.</li><li>Understand the key components of battery chemistry and design.</li><li>Learn about future trends in battery development and energy storage.</li></ul><p><strong>Who Should Attend:</strong></p><ul><li>Laboratory managers</li><li>Batteries developers</li><li>Electrochemical researchers</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Federico Paruzzo, PhD (Academic Market Project Manager, Bruker BBIO)</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Sergey Shilov, PhD (NA Product Manager, Science, Bruker Optics)</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Edina Sic (Solutions Product Manager, Academic Battery Research, Bruker BioSpin Group)</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Nick Rodesney (XRD Applications Scientist, Bruker)</p><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Ann Thayer (Contributing Editor, C&amp;EN Media Group)</p></blockquote>

The Science of Batteries

In this 4-part session you will gain insights and understanding of what you can do in the battery industry with varied technologies.

<div><div dir="" aria-atomic="true"><p id="isPasted"><strong>As petrochemical companies strive to enhance operational efficiency, finding an intersection between industry standards and process innovation is essential for sustainable growth. At the same time, there is pressure to lower costs in order to achieve a competitive advantage in an evolving market.</strong></p><p>In this webinar, Larry Tucker, Secretary Chairperson of Subcommittee 6 on Liquid Fuels and Lubricants, as well as Vice Chair of Subcommittee 3 on Inorganic Analysis for ASTM, will provide insights into the latest updates of ASTM D6122 and D8340. Elena Hagemann, Product Manager for Process Spectroscopy at Metrohm USA, will discuss recent advancements in process spectroscopy and their integration with Process Analytical Technology (PAT). Leave with an understanding on how to make smarter decisions to achieve a competitive advantage in the petrochemical landscape.</p><p id="isPasted"><strong fr-original-style="">Who should attend?</strong></p><ul><li>Production managers</li><li>Product development scientists</li><li>Process engineers</li><li>Operational managers</li><li>Quality control specialists&nbsp;</li><li>Plant manager</li></ul><p><strong fr-original-style="">Key learning points&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>Learn how Spectroscopy PAT can be applied to optimize processes, ensuring better quality and efficiency.</li><li>Gain a thorough understanding of ASTM D6122 and D8340, including recent updates and their impact on petrochemical applications.</li><li>Explore strategies to stay ahead of competitors by combining spectroscopy with ASTM standards for optimized performance and compliance.</li></ul><div><div dir=""><div><blockquote><div><strong>Presenter:</strong> Larry Tucker (Director of Norms and Standards, Metrohm USA)</div></blockquote></div></div></div><div><blockquote><p align="LEFT">Larry Tucker is the Director of Norms and Standards at Metrohm USA. In his 40-year career, Larry has held positions in sales, marketing and business development, as well as management. In his current role, Larry works with industry partners to improve and develop new test methods in the petroleum, environmental, pharmaceutical and food markets. He actively participates in ASTM Committee D02 Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels and Lubricants where he serves as Secretary. He's also chairperson of subcommittee 6 Liquid Fuels and Lubricants. He has led and participated in the development and improvement of numerous ASTM test methods and standards. Larry received his B.S in Chemistry from the University of West FL and has over 35 years of industry experience in developing analytical test methods.</p></blockquote><div><div dir=""><div><blockquote><div><strong>Presenter: </strong>Elena Hagemann (Process Spectroscopy Product Manager, Metrohm USA)</div></blockquote></div></div></div><div><blockquote><p>Elena Hagemann is the Product Manager for Process Spectroscopy at Metrohm USA in Riverview, Florida. She earned her Master degree in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry at the Applied University of Aalen, Germany, where she completed her studies with her Master thesis focused on Karl Fischer Titration, NIR Spectroscopy and Multivariate Data Analysis. Elena joined the Metrohm Group in August 2013 and started with Metrohm USA in January of 2018, focusing on Raman and NIR Spectroscopy. She performs internal as well as customer training.</p></blockquote></div></div></div></div>

Metrohm: Leveraging ASTM D6122 & D8340 for a Competitive Edge in Petrochemicals

Leveraging ASTM D6122 & D8340 for a Competitive Edge in Petrochemicals

We will discuss recent advancements in process spectroscopy and their integration with Process Analytical Technology (PAT).

ASTM D6122 & D8340 for a Competitive Edge in Petrochemicals

<p><strong>Metal-ion batteries have changed our everyday lives. The research on the electrode materials for metal-ion batteries is the key to improving the performance of the battery. Magnetic resonance, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), has been continuously improved during the past three decades and has gradually become one of the important technologies to study the structure-performance relationship of electrode materials.</strong></p><p>This webinar will help to grasp the important value of NMR and EPR techniques for battery research, which will promote the further development of advanced magnetic resonance technology. Prof. Hu will present unique examples of in-situ EPR and EPR imaging methods to study bulk and dendritic lithium deposits, dissolution of Cr-ions in Na-batteries, detection, and monitoring oxygen species, such as molecular and singlet oxygen in new cathode materials. A novel approach of using EPR employed together with NMR to analyze and understand electrochemical reaction mechanisms and structural electrode changes is the key to further improving battery performance.</p><p><strong>Key Learning Points:</strong></p><ul><li>In-situ EPR and EPR imaging to study electrode materials in Li-ion and other types of batteries</li><li>Development of new electrode materials or optimization of available electrode materials that can work at high cell voltage and high specific capacity as a major task in the field</li><li>The importance of EPR and NMR techniques complementing each other for battery research<br>&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Who Should Attend?</strong></p><ul><li>Material scientists who use other spectroscopic techniques such as NMR, Raman, MS, XRD, etc.</li><li>Synthetic chemists working in inorganic chemistry</li><li>Managers, apps scientists, electrochemists who work in the battery research field</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Prof. Bing-Wen Hu (Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, East China Normal University)</p><p>Prof. Hu studied at Fudan University from 1999 to 2006, and from 2006 to 2009 at the French Ultra high-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Research Center at the University of Lille, France, where he was engaged in the development of new NMR methods. After his return to China, he focuses on the development of new technologies for NMR and EPR and their application in lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery systems. He has published more than 150 articles. He was a recipient of YuanZhi EPR (CHINA) award in 2022. He is currently the deputy director of the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance. He now holds a position of Full Professor at East China Normal University.</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Dr. Sylwia Kacprzak (Market Product Manager)</p><p>Sylwia Kacprzak received her M.Sc. degree in Chemistry at the University of Maria Curie Sklodowska in Poland. Her EPR career began during her Ph. D. research at the University of Würzburg with a focus on investigations of the electron paramagnetic resonance parameters of bioradicals by density functional methods. Two postdoctoral positions followed at FU Berlin and University of Freiburg, where she gained extensive expertise in CW-EPR and FT-EPR techniques taking advantage of her theoretical background. In 2016, Sylwia joined Bruker as an Applications Scientist.</p></blockquote>

Bruker: Magnetic Resonance for Li-ion Batteries: from NMR to EPR

Magnetic Resonance for Li-ion Batteries: from NMR to EPR

This webinar will help to grasp important value of NMR and EPR techniques for battery research

<p><strong>By combining infrared spectroscopy with atomic force microscopy (AFM-IR), it is possible to perform chemical analysis and compositional mapping with a spatial resolution down to 10 nm, which greatly surpasses standard optical diffraction limits. During this 2-hour event, our speakers explore:</strong></p><ul><li>Origins of the AFM-IR technique</li><li>Recent advances in AFM-IR technology</li><li>Applications that can benefit from AFM-IR spectroscopy—especially life sciences and environmental chemistry</li></ul><p>Bruker Application Scientist Dr. Cassandra Phillips hosts the workshop and live demos, providing an overview of Bruker's latest nanoIR product updates.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Watch this webinar to:</strong></p><ul><li>Hear distinguished guest speakers discuss their work on AFM-IR with the nano-IR platform</li><li>Experience Bruker's new patented Surface Sensitive mode</li><li>Become familiar with Bruker's new AFM-IR platforms</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Xiaoji Xu, Ph.D.</p><p><strong>Presentation:</strong> NanoIR through PeakForce Infrared (PFIR) Microscopy</p><p>Here, Xiaoji Xu, Ph.D. (Lehigh University) introduces the novel PFIR method of AFM-IR developed at Lehigh University. This method of label-free chemical nanoscopy is based on the mechanical detection of photothermal response by AFM operated in PeakForce Tapping mode and ultimately can achieve a higher spatial resolution (sub-10 nm) and provide more rich chemical information than many of the existing tools we use for chemical imaging—or imaging in general—while also providing greater flexibility in applicability to samples in both air and liquid.</p><p>In addition to providing a review of the strengths and benefits of PFIR as they relate to foundational AFM-IR and PeakForce Tapping principles and capabilities, the presentater explores and provides detailed, real-world examples of PFIR's applicability to a broad range of sample types and experimental settings.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Dmitry Kurouski, Ph.D.</p><p><strong>Presentation:</strong> Biology at the Nanoscale: From Viruses to Amyloids</p><p>In this presentation, Dmitry Kurouski, Ph.D. (Texas A&amp;M University) showcases his team's research and findings using TERS and AFM-IR to investigate viruses, viral particles, and alpha-synuclein oligomers. Topics of this discussion range from an exploration of how IR/AFMIR spectroscopy reveals a variety of infrared spectra in biological samples that are otherwise inaccessible by traditional Raman microscopy methods, to a detailed presentation of the team's findings via a combination of AFM-IR and TERS about changes observed in the secondary structural organization and surface structure information of populations of oligomers relative to their impact on the development of Parkinson's disease.</p><p>These two technologies possess different capabilities that demonstrate strong complementarity in terms of both the chemical information available and the achievable probing depth.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Cassandra Philips, Ph.D.</p><p><strong>Presentation:</strong> Quantitative Demonstration of Surface Sensitivity with nanoIR3</p><p>The presenter conducts a profile analysis of a PMMA wedge sample in both Resonance enhanced and Surface Sensitivity modes, then demonstrate the analytical process for data collected in Surface Sensitivity mode.</p><p>Comparison of the data outputs of various operational modes demonstrates that using the same probe and sample, users can switch from looking at bulk measurements (where the signal increases linearly with the thickness) to measurements with a surface sensitivity on the order of 15 nm just by adjusting the parameters.</p><p>Surface Sensitivity mode enables measurement of the top layer of a sample with significantly improved accuracy over other operational modes, as it collects data only from the surface and not from the absorbing material beneath it.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Presentation:</strong> Demonstration: New Platforms for AFM-IR</p><p>The presenter introduces the unique capabilities of a new Bruker platform for AFM-IR imaging.</p><p>Looking at a sample of PMMA beads in epoxy resin, the presenter demonstrates the new platform's capability to achieve higher acuity and operate at higher scan speeds than other nanoIR systems. Its integration with both Bruker's most advanced AFM controller and legacy Tapping Mode imaging capabilities are explored.</p><p>Additionally, the presenter showcases the ability to switch wavenumber and reconfigure laser power mid-scan (to look at both the epoxy band and the carbonyl band of the sample), as well as the platform's unique capacity to switch between sample-scanning and tip-scanning configurations, enabling investigation of the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the same sample using the same probe.</p></blockquote>

Bruker: NanoIR Spectroscopy & Imaging: Recent Developments and Applications

NanoIR Spectroscopy & Imaging: Recent Developments and Applications

Find out more about Bruker's latest nano IR product updates and see real-time demonstrations of the new Surface Sensitive mode and new AFM-IR platforms

NanoIR Spectroscopy & Imaging - Developments & Applications

<div><div><div><div><p><strong>This&nbsp;webinar introduces two main techniques for nanoscale IR measurements: Photothermal AFM-IR (PTIR/AFM-IR) and IR-based Scattering Scanning Nearfield Optical Microscopy (IR s-SNOM).</strong></p><div><div><div><p><strong>The presenter, Dr. Phillips, differentiates AFM-IR and s-SNOM by comparing them to more familiar techniques:&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>AFM-IR is like a nanoscale FTIR</li><li>s-SNOM is like a nanoscale ellipsometry</li></ul><p>Dr. Phillips delves into the fundamentals behind AFM-IR and s-SNOM. Both complementary modes are combined in Bruker’s <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bruker.com/en/products-and-solutions/infrared-and-raman/nanoscale-infrared-spectrometers/anasys-nanoir3-s.html">nanoIR3-s</a> platform.</p><p><strong>Also included in this in-depth introductory webinar are:</strong></p><ul><li>Exemplary case studies for both AFM-IR and s-SNOM</li><li>System configuration descriptions, accompanied by real-machine images</li><li>An extensive Q&amp;A session, where the presenter answers audience questions</li></ul><p><strong>In the Q&amp;A session, viewers can expect to hear the answers to:</strong></p><ul><li>Can AFM-IR be performed in fluid?</li><li>What are typical sample requirements for nanoscale IR techniques?</li><li>What is the probing depth of the laser and that of each technique?</li><li>Can nanoscale IR techniques be performed using a synchrotron source?&nbsp;</li></ul></div></div></div><div><div><blockquote><ul><li><a data-g-name="CallToAction" data-protectable="" data-tracking="{&quot;classification&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;webinarDate&quot;:1586044800000,&quot;onWebinar&quot;:true,&quot;external&quot;:false}" target="_self"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bruker.com/en/news-and-events/webinars/2020/online-demo-of-the-nanoir3-system-photothermal-afm-ir.html"><strong>watch part 2: Online Demo of the nanoIR3 System - Photothermal AFM-IR&nbsp;</strong></a></a></li><li><a data-g-name="CallToAction" data-protectable="" data-tracking="{&quot;classification&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;webinarDate&quot;:1586044800000,&quot;onWebinar&quot;:true,&quot;external&quot;:false}" target="_self"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bruker.com/en/news-and-events/webinars/2020/chemical-characterization-of-heterogenous-polymeric-materials-on-the-nanoscale-using-photothermal-afm-ir.html"><strong>watch part 3: Chemical Characterization of Heterogenous Polymeric Materials on the Nanoscale Using Photothermal AFM-IR&nbsp;</strong></a></a></li><li><a data-g-name="CallToAction" data-protectable="" data-tracking="{&quot;classification&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;webinarDate&quot;:1586044800000,&quot;onWebinar&quot;:true,&quot;external&quot;:false}" target="_self"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bruker.com/en/news-and-events/webinars/2020/nanoscale-afm-ir-spectroscopy-and-imaging-for-failure-analysis-of-electronic-devices.html"><strong>watch part 4: Nanoscale AFM-IR Spectroscopy and Imaging for Failure Analysis of Electronic Devices&nbsp;</strong></a></a></li><li><a data-g-name="CallToAction" data-protectable="" data-tracking="{&quot;classification&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;webinarDate&quot;:1586044800000,&quot;onWebinar&quot;:true,&quot;external&quot;:false}" target="_self"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bruker.com/en/news-and-events/webinars/2020/2d-material-characterization-using-photothermal-afm-ir-and-s-snom.html"><strong>watch part 5: 2D Material Characterization Using Photothermal AFM-IR and s-SNOM&nbsp;</strong></a></a></li></ul></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Cassandra Phillips, Ph.D. Bruker expert&nbsp;</p></blockquote></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Bruker: Two Complementary Nanoscale IR Techniques: Photothermal AFM-IR and s-SNOM

Two Complementary Nanoscale IR Techniques: Photothermal AFM-IR and s-SNOM

This webinar introduces two main techniques for nanoscale IR measurements: PTIR/AFM-IR and IR s-SNOM