<h3>Introduction</h3><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_From_Raw_Signals_to_Reliable_Results_Post_Acquisition_Data_Workflows_in_ICP_Analysis_f7248bb920.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: From Raw Signals to Reliable Results: Post-Acquisition Data Workflows in ICP Analysis" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_From_Raw_Signals_to_Reliable_Results_Post_Acquisition_Data_Workflows_in_ICP_Analysis_f7248bb920.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="512">Modern elemental analysis techniques such as ICP-OES and ICP-MS are capable of generating large volumes of highly sensitive, multi-dimensional data in a single analytical run. These technologies are widely used across environmental, pharmaceutical, food, and materials science applications due to their precision and low detection limits. However, while significant emphasis is often placed on method development, instrument optimisation, and sample preparation, the true scientific value of any analysis is ultimately determined during the post-acquisition phase. It is here that raw instrumental signals are processed, interrogated, and validated before being translated into meaningful and defensible results. Whether you are working with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=227&amp;instrumentationItems=84&amp;manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=iCAP+PRO">iCAP PRO ICP-OES</a>, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=232&amp;manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=iCAP+MX">iCAP MX ICP-MS</a>, the iCAP 7000 OES, or Qnova ICP-MS systems, the interface and workflow logic remain familiar.<h3>Method</h3>Following data acquisition, analysts must first navigate and organise complex datasets efficiently. Large analytical sequences may contain hundreds of samples, each with multiple analytes, replicates, and quality control elements. Tools such as column sorting and filtering are therefore essential for structured data interrogation. Sorting concentration values, for example, allows rapid identification of extreme values or potential outliers, while filtering by sample type, QC category, or analyte enables targeted investigation of specific data subsets. These tools support not only workflow efficiency but also statistical awareness, helping analysts detect trends, inconsistencies, or anomalies that may otherwise go unnoticed. In parallel, maintaining a complete LabBook history ensures that all changes to methods, calibration parameters, and analytical settings are recorded. This level of traceability is essential for regulatory compliance, particularly in environments operating under ISO standards or Good Laboratory Practice, and it ensures that results can be reproduced and audited with confidence.A fundamental aspect of post-acquisition processing is the application and evaluation of correction models. ICP-based techniques are inherently susceptible to a range of interferences, including background signals, spectral overlaps, and matrix-induced signal suppression or enhancement. Blank subtraction is typically the first correction applied, removing contributions from reagents, solvents, and instrument background. By comparing results with and without blank correction, analysts can assess the significance of background contributions, particularly at low concentration levels. In ICP-OES, Inter-element correction (IEC) addresses spectral interferences by mathematically compensating for overlapping emission lines, which is especially important in complex matrices containing multiple elements.&nbsp;For ICP-MS, correction equations can be similarly implemented to correct for the presence of an isobaric interferences of mass signals.Internal standard (IS) correction is another critical component, used to normalise signal fluctuations caused by instrument drift, variations in sample introduction, or matrix effects. Reviewing data with these corrections toggled on and off provides valuable diagnostic insight, allowing analysts to determine whether corrections are appropriate and whether the underlying method is robust.While processed concentration data is the primary output of most analyses, deeper insight can be gained by examining the underlying signal intensities. Replicate measurements, for instance, provide a direct assessment of analytical precision. Consistent replicate signals indicate stable measurement conditions, whereas significant variation may suggest issues such as sample heterogeneity, nebuliser instability, or matrix interference. Similarly, blank intensities can reveal contamination or insufficient rinsing between samples, often serving as an early indicator of systematic error. In ICP-OES, spectral sub-array views allow analysts to visualise the emission profile around a selected wavelength, enabling verification of peak shape, background correction points, and potential spectral overlaps. In ICP-MS, attention must be given to detector behaviour, particularly when signals transition between pulse and analog modes at higher concentrations. Such transitions can introduce non-linearity into calibration curves, sometimes necessitating cross-calibration to maintain quantitative accuracy.Calibration is central to transforming raw signal intensity into quantitative concentration data, and its evaluation is one of the most critical steps in the workflow. Several performance indicators are used to assess calibration quality. The coefficient of determination (R²) provides a measure of how well the calibration model fits the data, though a high R² alone does not guarantee accuracy. Bias offers insight into systematic deviations between expected and measured values, highlighting potential issues with standards or instrument response. Detection limits, including the limit of detection (LOD) and instrument detection limit (IDL), define the sensitivity of the method, while background equivalent concentration (BEC) reflects the contribution of background signal to the overall measurement. A comprehensive calibration assessment requires consideration of all these parameters together, rather than reliance on a single metric. In addition, quality control samples—such as calibration check standards (CCVs), certified reference materials (CRMs), and matrix spikes—are used to verify accuracy and method performance. Automated flagging of QC results that fall outside predefined acceptance criteria provides an efficient means of identifying non-compliant data and supports rapid decision-making.Equally important is the evaluation of instrument performance through diagnostic readbacks recorded during the analysis. These parameters provide insight into the physical and operational state of the instrument at the time of measurement. For ICP-MS, key readbacks include nebuliser gas pressure, vacuum levels, and interface conditions. Changes in these parameters can indicate issues such as partial blockages, salt deposition, or vacuum degradation. Similarly, plasma-related parameters and gas flow stability are critical indicators in both ICP-OES and ICP-MS systems. By correlating readback trends with analytical results, analysts can identify the root causes of anomalies, distinguish between instrument-related and sample-related issues, and take corrective action where necessary. This diagnostic capability is particularly valuable when troubleshooting unexpected results or when sharing data with technical support teams for further investigation.Once the data has been thoroughly reviewed and validated, the final step is to export and communicate the results in a clear and usable format. Structured reporting tools enable the generation of comprehensive summaries that include concentration data, calibration details, quality control results, and any associated flags or annotations. These reports are essential for documentation, regulatory submissions, and communication with stakeholders. For greater flexibility, exporting data in CSV format allows integration with external tools such as spreadsheet software, statistical analysis platforms, or laboratory information management systems (LIMS). This interoperability facilitates advanced data analysis, long-term data storage, and seamless integration into broader laboratory workflows.<h3>Conclusion</h3>In conclusion, post-acquisition data processing is not merely a procedural step but a critical component of the analytical workflow that determines the reliability and scientific validity of results. Through careful organisation of data, rigorous application of correction models, detailed evaluation of calibration performance, and continuous monitoring of instrument diagnostics, analysts can ensure that their results are both accurate and defensible. As analytical technologies continue to evolve and datasets become increasingly complex, the importance of robust and systematic data evaluation will only grow. Mastery of these workflows transforms raw instrumental signals into high-quality scientific information, underpinning confident decision-making across a wide range of applications.<h3>Acknowledgement</h3>I would like to thank&nbsp;Matthew Gregory&nbsp;Field Applications Scientist, North EMEA, Trace Elemental Analysis and&nbsp;David Fishwick&nbsp;Field Applications Scientist, North EMEA, Trace Elemental Analysis for the support on this blog and the webinars.Sign up for our webinars live and on demand.English<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5795">Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Qtegra Part 1</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5976">Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Qtegra Part 2</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5977">Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Trace Elemental Analysis (ICP-OES &amp; ICP-MS)</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5978">Trace Elemental Analysis: Ask the Expert</a></li></ul>Deutsch<ul><li>19. März 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179134/393E071E3B501943730958BA6203F477">Interne Standards in der ICP-OES: Ein Praxisguide für zuverlässige Qualitätssicherung im Labor</a></li><li>18. Juni 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179292/AE4C576B6A54D1AC182F7F77573D380F">Fehler reduzieren, Durchsatz steigern: Autoverdünnung mit PrepFast am ICP-MS</a></li><li>17. September 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179423/B5019C560431BADCA2A76E54E4EFE56F">ICP-OES smarter nutzen: Probendurchsatz erhöhen, Ressourcen sparen</a></li><li>17. Dezember 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179530/94EEDD1F56138F5EEE2AF24E29E6C12A">Qtegra ISDS Software Unlocked – Live im Expertengespräch</a></li></ul><blockquote>Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#AnalyticalChemistry #ICPMS #ICPOES #DataAnalysis</blockquote>

From Raw Signals to Reliable Results: Post-Acquisition Data Workflows in ICP Analysis

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 18th May 2026? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you brochure by MILESTONE and application notes by Shimadzu and Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. MILESTONE: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?search=ETHOS+LEAN+">ETHOS™ LEAN</a> Compact Microwave Labstation</h3><ul><li>Brochure</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Brochure_ETHOS_LEAN_1_c80f4403a4.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Sample preparation is the foundation of many analytical workflows, and often the most critical step. In elemental analysis, proper digestion ensures accurate and reproducible results with AAS, ICP, and ICP-MS by enabling complete recovery of target elements, minimizing interferences, and reducing blanks. With over 35 years of innovation and more than 30,000 microwave systems installed worldwide, Milestone is a global leader in microwave sample preparation. The ETHOS LEAN, now in its 2nd series, represents this expertise: a compact, affordable labstation delivering full digestion capabilities without compromise. Beyond digestion, ETHOS LEAN supports solvent extraction for chromatography, solvent-free extraction of natural products, and even microwave synthesis workflows, offering unmatched versatility in its class. Selecting the right system is more than a purchase decision: it’s choosing a partner. With Milestone, you gain not only proven technology but also the knowledge and support to ensure long-term success.<h4>BUILT FOR MORE THAN DIGESTION</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?search=ETHOS+LEAN+">ETHOS LEAN</a> goes beyond digestion. As a compact Microwave Labstation, it supports a suite of accessories that expand its capabilities into multiple workflows. Microwave technology provides a faster, cleaner, and more efficient alternative to conventional sample preparation techniques, reducing processing time, simplifying operations, and minimizing reagent consumption.&nbsp;<h5>Solvent extraction</h5>Closed-vessel microwave technology streamlines extraction for chromatographic analysis, dramatically reducing solvent use and cutting analysis times. Ideal for organic pollutant extraction from environmental samples or fat determination in food and feed.<h5>Solvent-free extraction</h5>Patented Milestone technology enables fast and efficient essential oil extraction in just minutes, preserving aroma and natural composition while minimizing degradation. Selective heating promotes a quicker, more efficient release from plant cells.<h5>Microwave synthesis</h5>Microwave synthesis is a safer and faster alternative to heating mantles or complex reactors, enabling rapid optimization of conditions. Its speed supports research projects and allows practical teaching sessions within standard class times.<h5>High-temperature processes</h5>With the ultraFAST accessory, ETHOS LEAN reaches 1200 °C in just minutes, transforming into a microwave furnace for demanding high-temperature applications such as inorganic synthesis, fusion, or fire assay.<h3>2. Shimadzu: Discriminating between Microsamples of Similar Resins with a Combination of FTIR and Thermal Analysis Instruments</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_01114_en_a9291de45e.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>User Benefits</h4><ul><li>Using the ATR method with FTIR spectroscopy enables simple and rapid qualitative analysis of polymers.</li><li>DSC analysis may be able to reveal differences in polymer thermal histories that cannot be confirmed by FTIR alone.</li><li>TG-DTA can be used to confirm the content level of inorganic additives in polymers</li></ul>A wide range of polymer resins is used in modern society for diverse applications, resulting in increasing demand for qualitative analysis of resin microsamples, such as identifying resin contaminants in products or qualitatively evaluating microplastics for environmental impact assessments. FTIR spectrophotometers are commonly used for qualitative analysis of polymers. In particular, the ATR (attenuated total reflectance) method is widely used because measurements can be performed simply and quickly by clamping a sample against a prism to ensure close contact.&nbsp;While the ATR method makes it relatively easy to discriminate between different types of polymers, clear differences may not appear when analyzing similar polymers—for example, when there are only slight differences in the type or content of additives or the thermal histories during manufacturing. In such cases, differences may be confirmed by using thermal analysis instruments, such as a DSC or TG-DTA system.&nbsp;This article describes an example in which three instruments— an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=IRSpirit-TX">IRSpirit-TX</a> FTIR spectrophotometer, a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=DSC-60+Plus">DSC-60 Plus</a> differential scanning calorimeter, and a DTG-60 simultaneous DTA-TG unit (Fig. 1)—were used to confirm differences among six microsamples of polypropylene (PP) resin.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Details of the six types of PP resin identified from the above measurement results are shown in Table 4. The results indicate that by using an FTIR spectrophotometer in combination with thermal analysis equipment, such as DSC and TG-DTA systems, it is possible to distinguish between minute amounts of the same type of resin with various different properties.<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: XPS depth profiling of advanced solar cells with femtosecond laser ablation</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/xps_depth_profiling_advanced_solar_cells_appnote_7bda4471a5.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Perovskites are an emerging class of materials in the solar cell industry, exhibiting a number of promising properties, such as improved efficiency and weight, compared to traditional silicon-based devices. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is an established tool in solar cell research due to its ability to provide extremely surface-sensitive information about elemental composition along with chemical and electronic states.¹ XPS is ultimately a surface analysis technique, however, and in order to assess the full composition of complex, multi-layered structures such as solar cells, a technique known as depth profiling is necessary, which performs multiple rounds of successive material removal and analysis.&nbsp;This application note explores a recent study by Chandler et al. that focuses on solar cells designed for aerospace applications,² where accurate determination of the “true” starting composition of the stacks is essential for tests that simulate space conditions, such as radiation exposure. Without a reliable baseline, it becomes impossible to distinguish between changes induced by the experimental conditions and artifacts introduced during analysis. Conventional ion beam sputtering methods used for depth profiling are known to distort chemical information for perovskites; femtosecond laser ablation (fs-LA) is presented as a novel, alternative method that helps to preserve vital chemical information.<h4>Experimental</h4>A halide-perovskite-based solar cell was fabricated on an ITO/SnO₂ substrate using a spin coating method; the structure of the layers is shown in Figure 1.Analysis was performed with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/2206">Thermo Scientific™ Hypulse™ Surface Analysis System</a>, which is equipped with both traditional ion-beam sputtering and femtosecond-laser ablation capabilities. XPS data was collected in SnapShot acquisition mode using an X-ray spot size of 30-200 µm, depending on the method of depth profiling.&nbsp;A MAGCIS ion gun was employed for the sputter depth profiles, generating either a 500 eV monatomic Ar⁺ beam or 8 keV Ar₁₅₀⁺ clusters. The fs-LA depth profiles were generated using a 1,030 nm wavelength laser operating at a 160 fs pulse length. The pulse energy was increased from 42 µJ to 167 µJ when transitioning from the perovskite layer into the substrate structure. A flood gun was employed for charge neutralization during profiling.<h4>Summary&nbsp;</h4>This study confirms the challenges associated with traditional ion sputtering (both monatomic and cluster) for the depth profiling of perovskite-based solar cells. These methods cause preferential sputtering, particularly of lighter elements like carbon, nitrogen, and iodine, which distorts elemental ratios in the profiles and results in artificial signals, such as the formation of metallic lead (Pb⁰). Depth profiling with femtosecond laser ablation represents a novel and robust alternative that preserves the original chemical composition and oxidation states throughout the perovskite layer. By avoiding preferential removal effects, accurate compositional information is maintained during the profile, and erroneous peak signals associated with chemical reduction are eliminated. These factors are vital in establishing a chemically undisturbed baseline before performing tests that simulate environmental effects on the solar cells.&nbsp;With fs-LA depth profiling, any induced changes can be confidently delineated from analytical artifacts, and researchers can better understand and mitigate environmental effects on solar-cell performance, eventually leading to improved solar technologies for aerospace applications.

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 21, 2026

In February of this year, a GAČR project focused on high-speed scanning probe microscopy was launched. Over the next three years, scientists from CEITEC Brno University of Technology (BUT), in collaboration with the Czech Metrology Institute (CMI), will work to accelerate measurement processes using this technique and to improve the analysis of the acquired data with the help of custom-developed artificial intelligence algorithms. The research results will find applications in both scientific and industrial practice, for example, in monitoring live cells or in chip manufacturing.High-speed atomic force microscopy is a field that allows scientists to study the properties of surfaces of various materials. They use microscopes equipped with a miniature tip and probe only a few nanometers (a millionth of a millimeter) in size, which repeatedly glide along regular paths across the sample surface. The scanned area is on the order of micrometers – smaller than a human red blood cell – and the surface shape is recorded with precision comparable to the distance between individual atoms. The probe scans the surface, enabling scientists to obtain highly detailed images with extremely high resolution. Such measurements usually take only a few minutes, but even that can be too long in some cases,&nbsp;especially for samples that change over time, such as living biological materials, as well as non-living materials whose changes are of interest. Addressing this challenge is the core of the GAČR project, officially titled High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy with Sparse Sampling.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_BUT_CEITEC_Scientists_Aim_to_Increase_High_Speed_Microscopy_Up_to_Fivefold_a30ca0e27e.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT: CEITEC Scientists Aim to Increase &quot;High-Speed Microscopy&quot; Up to Fivefold " srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_BUT_CEITEC_Scientists_Aim_to_Increase_High_Speed_Microscopy_Up_to_Fivefold_a30ca0e27e.jpeg 150w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1666">“Our joint work aims to speed up the scanning process by optimizing the path along which the microscope tip moves, so that only truly useful data is measured. At the same time, we want to develop an algorithm capable of evaluating images without the need for an intermediate step of reconstructing data from the omitted parts of the surface,” says principal investigator Petr Klapetek from the Czech Metrology Institute (CMI). He points out that conventional high-speed scanning produces hundreds of images across the entire surface, but for samples that change rapidly over time, the probe may miss the area of interest at a critical moment. Changes occurring within milliseconds may therefore not be captured continuously, and important details can be lost. Researchers worldwide have been seeking ways to speed up scanning, usually by modifying microscopes so that the tip moves faster. However, mechanical acceleration increases error rates, for example, due to excessive vibrations. “Since we are aware of the inherent limits of scanning microscopy, we decided to take a completely different approach and tackle the problem through smarter measurement rather than major hardware modifications,”&nbsp;Petr&nbsp;adds.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_BUT_CEITEC_Scientists_Aim_to_Increase_High_Speed_Microscopy_Up_to_Fivefold_3_86682e0c39.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT: CEITEC Scientists Aim to Increase &quot;High-Speed Microscopy&quot; Up to Fivefold " srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_BUT_CEITEC_Scientists_Aim_to_Increase_High_Speed_Microscopy_Up_to_Fivefold_3_86682e0c39.jpeg 208w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1200"><h4>Software-based acceleration to overcome design limits</h4>One of the main tasks of the project will therefore be to design new scanning paths. These will remain regular but will be arranged in entirely different patterns to maximize the amount of information obtained in minimal time. Combined with more efficient data processing, this approach could increase scanning speed by up to five times. “Data processing is absolutely crucial for us. We need to develop AI algorithms capable of analyzing and interpreting images directly from such sparsely sampled grids, without needing to know what happened in the unmeasured areas. That will likely be our biggest challenge,” adds co-investigator David Nečas from CEITEC BUT. CEITEC BUT will be responsible for designing the scanning patterns and developing the necessary mathematical methods, while the experimental part – including all measurements and testing – will take place at the CMI.The outcome of this three-year collaboration should be a comprehensive theoretical methodology supported by experimental procedures. It could be used, for example, in biological laboratories studying changes in the behaviour of living samples – typically cells – over time. It may also find applications in semiconductor labs, where high-speed scanning microscopy is used mainly for quality control and defect detection during chip production. The method can measure not only the shape and surface structure of a sample, but also its electrical and other properties. “In practice, it could eventually become part of specialized industrial applications, where high-speed scanning microscopes perform imaging and evaluation almost in real time within inspection lines,” concludes David Nečas.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_BUT_CEITEC_Scientists_Aim_to_Increase_High_Speed_Microscopy_Up_to_Fivefold_2_de02ff2fb2.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT: CEITEC Scientists Aim to Increase &quot;High-Speed Microscopy&quot; Up to Fivefold " srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_BUT_CEITEC_Scientists_Aim_to_Increase_High_Speed_Microscopy_Up_to_Fivefold_2_de02ff2fb2.jpeg 208w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1200"><blockquote>Brno University of Technology is also currently collaborating with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmi.gov.cz/?language=en">Czech Metrology Institute</a> and other academic and industrial partners on the European project <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ptb.de/epm2024/dinamo/project">DINAMO</a>, which focuses on developing data-processing methods for calibrating all types of scanning probe microscopes. The team at BUT, led by principal investigator David Nečas, is working on standardizing these methods so that even scientists who are not specialists in this type of microscopy can easily set up the instruments themselves and measure their samples as accurately as possible.</blockquote>

CEITEC Scientists Aim to Increase "High-Speed Microscopy" Up to Fivefold 

Article

Application

Academy

Science and research

Video

Since its establishment in 2011, CEITEC has quickly developed into a cutting-edge infrastructure for research which performs highly alongside the best institutes in Europe. Among the main priorities of CEITEC are the promotion of a motivating and dynamic international scientific environment, the provision of state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and the policy of open communication and equal opportunities.

CEITEC

A unique company dedicated to serving science helping our customers drive productivity and accelerate results. Through our premier brands – Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

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

LabRulez

Agilent Technologies

Bruker

Extractables and leachables (E&amp;Ls) analysis is challenging and requires complete confidence in the results to ensure regulatory compliance. No single analytical tool can analyze all E&Ls; we offer diverse analytical technologies and expertise for the accurate identification and quantification of potential E&amp;Ls.
In this webinar our experts will discuss current regulatory updates, holistic and comprehensive analytical workflow strategies for quick scouting, profiling &amp; quantification of wide spectrum E&amp;L impurities and answer any questions you may have.
<h3>You would learn:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Regulatory updates on Extractables &amp; Leachables;</li>
<li>Overall comprehensive approach &amp; strategies to screen, detect, identify &amp; quantify Extractable &amp; Leachable compounds in various Pharma &amp; Biopharmaceutical drugs;</li>
<li>Analytical Technologies portfolio &amp; decision making software for complex studies of targeted &amp; non-targeted Extractables &amp; Leachables.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Who should attend:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Extractables &amp; Leachables analysts and laboratory managers; </li>
<li>Researchers interested in Extractables &amp; Leachables studies in Pharma/Biopharma/Medical Device/Polymer Manufacturing/CRO’s/CMO’s and others;</li>
<li>Analysts performing untargeted analyses including drug impurity profiling;</li>
<li>Quality Assurance experts in the above industries.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Antonio Chana (Product Specialist Liquid Phase Separation, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Antonio Chana, Ph. D. in chemistry and Agilent product specialist in liquid phase separation for Spain and Portugal. He joined Agilent from the pharmaceutical industry where he has held positions of analytical development manager, QC manager and laboratory manager among others.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Zainul Abid CKV (Product Specialist - Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr Zainul Abid is a product specialist with Agilent Technologies India Pvt Ltd based in Bangalore. He has several years of research and application development experience in Molecular spectroscopy domain. His expertise includes infrared spectroscopy and imaging, Raman spectroscopy and imaging, UV-Vis and NIR spectroscopy etc. He actively works with different industry experts to set up high-end spectroscopy laboratories.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Soma Dasgupta (PhD Application Engineer, GC/GCMS, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Soma received her PhD from the University of Pune, India and joined Agilent in 2016 and specializes in areas including multi-residue method development; pesticides and environmental applications and genotoxic impurities in pharmaceuticals. Prior to joining Agilent Technologies, she performed her doctorate research at the University of Pune in conjunction with the National Research Centre for Grapes where she concentrated on developing comprehensive methods for analysis of agro-chemicals in fruits and vegetables. She has worked with Thermo Fisher Scientific as Application Specialist for GC and GC-MS. Once joining Agilent, she is responsible for solutions meet our customers&#39; analytical needs. Her specialties include multi-residue method development; pesticides and environmental applications and genotoxic impurities in pharmaceuticals. She has more than 25 publications in peer-reviewed journals and application notes to her credit and a book chapter as well.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Prasanth Joseph (Presales Application Engineer- LCMS, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Prasanth Joseph is working as Application Engineer at Agilent Center of Excellence, Bangalore. He is having more than 16 years of experience in handling LC-MS/MS for various small molecule applications.His expertise includes MRM based screening and quantitation of various chemical residues in food commodities and pharma applications such as impurity profiling, genotoxic impurity quantitation and analysis of extractables and leachables in various packaging systems.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Vinay Jain (COE Manager, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr Vinay Jain, working as COE Manager and ICP-MS Application Scientist at Agilent Technologies India. He is Ph.D. on analytical chemistry. He has more than 30 years of analytical and research experience in spectroscopic techniques (LC-ICPMS, GC-ICPMS, ICP-MS QQQ, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, AAS, XRF, XRD) and expertise in various market segments such as Pharma, Food &amp; Farm products, Packaging, Chemical, Clinical, Environment, Petroleum, Ayurveda &amp; Herbal. His area of specialization includes new analytical method development and validation as per regulatory guidelines. He has completed more than 28 research projects with various research and regulatory organizations, of national and international importance. He is having two patents, six research paper publication; two chapters in various international handbooks and five Agilent application notes in his credit. Received TechInnovation Award in 2020 from Agilent Technologies India.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Mitigating the Risk of Extractables & Leachables Analysis - Regulatory Updates & Analytical Workflow Strategies

Mitigating the Risk of Extractables & Leachables Analysis - Regulatory Updates & Analytical Workflow Strategies

The first virtual edition of TAE brings the best of both worlds - the flexibility of virtual meetings and the interactions and networking possibilities of a true symposium.
The venue will be open from 5:30 to 13:30 (CEST) each day from 7th to 9th July 2021.
<h5>Navigate where you want to go from the main exhibition hall:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Meetings and sessions focusing on BioPharma &amp; Pharma and Food &amp; Environmental Solutions</li>
<li>Technology Booths</li>
<li>Software Center: Smart Alerts, OpenLab CDS, I-Lab, Compliance Services</li>
<li>Demonstration Center</li>
<li>Resource Center: Company and Career Information</li>
</ul>
Register today and stay updated with the latest advances from Agilent.
<h3>Food and Environment meeting at Auditorium - Day 1</h3>
<h5>10:30 – 11:00 (CEST - Prague) Answers to the upcoming challenging applications in food – Ethylene oxide, Dioxins and Hexane residues</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Praveen Arya</li>
</ul>
<h3>Pharma and BioPharma meeting at Auditorium - Day 1</h3>
<h5>7:30 – 8:00 (CEST - Prague) Raw material to Finished Product: Increase your productivity using Agilent’s innovative Raman solutions</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Zainul Abid</li>
</ul>
<h5>8:30 – 9:00 (CEST - Prague) Improve efficiency &amp; reduce compliance risks with a digital lab ecosystem</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Mr. Amit Ghate</li>
</ul>
<h3>“Tomorrow’s solutions for today”at Auditorium - Day 1</h3>
<h5>11:30 – 12:00 (CEST - Prague) Reliability &amp; Sensitivity: LCMS Quantitation You Can Trust - 6470B</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Mr. Chander Mani</li>
</ul>
<h3>On Demand sessions: Food and Environment meeting at Auditorium</h3>
<h5>LC/MS/MS workflow to determine over 500 pesticide residues in compliance with SANTE 12682/2019 guidelines</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Peer Kornas (LCMS Product Specialist, Agilent Germany)</li>
</ul>
<h5>Extraction of pesticides from food samples using QuEChERS</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Anshu Kumari</li>
</ul>
<h5>Element analysis of health &amp; fortified foods</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Vinay Jain</li>
</ul>
<h5>Spoiler Alert! The PFAS Lab of the Future</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. TarunAnmol (Director, Global Environment &amp; Food markets, Agilent Technologies Inc)</li>
</ul>
<h5>Routine analysis of nitrosamine and dioxins in water using tandem Quadrupole GC-MS</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dale Walker (GC/MS/MS Field Applications Specialist, Agilent Technologies)</li>
</ul>
<h5>A need for standardized monitoring methodologies in Microplastics analysis</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Jeff Prevatt (Deputy Director, Treatment, Research &amp; innovation, PIMA County Wastewater Reclamation)</li>
</ul>
<h3>On Demand sessions: Pharma and BioPharma meeting at Auditorium</h3>
<h5>Analytical Method Lifecycle management - An Update</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Mr. Ansuman Mahato</li>
</ul>
<h5>Accurate Determination of Trace Nitrosamine Impurities in Sartan, Ranitidine and Metformin Based Drugs</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Soma Dasgupta</li>
</ul>
<h5>Automation and Workflow management – Improve efficiency &amp; reduce compliance risk</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Mr. Amit Ghate</li>
</ul>
<h5>Native Mode Analysis of Biologics Charge Variant Profiling Protein Therapeutics Using Ion Exchange Chromatography (IEX) Solutions</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Sathish Kumar Lakshmipathy (Principal Investigator BBRC, SyngeneInternational)</li>
</ul>
<h5>Biopharmaceutical Process Related Impurity Analysis - Regulatory Overview, Host Cell Protein and Leachables</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Dhananjay B. Patankar, PhD (Vice President of Biopharmaceutical Development, SyngeneInternational Ltd)</li>
</ul>
<h5>Fully automated 2D LC/MS for biotherapeutics charge variant characterization using Ion Exchange (IEX) and Reversed Phase (RP) Chromatography</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Prof. Anurag S. Rathore (Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Delhi)</li>
</ul>
<h5>Charge variants analysis of biotherapeutics by fully automated Capillary Isoelectric Focusing (cIEF) and High Res Mass Spectrometry</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. James Xia (CEO &amp; Principal Scientist, CMP Scientific Corp)</li>
</ul>
<h3>On Demand sessions: “Tomorrow’s solutions for today”at Auditorium</h3>
<h5>Cary 3500 Uv-Visible system – One Instrument Multiple Possibilities</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Zainul Abid</li>
</ul>
<h5>Lowest cost of ownership using Agilent true simultaneous ICP-OES system</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Mr. Gaurav Kapadnis</li>
</ul>
<h5>Lab Wide Instrument Services</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Brian Duffy (Service Business Consultant)</li>
<li>Presenter: Brittany Stille (Product Manager, Lab-Wide Instrument Services)</li>
</ul>
<h5>The benefits of dedicated Biocompatible UHPLC and chromatography column for analysis of Biomolecules</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Ms. Cornelia Vad (Senior Product Manager HPLC, Agilent Inc.)</li>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Andrew Coffey (Senior Application Chemist, Agilent Inc.)</li>
</ul>

Agilent Technologies: Virtual Total Agilent Experience 2021

Virtual Total Agilent Experience 2021 - Day 1

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.
<h5>Session 1: Microplastics analysis in food by µFTIR and chemical images</h5>
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.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Federico Benetti (Ecsin LAB Director - part of Mérieux NutriSciences Group)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
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).
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>
<h5>Session 2: Food packaging and microplastics analyses via automated FTIR Microscopy</h5>
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.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Michael Bradley (Senior Product Manager, FTIR and FTIR microscopy, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>
<h5>Session 3: Pyrolysis/GC/MS for microplastic identification - benefits of high resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry</h5>
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.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Lukasz Rajski (Product Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>
<h3>Who should attend:</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.

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

Agilent Technologies: Agilent Microplastics Virtual Symposium 2023

Agilent Microplastics Virtual Symposium 2023

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

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.<h4>Presentation 1: Use of FTIR Technology for the Analysis of Sugars and Sweeteners in the Production of Alcoholic Beverages</h4><ul><li>Rogelio García Juárez, Pre-Sales Application Engineer – Agilent Technologies</li></ul>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.<h5>Key Learning Objectives/What attendees will learn:</h5>1. The use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Technology in applications for the alcoholic beverage industry.2. Analysis for the identification and release of raw materials used in preparation of Spirits.3. Quick methods to determine the concentration of sugars and sweeteners for process control.<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>Nicole Kfoury, Applications Scientist, GERSTEL,Inc.</li></ul>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;<h5>Key Learning Objectives/What attendees will learn:</h5>1. Overview of solid phase microextraction (SPME) versus stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE).2. Overview of multidimensional, heartcutting GC-MS.3. How to accurately measure the concentration of 2-methylisoborneol and geosmin in complex samples such as whiskey.<h5>Who Should Attend:</h5><ul><li>Analytical chemists in the food, flavor, fragrance, and beverage industries.</li></ul><blockquote>Presnter: Rogelio García Juárez (Pre-Sales Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies)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.Presnter:&nbsp;Nicole Kfoury, Ph.D. (Applications Scientist, GERSTEL, Inc.)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.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Alcoholic Beverages Virtual Symposium: Spirits

Alcoholic Beverages Virtual Symposium: Spirits

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

As we all know, the need for efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions has never been greater. With the increasing demand for electric vehicles, and storage of renewable energy, the battery industry together with academic institutes are constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.Bruker is at the forefront of this innovation, providing cutting-edge technologies and solutions for battery research and manufacturing. In this webinar, we will explore the latest developments in Bruker's technology and how they can be applied to optimize battery performance, reduce costs, and accelerate the path towards a cleaner energy future.Join our 75 minutes experts discussion as they dive into the fascinating world of batteries and discover how Bruker is shaping the future of it.Key Learning Topics:<ul><li>You will learn about a complete portfolio of technologies applied to battery research and production, including AFM, NMR, EPR, MS, FTIR, XRD, XRF, XRM, RAMAN, EDS and EBSD. These technologies represent the excellence of Bruker's analytical tools and are complementary in their applications. They are used in various ways to help researchers and manufacturers understand how batteries work, how they can be improved, and how they can be produced and recycled more efficiently.</li></ul>Who Should Attend?<ul><li>Battery manufacturers</li><li>Research and development organizations</li><li>Academic institutions</li><li>Material science organizations</li><li>Electrochemical and analytical chemistry organizations</li><li>Testing laboratories involved in battery research and development.</li><li>Government agencies involved in renewable energy and sustainability.</li><li>Investors interested in the battery market.</li><li>Battery technology experts and engineers</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Andrea Steck Ph.D. (Principal Scientist - Bruker BioSpin (Ettlingen, Germany))Andrea Steck joined BBIO Germany in 2010 to perform contract services, then stepped into food profiling development, acted as Quality Manager (ISO-17025), and now is responsible for supporting, developing, and driving AIC-DEV projects as Principal Scientist.Andrea holds a PhD in Chemistry (TU Munich). She gained extensive experience in NMR pulse sequence development and structure elucidation (Berne, Switzerland), and in leading an analytical (NMR/MS/IR) laboratory in big pharmaceutical industry (Vienna, Austria). She then joined Bruker Austria as Manager Pursuant to Trade Law, responsible for contract services and customer acquisition.Presenter: Hugues Guérault (Application Manager – Bruker Advanced X-Ray Solutions (Karlsruhe, Germany))Hugues Guérault joined Bruker in 2002 as Application Scientist. He is now leading Bruker AXS application team and manages worldwide the activities of the application laboratories for equipment demonstrations and customer training.Hugues holds a PhD in Material Science from Le Mans University (France) and made a post-doc at the University of Leuven (Belgium). Overall, he has acquired more than 25 years of experience in material characterization using X-ray diffraction.Presenter: Peter De Wolf, PhD (Sr. Director AFM Technology Development &amp; Applications, Bruker Nano Surfaces &amp; Metrology, Santa Barbara, CA, USA)Joined Bruker after obtaining Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University Leuven &amp; IMEC, Belgium in 1998 focused on the development of novel AFM characterization methods. Author and co-author of over 40 publications related to property characterization using AFM, and co-inventor of several AFM methods. In his role, Peter is responsible for developing, driving, and leveraging new technology and applications for Bruker’s AFM Instrumentation.Presenter: Ph.D. Bob Galvin, FRSC (Vice President BAMS, Bruker Daltonics, London, UK)Bob Galvin obtained his PhD using mass spectrometry to investigate novel catalytic reactions and since then has always been involved in this technology. &nbsp;He joined Bruker eleven years ago and has held a number of executive positions during this period.Presenter: Rebecca Keller (Scientific Content Creator – Bruker Scientific LLC (Billerica, MA, USA))Rebecca joined Bruker Scientific in 2022 to support scientific content creation for applied markets as well as research and academia. Thanks to her extensive experience in crafting content for chemistry e-learning platforms, she excels at presenting complex ideas with exceptional clarity and precision.Rebecca graduated in Chemistry at the University of Oregon in 2019 and has since sought to improve scientific communication by producing content across multiple platforms.Presenter: Michele Gironda (Head of Global Segment Management – Bruker Nano Analytics (Berlin, Germany))Michele Gironda joined Bruker in 2017 when Bruker acquired XGLab where he was Director Sales and Marketing. He is now our Head of Global Market Segment Management in the Nano Analytics Division. In his role Michele manages worldwide activities for the key strategic market segments in cooperation with sales, marketing, application and product managers.Michele holds a Master Degree in Engineering obtained with his studies in Politecnico di Milano (Italy) and Universitat Politecnica de la Catalunya in Barcelona (Spain).</blockquote>

Bruker: Shaping the future of batteries: Bruker technologies across the entire value chain

Shaping the future of batteries: Bruker technologies across the entire value chain

Join our 75 minutes experts discussion as they dive into the fascinating world of batteries and discover how Bruker is shaping the future of it.

Bruker technologies - Shaping future of batteries

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is an innovative tool to detect free radicals in skin and blood plasma. It is a powerful technique that can help us learn more about the redox status, and induced oxidative stress by quantification and characterization of different types of radicals formed in the skin, skin models, skin cells, and blood plasma.In skin, a critical radical concentration characterized by the reversal of primary ROS (reactive oxygen species) to secondary LOS (lipid oxygen species), leading to increased lipid peroxidation and consequent cellular damage is known. This reversal indicates a change in the redox balance. EPR spectroscopy represents an innovative sensitive tool to assess the antioxidant status by stress response methods in skin and blood plasma. The redox status and oxidative stress investigations were performed in blood plasma samples, and in ex vivo and in vivo skin. These permit evaluating antioxidative supplements and formulations but also studying the influence of oxidative stress, which could be induced by irradiation, lifestyle, or pollution. Cigarette smoke is a good representative of pollution and it is known that it affects the whole body and can induce skin aging. These effects could be shown using EPR spectroscopy but also other methods such as cytokine analysis, resonant Raman spectroscopy, and biochemical assays. New insights about direct smoking and passive smoking will be presented.Key Learning Topics:<ul><li>EPR as a tool to measure reactive oxygen and lipid oxygen species in skin</li><li>Detecting radicals ex vivo and in vivo in skin using spin probes and spin traps</li><li>Examples of redox status and oxidative stress in skin and plasma using EPR</li></ul>Who Should Attend?<ul><li>Academics and MDs who do any kind of skin and blood plasma research</li><li>General, R&amp;D and Qc/QA managers, and industrial customers from the health and personal care industries involved in development of skin care products</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Prof. Dr. Martina Meinke (Head of the Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology (CCP), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin)Prof. Martina. C. Meinke is Head of the Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology (CCP) at the Clinic for Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology. Prof. Meinke studied chemistry at the Free University of Berlin, Germany. After graduation she headed an environmental laboratory until she switched to medical diagnostics. Since 1999, she has been employed by the CCP. After a postgraduate study, she was awarded the title medical physicist in 2006. Since 2007, she is an Assistant Professor of medical physics with the main focus on spectroscopy of blood and skin and electron paramagnetic resonance measurements in skin. She has headed the EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) spectroscopy group for over 10 years. This method has already been used in several clinical and scientific studies to investigate the formation and characterization of radicals. She also focuses on optical, non-invasive techniques that are widely used for skin examinations.Prof. Meinke is author of more than 200 peer reviewed publications and numerous book chapters. She is a member of the Ethics Committee of the Charité and a reviewer for the BMBF VIP+ and the DFG.Presenter:&nbsp;Dr. Silke Lohan (Deputy Head of the Center of Experimental and Applied Cutaneous Physiology (CCP), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin)Dr. Silke Lohan was born in Berlin and studied biology at the Free University of Berlin. In 2013, she completed her dissertation (Dr. rer. nat.) in human genetics. She had done her doctoral thesis at the Institute of Medical Genetics and Human Genetics at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics. In October 2013, Dr. Lohan joined the team at CCP. Her main interest is electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR), which she applies in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro to study and assess the evolution of radicals in tissues and cells with and/or without the application of stressors. The radicals can be quantified and characterized. In addition, nanoparticle penetration and drug release processes in skin can be studied.Currently, she is focusing on projects related to the development and clinical application of UV-LEDs. Here, the focus is on the development of a method to determine the redox status in skin and blood. In addition, a measurement method is being established to investigate the effect of pollutants and the protective effect of anti-pollutant products on the skin.Presenter:&nbsp;Dr. Sylwia Kacprzak (Market Product Manager)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.</blockquote>

Bruker: Redox Status of Skin and Blood Measured by EPR Spectroscopy

Redox Status of Skin and Blood Measured by EPR Spectroscopy

In this webinar you will learn about EPR which is as a tool to measure reactive oxygen and lipid oxygen species in skin.

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:<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>Bruker Application Scientist Dr. Cassandra Phillips hosts the workshop and live demos, providing an overview of Bruker's latest nanoIR product updates.&nbsp;Watch this webinar to:<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>Presenter: Xiaoji Xu, Ph.D.Presentation: NanoIR through PeakForce Infrared (PFIR) MicroscopyHere, 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.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.Presenter: Dmitry Kurouski, Ph.D.Presentation: Biology at the Nanoscale: From Viruses to AmyloidsIn 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.These two technologies possess different capabilities that demonstrate strong complementarity in terms of both the chemical information available and the achievable probing depth.Presenter: Cassandra Philips, Ph.D.Presentation: Quantitative Demonstration of Surface Sensitivity with nanoIR3The 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.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.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;Presentation: Demonstration: New Platforms for AFM-IRThe presenter introduces the unique capabilities of a new Bruker platform for AFM-IR imaging.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.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.</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