<h4>Do you use results of chemical analyses as a basis for your decisions and judgements?</h4>Those of us working in accredited laboratories or dealing with issues concerning the quality of measurements, would like to inform you about some important changes concerning the way the results of measurements are presented. These changes make it easier for you as an end-user to make correct decisions.<h4>Nobody is perfect!</h4>Results of analyses cannot be perfect! We hope this does not come as a big surprise to you. We use the term measurement uncertainty to describe this lack of perfection.<h4>The analytical process</h4>In each step of the analytical work, from sampling to the final measurement, deviations from the true value occur and measurement conditions vary. We take measures and perform controls regularly to assure that these deviations and variations together are small enough to make sure the end result fulfils your requirements. When we don’t have full information about all of the steps, e.g. when sampling and initial sample preparation are performed by you as a customer, you can assist us by providing detailed information about how that work was performed. Our experts are ready to advise on all matters regarding sampling. Please contact the laboratory beforehand.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Important_information_to_our_customers_concerning_the_quality_of_measurements_2_d885f6b051.jpg" alt="Eurachem: The analytical process" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Important_information_to_our_customers_concerning_the_quality_of_measurements_2_d885f6b051.jpg 139w," sizes="100vw" width="562" height="630"><h4>Results should be fit-for-the-purpose</h4>The accuracy of the results must of course not be too low nor too high since this would increase the costs. It should be fit for the intended purpose. If you are unsure on what level of accuracy you need, do not hesitate to contact the laboratory.<h4>Uncertainty and limiting values</h4>Many analyses are made to assure that limiting values are not exceeded. Without information about the measurement uncertainty it may appear to be very easy to make decisions, but these decision may be incorrect, with, e.g. economical consequences when rejecting instead of accepting a product, judicial consequences when returning a verdict of guilty instead of not guilty, or medical consequences when carrying out an unnecessary treatment. There are numerous examples!<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Important_information_to_our_customers_concerning_the_quality_of_measurements_3_f0ef8edc77.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Uncertainty and limiting values" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Important_information_to_our_customers_concerning_the_quality_of_measurements_3_f0ef8edc77.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="932" height="453">With a realistic measurement uncertainty the information included in the result becomes much more useful.<h4>It will be easier to compare results</h4>Most laboratories have until now chosen not to state measurement uncertainty in the test report. Instead, such information has only been given when the customer has asked for itIn the future, information about the measurement uncertainty will appear more frequently in the test report. It is also possible that you will bump into new and unfamiliar quality terms. This is due to the fact that there are new international guides and standards describing a common and partly new terminology. One of the objectives is to make it easier for you as a customer to compare test results.<h4>What could it look like?</h4>When reporting the test result we will give the normal information about what we have measured. When the results are followed by uncertainty statements, they are presented as intervals within which the true values are expected to lie with a certain level of confidence (usually 95%). In the example below the lead content is 1.65 ± 0.15 mmol·kg-1, that is between 1.50 and 1.80. The measurement uncertainty is also often reported relatively, in %.<ul><li>Total lead content (Pb): 1.65 mmol·kg-1&nbsp;</li><li>Measurement uncertainty: 0.15 mmol·kg-1 (9.1%)&nbsp;</li></ul>The stated uncertainty is an expanded measurement uncertainty (U). It was obtained by multiplying the combined standard uncertainty uc with a coverage factor k equal to 2. This corresponds approximately to a 95 % confidence interval.<h4>All’s well that ends well...</h4>The requirements for a consistent way of reporting test results are increasing. Therefore, those of us involved in measurements are eager to assure ourselves that we understand your needs. You will notice this in your contacts with us before, during and after the test assignment. We hope that you will be satisfied with the final result.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Important_information_to_our_customers_concerning_the_quality_of_measurements_4_f870b1a7b8.jpg" alt="Eurachem: All’s well that ends well..." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Important_information_to_our_customers_concerning_the_quality_of_measurements_4_f870b1a7b8.jpg 159w," sizes="100vw" width="713" height="701">

Important information to our customers concerning the quality of measurements

<h4>A comprehensive analysis of renewable fuel testing technologies, automation, and ISO-compliant proximate analysis</h4>The growing demand for renewable energy has increased the importance of accurate biofuel characterization. Biomass feedstocks and finished fuels must be carefully analyzed to ensure quality, efficiency, and compliance with international standards. LECO analytical instrumentation supports this work through automated and highly reliable analytical technologies.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/TGA_801_Termogravimetricka_analyza_vlhkosti_popela_tekavych_latek_a_ztraty_zihanim_b73c4cf493.jpg" alt="LECO: Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation: LECO’s TGA801, used for automated biofuel analysis." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_TGA_801_Termogravimetricka_analyza_vlhkosti_popela_tekavych_latek_a_ztraty_zihanim_b73c4cf493.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1164" height="435"><h3>Automated Proximate Analysis with LECO’s TGA801</h3>The<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1877"> LECO TGA801 thermogravimetric analyzer </a>is designed for automated determination of moisture, volatile matter, and ash content in solid fuels. The system can analyze up to 19 samples simultaneously and combine all three parameters into one automated run, improving efficiency and reproducibility.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_31e96f1c96.jpg" alt="LECO Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation: TGA801 system with ceramic turntable and crucibles for ISO 18123 volatile matter determination." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_31e96f1c96.jpg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="860" height="573"><h3>Comparison with ISO Reference Methods</h3>To validate the performance of the automated TGA801 system, comparative studies were conducted using internationally recognized ISO reference methods. Moisture determination was compared with ISO 18134, ash content with ISO 18122, and volatile matter with ISO 18123. These standards prescribe specific temperatures and analytical procedures, but also permit automated systems if equivalent performance can be demonstrated.The comparison included a broad range of materials such as wood pellets, peat, coal, plastics, and waste-derived fuels. Moisture and ash results generated by the TGA801 showed extremely close agreement with the manual ISO procedures. This strong correlation confirms that automated thermogravimetric analysis can provide the same reliability as conventional methods while greatly increasing throughput and reducing labor requirements.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_2_3887128788.jpg" alt="LECO: Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation: ISO method crucibles for manual volatile determination." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_2_3887128788.jpg 172w," sizes="100vw" width="1264" height="1145"><h3>Volatile Matter Correlation Results</h3>For volatile matter analysis, both ISO and TGA procedures measure mass loss during a fixed period at 900 °C. The TGA method introduces an additional heating ramp from the moisture determination step at approximately 105 °C to the higher volatile matter temperature. Despite this procedural difference, the resulting data demonstrated excellent agreement.Testing performed on wood pellets showed a strong linear relationship between the ISO and TGA methods with an R² value of approximately 0.94. The maximum deviation observed was only 1.06%, while the average difference between methods was approximately 0.1%. These results confirm the ability of the TGA801 to produce highly accurate volatile matter measurements across a variety of biomass and fuel matrices.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_2_40f7189cef.jpg" alt="LECO Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation: Correlation and comparative data between ISO methods and LECO TGA analysis." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_2_40f7189cef.jpg 172w," sizes="100vw" width="1065" height="967"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_1_7519e8e646.jpg" alt="LECO Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation: Correlation and comparative data between ISO methods and LECO TGA analysis." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_1_7519e8e646.jpg 228w," sizes="100vw" width="1641" height="1120"><h3>Advantages of Automated Biofuel Analysis</h3><ul><li>High sample throughput with simultaneous multi-sample analysis.</li><li>Fully automated workflows reducing operator involvement.</li><li>Integrated determination of moisture, ash, and volatile matter in one run.</li><li>Excellent reproducibility and data consistency.</li><li>Strong agreement with ISO reference methods without additional calibration.</li><li>Improved data security and laboratory efficiency.</li><li>Suitable for research laboratories, industrial quality control, and fuel certification.</li></ul><h3>Automate Your Lab Today</h3>LECO analytical instrumentation provides a comprehensive solution for modern biofuel characterization. From calorific value determination and elemental composition analysis to ash fusibility and automated proximate analysis, these technologies support both scientific research and industrial production with fast, reliable, and reproducible results. The TGA801 demonstrates how automation can significantly improve laboratory efficiency while maintaining full compliance with ISO reference methods. By integrating moisture, ash, and volatile matter analysis into a single automated workflow, the system reduces labor requirements, increases throughput, and enhances data quality. As renewable energy continues to expand globally, advanced analytical systems will remain essential for ensuring fuel quality, supporting regulatory compliance, and driving innovation in sustainable energy technologies. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1877">Explore the features of the LECO TGA801 today.</a>

Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 6th July 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 Agilent Technologies, application note by Shimadzu and other document by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: The Easiest Smart Decision You Can Make - The Agilent 9500 ICP-MS</h3><ul><li>Brochure</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/br_9500_icp_ms_5994_9160en_agilent_240554d484.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>The brochure presents the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=9500">Agilent 9500 ICP-MS</a> as an ICP-QQQ system designed to bring triple quadrupole performance into routine laboratories without adding unnecessary complexity. It addresses common ICP-MS challenges such as spectral interferences, complex matrices, method development, re-runs, and the limitations of single quadrupole ICP-MS. The 9500 is positioned as a system that delivers reliable, interference-free trace element data while simplifying operation, method setup, and troubleshooting.A central feature of the system is Agilent’s proprietary Dual-Cell System (DCS), which combines Advanced Helium Mode (AHM) and Air mode. AHM replaces multiple traditional tune modes with one streamlined mode, helping reduce acquisition time by more than 33% while improving sensitivity, especially for low-mass elements. Air mode uses ambient air for oxygen mass-shift reactions, enabling effective removal of difficult on-mass interferences without the need for additional oxygen cylinders or related safety infrastructure.The brochure also highlights the system’s practical design improvements. These include Easy-fit sample introduction, automatic gas connections and torch alignment, improved access to the spray chamber, torch, cones, and peristaltic pump, reduced power consumption, lower exhaust flow, enhanced corrosion resistance, and a smaller footprint compared with previous ICP-QQQ systems. The 9500 also supports demanding applications such as high-salinity seawater analysis, rare earth element interference removal, and sub-ppt impurity analysis in high-purity titanium.Software and automation are presented as key parts of the workflow. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=OpenLab+ICP-MS">OpenLab ICP-MS </a>provides method development tools such as Method Advisor, preset methods, batch conversion from existing single quadrupole ICP-MS methods, guided diagnostics, reporting, and IntelliQuant screening. The 9500 can also be integrated with Agilent autosamplers, the AVS MS switching valve, and ADS 2 autodilutor to automate calibration, dilution, analysis, and reporting. Overall, the brochure positions the Agilent 9500 ICP-MS as a more accessible, productive, and future-ready ICP-QQQ platform for laboratories needing reliable results across complex sample types.<h3>2. Shimadzu: Continuous Automatic Measurement of Static Spring Constant and Dynamic Properties before and after Durability Tests on Rubber Vibration Isolators by Combination Test Software</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_01061_en_7301fb4069.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>A rubber vibration isolator is a product designed to prevent or mitigate the transmission of vibration and shock. It is widely used in various fields such as transportation equipment, construction, and industrial machinery.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=JIS+K+6385">JIS K 6385</a> “Rubber vibration isolators - Test methods” defines several test methods and terms for evaluating the performance of rubber vibration isolators. In order to estimate the fatigue life of rubber vibration isolators, a durability test method is specified in which the rubber vibration isolator is subjected to repeated loads to evaluate the presence of failure, cracks, or changesin properties. It is extremely important to evaluate the durability of rubber vibration isolators because deterioration in their performance can cause noise and instability.&nbsp;Shimadzu’s fatigue and endurance testing machine Servopulser’s Windows Software for 4830 has a function called a combination test, which automatically combines several tests and continuously executesthem. This article introduces an example of continuous automatic measurement of static spring properties and dynamic properties of rubber vibration isolators before and after durability tests, by using a combination test.<h4>Testing Equipment&nbsp;</h4>The EMT-1kNV-50 electromagnetic fatigue and endurance testing machine was used in these tests. Fig. 2 shows a photograph of the testing machine. The electromagnetic actuator with extremely high frequency response enables highly accurate dynamic testing. In these tests, the maximum test frequency was 100 Hz. The EMT series is most suitable for testing at such high frequencies.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>A fatigue and endurance testing machine was used to compare the static spring properties and dynamic properties of rubber vibration isolators before and after durability testing based on JIS K 6385. Combination testing software enables continuous and automatic execution of each test, thus reducing work time. The highly responsive EMT series also enables high-frequency testing with amplitudes of 0.05 mm and 100 Hz.<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Enhancing Monoclonal Antibody Yield and Quality Through Automated Multi-Component Feedback Control Loops Using the MarqMetrix All-In-One Process Raman Analyzer</h3><ul><li>Other document</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/monitoring_polymer_extrusion_wp1275_en_19f05a5436.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Understanding the structural changes of polymers during the extrusion process is essential for optimizing the manufacturing of extruded products. Extrusion can alter a polymer’s structure and properties in ways that can enhance its performance and functionality. Changes such as the transition from crystalline to amorphous phases or shifts in vibrational modes can be leveraged to tailor the end-polymer’s mechanical, thermal, and optical properties to meet specific application needs.&nbsp;Polymer extrusion is a high-volume manufacturing process where raw plastic materials, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polylactic acid (PLA), are melted and pushed through a shaped die to create specific and continuous profiles. In twin-screw extruders, this is accomplished using two intermeshing screws and a heating system to increase temperature, shear forces and pressure, in order to efficiently melt and homogenize the polymers. This process allows for the production of a wide range of plastic products with consistent shapes and properties.&nbsp;In addition to polymeric applications, twin-screw extruders are commonly used in pharmaceutical applications for mixing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with excipients. In battery manufacturing, extruders are used to thoroughly mix anode and cathode materials needed for homogeneous end products. The Thermo Scientific™ Process™ 11 Parallel Twin-Screw Extruder is an ideal tool for processing and compounding various materials in this manner.Vibrational spectroscopic techniques such as Raman spectroscopy are often utilized for off-line evaluation of extrusion products. However, if such techniques can be integrated in line with the extruders, it can facilitate real-time measurements of many qualitative and quantitative aspects of the process.&nbsp;Raman spectroscopy is a technique used to observe vibrational, rotational, and other low-frequency modes in a material. Raman spectroscopy works by shining a monochromatic light source, typically a laser, onto a sample. The light interacts with the molecular vibrations within the sample, causing the light to scatter. Most of the scattered light has the same wavelength as the incident light (Rayleigh scattering), however, a small portion of the scattered light has different wavelengths due to interactions with molecular vibrations. This change in wavelength provides a unique spectral fingerprint of the material, which can be used to identify and characterize the sample’s molecular composition and structure. This data can be translated into quantitative or qualitative information with the use of chemometric modeling techniques such as partial least squares (PLS) regression or principal component analysis (PCA).The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/2233">Thermo Scientific™ MarqMetrix™ All-In-One Process Raman Analyzer</a> allows users to implement Raman spectroscopy directly in line with an extrusion process by using strong and chemically resistant optical probes. MarqMetrix probes can be integrated in line with extruder barrels allowing the continual monitoring of the extrusion process to make quantitative and qualitative decisions in real time.This white paper highlights the integration of the MarqMetrix All-In-One Process Raman Analyzer with the Process 11 Parallel Twin-Screw Extruder to observe polymer processing in real time, directly within the barrel of the extruder. Raman spectroscopy was first used to characterize the differences between the virgin material prior to extrusion, and the same material during extrusion. It was then utilized to indicate when materials had been mixed and then to track the transition from one polymer to another within the extruder system using qualitative chemometric models.&nbsp;The materials used in this study were LDPE and PLA. These materials were chosen due to their popularity in end-products across multiple industries as well as their well-characterized Raman spectra.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>The integration of the MarqMetrix All-In-One Process Raman Analyzer with the Process 11 Parallel Twin-Screw Extruder has demonstrated significant benefits for real-time, inline process monitoring in polymer extrusion. This study highlighted the capability of Raman spectroscopy to effectively differentiate between solid and molten states of polymers and provided clear identification of transitions from one polymer to another using PCA models. Such information can be utilized to ensure no cross-contamination during polymer change overs and to ensure the quality of the extruded polymers. This proofof-concept study can be further applied to quantify the composition of the composite polymer materials using PLS models. Additionally, the MarqMetrix All-In-One analyzer can also be integrated mid-barrel to understand the reactive extrusion in real time.&nbsp;Overall, the implementation of Raman spectroscopy into polymer extrusion processes offers a multitude of benefits, ranging from real-time monitoring and quality control to process optimization and cost savings. These advantages make Raman spectroscopy an invaluable tool for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of polymer extrusion operations

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 28, 2026

Article

Product

Application

Academy

Eurachem is a European network promoting international traceability of chemical measurements and good analytical practice. It provides expert guidance, supports method validation, uncertainty evaluation, proficiency testing, and facilitates discussion on technical and policy issues in analytical quality.

Eurachem

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

In 1936, the Laboratory Equipment Company introduced the first rapid carbon determinator for the American iron and steel industry.  Today, almost 80 years later, LECO is recognized globally as a leader in the development of high-quality analytical instrumentation, mass spectrometers, comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography, metallography & optical equipment as well as consumables.

LECO

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

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.

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.