<p><strong>This study investigates the relationship between fruit development and seed quality in the “Hua Rue” hot chili cultivar. Seeds harvested at 35, 45, and 50 days after flowering were evaluated for physical traits, germination performance, tissue-specific chemical composition using FTIR microspectroscopy, and biochemical activity during imbibition.</strong></p><p>Seeds collected at 50 days after flowering showed the highest weight, germination rate, and germination speed, accompanied by increased endosperm-associated chemical accumulation and enhanced metabolic activity. FTIR analysis clearly distinguished developmental stages based on tissue-specific chemical signatures, identifying 50 DAF as the optimal harvest stage for producing high-quality chili seeds with stable storage viability.</p><blockquote><h4><strong>The original article</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c05947"><strong>Chemical Composition and Biochemical Changes during Fruit Development on Seed Quality in Hot Chili (Capsicum annuum L.)</strong></a></h4><p>Wissanee Pola*, Songsin Photchanachai, and Papungkorn Sangsawad</p><p>ACS Omega 2026, 11, 1, 562–571</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c05947">https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c05947</a></p><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"><strong>CC-BY 4.0</strong></a></h6></blockquote><p><strong>Selected sections from the article follow. Formats and hyperlinks were adapted from the original.</strong></p><div><p>Hot chili (<i>Capsicum annuum</i> L.), specifically the “Hua Rue” cultivar, is popular in the northeast region of Thailand due to its distinctive pungency and high yield. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1)</a> Thailand ranks among the top five chili producers in Asia and is a leading exporter worldwide, with an export volume of approximately 60,000 kg and a value of 805 million baht. It is evident that chili seeds play a significant role in the country’s agricultural economy. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(2)</a> Seed production is a critical process that ensures the availability of high-quality seeds for sustainable crop production. Generally, in the large-scale production of this chili cultivar, mature fruits are harvested manually at the fully red-ripe stage, and the seeds are extracted from sun-dried fruits. However, the seed quality tends to decline rapidly during storage, particularly after six months. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(2)</a></p><p>Typically, harvesting chili fruits at the onset of ripening is necessary for producing high-quality seeds. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(3)</a> Seeds achieve physiological maturity (PM) when they attain maximum dry weight and vigor, which vary with the variety. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(4)</a> In <i>Capsicum</i> species, high seed quality was achieved in fruits harvested at 50–60 days after flowering (DAF). <a href="javascript:void(0);">(5)</a> Research on sweet pepper and hot chili varieties suggested that seeds extracted at 60 DAF provided the highest germination and vigor. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(6)</a> Furthermore, enzymatic hydrolysis of storage macromolecules, particularly starch breakdown by α-amylase, is crucial for seed germination. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(7)</a> This enzyme hydrolyzes starch in the cotyledon and endosperm into simple sugar units that are then synthesized into sucrose for transport to the embryonic axis. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(8)</a></p><p>Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIR) is a technique used to obtain an infrared spectrum of absorption or emission of solids, liquids, and gases. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(9)</a> An FTIR spectrometer collects high-resolution spectral data over a wide spectral range simultaneously, providing a significant advantage over a dispersive spectrometer, which measures the intensity over a narrow range of wavelengths at a time. This instrument is effective for identifying biochemical compositions in living cells and tissues. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(10)</a> FTIR spectra typically reveal absorption bands corresponding to lipids (3000–2800 cm<sup>–1</sup>), proteins (1700–1480 cm<sup>–1</sup>), carbohydrates, and nucleic acids (1450–600 cm<sup>–1</sup>). <a href="javascript:void(0);">(11)</a> The measurement of chemical compositions in chili seeds using FTIR, particularly concerning the physiological maturity (PM) stage of the “Hua Rue” variety, has not been documented in recent years. The measurement of chemical compositions in chili seeds using FTIR, particularly in relation to the physiological maturity (PM) stage of the “Hua Rue” variety, has not been reported in recent years. Previous studies have mainly evaluated seed quality based on whole-seed analyses and standard germination tests. In contrast, this study provides the first detailed characterization of chemical composition profiles of individual seed organs in the “Hua Rue” variety. For this purpose, fruits were harvested at different developmental stages to investigate biochemical changes during ripening. Although the general postharvest handling and storage methods used in this study (manual extraction, shade drying, and sealed storage) slightly differ from the traditional practices employed by local seed producers, they were designed to ensure consistent sample quality for analysis. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the biochemical and chemical composition profiles of seed organs (embryonic axis, endosperm, and seed coat) as extracted from “Hua Rue” chili at various fruit developmental stages and to explore their potential relationship with seed vigor and storability.</p><h4><strong>2. Materials and Methods</strong></h4><h5><strong>2.3. Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Microspectroscopy of Seed Tissues</strong></h5><p>Seeds were collected from chili pods at three fruit developmental stages: 35, 45, and 50 DAF. Immediately after extraction, ten seeds per stage were embedded in optimal cutting temperature (OCT) compound (Tissue-Tek O.C.T. Compound, USA) and snap-frozen to preserve biochemical integrity. The embedded seeds were sectioned at −20 °C into cross sections of 8 ± 1 μm using a Leica CM1950 microtome cryostat (Cambridge Scientific). Sections were mounted on calcium fluoride (CaF<sub>2</sub>) infrared-transparent windows to facilitate FTIR analysis. Chemical imaging was performed using a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=10&amp;search=HYPERION"><strong>HYPERION 3000 FTIR microscope </strong></a>(Bruker Optik GmbH) equipped with a focal plane array (FPA) detector, operating in the spectral range of 4000–600 cm<sup>–1</sup>, with 64 scans per spectrum. Spectral acquisition and preliminary processing were carried out by using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=10&amp;search=OPUS+software"><strong>OPUS 7.5 software</strong></a> (Bruker Optics, Ettlingen, Germany). The spectra were subsequently exported to Unscrambler X 10.5 for multivariate analysis, including the Savitzky–Golay second-derivative transformation, extended multiplicative signal correction (EMSC) normalization, and principal component analysis (PCA). The FTIR microspectroscopy was used to observe spectral pattern differences among tissues and maturation stages. Anatomical regions analyzed included the seed coat, endosperm, and embryonic axis.</p><h4><strong>3. Results and Discussion</strong></h4><h5><strong>3.1. Effect of Fruit Development on Seed Anatomy and 1000-Seed Weight</strong></h5><p>Visual observations of the ″Hua Rue” chili fruits showed mature green, breaker, and mature red colors at 35, 45, and 50 DAF, respectively (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c05947#fig1">Figure 1</a>A). This closely aligns with the ripening stages of the red pepper “Zunla-1” cultivar, as reported by Song et al. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(17)</a> where the ripening stages were divided into mature green (30 DAF), breaker (35 DAF), first immature red (38 DAF), second immature red (43 DAF), and mature red (MR, approximately 50 DAF).</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2026_11_1_562_571_Figure_1_Appearance_of_Hua_Rue_chili_fruits_and_the_interior_seed_structure_including_seed_coat_endosperm_and_embryonic_axis_cd5e87f491.jpeg" alt="ACS Omega 2026, 11, 1, 562–571: Figure 1. Appearance of “Hua Rue” chili fruits and the interior seed structure, including seed coat, endosperm, and embryonic axis (A), and the 1000-seed weight (B) as extracted from the harvested fruits at 35, 45, and 50 days after flowering (DAF). Values are means ± SD (n = 4). Different letters (a, b) denote significant differences among treatments according to Tukey’s HSD Test (P &lt; 0.05)." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2026_11_1_562_571_Figure_1_Appearance_of_Hua_Rue_chili_fruits_and_the_interior_seed_structure_including_seed_coat_endosperm_and_embryonic_axis_cd5e87f491.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1000" height="518"></p><p>After the seeds were extracted from each fruit development stage, the interior structure of the seeds, including the endosperm and embryonic axis (cotyledons and radicle), was found to be fully developed at 45 and 50 DAF. In contrast, seeds from 35 DAF exhibited shorter cotyledons, indicating incomplete development (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c05947#fig1">Figure 1</a>A). This interior structure of chili seeds can determine seed physical integrity and predict seedling emergence. A previous study on bell pepper found that the structural integrity of seeds, as assessed by X-ray analysis, was linked to germination performance. It was discovered that a decrease in the internal area occupied by the embryo and endosperm was directly related to the incidence of abnormal seedlings and nongerminated seeds. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(18)</a> Nevertheless, the most crucial structure of the seed is the embryonic axis, which develops into the seedling. Therefore, a fully developed embryonic axis is essential for seed production.</p><p>Generally, harvesting seeds at the physiological maturity (PM) stage, which indicates the highest seed vigor and viability, is essential for cultivation. The major indicators of the PM stage are maximum seed dry weight, high seed vigor, and germination percentage. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(6)</a> In this study, the 1000-seed weight of “Hua Rue” chili ranged from 3563 to 4983 mg (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c05947#fig1">Figure 1</a>B). A significant difference in seed weight was observed between the fruit developmental stages. The lowest value was found in seeds extracted from fruit harvested at 35 DAF. Meanwhile, seeds obtained from fruit harvested at 45 and 50 DAF showed a gradual increase in weight. This indicates that early harvested chili fruit, whose seeds have reached the PM stage, should be at 45–50 DAF. Similarly, Yisa et al. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(19)</a> studied the influence of fruits at different stages (12–48 DAF) on seed quality. Their results revealed a continual increase in dry seed weight throughout the maturation process, particularly in seeds extracted from fruits harvested at 48 DAF. Similarly, Pagamas and Nawata <a href="javascript:void(0);">(20)</a> reported increasing dry seed weight in chili pepper cultivars “Huay Si Thon” and “Shishito” from 35 to 45 DAF that remained until 60 DAF. Hence, they recommended that the optimal harvest maturity period for “Huay Si Thon” and “Shishito” was at 45 DAF and 55 DAF, respectively. This suggests that harvesting during this period could yield good seed quality based on seed weight parameters, which may indicate the accumulation of nutrients in the seeds.</p><h5><strong>3.2. Effect of Fruit Development on Chemical Composition Profiles of Seeds Analyzed by FTIR Microspectroscopy</strong></h5><p>Hyperspectral images of the interior organs (embryonic axis, endosperm, and seed coat) extracted from different stages of fruit development in “Hua Rue” chili are shown in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c05947#fig2">Figure 2</a>. The color-coded regions represent variations in intensity, possibly indicating differences in chemical composition, thermal properties, or structural variations in various seed tissues. The 35 DAF seed exhibited a higher abundance of chemicals in the endosperm region, as indicated by the red color in the tissue, while it showed a lower composition in the seed coat and embryonic axis (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c05947#fig2">Figure 2</a>A). The seeds from 45 and 50 DAF contained the highest concentrations of chemicals in the endosperm, followed by the embryonic axis and seed coat (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c05947#fig2">Figure 2</a>B,C). These results indicate that the chemical compositions in each region of the seed vary, depending on the stages of seed development. In a previous study, a Raman hyperspectral imaging system was applied for online quality control of maize seeds based on the rapid and visual detection of chemical compositions. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(21)</a></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2026_11_1_562_571_Figure_2_Hyperspectral_imaging_of_chili_seed_tissues_at_different_fruit_developmental_stages_f9a7b4a922.jpeg" alt="ACS Omega 2026, 11, 1, 562–571: Figure 2. Hyperspectral imaging of chili seed tissues at different fruit developmental stages: 35 days after flowering (DAF, A), 45 DAF (B), and 50 DAF (C). Seed coat, endosperm, and embryonic axis regions are indicated. The overlaid false-color maps represent the relative chemical abundance detected by hyperspectral analysis, with a color scale from −200 (blue, lowest intensity) to 1000 (white-pink, highest intensity)." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2026_11_1_562_571_Figure_2_Hyperspectral_imaging_of_chili_seed_tissues_at_different_fruit_developmental_stages_f9a7b4a922.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2088" height="593"></p><p>The FTIR spectrum was recently applied to identify the intensity of biochemical compositions in various materials. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(22)</a> In the FTIR absorption spectrum, three major biochemical composition regions of interest have been identified according to prior studies. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(23)</a> The absorption bands of 3000–2800 cm<sup>–1</sup> represent lipid regions, the bands of 1800–1400 cm<sup>–1</sup> exhibit protein regions (amide I and amide II), and the spectra absorption bands of 1300–1000 cm<sup>–1</sup> reveal carbohydrates, phospholipids, and nucleic acids. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(24,10)</a> In this study, distinctive spectral patterns were observed among the embryonic axis, endosperm, and seed coat (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c05947#fig3">Figure 3</a>A–C). Additionally, significant differences in absorption intensities were found among seeds extracted from fruit at 35, 45, and 50 DAF (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c05947#fig3">Figure 3</a>D–F).</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2026_11_1_562_571_Figure_3_FTIR_analysis_of_chili_seed_tissues_harvested_at_different_developmental_stages_62c5db783d.jpeg" alt="ACS Omega 2026, 11, 1, 562–571: Figure 3. FTIR analysis of chili seed tissues harvested at different developmental stages. (A–C) Mean absorption spectra of the seed coat (A), endosperm (B), and embryonic axis (C) obtained from seeds at 35, 45, and 50 days after flowering (DAF). Major absorption peaks are indicated: 2927–2850 cm–1 (C–H stretching of lipids), 1745–1660 cm–1 (amide I of proteins), 1543–1380 cm–1 (amide II of proteins), and 1234–1090 cm–1 (C–O stretching of carbohydrates/polysaccharides). (D–F) Quantitative comparisons of relative absorbance intensities at these peaks for the seed coat (D), endosperm (E), and embryonic axis (F). Bars represent the mean ± standard deviation (SD). Different letters (a–c) above bars indicate statistically significant differences among fruit developmental stages according to Tukey’s HSD test (P &lt; 0.05)." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2026_11_1_562_571_Figure_3_FTIR_analysis_of_chili_seed_tissues_harvested_at_different_developmental_stages_62c5db783d.jpeg 237w," sizes="100vw" width="2088" height="1372"></p></div>

Chemical Composition and Biochemical Changes during Fruit Development on Seed Quality in Hot Chili (Capsicum annuum L.)

<p><strong>In the week from March 9, the following webinars await you in the field of atomic and molecular spectroscopy and spectrometry</strong></p><blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinars"><strong>👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</strong></a></h4><p><strong>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database</strong> with over <strong>5 500 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars</strong>.</p></blockquote><h5><strong>1. SelectScience: Supercharge LNP EE% and Size Characterization on Stunner AF</strong></h5><ul><li>Tu, 10.3.2026 17:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5988">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Discover a surfactant-free, single-instrument workflow to measure LNP size, payload, and encapsulation efficiency for RNA and pDNA in one assay using the Stunner AF platform.</p><h5><strong>2. Separation Science: Raman Spectroscopy for Li-ion Battery Material Diagnostics</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 11.3.2026 15:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5952">Registration</a></li></ul><p>This presentation explores Raman spectroscopy as a non-destructive, high-resolution diagnostic tool for characterizing electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries.</p><h5><strong>3. C&amp;EN: Explode into AI-Driven Automation with Stuntman</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 11.3.2026 16:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5989">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Discover how Stuntman embeds native AI into laboratory automation, translating scientific intent into executable experiments with automated design, execution, and data-driven iteration.</p><h5><strong>4. Anton Paar: Unlock Nanoparticle Analysis – Advanced DLS and Zeta Potential Solutions</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 11.3.2026 17:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5990">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Learn how the Litesizer DLS series enables precise particle size, zeta potential, and molecular mass measurements in a single platform for nanoparticle characterization.</p><h5><strong>5. Bruker: From Crude to Petrochemical Product – Enhancing Quality Control with Smarter XRF Solutions</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 11.3.2026 17:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5847">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Discover how XRF spectrometry enables rapid, standards-compliant elemental analysis for petrochemical processing and quality control.</p><h5><strong>6. Anton Paar: Polymer Rheology – Testing Behavior Across Time and Temperature</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 11.3.2026 17:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5799">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Learn how oscillatory rheology reveals polymer melt behavior beyond viscosity using techniques such as LVER analysis and frequency sweeps.</p><h5><strong>7. Metrohm: Full-Spectrum Raman for Research, Development, and Process Understanding</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 11.3.2026 19:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5966">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Discover how Metrohm i-Raman NxG and Duo provide molecular insight for APIs, polymers, and reaction monitoring with full-spectrum Raman coverage.</p><h5><strong>8. Agilent Technologies: Automation at the Next Level – Never Lose Track of Your Sample</strong></h5><ul><li>Th, 12.3.2026 06:30 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5965">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Learn how a fully digital laboratory environment can manage the entire sample lifecycle—from registration through chromatography workflows to reporting and secure archiving.</p><h5><strong>9. C&amp;EN: Microplastic Analysis in Water Using Vibrational Spectroscopy – Navigating ISO/FDIS 16094-2 Standards</strong></h5><ul><li>Th, 12.3.2026 11:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5940">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Discover best practices for implementing ISO/FDIS 16094-2 for microplastics analysis using vibrational spectroscopy, including validation and quality control strategies.</p>

Webinars LabRulezICPMS Week 11/2026

<p><strong>This leaflet is intended as a comprehensive checklist outlining the key steps to consider when participating in a proficiency testing (PT) scheme. Selection of an appropriate PT scheme must be ensured [1]. It provides essential tips to help participants avoid common mistakes and achieve successful outcomes. The main stages of PT participation are covered, from receipt of PT items through to the review of received evaluations [1-3]. Documentation of outcomes for many of the topics addressed below is recommended, particularly for accreditation purposes.&nbsp;</strong></p><h4><strong>1. Prior to PT participation&nbsp;</strong></h4><ul><li>Verify that the PT provider has up-to-date billing, shipping and technical contact information for the laboratory.&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure that the laboratory has documented procedures in place or, if necessary, prepare procedures for: reviewing PT results upon receipt; taking corrective actions when assessments indicate poor performance; conducting periodic reviews of PT results over time; storing PT reports.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4><strong>2. Receipt of PT items&nbsp;</strong></h4><ul><li>Open the package of PT items immediately upon receipt to check their condition. Contact the PT provider and request a replacement if any PT items are missing, broken, leaking or otherwise compromised.&nbsp;</li><li>Study the PT provider’s instructions carefully to ensure they are clear and understandable (e.g. handling, storage, pre-treatment, preparation, reporting of results).&nbsp;</li><li>Register, identify, and mark the PT items according to normal procedures in the laboratory.&nbsp;</li><li>Store the PT items in accordance with any instructions provided.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4><strong>3. Measurements&nbsp;</strong></h4><ul><li>Read the instructions supplied by the PT provider carefully before starting the measurements.&nbsp;</li><li>Carry out the measurements under conditions as close as possible to routine testing, unless otherwise instructed by the PT provider.&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure that the analysis is carried out to meet any measurement deadline requirements.</li></ul><h4><strong>4. Reporting results&nbsp;</strong></h4><ul><li>Allow sufficient time for reporting the results to the PT provider.&nbsp;</li><li>Report all the information required by the PT provider.&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure that the results are reported in the requested format (e.g. units, number of significant figures, decimal places).&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure that the results you are going to submit are those that you intend, correcting for any identified transcription errors (e.g. mix-up of samples or analytes).&nbsp;</li><li>Confirm that the submission process of the results to the PT provider has been completed.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4><strong>5. Reviewing PT reports&nbsp;</strong></h4><ul><li>Read the PT report as soon as possible and check that your results and other information are correctly represented; report any errors immediately to the PT provider.&nbsp;</li><li>Take notice of any comments on the specific PT round, evaluation of performance, and other matters relevant to the results of the PT round which provide valuable context to your individual results.&nbsp;</li><li>Review your assessed performance carefully in accordance with your laboratory procedures.&nbsp;</li><li>Store the PT report according to internal procedures.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4><strong>6. Follow-up on participation in a PT scheme&nbsp;</strong></h4><ul><li>Investigate any poor performance in accordance with your laboratory quality system [4].&nbsp;</li><li>Evaluate the impact of poor performance (e.g. risk that poor quality data may have been reported to customers).&nbsp;</li><li>Implement any corrective actions as relevant, and if possible, make use of any surplus PT items [5] to assess effectiveness.&nbsp;</li><li>Monitor any trends in performance over time, concentration levels, etc.&nbsp;</li></ul><blockquote><p>Information about PT providers and PT schemes can be obtained from your national accreditation body, from the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.eptis.org/"><strong>EPTIS website</strong></a> or from other national or international organizations.</p></blockquote>

Basic instructions for participants in a proficiency testing scheme

Article

Webinars

Food

Scientific article

Science and research

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.

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Mettler-Toledo

Anton Paar

Milestone

Bruker

LECO

Thermo Fisher Scientific

C&EN

<header><h4><strong>Discover Six Different DSC Methods for Determining this Important Material Property</strong></h4></header><main><div><div><h5><strong>Program</strong></h5><ul><li>Definition of specific heat capacity</li><li>Importance of specific heat capacity</li><li>Presentation of the six DSC measurement methods in the STARe software</li><li>Measurement tips and hints</li><li>Interactive Q&amp;A session</li></ul></div></div><div><div><div><p>Specific heat capacity (cp) is the energy needed to increase the temperature of one unit of mass of material by exactly 1 °C. It is typically determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) due to ease of use, short measurement times and accuracy.</p><p>Specific heat capacity is a characteristic, temperature-dependent, material property that is often specified in data sheets. It is a key property for improving technical processes such as injection molding, spray drying, and crystallization. It is critical in the safety analysis of chemical processes and design of chemical reactors.</p><h4><strong>Measurement Methods Discussed in the Webinar</strong></h4><p>Join our upcoming webinar where we present six different methods of calculating specific heat capacity. We first present the so-called <strong>Direct</strong> and <strong>Sapphire</strong> methods using a conventional DSC instrument and a linear temperature program. We then demonstrate four temperature-modulated DSC techniques: <strong>IsoStep DSC, Steady State ADSC, ADSC, and TOPEM</strong>.</p><p>Don’t miss this opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about determining this critical material property. Register now and be sure to prepare your questions for our experts!</p><h4><strong>Heat Capacity vs Specific Heat Capacity</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Heat capacity</strong> is the amount of energy needed to increase the temperature of an object by exactly 1 °C. Hence it is related to the size of the sample and does not characterize the material itself. The unit of heat capacity, Cp, is Joules per Kelvin (J/K).</li><li><strong>Specific heat capacity</strong> is the energy needed to increase the temperature of one unit of mass of an object by exactly 1 °C. This is calculated by dividing the heat capacity by the sample mass, which provides a more useful characterization of the material. The unit of specific heat capacity, cp, is typically expressed as Joules per gram per Kelvin (J/g/K).</li></ul></div><div><div data-advanced-option="false" data-has-preview-image="false" data-video-id="" data-component-id="2110920040"><div style="max-width:1px;width:100%;" id="mediaContainerWrapper_2110920040"><div style="height:1px;width:1px;" data-external-url="" id="mediaContainer_2110920040" data-advanced-option="false" data-width="1" data-height="1" data-video-id="">&nbsp;</div></div></div></div></div></div></main><div><div><div data-advanced-option="false" data-has-preview-image="false" data-video-id="" data-component-id="2110920040"><blockquote><div><strong>Presenter: </strong>Angela Hammer (Dr. sc. nat. ETH)</div><p>Dr. Angela Hammer received a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry (development of immobilized components for the use in ion-selective electrodes based on polyurethane membranes) from the Institute of Organic Chemistry at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich, Switzerland. She then joined Sika Technology AG in Zurich, Switzerland, as an analytical chemist. In 2007, she joined METTLER TOLEDO and has worked there since as an application specialist for Thermal Analysis. In her present position, she uses, teaches, and supports DSC, TGA, TMA, and DMA instruments for the METTLER TOLEDO’s Materials Characterization Group located at the head office in Switzerland.</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

Mettler Toledo: How to Determine Specific Heat Capacity by DSC

How to Determine Specific Heat Capacity by DSC

Explore six DSC techniques for measuring specific heat capacity and understand its importance in material performance, processing, and safety.

<div><div id="inner_content_body_text" data-content-id="394785"><p><strong>Extensional deformation plays a crucial role in processes such as blow molding, film blowing, coating, and fiber spinning—applications where shear rheology alone falls short in characterizing material behavior.</strong></p><p>In this session, real measurements are used to visually give an understanding of the core concepts of extensional rheology. Examples of standard polymers will be used to explain measuring principles and techniques.</p><p>Our measuring solutions, the SER cell and UXF cell, will be introduced, as well as current trends in extensional rheology. Participants will gain insights into choosing the appropriate setup based on their testing goals, whether for product development, competitive benchmarking, or quality control.</p><p>Whether you’re new to rheology or looking to deepen your expertise, this webinar offers a compact yet comprehensive foundation in the elongational flow behavior of polymers.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Philana Kruse, M.Sc.</p><p>Philana Kruse has a background in chemistry and plastics technology. As a research fellow at the chair for Plastics Technology, her academic work was centered around the rheological characterization of polymer materials. For the past two years she has been part of Anton Paar, where she supports customers in the field of polymer rheology with a focus on extensional testing methods.</p></blockquote></div></div>

Anton Paar: Extensional Rheology of Polymers: Air Bearing Rheometer Applications

Extensional Rheology of Polymers: Air Bearing Rheometer Applications

Explore extensional rheology of polymers, measuring principles, SER and UXF cells, practical applications in blow molding, film blowing, fibers.

Air Bearing Rheometer Applications

<div><div id="inner_content_body_text" data-content-id="394785"><p><strong>Humidity plays a crucial role in determining the behavior and performance of polymeric and soft materials. This webinar explores how varying levels of humidity influence material responses such as rheology, tackiness, and tribological behavior.</strong></p><p>Through controlled humidity experiments, the session demonstrates how water absorption and desorption alter material properties like modulus, viscosity, curing, and flowability of different materials. Case studies will include practical examples across diverse applications, such as polymer films, adhesives, food products, powders, and coatings. Humidity is shown to have both reversible and irreversible effects on the softening of gelatin and tackiness of chewing gum to the curing of silicone sealants, and flowability of powders.</p><p>Participants will gain insights into how humidity affects product performance, shelf life, and processing—leading to better design, formulation, and quality control in research and industrial applications</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Mohammed Naimul Hoque, PhD</p><p>Mohammed Naimul Hoque is an Advanced Application Engineer – Rheology at Anton Paar USA, specializing in the rheological characterization of complex fluids and colloids. His work involves customer sample testing, collaborating with academic and industrial clients, and providing training on rheological instruments and techniques.</p><p>Prior to joining Anton Paar, Naimul earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University, where his research focused on modeling the flow behavior of colloidal dispersions and predicting their extrusion behavior using extensional rheological techniques, such as dripping-onto-substrate (DoS) rheometry.</p></blockquote></div></div>

Anton Paar: Polymer Rheology: Impact of Humidity on Material Behavior

Polymer Rheology: Impact of Humidity on Material Behavior

Explore the effects of humidity on polymers and soft materials, including rheology, tackiness, curing, and flowability, with practical case studies.

Impact of Humidity on Material Behavior

<p><strong>Sample preparation for elemental analysis is one of the most resource-intensive steps in the laboratory, involving aggressive acids, energy use, and significant waste generation.</strong><br><strong>This webinar will show how Milestone’s sustainable innovations, and the GreenPrep MW Score, provide a clear, measurable framework for reducing environmental impact without compromising analytical quality. Through improvements in chemistry, technology, and workflow, laboratories can cut reagent consumption, lower energy per sample, extend vessel lifetime, and reduce gas waste. Attendees will learn practical strategies to adopt greener protocols and evaluate their own processes using objective sustainability metrics.</strong></p><h4><strong>Key Learning Objectives:</strong></h4><ul><li>Understand the <strong>GreenPrep MW Score</strong> and how it provides an objective way to evaluate and benchmark sustainability in sample preparation.</li><li><strong>Reduce environmental impact by adopting</strong> greener digestion chemistries that minimize acid volumes, waste, and operator exposure.</li><li>Leverage <strong>energy-efficient microwave technologies</strong> to lower energy consumption per sample while maintaining high digestion performance.</li><li>Enhance <strong>workflow sustainability</strong> through acid purification, automated reagent dosing, and cleaner, safer vessel-handling practices.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:</strong> Lorenzo Rossi (Application Specialist at Milestone)</p></blockquote>

Milestone: Sustainable Sample Preparation for Elemental Analysis: Practical Actions for a Greener Lab

Sustainable Sample Preparation for Elemental Analysis: Practical Actions for a Greener Lab

Sustainable sample preparation for elemental analysis, introducing Milestone GreenPrep MW Score, greener chemistries, and energy-efficient microwave digestion.

Sample Preparation for Elemental Analysis

<h4><strong>Food &amp; Feed Sample Preparation Webinar Series</strong></h4><p><strong>Ensuring food and feed quality requires reliable determination of both contaminants and nutrients, yet sample preparation remains one of the most challenging and time-consuming steps in the analytical workflow. This webinar series introduces modern approaches to digestion and extraction that improve data quality, reduce reprocessing, and increase laboratory productivity. Through four dedicated events, covering heavy metals, organic contaminants, macro/trace minerals, and nutritional parameters such as fats, FAMEs, and amino acids, participants will discover optimized, practical workflows tailored to real-world food and feed testing.</strong></p><h4><strong>Session: Heavy Metals in Food: Digestion Strategies and Complete Sample Prep Workflow</strong></h4><p>Heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, As, and Hg are strictly regulated in food and feed, requiring robust digestion and a well-controlled sample preparation workflow. This webinar covers best practices for microwave digestion of diverse food matrices using systems such as ETHOS and ultraWAVE 2 eco. A case study on baby food will illustrate common challenges such as matrix complexity, contamination control, and blank management. Participants will learn how to build a reliable sample-to-analysis workflow that ensures accuracy, reduces re-runs, and supports regulatory compliance.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:</strong> Giulio Colnaghi (Marketing Manager, Milestone Srl)</p></blockquote>

Milestone: Food & Feed Sample Preparation Webinar Series

Heavy Metals in Food: Digestion Strategies and Complete Sample Prep Workflow

This webinar covers best practices for microwave digestion of diverse food matrices using systems such as ETHOS and ultraWAVE 2 eco. 

Digestion Strategies and Complete Sample Prep Workflow

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div><p><strong>This webinar will focus on the importance of carbon and nitrogen determination in adhesives, laminates, and cement fiber board used in construction and engineered wood products. Attendees will learn how elemental analysis supports resin formulation, quality control, and performance optimization, particularly for urea-formaldehyde–based systems where elemental ratios directly impact strength, durability, and emissions.</strong></p><p>The session will cover combustion-based analytical techniques for measuring carbon and nitrogen across a wide range of sample types, including liquids, viscous resins, and heterogeneous composites. Instrument operation, calibration strategies, and practical sample preparation approaches will be discussed to help laboratories achieve accurate, precise, and repeatable results.</p><p>In addition, the webinar will address carbon determination in cement fiber board and explain how carbon content reflects cellulose and wood pulp additions that influence flexibility, weight, and consistency. Real-world examples will demonstrate how elemental analysis data can be used to support manufacturing consistency and regulatory compliance.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Fred Schultz (Former Application Chemist, LECO)</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

LECO: Carbon and Nitrogen Determination in Adhesives, Laminates, and Cement Fiber Board

Carbon and Nitrogen Determination in Adhesives, Laminates, and Cement Fiber Board

Webinar on carbon and nitrogen elemental analysis for adhesives and cement fiber board quality control and performance optimization.

Carbon and Nitrogen Determination in Adhesives, Laminates

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div><p><strong>In this upcoming webinar, experts from LECO will explore the role of cement clinkers as a critical quality checkpoint in Portland cement manufacturing. Attendees will gain an overview of how clinker microstructure reflects raw material selection, kiln conditions, and cooling rates, and why clinker analysis enables faster feedback and process control than testing finished cement alone.</strong></p><p>The presentation will walk through best practices for metallographic preparation of cement clinkers, including sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing, and etching. Special emphasis will be placed on addressing common preparation challenges such as clinker brittleness, porosity, and moisture sensitivity, ensuring that microstructural features are preserved for accurate evaluation.</p><p>Participants will also see examples of microscopic clinker features—including key phases, morphology, distribution, and porosity—and learn how these observations can be used to troubleshoot kiln operation, optimize processing conditions, and improve overall cement quality.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Steve Reilly (Metallurgist, LECO)</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

LECO: Cement Clinker Preparation and Microscopic Examination

Cement Clinker Preparation and Microscopic Examination

Webinar on cement clinker microstructure analysis, metallographic preparation, and process optimization in Portland cement production.

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div><p><strong>Guiding you through Qtegra ISDS workflows and introductions to some of the integrated, powerful tools to enhance your laboratory productivity and trace elemental analysis quality.</strong></p><h5><strong>Learning Points</strong></h5><ul><li>How to get the most out of Qtegra ISDS</li><li>Improving analysis quality using Qtegra ISDS</li><li>Learn how Qtegra ISDS efficient workflows can enhance your laboratory</li></ul><h5><strong>Who should attend?</strong></h5><ul><li>Users looking to enhance their current trace elemental analysis</li><li>Users looking to introduce trace elemental analysis into their laboratory</li><li>Users looking to upgrade their current trace elemental analysis instrumentation</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Matthew Gregory (Field Application Scientist, EMEA North, Trace Elemental Analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><p>After graduating from the University of Surrey with an MChem in Chemistry, Matthew has gained over 20 years’ experience of trace elemental analysis in industry, working in environmental and precious metal research laboratories. In 2018, Matthew joined Thermo Fisher Scientific as an Applications Specialist for the Trace Elemental Analysis product range in the UK and Ireland.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>David Fishwick (Field Application Scientist, EMEA North, Trace Elemental Analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><p>David joined Thermo in 2022 as an Applications Specialist for the Trace Elemental Analysis product range in the UK and Ireland. Prior to joining Thermo, David has gained experience of trace elemental analysis and chromatography in industry, working in GMP, GLP and UKAS accrediated R&amp;D and pharmaceutical laboratories. David holds a BSc in Chemistry from Bangor University.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Petra Gerhards (Regional Marketing Manager, EMEA, AAT, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><p>Petra ist Diplom-Ingenieurin für instrumentelle analytische Chemie der Technischen Universität Krefeld/Deutschland. Seit mehr als 30 Jahren arbeitet sie auf dem Gebiet der Gaschromatographie und hat Erfahrung mit vielen Technologien im Bereich GC und GC-MS. Derzeit unterstützt sie in ihrer Position als EMEA Regional Marketing Manager Anwender und Kundenanwendungsteams in ganz EMEA.</p></blockquote></div></div></div>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Qtegra Part 2

Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Qtegra Part 2

Efficient Qtegra ISDS workflows and tools to improve productivity and trace elemental analysis quality in your laboratory.

<div><p><strong>Learn about how Fourier-Transform Infrared (IR) and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopies enable in-depth understanding of polymer reactions. This webinar will review two main topics:</strong></p><ul><li>The curing process of polymers and how FT-IR allows for real time monitoring of kinetics and degree of cure, with calibration protocols to measure conversion percentages.</li><li>The use of EPR spectroscopy to study radical mechanisms involved in polymerization, degradation, and stability of polymer materials.</li></ul><h4><strong>Webinar Overview</strong></h4><p>Polymers are an integral part of everyday life, from household goods to various fields of research and industrial applications. The ability to study the formation, degradation and stability of polymers is an important endeavor in the development of materials with better performance and longevity. Join us for this informative webinar on understanding the mechanisms and kinetics of various polymer processes via Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and EPR Spectroscopy.</p><p>The polymer curing process, from reaction kinetics to quantification of the process, is important to understand for new materials. FT-IR is highly suited for tracking the curing process due to its sensitivity to changes in functional groups We will showcase the ability of FT-IR in monitoring reaction kinetics and quantifying the degree of cure. Attendees will also gain technical insights into optimized workflows for R&amp;D and QA environments. &nbsp; Polymerization or degradation of polymer materials can often involve the formation of free radicals. The best suited method for unambiguous detection of free radicals in polymer processes is EPR Spectroscopy, which is a high-sensitivity, versatile and non-destructive technique. We will showcase the ease-of-use the Magnettech ESR5000 benchtop spectrometer and how users can incorporate workflows to identify radicals/impurities, track kinetics, and stress test polymer materials. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>What to Expect</strong></h4><p>In this webinar, we will show how FT-IR and EPR methods provide valuable information during polymer formation and degradation processes. Learn how FT-IR can track reaction kinetics in real time and provide calibration procedures for the curing process. Dive into EPR as a robust, non-destructive technique for studying radical driven mechanisms in polymer materials under diverse conditions.</p><h4><strong>Key Learning Points</strong></h4><p>This webinar demonstrates how FT-IR and EPR are suitable for studying polymer reactions and kinetics under various conditions</p><ul><li><strong>FT-IR workflows</strong> for kinetics of curing and quantifying degree of cure</li><li><strong>Case studies using UV treated acrylates</strong> and calibration procedures for curing percentages</li><li><strong>EPR</strong> for tracking free radical driven processes in polymer reactions, degradation and testing of polymers exposed to various stimuli</li></ul><h4><strong>Who Should Attend?</strong></h4><ul><li>Polymer chemists and researchers developing new materials</li><li>Industry professionals working with polymer materials looking to add screening tools to their workflows</li><li>Polymer scientists wanting to understand the radical mechanisms that drive processes such as polymerization or degradation</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Alvaro Montoya (Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Florida, EPR Application Scientist, Bruker BioSpin)</p><p>Alvaro Montoya began his EPR career as a Ph.D. student at the University of Florida after obtaining his B.S. in Chemistry from Susquehanna University. Early in his graduate career, he made use of CW and High Field EPR in studying the catalytic mechanisms of metalloenzymes. He then grew a profound appreciation for FT EPR and expanded his EPR toolbox for his research endeavors. After completing his Ph.D., Alvaro joined Bruker in January of 2023 working as an Applications Scientist.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Dr. Sergey Shilov (Product Manager, &nbsp;Bruker Optics)</p><p>Dr. Sergey V. Shilov is a Product Manager for North America at Bruker Optics. Sergey joined Bruker in 2001. He is responsible for the support and development of new applications for the Bruker research FTIR systems. He received his Ph.D. in 1992 from the Russian Academy of Sciences in Polymer Physics and his M.S. from St. Petersburg State University (Russia) in Physics in 1986. Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation (Germany) awarded him a research fellowship in 1996. Sergey published 37 papers in peer-reviewed journals. His research interests include time-resolved FTIR spectroscopy, surface science, polymer, and life-science applications.&nbsp;</p></blockquote></div>

Bruker: Understanding Polymer Reactions and Degradation with FT-IR and EPR Spectroscopy

Understanding Polymer Reactions and Degradation with FT-IR and EPR Spectroscopy

Use FT-IR and EPR to study polymer curing, reaction kinetics, and radical mechanisms in polymerization and degradation.

Polymer Reactions with FT-IR and EPR Spectroscopy

<p><strong>Raman microscopy is widely used for chemical identification and chemical imaging, yet many real-world organic samples remain difficult to analyze with Raman. Biological tissues, cells, and environmental microplastic samples often exhibit strong fluorescence backgrounds, while weak scattering limits sensitivity. This can lead to researchers frequently encountering long acquisition times, uncertain particle identification, or datasets that lack the quality needed for confident interpretation and identification.</strong></p><p>Infrared spectroscopy is a powerful technique for chemical identification of organic samples but it has poor spatial resolution compared to Raman, tied to its much larger wavelengths. This webinar will discuss a breakthrough new sub-500nm IR spectroscopy technique called Optical photothermal IR spectroscopy (O-PTIR). O-PTIR provides chemical imaging and spectroscopy without fluorescence interference in seconds on organic samples such as microplastics and life sciences.</p><p>This webinar will also discuss examples of simultaneous sub-micron IR and Raman spectroscopy, from the same sample region, such that the complementarity of IR and Raman without fluorescence interference in seconds as well as new laser-scanning based innovations for high-speed imaging for improved throughput. Application examples in microplastics characterization and life science research will demonstrate how challenging samples can be analyzed more reliably, how chemical specificity can be improved, and how multimodal workflows can provide actionable chemical information where traditional Raman imaging struggles.</p><h5><strong>Key Learning Objectives:</strong></h5><ul><li>Understand the fundamental limitations of Raman microscopy when analyzing samples such as microplastics and life science.</li><li>Learn about the new breakthrough O-PTIR technique that allows one to get sub-500nm spectra on organic samples with examples provided from microplastics and life sciences.</li><li>Discover how a combination of IR and Raman spectra obtained simultaneously and from the same sample location, can improve confidence in unknowns identification and provided, and also improved data quality.</li></ul><h5><strong>Who Should Attend:</strong></h5><ul><li>Microplastics and environmental researchers studying polymer particles in complex matrices</li><li>Cell and tissue biologists using chemical imaging or microscopy techniques</li><li>Biopharmaceutical scientists investigating subvisible protein particles, aggregates, and formulation stability</li><li>Raman microscopy and spectroscopy users encountering fluorescence or weak signal limitations</li><li>Polymer and materials scientists performing particle or surface characterization</li><li>Analytical chemists working with heterogeneous or challenging samples</li><li>Core facility managers and laboratory directors responsible for analytical instrumentation selection</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Andrew P. Ault (Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan)</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Dr. Mustafa Kansiz (Director of Product Management, Photothermal Spectroscopy Corp)</p></blockquote>

C&EN: Overcoming Raman Microscopy Challenges in Microplastics and Life Sciences

Overcoming Raman Microscopy Challenges in Microplastics and Life Sciences

Webinar on O-PTIR spectroscopy combining sub-micron IR and Raman for microplastics, life sciences, and fluorescence-limited samples.

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