LA-ICP-MS imaging, particularly in TOF mode, provides rapid, high-resolution elemental maps of complex geological materials, but quantitative accuracy is often limited by heterogeneous mineralogy. This study introduces a workflow using UMAP for unsupervised dimensionality reduction combined with k-means clustering to segment mineral phases directly from per-pixel elemental data.Cluster compositions are matched to known minerals based on stoichiometry, allowing phase-specific normalization and reducing quantification errors by up to 60%. Validated on dawsonite-bearing sandstones, the approach enables consistent phase-resolved geochemical comparisons across depth profiles and establishes UMAP as a practical tool for accurate, interpretable multielement imaging.<blockquote><h4>The original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398">Mineral Phase-Resolved Quantification in LA-ICP-MS Imaging</a></h4>Barbara Umfahrer, Jakub Buday, Pavel Pořízka, Jozef Kaiser, Paolo S. Garofalo*, and Detlef Günther*Anal. Chem. 2026, 98, 1, 581–589<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398">https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398</a><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote>Selected sections from the article follow. Formats and hyperlinks were adapted from the original.Since its introduction in 1985, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1)</a> Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has matured into a routine technique for both qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis, finding use in diverse fields such as geology, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(2−4)</a> biology, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(5,6)</a> materials science, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(7)</a> and cultural heritage. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(8,9)</a> Especially in comparison to liquid analysis techniques, the method excels through minimal sample preparation, negligible sample destruction, and low limits of detection, which enable trace element analysis. However, besides the availability of standard reference materials, a longstanding challenge of quantitative LA-ICP-MS is the need for a suitable internal standard to account for variations in ablation rate and transport efficiency, as well as instrumental drift. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(10)</a> Developed for applications in geological matrices, this requirement was elegantly circumvented by Liu et al. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(11)</a> through 100 wt % normalization, which assumes that all detected elements form oxides summing up to 100 wt %. This approach was conceptually inspired by the summed-spectrum normalization calibration procedure introduced by Leach and Hieftje in 2000, which emphasized the use of total signal intensities for robust internal standardization. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(12)</a> The 100 wt % normalization strategy was subsequently extended to the bulk analysis of carbonates. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a>Concurrently, the advent of time-of-flight (TOF) mass analyzers and the development of fast-washout laser ablation cells <a href="javascript:void(0);">(14−16)</a> have transformed LA-ICP-MS into a powerful imaging tool, capable of generating spatial maps across a variety of sample matrices at high data acquisition rates. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(17−19)</a> Furthermore, in comparison to, e.g., X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) or Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), LA-ICP-MS offers a high depth resolution of approximately 0.2 μm on glass, enabling precise measurement of fine-scale structures not only laterally but also in depth. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(18)</a> However, as the volume and complexity of these elemental images have grown according to the progressive advancement of the method itself, now consisting of gigabytes of data produced within minutes, manual data interpretation has become increasingly impractical. To uncover meaningful details and patterns, researchers have applied multivariate methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and k-means clustering to reduce dimensionality and delineate distinct regions within the images. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(20−23)</a> The nonlinear dimensionality reduction technique Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP), <a href="javascript:void(0);">(24)</a> which supports data interpretation with its capability to capture and separate subtle local structures, has first been employed to LA-ICP-MS bulk analysis data in 2024, where it was used to classify pyrite samples and discriminate between Pb and Zn deposit types. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(25,26)</a> In combination with elemental imaging, UMAP has recently been applied to biological tissue data sets as an exploratory analysis tool, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(27)</a> further enhancing the ability to visualize and interpret complex elemental distributions.Despite these advances, no existing approach combines the unsupervised segmentation of mineral phases by UMAP with phase-specific normalization. In this study, we introduce a UMAP-driven workflow that (1) automatically segments distinct mineralogical phases within fine-grained geological matrices and (2) applies phase-specific 100 wt % normalization (e.g., oxide <a href="javascript:void(0);">(11)</a> or carbonate <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a>), thereby improving quantification accuracy and enabling phase-specific quantitative interpretation of mineral distributions in complex matrices.<h4>Materials and Methods</h4><h5>LA-ICP-TOFMS Imaging</h5>LA-ICP-TOFMS analyses were performed using a 193 nm ArF excimer laser (GeoLas C, Lambda Physik, Göttingen, Germany) coupled to an ICP-TOFMS instrument (icpTOF 2R, TOFWERK AG, Thun, Switzerland). Ablation was conducted in the modified parallel flow ablation cell (MPFAC) <a href="javascript:void(0);">(16,34)</a> under a He atmosphere (99.999%, Linde Gas Schweiz AG, Dagmersellen, Switzerland) with Ar (99.996%, Linde Gas Schweiz AG) used as the carrier gas. A piezoelectrically driven xyz translational stage (1 nm resolution, SmarAct GmbH, Oldenburg, Germany) enabled precise sample positioning. Laser, stage movement, and ICP-TOFMS data acquisition were synchronized using a custom-built imaging control system. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(19)</a> The system was optimized each day based on maximum sensitivity while ensuring a 238U+/232Th+ intensity ratio of 1.0 to 1.1 on NIST SRM 610 and a 232Th16O+/232Th+ rate of below 0.5%.<h5>LIBS Imaging</h5>The LIBS analyses were performed on a Firefly system (Lightigo, Czech Republic). The laser (1064 nm, 5 mJ, pulse duration ∼10 ns, diameter 6 mm, operating at 50 Hz) was focused on the sample with a singlet lens (focal length 50 mm) to a 30 μm spot. The spatial resolution of the acquired elemental maps, with a size of about 16 mm × 26 mm, was 20 μm. Plasma radiation is collected by a multifiber configuration with a collimator and an optical fiber (400 μm core diameter), which delivered the light to several Czerny–Turner spectrometers (resolution 0.25–0.4 nm). The spectral range of the spectrometers is 180–850 nm. The radiation is collected 1.5 μs after ablation, with a gate width of 15 μs.Data processing was done with Python 3.11.8 in the Spyder environment and included background correction and per-pixel z-score normalization.<h4>Results and Discussion</h4><h5>LIBS and XRD Measurements</h5>To assess whether carbonate-based normalization <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a> is warranted, first, large-scale LIBS elemental intensity maps of the samples across about a third of the thin sections were acquired. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398#fig1">Figure 1</a> reveals the results for “Layer 2” of the Poggio del Gatto sandstone for selected elements. A complete mapping of all four thin sections can be found in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398/suppl_file/ac5c05398_si_001.pdf">Figures S3 and S6</a> in the Supporting Information. The maps reveal that C is strongly enriched in fracture veins as well as in finer-grained domains within the matrix and correlates with Ca, indicating carbonate minerals rather than oxides. Bulk XRD analysis identifies calcite alongside quartz, plagioclase, white mica, and kaolinite. These complementary observations confirm calcite as a major phase and thus justify the need for performing the 100 wt % normalization on a carbonate basis for pixels representing calcite.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Anal_Chem_2026_98_1_581_589_Figure_1_LIBS_elemental_intensity_maps_of_the_data_set_from_Layer_2_of_the_Poggio_del_Gatto_sandstone_mounted_on_a_microscope_slide_73ada1b7b8.jpg" alt="Anal. Chem. 2026, 98, 1, 581–589: Figure 1. LIBS elemental intensity maps of the data set from “Layer 2” of the Poggio del Gatto sandstone mounted on a microscope slide, depicting calcite veins and fine-grained structures within the matrix, underlining the need for carbonate-based normalization for specific pixels. Emission lines for evaluation are shown in the corresponding subfigure title. The epoxy used to fix the thin section on the slide is visible along the margin." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Anal_Chem_2026_98_1_581_589_Figure_1_LIBS_elemental_intensity_maps_of_the_data_set_from_Layer_2_of_the_Poggio_del_Gatto_sandstone_mounted_on_a_microscope_slide_73ada1b7b8.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2088" height="414"><h5>Renormalization Based on Carbonates</h5>Applying an oxide-based normalization to carbonate samples will introduce composition-dependent biases that cannot immediately be generalized as a singular numerical value. The difference between the molecular masses of carbonate CO32– and its oxide equivalent O2– yields an intrinsic bias on the order of a factor of about two, depending on the stoichiometry. Once this data is renormalized to a total of 100 wt %, the magnitude of the error becomes highly dependent on the specific elemental composition of the sample. An exemplary calculation illustrating this effect for a representative calcite pixel is provided in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398/suppl_file/ac5c05398_si_001.pdf">Table S2</a>, yielding a relative error of 79%. In practice, this error varies across the image according to the local phase composition. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05398#fig6">Figure 6</a> illustrates the impact of normalization approaches for layer 2 of the samples as well as the spatial distribution of the resulting relative error. The figure presents Ca and Si elemental maps in two rows, while the first three columns compare different normalization strategies: normalization based on all oxides, normalization based on all carbonates, and a pixel-wise normalization guided by mineral phase identification, as outlined in the workflow proposed in this study. The final column displays the relative error between the bulk oxide- or carbonate-based normalization and the pixel-wise, phase-informed normalization.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Anal_Chem_2026_98_1_581_589_Figure_6_Comparison_of_normalization_strategies_for_Ca_and_Si_LA_ICP_TOFMS_elemental_maps_in_Layer_2_ce3a0c1a5c.jpg" alt="Anal. Chem. 2026, 98, 1, 581–589: Figure 6. Comparison of normalization strategies for Ca and Si LA-ICP-TOFMS elemental maps in “Layer 2” of the Poggio del Gatto sandstone. Rows show Ca (top) and Si (bottom); columns compare (1) oxide-based normalization, (2) carbonate-based normalization, (3) pixel-wise, phase-informed normalization (this study), and (4) relative error between the first two and the phase-informed approach." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Anal_Chem_2026_98_1_581_589_Figure_6_Comparison_of_normalization_strategies_for_Ca_and_Si_LA_ICP_TOFMS_elemental_maps_in_Layer_2_ce3a0c1a5c.jpg 202w," sizes="100vw" width="2088" height="1622">For Ca (in this matrix primarily associated with calcite, a dominant carbonate phase in our samples), the relative error depicted quantifies the effect of applying oxide-based normalization across the entire image. This results in a systematic overestimation of the Ca concentration by approximately 60%. Conversely, for Si─in this matrix found mainly in quartz and various plagioclase phases─the error is shown for applying carbonate-based normalization across an oxidic matrix. In such cases, the Si concentrations are underestimated by roughly 10% to 40%, depending on the mineral phase.These findings highlight that using a single normalization scheme across heterogeneous samples introduces substantial quantification errors. To mitigate this, the pixel-wise phase segmentation enabled by the proposed UMAP-based workflow offers a significant advantage, especially in fine-grained matrices. In short, phase-aware, pixel-wise normalization combines the strengths of both normalization approaches and proves to be highly beneficial.<h4>Conclusion</h4>This study demonstrates that phase-specific normalization, guided by unsupervised phase segmentation of LA-ICP-MS images, can substantially improve the accuracy of elemental quantification in fine-grained geological matrices. Rather than relying on a single global assumption (e.g., all oxides or all carbonates), the workflow adapts normalization to the actual mineralogy, minimizing systematic errors and enabling phase-resolved geochemical interpretation.The segmentation step, based on UMAP embedding and k-means clustering, is fully unsupervised. However, the subsequent matching of clusters to specific minerals still relies on a limited set of preidentified stoichiometries and is therefore not yet fully unsupervised. Expansion to larger stoichiometric databases could help overcome this limitation and move toward automated mineral classification. A key challenge remains the similarity of cation ratios in certain mineral groups, which may still require complementary data to ensure robust assignments.Overall, beyond the specific case of the Poggio del Gatto sandstone presented in this study, this work provides a framework for quantitative elemental imaging of complex geological samples and is readily transferable to other contexts that require spatially resolved composition-aware normalization. This contribution adds a practical implementation to a growing literature that already uses multivariate statistics to unlock the immense information depth of LA-ICP-TOFMS.

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

Eurachem and CITAC welcome analysts interested in the evaluation of chemical analysis uncertainty and in how to use this information in results interpretation. The Eurachem Week 2026 will begin with a training course on “Evaluation of the measurement uncertainty from in-house precision and recovery data” scheduled for Sunday, 10 May 2026. A two-days workshop on “Quality in Analytical Measurements: Uncertainty Evaluation and Results Interpretation” open to all interested participants will take place from 11 to 12 May 2026. On 13 May 2026, the Eurachem Working Groups will convene, followed by the Eurachem General Assembly, which will bring together the Executive and national delegates on 14 and 15 May. Both Working Group Meetings and the General Assembly are restricted to their members.The results of qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses should have an acceptable uncertainty, which should ideally be reported and considered in results interpretation.For many analytical applications, simplified uncertainty evaluations can determine uncertainty values that meet the defined requirements for this parameter. The workshop will focus on the key technical challenges involved in practical evaluations of measurement uncertainty based on precision and recovery data gathered during in-house method validation and quality control. There will be a discussion of how to model the variation of the measurement uncertainty within the analytical range and how to handle divergent recovery values from the analysis of various reference materials. A session on the use of measurement uncertainty in conformity assessment will explore how the risk of false conformity decisions can be managed.<blockquote><h5>New Eurachem guidance on using in-house precision and recovery data will be discussed at the workshop.</h5></blockquote>Topics will also include the validation and uncertainty evaluation for qualitative analyses with particular attention to current accreditation requirements for these types of analysis. The last session of the workshop will be dedicated to the evaluation of measurement uncertainty arising from sampling and using it to judge the fitness for purpose, and hence validation, of measurement procedures that include sampling. Four sessions of the workshop will include engaging breakout sessions where participants will have the chance to share their views about challenging aspects of the analytical work. Participants are invited to propose posters and oral communications on session topics or any other relevant topic for analytical chemists or stakeholders of the analytical work.<h3>Registration</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://conferences.chemistry.pt/register/eurachem2026">Register here for the workshop</a></blockquote><h4>Registration Fees</h4><h5>Early bird (EUR) - Until April 15th</h5><ul><li>Workshop: Regular participant (11 &amp; 12 May 2026): 400 EUR</li><li>Workshop: Student (11 &amp; 12 May 2026): 250 EUR</li><li>Eurachem Working Group1 (13 May 2026): 75</li><li>General Assembly2 (14 &amp; 15 May 2026): 250</li><li>Training On Uncertainty Evaluation3 (10 May 2026): 150</li></ul><h5>After April 15th</h5><ul><li>Workshop: Regular participant (11 &amp; 12 May 2026): 450 EUR</li><li>Workshop: Student (11 &amp; 12 May 2026): 300 EUR</li><li>Eurachem Working Group1 (13 May 2026): 100</li><li>General Assembly2 (14 &amp; 15 May 2026): 300</li><li>Training On Uncertainty Evaluation3 (10 May 2026): 200</li></ul><blockquote>§ - 50 EUR reduction for members of Eurachem, CITAC, SPQ, RELACRE, ForMEQ and SPMet at the workshop.10% reduction for organisations that registered more than one participant.1 - Working group members2 - Eurachem members3 - 50% reduction for workshop participants</blockquote><h3>Workshop</h3><h4>Eurachem/CITAC Workshop on Quality in Analytical Measurements:</h4><h5>Uncertainty Evaluation and Results Interpretation</h5>The results of qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses should have an acceptable uncertainty, which should ideally be reported and considered in results interpretation. For many analytical applications, simplified uncertainty evaluations can determine uncertainty values meeting defined requirements for this parameter. The workshop will focus on the key technical challenges involved in practical evaluations of measurement uncertainty based on precision and recovery data gathered during in-house method validation. It will be discussed how to model the variation of the measurement uncertainty within the analytical range and how to handle divergent recovery values from the analysis of various reference materials. A session on the use of measurement uncertainty in conformity assessment will explore how the risk of false conformity decisions can be managed.Topics will also include the validation and uncertainty evaluation of qualitative analyses with particular attention to current accreditation requirements for these types of analysis. The last session of the workshop will be dedicated to the evaluation of measurement uncertainty arising from sampling and using it to judge the fitness for purpose, and hence validation, of measurement procedures that include sampling.Four sessions of the workshop will include engaging breakout sessions where participants will have the chance to share their views about challenging aspects of the analytical work. Participants are invited to propose posters and oral communications on session topics or any other relevant topic for analytical chemists or stakeholders of the analytical work.<h3>Training Course</h3><h4>Evaluation of the measurement uncertainty from in-house precision and recovery data</h4><ul><li>10 May 2026</li></ul>A course on the fundamentals of the evaluation of the measurement uncertainty from in-house precision and recovery data will be held on Sunday, 10 May 2026. This training is targeted for analysts with a basic understanding of the measurement uncertainty concept, how uncertainty components propagate, and how the combined uncertainty is expanded. Following the morning presentation of the theory of uncertainty evaluation, the afternoon will be dedicated to applying the theory to real-world cases. Trainees should have basic skills in using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and bring a laptop with Microsoft Excel to complete the exercises. The interaction between trainers and trainees will be promoted to guarantee learning efficiency.<h5>Trainers:</h5><ul><li>Ricardo Bettencourt da Silva, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal (rjsilva@ciencias.ulisboa.pt)</li><li>Stephen L. R. Ellison - UK National Measurement Laboratory (NML) hosted at LGC, United Kingdom</li><li>Vicki Barwick - UK National Measurement Laboratory (NML) hosted at LGC, United Kingdom</li></ul><h4>Agenda</h4><h5>8:00 Registration</h5><h5>9:00 Opening</h5><h5>9:05 Identifying, combining, and expanding uncertainty components: Theory and examples</h5><h5>9:45 Precision uncertainty: Theory and examples</h5><h5>10:30 Coffee break</h5><h5>10:50 Trueness-related uncertainty: Theory and examples</h5><h5>12:00 Additional questions and discussion</h5><h5>12:30 Lunch</h5><h5>13:30 Application example 1</h5><h5>15:30 Coffee break</h5><h5>15:50 Application example 2</h5><h5>17:00 Additional questions and discussion</h5><h5>17:30 Closing</h5><h3>Venue</h3>The series of Eurachem events will be held in:<ul><li>Meliã Lisboa Aeroporto ****</li><li>Rua C,2 1749-125 Lisboa, Portugal&nbsp;</li></ul>

Eurachem/CITAC Workshop on Quality in Analytical Measurements 2026

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 9th February 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 application notes by Agilent Technologies, Metrohm, Shimadzu and Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Black Pepper Origin Differentiation Using Large ICP-MS Datasets and Chemometric Tools</h3>Elemental profiling using an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=7850+ICP-MS">Agilent 7850 ICP-MS</a> and Agilent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=Mass+Profiler+Professional+software">Mass Profiler Professional (MPP) software</a><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_black_pepper_origin_7850_icp_ms_5994_8741en_agilent_7c190968ef.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Black pepper’s high value and global demand are drivers for economically motivated adulteration, a fraudulent practice that can pose public health risks. Because black pepper is most often sold in ground, crushed, or mixed forms, its supply chain is difficult to monitor and manage. Also, consumer campaigns against deforestation and the European Union Regulation on Deforestation-free (EUDR) products have increased calls for greater sourcing transparency. Products with a known geographical indication can demand a higher price. Companies do not want to become implicated in false claims about the sourcing of products, and many are keen to have full visibility of their products’ origin. To address this need, the European Commission has established the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) system to protect regional specific products, thereby promoting their unique characteristics based on geographical origin and traditional competence of production. The PGI scheme has increased the demand for detailed information regarding the geographical source of food products, a trend that is likely to continue as EUDR is implemented across the EU and associated markets. Verifying the geographical origin of black pepper using elemental fingerprints is highly relevant to protecting value chain stakeholders, ensuring both quality and traceability while upholding the principles of food integrity.&nbsp;Several analytical methods can be used for profiling certain elements in foods. However, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is unique because of its rapid throughput, multi-element capability, ultratrace sensitivity, isotopic analysis, versatility across sample types, low sample volume requirements, compliance with regulatory requirements, and low cost.3&nbsp;The Agilent 7850 ICP-MS is equipped with an Octopole Reaction System (ORS4 ), a collision/reaction cell (CRC) that uses helium (He) gas and Kinetic Energy Discrimination (KED) to remove polyatomic interferences on key analytes.4 If left unchecked, these interferences can affect data accuracy in complex food products. The integration of the 7850 with Agilent ICP-MS MassHunter software streamlines data analysis. When integrated with chemometric analysis, ICP-MS demonstrates high precision in multi-elemental profiling of diverse food matrices, effectively distinguishing their geographical origin.5&nbsp;In this study, 150 black pepper samples from five countries (Brazil, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Vietnam) were analyzed using the 7850 ICP-MS to obtain elemental fingerprints of the samples. Agilent Mass Profiler Professional (MPP) software was used to process the ICP-MS elemental data and to construct chemometric models for distinguishing the geographical origin of the samples, as adapted from Chilaka et al.5<h4>Experimental&nbsp;</h4><h5>Instrumentation&nbsp;</h5>An <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=7850+ICP-MS">Agilent 7850 single-quadrupole ICP-MS</a> was used for the analysis of 38 elements in the black pepper samples. Sample introduction was performed via a peristaltic pump connected to an Agilent MicroMist nebulizer and an Agilent SPS 4 autosampler. All elements were measured using helium collision (He KED) mode, except for boron (B), which was analyzed in no gas mode. Instrument control was performed using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=MassHunter">Agilent ICP-MS MassHunter 5.1 software</a>, and data processing was conducted using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=Mass+Profiler+Professional+software">Agilent MPP software</a>, version 15.1. Instrument operating conditions as shown in Table 1.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>This study investigated the potential of ICP-MS elemental profiling coupled with chemometric analysis for geographical origin discrimination of black pepper samples from five countries, including Brazil, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. A total of 38 elements was measured in 150 black pepper samples using the Agilent 7850 ICP-MS. Chemometric analysis was performed on the ICP-MS elemental data using Agilent Mass Profiler Professional (MPP) software. The PCA analysis exhibited satisfactory reliability and classification rates and demonstrated potential for the authentication of the geographical origin of black pepper. However, the separation of the Cambodian and Vietnamese samples was less distinct than the other groups, revealing potential similarities in elemental profiling between the bordering countries, which share similar climatic, geological, and agricultural conditions. Using LDA and RF classification models on the black pepper test set, we achieved a high overall accuracy in determining the geographical origin of the samples. These findings provide empirical support for the combined use of elementomics and chemometric techniques in black pepper authentication, contributing to fraud prevention. The study also demonstrates the potential of the method for application to other food types.<h3>2. Metrohm: Milk powder analysis by near-infrared spectroscopy</h3>Determination of moisture, fat, lactose, and protein content<ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_nir_128_download_867321cfb0.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>For milk powder producers, final product control is essential to meet strict regulatory standards, guarantee comprehensive quality assurance, ensure consistent nutritional quality, and extend shelf life. These are all especially important for infant formula and dairy ingredients used in sensitive applications. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a fast, reagentfree method for measuring key quality parameters such as moisture, protein, lactose, and fat content directly in milk powder. The NIRS solution requires no sample preparation, enabling real-time monitoring either in the lab or directly on the production line. This allows producers to react quickly to process variations, minimize waste, and maintain product integrity batch after batch.<h4>EXPERIMENTAL EQUIPMENT&nbsp;</h4>More than 600 samples of powdered milk from different suppliers were analyzed on an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=56&amp;search=OMNIS+NIR">OMNIS NIR Analyzer</a> (Figure 1). The different milk powders were placed into an OMNIS sample cup and analyzed in diffuse reflection mode. To include sample variety, the sample rotated during measurement to collect spectra from different locations. The automatically averaged spectra were used for model development. Reference values were obtained by official methods, e.g., AOAC 927.05 (moisture), AOAC 939.02 (protein), and AOAC 932.06 (fat). For the lactose content determination, a phenol-sulfuric acid method was used.<h4>CONCLUSION</h4>This Application Note presented the analysis of milk powder using NIR spectroscopy. Models for several quality parameters (fat, protein, lactose, and moisture content) were created. Independent validation samples confirmed the robustness and reliability of the models, with high correlation coefficients and low prediction errors achieved across all parameters. Notably, the dataset included samples from diverse global origins, capturing a broad range of product variability. This study shows that NIRS can be successfully integrated into the quality control workflow for dairy powder analysis.<h3>3. Shimadzu: Analysis of Electrolyte and Electrode in LIB Degraded by Overcharge and High Temperature</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_01064_en_b4f9f4330a.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>User Benefits</h4><ul><li>ICP-AES enables accurate quantification of cathode material dissolved in electrolytes.</li><li>GC-MS assesses degradation from components in electrolytes with unknown usage.</li><li>EDXRF easily evaluates transition metals, phosphorus, fluorine, and other elements deposited on electrodes</li></ul>When lithium-ion batteries are used in EVs or ESS applications, numerous cells are connected in series and parallel to form modules, and multiple modules are further connected to construct a pack. In such configurations—where many cells are connected in series—the state of charge of individual cells varies, as shown in Figure 1. Moreover, because the cells are densely packed to reduce volume, the ambient temperature experienced by each cell also varies. In this application, we conducted cycle tests under overcharged or high-temperature conditions, disassembled the degraded pouch cells, and analyzed both the electrolytes and the electrodes.<h4>Analysis of electrolyte and electrode</h4>Electrolytes and electrodes were extracted from the batteries degraded through the cycle tests (hereafter referred to as “degraded cells”) and analyzed using the instruments shown in Figures 3–5. It is known that electrolytesin degraded cells contain transition metals (Ni, Co, Mn) dissolved from the cathode active material1). In addition, electrolyte solvents are known to generate characteristic degradation products as deterioration progresses2). By analyzing these degradation-related elements and compounds, the degradation state of the battery can be assessed. In this article, we propose a multifaceted evaluation of electrolytes using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=ICPE-9820">ICP-AES</a> and GC-MS. On both the cathode and anode, insulating layers known as CEI/SEI form on the electrode surfaces. Under improper charging conditions, excessive formation of these layers can lead to capacity loss. Furthermore, the dissolved metals from the cathode deposit and precipitate on the anode. These deposits can cause internal short circuits, posing risks such as fire hazards. While such electrode conditions are typically evaluated by ICP-AES or XPS to examine elemental content or surface chemical states, this article introduces a simpler evaluation method using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=EDX-8100">EDXRF</a>.<h4>Summary</h4>Analysis of the electrolytesfrom degraded batteries using ICP-AES and GC-MS revealed dissolution of transition metals as well as the formation of degradation products. Furthermore, EDXRF analysis of the electrodes enabled straightforward detection of changesin elemental composition, including transition metals, fluorine, and phosphorus. These analytical techniques allow for a multifaceted evaluation of battery degradation. In real-world battery operation, fluctuations in charging conditions and ambient temperature introduce variability in degradation states. By assessing degradation mechanisms individually, as demonstrated in thisreport, it is possible to obtain insights that contribute not only to improving intrinsic battery performance but also to optimizing implementation methods and control conditions.<h3>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Analyzing Spinel refractory MgO-Al2O3 premix using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=2&amp;search=ARL%E2%84%A2+X%E2%80%99TRA+Companion">ARL X’TRA Companion XRD</a></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/spinel_refractory_xrd_an41525_en_75f2527e78.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Spinel refractories—primarily magnesia–alumina (MgAl₂O₄)— are the workhorses of high-temperature linings in steel ladles, cement rotary kilns, glass tanks, and non-ferrous smelters. Their appeal lies in a combination of shock resistance, chemical stability against basic slags, and an expansion behavior that mitigates cracking. Depending on the duty, they are used as bricks, castables, or gunned repairs, sometimes with engineered microstructures that blend spinel with periclase, corundum, or zirconia to tune creep, corrosion, and spalling performance.&nbsp;X-ray diffraction (XRD) underpins manufacturing control from raw mix to fired product. During synthesis, XRD tracks the solid-state reaction of MgO and Al₂O₃ into spinel, verifying the disappearance of periclase and alumina and quantifying the spinel fraction by Rietveld analysis. Lattice parameters reveal cation stoichiometry and solid-solution effects; peak breadth trends indicate crystallite growth and microstrain, proxies for sintering progress. In finished components, XRD detects secondary phases such as calcium aluminates introduced by binders, slags, impurities, and it provides fingerprinting for batch-to-batch consistency after thermal exposure. Embedded into routine QA/QC, XRD shortens feedback loops, stabilizes recipes, and links processing conditions to the microstructure that governs refractory life.<h4>Instrument &amp; software&nbsp;</h4>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=2&amp;search=ARL%E2%84%A2+X%E2%80%99TRA+Companion">Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ X’TRA Companion</a> X-Ray Diffractometer (c.f. Figure 1) is a simple, easy-to-use benchtop instrument for routine phase analysis as well as more advanced applications. The ARL X’TRA Companion uses a θ/θ goniometer (160 mm radius) in Bragg-Brentano geometry coupled with a 600 W X-ray source (Cu or Co). The radial and axial collimation of the beam is controlled by divergence and Soller slits, while air scattering is reduced by a variable beam knife. An integrated water chiller is available as an option. Thanks to the state-of-the art solid state pixel detector (55x55 μm pitch), the ARL X’TRA Companion provides very fast data collection and comes with single-click Rietveld quantification capabilities and automated result transmission to a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) seamless integrated into Thermo Scientific™ SolstiX™ Pronto instrument control software.<h4>Your benefits&nbsp;</h4>The ARL X’TRA Companion XRD workflow delivers answers in minutes, quantifying MgO, α-Al₂O₃, and MgAl₂O₄ while resolving Ca–Si silicates and trace Fe-spinels. Subtle differences between corundum and spinel are cleanly separated, and LOI drivers—carbonates, brucite, and Mg-sulfates—are identified and trended. These insights let you compute spinel potential, anticipate pore-closing expansion, and set the right pre-dry / prefire schedule to avoid spalling. You can clearly distinguish mid-grade, ore-derived feeds from premium low-silica materials, tighten incoming QA, and optimize formulations for cement/lime kilns, tundish linings, and other carbon-free basic applications.

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 07, 2026

Article

Events

Application

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.

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

Mettler-Toledo

NenoVision

Agilent Technologies

Unchained Labs

Bruker

C&EN

Semiconducting materials are widely studied for use in solar energy and photocatalytic applications, among other areas of interest. For applications which involve the use of light, it is important to understand the energy needed to promote electrons from the valence band to the conduction band. This band gap energy can often be on par with the energy of photons in the UV-Visible region.
As such, UV-Visible spectroscopic techniques can be of use when assessing the band structure of semiconducting materials. Tauc plots, which are derived from the UV-Visible spectrum, provides the needed information to estimate the bandgap energy. In conjunction with computation and experimental results, the information gathered from the Tauc plot can aid in assessing the relative position of the valence and conduction bands.
In this webinar, the use of UV-Visible reflectance and transmittance measurements for band gap analysis will be discussed in detail. Additionally, considerations needed when analyzing semiconducting samples with these methods with be outlined.
<h5>Key Learning Objectives:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Gain knowledge about the theory and application of Tauc plot analyses for both reflectance and transmittance measurements.
</li>
<li>Learn what sample properties and environmental factors can influence the measured spectra of a semiconducting sample.
</li>
<li>Understand the considerations needed to perform accurate UV-Visible measurements of films or colloidal solutions.
</li>
</ul>
<h5>Who Should Attend:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Research Scientist</li>
<li>Materials Scientist/Engineer</li>
<li>Semiconductor Engineer</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jennifer Empey-Kohl, PhD (Applications Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Melissa O&#39;Meara (Forensic Science Consultant, C&amp;EN Media Group)
</blockquote>

C&EN: Analysis of Semiconductors through UV-Visible Techniques: Band Gap Studies

Analysis of Semiconductors through UV-Visible Techniques: Band Gap Studies

In this webinar, the use of UV-Visible reflectance and transmittance measurements for band gap analysis will be discussed in detail

Semiconductors: UV-Visible Techniques: Band Gap Studies

TBD ...
<blockquote>
Presenter: L. Craig Jones (ICP-MS Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Craig has been with Agilent for over 15 years as an ICP-MS applications scientist. He has been involved with multiple type of applications for ICP-MS, including environmental, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, geologic, and clinical analyses, to name a few. Previous to Agilent he worked in an environmental lab performing analysis and supervising both the inorganic and organic sections of the laboratory. In his spare time, Craig enjoys volunteering at the local marine science center, mountain biking, hiking, and relaxing at the beach. Craig obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Sima Singha, PhD (ICP-OES Application Scientist, Atomic Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Sima has over fifteen years of hands on experience as an applications scientist in the field of atomic spectroscopy. Before joining Agilent in 2017, managed an agricultural chemistry laboratory for the analysis of water, soil, and plant tissue digests using ICP-OES for various EPA methods. She received a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago with numerous peer-reviewed publications.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Where did “J” go? Looking back at USP/ICH Then and Now: An ICP-MS & ICP-OES Workshop

Where did “J” go? Looking back at USP/ICH Then and Now: An ICP-MS & ICP-OES Workshop

USP/ICH Then and Now: An ICP-MS & ICP-OES Workshop

The content of peptides and oligonucleotides in a sample (solid or liquid) is of importance in many aspects. For peptides traditional methods like Kjeldahl nitrogen determination, elementary analysis (EA), and amino acid analysis (AAA), requires breaking down the protein at harsh conditions to determine the protein content. For oligonucleotides one of the most widely used techniques for quantification is ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. This method requires a time-consuming sample preparation and, due to uncertainties in the extinction coefficient, the accuracy of the method is negatively affected
NMR spectroscopy is per definition quantitative and the application of quantitative NMR (qNMR) within small molecule analysis has been applied with success for decades. For larger molecules like peptides and oligonucleotides, the quantitative aspect of 1H-NMR suffers due to severe line broadening caused by higher order structural elements like dimers or oligomers under native conditions (e.g. peptides). The application of analysing peptides in non-native conditions (deuterated water:acetonitrile mixture) and recording the 1H-NMR data at elevated temperature will be presented. For oligonucleotides, the use of 1H-NMR is not feasible, and data will be presented with 31P as the selected nuclei for qNMR. Within the two modalities (peptides and oligonucleotides), the validation of the methods was performed using the recommendations from both USP and ICHQ2(R2) with respect to validation parameters (e.g. linearity) and platform applicability.
The content results obtained for both peptides and oligonucleotides will be compared to the content results obtained by the traditional methods.
<h5>Key Learning Points</h5>
<ul>
<li>Content determination of peptides and oligonucleotides by qNMR</li>
<li>Validation of the methods according to USP and ICHQ2(R2) guidelines</li>
<li>Considerations regarding platform applicability of the qNMR methods</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Joan Malmstrøm (CMC Analytical Support, R&amp;D, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv, Denmark)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Joan Malmstrøm is a Principal Scientist at Novo Nordisk A/S holding a Ph.D. degree in organic chemistry from the University of Copenhagen and +25 years of experience with structural elucidation of organic molecules using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry as analytical tools. The projects she has been involved in at Novo Nordisk A/S ranges from small molecules (API’s, raw materials/excipients, etc.) up to peptides, proteins, oligonucleotides, and large molecular weight polymers. During the past years one of her main activities has been the development of NMR analytical methods suitable for analysis of all kind of molecules included in drug development. The analytical methods are applied on all stages of the development pipeline and GMP validated when needed.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Victor Beaumont (Strategic Market Development Specialist, Bruker BioSpin )
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Victor has studied and applied NMR techniques throughout his undergraduate studies at the University at Buffalo (Dr. Thomas Szyperski) and PhD program at Yale University (Dr. Patrick Loria). He later joined Pfizer as an NMR specialist for biotherapeutic structure characterization moving then to project management of analytical laboratory automation. His passion is in improving the quality of life and working efficiencies of society by facilitating and contributing high-quality scientific innovation focused on state-of-the-art NMR characterization of novel therapeutic modalities. At Bruker, he is dedicated to working with scientists in understanding the challenges and needs of the industry to expand NMR applications and technology.
</blockquote>

Bruker: Validation and Implementation of qNMR as Platform Methods of Oligonucleotides and Peptides

Validation and Implementation of qNMR as Platform Methods of Oligonucleotides and Peptides

The application of analysing peptides in non-native conditions and recording the 1H-NMR data at elevated temperature will be presented.

qNMR as Platform Methods of Oligonucleotides and Peptides

Novel use of miniscopes to uncover migraine mechanisms
During this webinar, guest speaker Dr. Paolo Botta discusses his use of miniscope technology in freely behaving animals and functional ultrasound in anesthetized animals to investigate migraine pathophysiology. Learn how these novel technologies are used to explore and validate headache treatments.
Vasoactive neuropeptides, such as PACAP, are directly implicated in migraine pathophysiology. During the occurrence of migraine, they are released by trigeminocervical nerves which increase vasodilation of venous sinuses, meningeal, and pial arteries. Similarities between laboratory animals and humans in the anatomy and physiology of the cephalic nociceptive pathways have allowed scientists to improve our understanding of headache and migraine. Nevertheless, modeling the mechanisms underlying primary headache disorders like migraine has been challenging due to limitations in substantiating, translating, and back-translating the postulated hypotheses in humans. We overcome this main limitation by developing a functional preclinical model to validate headache treatment principles that closely resemble human studies. This model includes performing blood vessel imaging in freely moving rodents using miniature microscopes and in anesthetized animals using functional ultrasound.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Paolo Botta, Ph.D., (Principal Scientist, Lundbeck)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Paolo Botta, Ph.D., is a professional with 20 years of experience in life sciences, pharmacology, and neurobiology, combining academic and industrial expertise in various cultural settings and five countries. Paolo is a project leader of a cross-functional team of experts in various disciplines, including chemistry, regulatory, and clinical trials. He is also a mentor and supervisor of academics and technicians. His work regularly includes scouting suitable disease targets and utilizing scientific knowledge and skills in adopting translational biomarkers.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jonathan Zapata, Ph.D., (Translational Science Lead, Inscopix)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Jonathan Zapata embarked on his academic journey within the prestigious Marie Curie International Research and Training Program &quot;SyMBaD,&quot; supported by the European Union, where he pursued his doctoral studies. Under the mentorship of Dr. Maria Passafaro in Milan, Italy, Jonathan delved into the intricate mechanisms of genes implicated in intellectual disabilities. Following the completion of his PhD, Jonathan transitioned into a postdoctoral role under the guidance of Dr. Nathalie Rouach at Collège de France in Paris. Here, he seamlessly integrated advanced miniscope technologies from Inscopix with in vivo electrophysiology methods, probing neuroglial interactions in freely behaving mice. Since 2017, Jonathan has served as the Translational Science Lead at Inscopix Inc., now a proud member of the Bruker family. In this role, he coordinates &quot;in-house&quot; implementation of Inscopix technologies and research collaborations with pharmaceutical and Biotech companies focusing on neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
</blockquote>

Bruker: A novel blood vessel imaging strategy for the treatment of headache disorders

A novel blood vessel imaging strategy for the treatment of headache disorders

Novel use of miniscopes to uncover migraine mechanisms.

Blood vessel imaging for the treatment of headache disorders

The webinar will be held at two different times to make it accessible to everyone across the globe. Choose the right session based on your time zone.
Session 1 - 9:00 CEST - <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/1a0262aa-ed00-4cde-bcd2-ca339957e172@6f79bb79-6bdd-4e01-aa21-db2fe7dc83d6">REGISTER HERE</a>
Session 2 - 17:00 CEST - <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f16a64c9-b751-4277-b390-62f602a84ddb@6f79bb79-6bdd-4e01-aa21-db2fe7dc83d6">REGISTER HERE</a>
During this webinar Veronika Hegrová, the Application Manager at NenoVision will explain following topics:
<ul>
<li>Introduction to AFM-in-SEM and In-Situ Correlative Microscopy</li>
<li>Discover key Benefits and features of LiteScope</li>
<li>Open Hardware/Software Philosophy</li>
</ul>
What will you learn at the webinar?
<ul>
<li>Learn about the benefits and applications of AFM-in-SEM for in-situ correlative microscopy in materials science, life science, and other research fields.</li>
<li>Explore its advanced features, exceptional performance, and optimized workflows that enable in-situ correlative microscopy studies to reach new limits.</li>
<li>AFM-in-SEM Application Overview: Explore the possibilities and examples of in-situ correlative microscopy analysis for Material Science, Nanostructures, Semiconductors, and Life Sciences.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Veronika Hegrová (Head of Applications, NenoVision s.r.o.)
</blockquote>

NenoVision: AFM-in-SEM LiteScope: Redefining In-Situ Correlative Analyses

AFM-in-SEM LiteScope: Redefining In-Situ Correlative Analyses

Learn about the benefits and applications of AFM-in-SEM for in-situ correlative microscopy in materials science, life science, and other research fields.

AFM-in-SEM LiteScope: In-Situ Correlative Analyses

MALDI Imaging allows for interrogation of the spatial distribution of metabolites and lipids in tissue, as well as expanding targeted analysis to small molecules, glycans, and targeted proteins. Recent technical developments enable imaging for maximum biological information at robust (sub)cellular resolution. However, imaging entire tissue sections with high spatial resolution entails large number of pixels and requires extensive acquisition times. Thus, researchers are seeking for alternative high-speed chemical imaging techniques, which are conducted prior to MALDI Imaging to narrow down the regions of interest (ROIs) on large sample areas. Infrared Laser Imaging (ILIM) allows non-destructive, label free biochemical imaging of complete tissue sections within minutes – thus represents the ideal complementary analytical tool to make MALDI Imaging faster and smarter.
Webinar Overview
This webinar will introduce how breakthrough IR Laser Imaging performance is combined with best-in-class MALDI Imaging. Bruker’s new end-to-end workflow for IR Guided MALDI Imaging enhances sample throughput and provides increased analytical depth by offering maximized spatial resolution and collision cross section (CCS)-enabled label analysis for large-scale MALDI Imaging studies in biological and pharmaceutical research.
What to Expect:
Live presentation from Bruker’s experts to see the how tissue imaging has become faster than ever, the seamless integration of Infrared Laser Imaging (ILIM) into existing MALDI Imaging workflows and highlighting user stories, how IR Guided MALDI Imaging paves the way for deeper spatial multiomics of complex biological systems.
Who Should Attend:
<ul>
<li>MALDI Imaging users wanting to expand their workflows for increased sample throughput and analytical depth.</li>
<li>Scientists &amp; researchers interested in conducting multimodal imaging approaches for increased biological insight.</li>
<li>Anyone interested in learning more about Infrared Laser Imaging and MALDI Imaging capabilities.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Wojciech Kazmierski ( Country Manager, Bruker Optics, Poznan, Poland)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Arne Behrens, Ph.D. (Application Scientist Imaging, Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Domenic Dreisbach (Business Development Multimodal Imaging, Bruker Optics, Ettlingen, Germany)
</blockquote>

Bruker: Make MALDI Imaging faster and smarter with Infrared Laser Imaging

Make MALDI Imaging faster and smarter with Infrared Laser Imaging

IR Laser Imaging combined with best-in-class MALDI Imaging.

MALDI Imaging with Infrared Laser Imaging

Insights and Strategies for Maintaining High Water Quality
Event Program
<ul>
<li>Common misconceptions about impurities in pharmaceutical waters</li>
<li>Differences between chemical and microbial properties in WFI and PW</li>
<li>Recommended approaches for measuring different impurities</li>
<li>Insights on maintaining a healthy water loop</li>
</ul>
Enhancing Quality and Safety in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Without proper impurity control, pharmaceutical manufacturers risk compromising the safety and efficacy of their products. Microbial and organic impurities can enter water systems at various points in the manufacturing process and impact quality and safety.
Misunderstandings surrounding controlling impurities in pharma waters can lead to improper measurement and treatment approaches.
It is a common belief that chemical and microbiological properties in Water for Injection (WFI) and Purified Water (PW) are the same in pharmaceutical water systems. However, this is far from the truth. These properties react differently and are distributed unevenly in storage and distribution loops, which can have different effects on the health of the water system.
In this live roundtable discussion, we will dispel the most common myths about microbes and organics and controlling impurities in pharma waters. We will discuss the differences between chemical and microbiological properties in WFI and PW and recommend measurement approaches for each impurity. Additionally, we will cover how to maintain a healthy water loop to ensure high quality and safety in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Maura Rury (Senior Product Manager, METTLER TOLEDO Thornton)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Maura manages METTLER TOLEDO&#39;s Total Organic Carbon (TOC) product line, along with related services and training. Her prior roles include marketing, product management, and technical applications at LGC and Thermo Fisher Scientific. She received her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Anthony C. Bevilacqua (Principal Scientist, METTLER TOLEDO Thornton)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Anthony Bevilacqua earned a doctorate in Analytical/Physical Chemistry from Tufts University. Since 1994, he has led several areas of Research and Product Development that include: impact of CO2 on pure water, ultrapure water as a conductivity solution standard, development of digital sensors, and expansion of real-time analytical parameters (conductivity, TOC, microbial detection, ozone, sodium, and silica) for measurement/control of high purity water systems, including pharmaceutical water systems. Anthony was Chair of the inaugural USP Pharmaceutical Water Expert Committee from 2000-2005, and re-elected from 2005-2010. Anthony’s role continued in the 2010-2015 and 2015-2020 cycles for the USP Chemical Analysis Expert Committee, and he is currently serving on the current committee for 2020-2025.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Areen Kalantari (Global Segment Manager, Pharma &amp; Life Sciences, METTLER TOLEDO Thornton)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Areen Kalantari holds a B.S. in Biological/Chemical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business. He has experience in both biotechnology applications and pharmaceutical waters. Areen is a voting member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers – Bioprocess Equipment (ASME-BPE) standards committee. He contributes to the Process Instrumentation subgroup to help implement standards for the bioprocessing and pharmaceutical industries, focusing on conductivity, pH, TOC, and other process technologies.
</blockquote>

Mettler-Toledo: Controlling Impurities in Pharma Waters

Controlling Impurities in Pharma Waters

Dispeling the most common myths about microbes and organics and controlling impurities in pharma waters.

What can be learned from preclinical experiments? And what cannot be learned? What do preclinical researchers need to know about clinical applications? What do clinicians need to learn from preclinical researchers? We will try to answer this! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to deepen your understanding of theranostics and bridge the gap between preclinical imaging and clinical applications. Register now!
Webinar Overview
The theranostic approach combines targeted therapy and diagnostic imaging. It represents a precision medicine approach relying on a specific targeted diagnostic test that helps to select patients for a specific targeted therapy. Molecular imaging in nuclear medicine combines imaging modalities like PET and SPECT with computed tomography (CT) or magnet resonance tomography to derive detailed information on disease. In the clinic, molecular imaging is mainly used for diagnosis, staging, monitoring response to therapy, and selecting patients. Diagnostic imaging can identify those patients who are positive or negative for a target out of a larger population. Subsequently, the patients who are positive can continue with targeted therapy, and patients who are negative can receive conventional therapy. Using preclinical imaging we can learn about targets, (the choice of) ligand, (potentially) which radioisotope to use best, and about tumor biology, which is important for effective theranostics.
What to expect
In this webinar, we’ll try to answer the following questions regarding theranostics and the journey from mice to men: What can and can‘t we learn from preclinical imaging in theranostics? What can be learned from preclinical experiments? And what cannot be learned? What do preclinical researchers need to know about clinical applications? What do clinicians need to learn from preclinical researchers? We will be talking about what makes a good radioligand, what makes a good theranostic target, and what are the opportunities and challenges in facilitating the go/no go decisions. Is the theranostic agent worth a clinical translation?
Who should attend?
This webinar is relevant to those interested in learning more about preclinical imaging and the bridge that can be formed between preclinical imaging and clinical applications. In addition, this webinar will be of interest to multiple profiles in the biomedical research community, especially those applying medical imaging techniques in their work. Clinicians, researchers, PhD students, postdocs, and laboratory technicians will find this webinar relevant.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Prof. Dr. Katharina Lückerath (Professor Preclinical Theranostics UK Essen)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Prof. Dr. Katharina Lückerath: Katharina is a biomedical scientist with a focus on experimental and translational theranostics. A priority of her research is to deliver new insights into tumor biology and its relationship and relevance to functional imaging and biomarker-driven treatments in nuclear medicine. She obtained her PhD at the Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy (Georg-Speyer-Haus, Germany), served as head of the research group Experimental Oncology in Nuclear Medicine at the University of Würzurg (Germany), and of the pre-clinical Nuclear Medicine team at the University of California Los Angeles (USA; with Johannes Czernin), before transferring to University Hospital Essen in March 2021 to build and lead the Preclinical Theranostics team.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Prof. Dr. Ken Hermann (Medical Director of the Clinic for Nuclear Medicine UK Essen)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Prof. Dr. Med. Ken Herrmann is an esteemed expert in nuclear medicine with an impressive career spanning over 19 years. He currently acts as Chair of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at the Universitätsklinikum Essen in Germany and chair of the EANM Oncology &amp; Theranostics Committee. He also serves as a Section Editor of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine. His earlier career found him as an Associate Professor in the Ahmanson Translational Imaging Division of the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology at the University of California Los Angeles in addition to holding his position as Vice Chair of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at the Universitätsklinikum Würzburg. Ken has a Doctorate Degree from Humboldt Universität Berlin and completed his residency in Nuclear Medicine at Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München in addition to his MBA, which he received from the Universität Zürich, Switzerland in 2011. His significant contributions include the first in human application of CXCR4-directed 177Lu-Pentixather and initiating the theranostic program at UCLA, leading to the FDA approval of 68Ga-PSMA-11.
</blockquote>

Bruker: Theranostics: From Mice to Men and Back, a MOLECUBES Webinar

Theranostics: From Mice to Men and Back, a MOLECUBES Webinar

Learn more about preclinical imaging and the bridge between preclinical imaging and clinical applications.

Theranostics: From Mice to Men and Back

Takeda has spent the last years significantly building up its high-throughput (HTE) and automation capabilities around the Unchained Labs’ family of tools. Nevertheless, while we are investing in a variety of different devices and approaches, our ultimate vision is to design and implement self-driving labs (SDLs) to carry out self-optimizing workflows. Process development and optimization frequently involves exploring wide parameter spaces, making these iterative algorithm-guided SDLs ideal for such optimizations.As such, we herein present our vision for fully self-optimizing HTE workflows, with the ultimate goal of creating SDLs with workflows optimized for a variety of general applications needed in synthetic molecule drug development. To illustrate this process, case studies will be presented, highlighting both their successes, as well as the limitations of our current hardware and software tools.<blockquote>Presenter: Adrian Ramirez Galilea (Senior Lab Automation Scientist)Presenter:&nbsp;Rick Sidler (Director of Field Automation Scientists Unchained Labs)Presenter:&nbsp;Kelly McSweeney (Contributing Editor, C&amp;EN Media Group)</blockquote>

C&EN: Leveraging HTE & Automation for Synthetic Molecule Process Development

Leveraging HTE & Automation for Synthetic Molecule Process Development

See how Takeda is building self-driving labs using Unchained tools to automate high-throughput workflows and optimize synthetic molecule drug development.

HTE & Automation for Synthetic Molecule Development

<h5>The Problem</h5>Making the perfect LNP for your application is a grueling and expensive journey. There’s loads to think about – the formulation, the mixing types and flow rates, dilution and more. Then, when it comes to scaling-up, you might have to change device or end up using tons of consumables for large batches. Nailing the right LNP process can be a huge pain!<h5>The Solution</h5>Sunshine is a semi-automated microfluidic platform, saving you time, effort and money during LNP screening and process development. It can split up your materials into multiple experiments for rapid screening of process conditions, cranking up your workflow speed. Sunshine also flexes reusable, glass microfluidics and automatic cleaning cycles, reducing &nbsp;your financial and time burden. Once you’ve dialed in your process, Sunshine can be run fully continuously! Just plug in your conditions and let it rip.<h5>The Proof</h5>Join us for this seminar to see why Sunshine is the top performing LNP optimization and scale up tool. We’ll show you how easy it is to screen both formulations and conditions, and show you some real results from Sunshine in action. Plus, we’ll share tips to keep costs down and productivity up!<blockquote>Presenter: Gareth Bolitho (Sales Specialist - LNP Solutions, Unchained Labs)Presenter:&nbsp;Alex Kerr (Senior Applications Scientist, Unchained Labs)</blockquote>

Unchained Labs: Save time and cut costs in your LNP optimization workflow with Sunshine

Save time and cut costs in your LNP optimization workflow with Sunshine

Join us for this seminar to see why Sunshine is the top performing LNP optimization and scale up tool. 