John Chasse

A chromatographic approach based on isotope dilution high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) was used to objectively quantify serum cotinine as a biomarker of environmental tobacco smoke exposure in non-smoking women. The findings highlight the value of HPLC–MS/MS chromatography for sensitive biomarker quantification in epidemiological studies and support the role of second-hand smoke as a modifiable risk factor for pelvic inflammatory disease.

A spatially resolved proteomics workflow was established by combining nanosecond mid-infrared laser layer-by-layer ablation of human corneal tissue with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The approach provided insights into metabolic activity, immune function, and wound-healing processes within individual corneal layers, demonstrating the power of LC–MS/MS-based chromatography for elucidating corneal biology, disease mechanisms, and potential pharmacological targets.

A validated chromatographic method was developed for monitoring organochlorine pesticide residues in sesame seeds using QuEChERS sample preparation coupled with gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). The results demonstrate that QuEChERS combined with GC–MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode provides a robust, efficient, and reliable chromatographic solution for routine food safety monitoring and regulatory compliance in sesame seed analysis.

A comprehensive analytical strategy combining inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with untargeted liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was applied to evaluate the chemical composition of commercially available tattoo inks in Australia. The results demonstrate the critical role of LC–MS/MS-based chromatography in uncovering previously uncharacterized toxicants in tattoo inks and underscore the need for harmonized regulatory frameworks and routine chromatographic surveillance to ensure consumer safety.

Rapid native hydrophobic interaction chromatography–mass spectrometry methods have been developed using ammonium tartrate, enabling robust drug-to-antibody ratio and drug load distribution characterization, as well as real-time process analytical technology monitoring of antibody–drug conjugates bioconjugation without complex multidimensional workflows. LCGC International spoke to Bingchaun Wei of the research team about these methods.

Researchers used Design of Experiments approach to optimize gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC–FID) for essential oil analysis. The harmonized GC method enables robust, reproducible separation of 87 terpenes using a single column and sample preparation protocol, improving efficiency, standardization, and sustainability for essential oil quality control.

Researchers evaluated the antibacterial activity of shiitake mushroom extracts prepared with different solvents and characterized their bioactive constituents using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Ethyl acetate extracts showed the strongest antibacterial effects against multiple pathogens, while chromatographic analysis identified ergosterol and linoleic acid as key antimicrobial contributors.

In a valproic acid–induced autism rat model, voluntary exercise improved social and cognitive behaviors by reshaping gut microbiota and metabolic signaling. Gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS)–based chromatographic analyses revealed exercise-driven changes in short-chain fatty acids and neurotransmitters, with fecal microbiota transplantation reproducing these behavioral and metabolic benefits.

Researchers validated a sensitive and specific liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for simultaneous quantification of 6-MP, 6-TG, and 6-MMP in red blood cells. Demonstrating excellent linearity, accuracy, and precision, the approach supports routine therapeutic drug monitoring and advances personalized thiopurine therapy.

Researchers from the Department of Chemistry at Michigan State University (East Lansing, Michigan) report that they have developed a label-free quantitative native proteomics workflow using native capillary zone electrophoresis–mass spectrometry (nCZE-MS) to profile endogenous protein assemblies, or complexoforms, in a complex biological sample. LCGC International spoke to the resulting paper’s authors, Fei Fang and Liangliang Sun, about this work.

Researchers investigated grape stem extracts as a sustainable source of bioactive phenolic compounds, combining ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with antioxidant activity assessment, demonstrating that the stems, typically discarded during winemaking, can be effectively used to design and optimize functional products with enhanced antioxidant capacity

Researchers used liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to characterize changes in plasma and tissue amino acids in rat models of high-fat and high-sugar diets, high salt intake, and genetic or induced hypertension, revealing distinct and tissue-specific metabolic signatures.

A recent study analyzed 76 soy sauces with the Chinese liquor baijiu as a base aged from 2010 to 2024 using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), identifying systematic aging trends in 77 volatile compounds, with esters generally decreasing and acids and alcohols increasing over time.

In a recent study, researchers compared five dry-processing fermentation methods for natural coffees, using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC), gas chromatography (GC), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to link sugars, fatty acids, and chlorogenic acids with sensory outcomes.

LCGC International spoke to Lina Mikaliunaite, lead author of a recent paper presenting the first GC×GC–TOF-MS-based investigation of the pH-dependent volatome of M. pachydermatis, demonstrating the power of advanced multidimensional chromatography and chemometrics for resolving complex microbial VOC profiles.

A new validated liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) protocol for acrylamide (AA) detection in infant formula was developed using sequential hydration, acetonitrile (ACN) precipitation, and dual-sorbent clean-up, which minimized matrix effects and ensured clarity and high reproducibility.

Researchers identified two novel selenium-containing peptides from selenium-enriched oysters that strongly inhibit ACE, improve vascular function, and outperform captopril in vitro, highlighting their promise as natural antihypertensive ingredients.

A recent study investigated the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics of two tropical seaweeds, brown seaweed (Sargassum binderi) and green seaweed (Kappaphycus striatum), as potential functional feed additives for ruminant livestock profiled amino acids and fatty acids using HPLC and GC-FID, respectively.

To characterize the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) content and migration potential of winter gloves and conduct a screening-level risk assessment of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) glove exposures in children aged 2-6 (considering both hand-to-mouth transfer and dermal absorption), experimental data were generated through total fluorine analysis, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS), and leachate testing of individual glove components across eight glove brands.

Research conducted by the Department of Food Science and Technology of Oregon State University and the Legacy Research Institute of Dow Neurobiology addressed this gap by developing a standardized aroma lexicon and associated sensory methodology, supported by GC-MS analysis of terpenes and terpenoids plus GC-PFPD analysis of volatile sulfur compounds. LCGC International spoke to Thomas H. Shellhammer of Oregon State University about this work.

Aiming to determine the presence of heroin, fentanyl, amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), xylazine, and other substances in Tijuana and Mexicali, Baja California, researchers randomly selected 300 drug residues from confiscated syringe plungers. After analyzing them with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and BTNX test strips for ATS and fentanyl and its analogs, the test strips showed a high positive predictive value of 81% when compared with GC–MS.

Research conducted at the Federal University of Pelotas (Brazil) investigated the formulation of oleogels based on Butia seed oil and their potential as a replacement for hydrogenated fats in cookies. Gas chromatography (GC) was used to determine the fatty acid profile and identify and quantify volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

UHPLC-QTOF metabolomics and the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) platform revealed 185 secondary metabolites in Egyptian blue lily, which link flavonoid-rich flowers to antioxidant neuroprotective potential activities.

LCGC International presents a sampler of our 2025 interviews with key opinion leaders in the field of chromatography, exploring emerging trends, persistent analytical challenges, and the innovations poised to redefine separation science.

Emerging blood microsampling technologies offer a promising alternative by enabling minimally invasive, user-friendly collection, facilitating repeated sampling and broader population recruitment. A recent study conducted at Stockholm University critically reviewed commercially available microsamplers, their use in multiomics research, and experimentally evaluated their chemical backgrounds. LCGC International spoke to Solveig Thiele, lead author of the resulting paper, about this work.

Egyptian scorpions of the Androctonus genus produce neurotoxic venom that result in life-threatening stings. However, the composition and enzymatic activities of their venoms remain poorly understood. Researchers used electrophoresis to analyze the protein components of venom collected from three Androctonus species, with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS).

Researchers developed a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay for the simultaneous measurement of 11 types of estrogen from song sparrows using derivatization with 1,2-dimethylimidazole-5-sulfonyl-chloride (DMIS) to enhance sensitivity.

As a response to the growing interest in identifying novel, non-invasive biomarkers reflecting endogenous inflammatory processes in asthma, researchers evaluated the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath from patients with clinically controlled asthma to assess how tobacco exposure influences their expression. Breath samples were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Determining the pharmacokinetics of famciclovir in healthy cats after single or multiple oral and intravenous administrations involved the analysis of their blood samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for detecting the drug in their plasma.

Researchers optimized two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) using a Design of Experiments-guided optimization approach to overcome breakthrough effects, enabling high-resolution oligonucleotide impurity profiling beyond conventional 1D-LC. LCGC International spoke to Megane Aebischer of the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, lead author of the paper that resulted from this work.