The Column-04-08-2014

Four new ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) - CFC–1121, CFC–112a, CFC–113a, and HCF–133a - have been detected and identified in the Earth's atmosphere using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS).1 The research published in Nature Geoscience compared samples collected between 1978 and 2012 to establish a clear increase in the emissions of these gases, even though CFC production has been banned globally since 1987.

Scientists from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company have developed a novel approach for the simultaneous quantitation of neutralizing antibodies, residual drug, and human Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in immunogenicity assay development using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS–MS). This work published in Analytical Chemistry presents a new approach that aids the refinement of therapeutic protein neutralizing antibody assays in drug development

A team of scientists based in the US has used solid–phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to provide the first analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in human earwax (cerumen).1

Chromatographers are faced with a plethora of analytes, contained within a variety of matrices, for testing. The process of developing different methods can be a tricky, time-consuming process. Ade Kujore from Cecil Instruments Limited, Cambridge, UK, summarizes many of the issues that should be addressed throughout the method development process.

There are many sources of advice on how to select the most appropriate stationary phase for sample analysis, but the mobile phase is not often discussed. This article provides tips for selecting the most appropriate mobile phase for your analysis.

The goals in ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method development are to first find the best separation, second find the best column, and third find the most robust method in a multifactorial Design Space. Trial and error methods are not sufficient anymore and solid science based on Quality by Design (QbD) principles is required.

Professor Debby Mangelings from the Vrije Universiteit in Belgium, estimates that 60% of newly commercialized drugs possess chiral properties. In this interview with Bethany Degg of The Column, Mangelings discusses the importance of chiral chromatography in pharmaceutical analysis, the challenges of current methods, and where the field is heading next.

Click the title above to open The Column April 08, 2014 North American issue, Volume 10, Number 6, in an interactive PDF format.

Click the title above to open The Column April 08, 2014 Europe & Asia issue, Volume 10, Number 6, in an interactive PDF format.