Applying UHPLC–quadrupole-orbital trap MS–based untargeted metabolomics to evaluate psychrotrophic lactic acid bacteria as kimchi starters revealed strain-specific suppression of pathogen metabolic pathways, linking enhanced low-temperature antimicrobial performance to distinct metabolic inhibition mechanisms relevant for improving microbial safety in fermented foods.
A joint study between William & Mary (Williamsburg, Virginia) and James Madison University (Harrisonburg, Virginia) analyzed volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from commercially produced and locally sourced kombucha products using gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry and flame ionization detection (GC-TOF-MS/FID) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with TOF-MS and FID (GC×GC-TOF-MS/FID). LCGC International spoke with Sarah Foster, lead author of the paper resulting from this study, about the team’s findings and the key takeaways from this study.
A new version of United States Pharmacopeia (USP) <41> Balances becomes effective in February 2026. This installment of “Questions of Quality” explores the impact of the changes this brings, along with developments in the Japanese and European Pharmacopoeias.
University of Erlangen–Nuremberg researchers applied a bottom-up proteomics workflow centered on microflow liquid chromatography (microLC) coupled to ion mobility quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS) to authenticate walnut products and detect adulteration with cashew, hazelnut, and peanut.
Top articles published this week highlight troubleshooting issues close to the point of sample injection and the importance of continued collaboration between industry and academia.
The Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (Pittcon) has served as a major international meeting for analytical scientists across academia, industry, and government laboratories for more than 75 years. Pittcon 2026 will take place March 7–11, 2026, at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, under the conference theme The Scientific Frontier.
A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the determination of 39 emerging contaminants in water at ultra trace concentrations has been developed and validated.
In this installment of “LC Troubleshooting,” we take a close look at how the commonly used “flow-through needle” sampler works, discuss how and where leaks can develop, and solutions to the problems when they do occur.
Bob Pirok discusses the use of R², adjusted R², and F-tests to pick the right SEC calibration curve polynomial to avoid overfitting.
Researchers compared leaf and in vitro callus extracts of Eucalyptus camaldulensis using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to assess phytochemical composition and bioactivity. Callus extracts contained a greater diversity and higher abundance of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids and key volatiles such as 1,8-cineole, α-terpineol, and sabinene. Bioassays showed superior anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in callus-derived oils, surpassing standard drugs, highlighting tissue culture as a powerful tool for enhancing natural therapeutic compounds.
LCGC International salutes Jack Henion and Bob W.J. Pirok, winners of the 19th annual LCGC Lifetime Achievement and Emerging Leader in Chromatography Awards, respectively.
Collaboration between academia and industry can reap rewards that cannot be achieved separately.
Malaria causes nearly one million deaths annually, prompting the search for new vector-control strategies. Inspired by chimpanzee behavior in Uganda’s Kibale National Park, researchers analyzed essential oils from four local tree species—three used for chimpanzee nesting—using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A mixture of key compounds showed toxic and irritant effects on malaria-carrying mosquitoes, suggesting chimpanzee-inspired, plant-based repellents as a sustainable approach to the prevention of the disease.
A quality attribute of Suzuki-Miyura coupling reactions is to measure residual levels of phosphine ligands in the reaction product. Residual phosphine ligands can be present in non-oxidized and oxidized forms. The non-oxidized and oxidized forms have different UV chromophores and can have differing solubility. These differences can preclude accurate and precise quantification. The extent of oxidation is difficult to prevent and control for calibration standards and test materials. This paper describes a method for derivatizing residual phosphines to the oxidized form. The oxidized form is stable and provides a basis for accurate quantification of residual phosphines. This overcomes the challenges for quantifying the non-oxidized and oxidized forms.
Headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME) GC–MS was used by researchers to analyze concrete samples from a Michigan City basement after a 2022 confession to a 2017 murder in which the body was never recovered. The analysis detected multiple volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with human decomposition, indicating a body had decomposed in the room for an extended period. This study marked the first successful legal use of VOC evidence from concrete in Indiana and helped support the suspect’s conviction.
Combining silicon micro-nanofabrication technology to create perfectly ordered separation beds on a silicon chip, such as micro-pillar array columns (µPACs), is a powerful innovation in liquid chromatography. This article discusses the numerous possibilities of micro-nanofabrication in the future of analytical chemistry in life science, covering sample preparation, separation science, and detection technologies.
A recent review article highlights evolving MS-based methodologies that are reshaping ligand discovery and mechanistic characterization for membrane protein drug targets. LCGC International spoke to Andrew Reiter and Dina Schuster, two of the authors of the article, about these methodologies.
Top articles published this week highlight several important analytical techniques, including LC–MS/MS and QuEChERS–GC–MS/MS.
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.
Thermo Fisher Scientific has entered a strategic collaboration with NVIDIA to integrate advanced AI technologies into scientific instruments and laboratory workflows.
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.
Waters Corporation has announced that its shareholders approved the issuance of Waters common stock to shareholders of Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) in connection with the proposed combination of BD’s Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business with Waters.
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.
Top articles published this week include an interview about a label-free quantitative native proteomics workflow and a preview of the upcoming 44th International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography (ISCC) and the 21st GC×GC Symposium.
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.
Luigi Mondello and leading lights from the organizing team spoke with LCGC International about the return of the 44th International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography (ISCC) and the 21st GC×GC Symposium, to be held May 17–22, 2026, at the Conference Centre in Riva del Garda, Italy, and why this is an essential event for the global separation science community.
Restek Corporation has launched its next-generation RMX gas chromatography (GC) columns incorporating a new TriMax deactivation technology onto the market.
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.
