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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.

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.

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.

The second edition of the Green Analytical Chemistry Workshop promises to be an important event to promote sustainable analytical sciences. Initially launched in 2011 as the International SBSE Workshop, this biennial gathering has evolved significantly, broadening its scope and establishing itself as a key platform within the international scientific community.

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.

Top articles published this week include several video interviews with key opinion leaders about the state of chromatography in 2026.

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

Susanne Boye discusses the future of chromatography, with a particular focus on FFF.

The Chromatographic Society has announced the winners of the Martin Medal and the Silver Jubilee Medal for 2026. Professor Guowang Xu of the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics in China, has been awarded the Martin Medal, and the Silver Jubilee Medal has been awarded to Professor Bo Zhang of Xiamen University in China.

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.

Bingchuan Wei discusses the latest trends in chromatography.