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At Pittcon 2026, Damià Barceló of the Universidad de Almería sat down with LCGC International to discuss sustainable analytical approaches for microplastics detection and the open challenges facing the field.

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used in a study measuring and monitoring vitamin C concentrations in the breast milk of postpartum mothers in Malaysia. The HPLC data revealed that average vitamin C levels were lower than those commonly reported in other populations, particularly during the initial weeks following childbirth. By accurately tracking these fluctuations using HPLC, the study established a significant correlation between early vitamin C levels and maternal fruit consumption, highlighting the critical need for targeted nutritional education to ensure adequate antioxidant intake during the postpartum period.

With the global surge in plastic consumption, sustainable recycling has emerged as a cornerstone of environmental stewardship. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a leading player in the recycling revolution, yet ensuring the quality and authenticity of recycled PET (rPET) remains a critical challenge. This article presents a rapid, robust, and quantitative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for analyzing cyclic oligomers in rPET. This approach aligns with the Japanese Ministry of the Environment guidelines, enabling precise evaluation of rPET quality. The method leverages gradient elution and a practical calibration approach to deliver high throughput and accuracy, supporting the circular economy and the future of sustainable materials.

Researchers used headspace solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) to profile volatile compounds in chicken soup prepared using low-voltage electrostatic field (LVEF)-assisted stewing. The treatment increased VOC diversity and abundance, enabling a 15% sodium reduction while enhancing saltiness, umami perception, protein content, and overall flavor quality without compromising stability.

At Pittcon 2026, Damià Barceló of the Universidad de Almería sat down with LCGC International to discuss sustainable analytical approaches for microplastics detection and the open challenges facing the field.

Using thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS), researchers quantified volatile organic compound emissions from nine tactile toys and observed scaling of VOC release with product mass and surface area. Hazardous solvent residues such as dimethylformamide and methylene chloride produced an initial high-concentration emission burst, underscoring the need for standardized emission testing.

A recent paper presented a high-throughput, green analytical chemistry approach for authenticating extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) using direct analysis in real time–high resolution mass spectrometry (DART-HRMS). LCGC International spoke to Dimitrios Papelis, lead author of that paper, about the method.

At Pittcon 2026, Damià Barceló of the Universidad de Almería sat down with LCGC International to discuss sustainable analytical approaches for microplastics detection and the open challenges facing the field.

Recent analytical science milestones feature major leadership and achievement awards from Pittcon 2026, alongside groundbreaking research using advanced chromatography to detect endocrine-disrupting chemicals and identify early-stage pancreatic cancer.

Researchers applied ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC–ESI-QTOF–MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to comprehensively profile bioactive peptides and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in mixed-species probiotic yogurt. These chromatographic and mass spectrometric analyses demonstrated how specific Lacticaseibacillus and Bifidobacterium strains enhance the production of therapeutic metabolites, successfully identifying novel short peptides and providing actionable insights for developing functional, health-oriented dairy products.

At Pittcon 2026, Jennifer Field of Oregon State University sat down with LCGC International to discuss her laboratory's forensic approach to tracing PFAS sources in watersheds.

At Pittcon 2026, Jennifer Field of Oregon State University sat down with LCGC International to discuss her laboratory's forensic approach to tracing PFAS sources in watersheds.

At Pittcon 2026 in San Antonio, Texas, the LCGC International Awards Session was held on Tuesday, March 10, from 1:30 PM to 4:40 PM. This session, presided by Jerome Workman, Jr., celebrated two distinguished scientists whose work has significantly influenced modern separation science. This annual session honors both a lifetime of achievement and the promise of emerging leadership in chromatography. In its nineteenth year, the program recognized Jack Henion with the LCGC Lifetime Achievement Award and Bob W. J. Pirok with the LCGC Emerging Leader in Chromatography Award.

Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) was used to purify extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the plasma of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients to evaluate treatment responses and mutation statuses. This study demonstrates that precisely isolating EVs using chromatography allows for deep proteomic analysis, which can provide valuable insights into a patient's clinical status and reveal potential biomarkers for monitoring CML treatment response, remission, and drug resistance.

By utilizing gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry (GC-O-MS) alongside stirred barrel sorption extraction and pyrolysis, researchers were able to systematically track how aromatic compounds in cigar tobacco leaves transform into mainstream smoke. Pinpointing these complex chemical transitions allowed this GC-O-MS approach to provide a scientific foundation for precisely evaluating cigar quality, optimizing formulations, and understanding the sensory experiences that drive consumer preference.

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to measure plasma concentrations of the oxysterols 24 S-OHC and 27-OHC was used to evaluate their potential as biomarkers for early-onset schizophrenia (EOS). These chromatography-derived insights suggest that sexually dimorphic cholesterol metabolism may play a role in the differing clinical expressions of EOS, offering new avenues for understanding underlying disease mechanisms.

Researchers developed a green, supramolecular solvent-based microextraction approach using naturally occurring components (decyl glucoside and linalool) to preconcentrate toxic benzimidazole fungicides (thiabendazole and carbendazim) from vegetable samples. Following the extraction, high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) was utilized to precisely determine the fungicide levels. This environmentally friendly chromatography method achieved high extraction recoveries (over 98%) and reliable precision in real vegetable matrices (such as potato, beetroot, and ginger), demonstrating its robust potential for monitoring hazardous agricultural residues and ensuring food safety.

Two true pioneers who have, without a doubt, evolved the science and reputation of separation science globally, Pat Sandra and Luigi Mondello, spoke to LCGC International about the dynamics behind this essential event in the chromatography calendar: the ISCC and GC×GC Symposium. The 44th International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography and 21st GC×GC symposium (Riva 2026), which will take place from 17–22 May 2026 at the Congress Centre, Riva Del Garda, Italy.

Ultrahigh-performance supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPSFC/MS) was used to perform lipidomic profiling of plasma and serum samples to develop a noninvasive, blood-based diagnostic tool for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The findings suggest that UHPSFC/MS lipidomic profiling holds significant promise as a highly sensitive and specific screening method for early-stage pancreatic cancer, potentially outperforming current diagnostic standards.

A novel workflow combining comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) with computer vision (CV) was developed to analyze the complex volatile profiles of coffee. By generating composite class images and using targeted extraction alongside multivariate analysis, the approach successfully overcame analytical challenges to accurately identify key characteristic compounds. This reproducible, data-driven method offers a reliable strategy for distinguishing coffee origins and assessing quality based on its intricate chemical makeup.

Entrepreneur Alexandra Knauer, managing director of lab instrument manufacturer Knauer, is honored in the USA with the Pittcon Heritage Award 2026.

A pilot study utilizing comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOF MS) to analyze volatile compounds in the breath of patients successfully identified specific breath markers that can effectively differentiate the life-threatening infectious disease melioidosis from other febrile illnesses with high sensitivity and specificity.

Researchers at Stockholm University (Sweden) recently compared three MS2-driven frameworks that skip the necessity of structural elucidation —molecular networking, conformal predictors trained directly on spectra, and revised MS2Tox models—to prioritize features linked to endocrine-disruptive activity trained on seven Tox21 nuclear-receptor assays. Evaluated on wastewater influent/effluent, the approaches flag potential endocrine-disrupting compounds , and thus assist in processing non-target screening data. LCGC International spoke to Yvonne Kreutzer, lead author of the paper that discusses the group’s research.

Researchers used LC-MS/MS to analyze 52 sake samples from Japan for neonicotinoids and other insecticides. 88% contained detectable insecticides, with dinotefuran being the most common. Contamination levels were comparable to Asian red wines but exceeded EU red wines. While individual risks appear low, the combined effects of alcohol and insecticides raise concerns.

Top articles include a new “GC Connections” article on maintenance practices for modern capillary gas chromatography (GC) systems, an interview on rapid per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) analysis, and a preview of an upcoming session at Analytica 2026 in Munich, Germany.

Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–QTOF-MS) was used for the analysis of serum and urine metabolites in patients with cirrhosis. By identifying dysregulated pathways—including tryptophan and glycerophospholipid metabolism—researchers established a dual-biofluid diagnostic strategy. This metabolomics approach offers a non-invasive method for identifying biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for liver cirrhosis detection.

Click here to access the LCGC International March 2026 North American PDF in an interactive format.

Click here to access the LCGC International March 2026 Europe PDF in an interactive format.