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.
Osaka University researchers developed a non-destructive model to predict banana ripeness by analyzing emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) regression, they accurately linked VOC composition to color and sugar content. This metabolomics-based approach aims to replace destructive testing, offering a practical tool for improving banana supply chain management.
LCGC International’s interview series on the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) in separation science continues with Boudewijn Hollebrands from Unilever Foods R&D, Wageningen, Netherlands, discussing deep learning models to predict food peptide retention times.
A special session focusing on future developments in separation science, organized by the Separation Science Division of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) under the chairmanship of Oliver Schmitz, will take place at analytica on March 24, 2026.
A special session focusing on future developments in separation science, organized by the Separation Science Division of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) under the chairmanship of Oliver Schmitz, will take place at analytica on March 24, 2026.
Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to quantify creatine, creatinine, and guanidinoacetic acid in saliva and serum samples from young adults before and after exercise. While salivary creatine and creatinine levels increased significantly post-exercise, serum creatine remained stable, highlighting distinct metabolite dynamics between these two biological fluids during physical exertion.
A recent study employed high-throughput liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to perform comprehensive metabolic profiling on plasma samples from nearly 4,000 women. By leveraging the separation power of chromatography and the sensitivity of mass spectrometry, researchers identified specific metabolic perturbations, such as steroid esters and triglycerides, linked to the risk of hearing loss. These findings demonstrate how automated analytical platforms can uncover novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for complex sensory disorders.
LCGC International's "LC Troubleshooting" column editor Dwight Stoll and colleagues pay tribute to the late Peter Carr, an innovator in the field of analytical chemistry.
A sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method utilizing immunoaffinity enrichment to has been developed to quantify donanemab, an Alzheimer’s therapy, in human serum. The process involves immunoaffinity capture followed by tryptic digestion and targeted peptide quantification, and provides a robust, high-precision alternative to traditional immunoassays for monitoring therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in clinical settings.
Oliver Jones and Navneet Singh from RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia discuss a recent study they conducted to investigate the relationship between tidal cycles and PFAS concentrations in estuarine systems, and offer practical advice on the sample preparation and LC–MS/MS techniques they used to achieve the best results.
This year, to help celebrate the 60th birthday of field-flow fractionation (FFF), scientists are gathering at the Herbert Hoover Building in Washington, DC from May 17-20, 2026 for the 24th International Conference on Field- and Flow-based Separations (iSFFF 2026).
Methods for Detecting and Characterizing PFAS in the Environment is scheduled to take place at Pittcon on Sunday, March 8, from 8:30 am -11:00 am in Room 303C of the Henry B. González Conference Center. Seven speakers from industry and academia will gather to explore and evaluate approaches for uncovering and distinguishing these chemicals to assess the potential human health and environmental risks they present.
Modern capillary gas chromatographs offer excellent resolution and sensitivity with quick training time, but, like any complex scientific instrument, require regular maintenance. Nick Snow's latest "GC Connections" column covers essential maintenance practices, including carrier gas management, inlet upkeep, column care, and detector maintenance.
The session Next-Generation Drug Development Enabled by Automation, Digitalization, and AI/ML is scheduled to take place at Pittcon 2026 in San Antonio, TX, on Monday, March 9, from 8:30 am–10:40 am in Room 304B of the Henry B. González Conference Center. A quartet of industry professionals will come together to share how automation and AI are revolutionizing modern drug development.
Researchers at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (Piacenza, Italy) used UHPLC-QTOF to profile phenolic compounds in forages and analyze metabolomics in milk used to produce Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. IM-HRMS lipidomics revealed how different cow diets—such as grass-enriched versus alfalfa-based—modulate specific triacylglycerols, sphingomyelins, and plant-derived metabolites within the milk composition.
Researchers from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Michigan) have introduced lack-of-fit (LOF), a peak-shape congruence measure that gauges the residual mismatch between candidate signals within a narrow retention window; pairs scoring below 20% are deemed degenerate and grouped together. LCGC International spoke to Caitlin Cain, lead author of the paper presenting this work, about her group’s research.
