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Advances in liquid chromatography (LC) address the growing need to analyze complex analytes with higher sensitivity and efficiency. Application-specific column chemistries, optimized system configurations, and improved consumables help mitigate PFAS contamination, metal-sensitive analytes, and solvent-related artifacts. Emerging injection strategies and smart instrumentation aim to enhance data quality and laboratory productivity, demonstrating that optimizing LC methods goes beyond column selection alone.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) regression to analyze both volatile and non-volatile compounds in five strawberry cultivars. The study successfully correlated specific compounds with sensory profiles like sweetness and flavor, offering valuable insights to improve predictive models and guide future strawberry breeding programs.

Antibody–oligonucleotide conjugates (AOCs) represent a promising new biotherapeutic modality that combines the cell‑targeting specificity of antibodies with the gene‑modulating power of oligonucleotides. Designed to overcome long‑standing delivery barriers in nucleic acid therapeutics, AOCs enable targeted delivery beyond the liver to tissues such as skeletal muscle, heart, and the central nervous system. Their unique dual therapeutic behavior and large oligonucleotide payload introduce analytical challenges distinct from antibody‑drug conjugates (ADCs), requiring approaches such as size-exclusion chromatography–mass spectrometry (SEC–MS) and ion‑exchange methods. As analytical science advances, AOCs are poised to expand therapeutic possibilities and drive innovation in precision and personalized medicine.

In the second part of this roundtable discussion focused on the experiences, challenges, and contributions of women in chromatography, LCGC International spoke to Amandaa Brewer, Paola Tiedemann, Chelsea Plummer, and Jennifer Field about the disconnect between academia and industry.

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.

Researchers investigated the effects of electron beam irradiation on cold fresh rainbow trout using GC×GC-MS and lipidomics. The chromatographic analysis revealed that while low doses preserve quality, doses of 3 kGy or higher accelerate lipid oxidation, significantly increasing volatile flavor compounds and causing unwanted irradiation odors that lower sensory acceptability.

LCGC International spoke to the HTC-19 Organizing Committee about what delegates can expect to at HTC-19, which will be held in Leuven, Belgium, from May 26–29, 2026.

Field-flow fractionation (FFF), and, in particular, asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4), is transitioning from a specialized separation technique into an application-driven analytical platform. From the perspective of the Young Scientists of FFF, we describe how advances in inline detection, data analysis, and validation are expanding AF4’s capacity to deliver size-resolved structural and compositional insights into complex systems. We highlight how this evolution enables more reliable characterization of heterogeneous and dynamically assembled materials across disciplines. We argue that realizing this potential will require deliberate choices (by the community, instrument developers, and end users) to move AF4 from niche expert knowledge to broadly trusted analytical practice.

Susanne Grödl, exhibition director of analytica, shares insights on what visitors to analytica 2026 can expect and which trends are drawing the most attention.

Gas chromatography coupled with quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-qMS) and high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with diode-array and refractive index detectors (HPLC-DAD/RI) to analyze the chemical and aromatic profiles of kombucha fermented with pineapple, fennel, and carrot by-products. The chromatographic data revealed how specific microbial communities interact with these plant residues to produce unique volatile organic compounds, demonstrating a sustainable approach for value-added beverage production.

In the first part of this roundtable discussion focused on the experiences, challenges, and contributions of women in chromatography, LCGC International spoke to Amandaa Brewer, Paola Tiedemann, Chelsea Plummer, and Jennifer Field about the draw that analytical science had for them.

Μetabolomics enables the comprehensive profiling of small molecules in medicine, plant science, and systems biology. Its true value depends not on the number of detected features but on the reliability of metabolite identification and pathway analysis. Despite well-established guidelines, annotation and definitive identification are often conflated in practice. Simple matches in mass databases are frequently reported as identities, without comparison to standards or chromatographic evidence. This overstatement of confidence compromises validity and risks propagating errors into databases, pathway analyses, and AI-driven workflows. Mass spectrometry (MS) alone is rarely sufficient for identification and orthogonal evidence is essential. Chromatographic retention time is an underused but powerful descriptor reflecting molecular properties. When combined with MS it can provide plausibility checks and form the basis of Level 1 identification. Regulatory frameworks already require such combined criteria in targeted analysis. Systematic use of retention order, retention indices, and prediction models can filter implausible candidates and strengthen identification.

Knauer's leaders discuss sustainability, AI integration, and strategic growth, highlighting their commitment to eco-friendly practices and gender balance in STEM.

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.

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was used in combination with 16S rDNA sequencing to analyze the upper respiratory tract microbiomes and metabolomes of children with asthma. The LC–MS analysis uncovered significant metabolic variations between chronic persistent and acute exacerbation asthma groups, identifying L-carnitine as a highly accurate differential metabolite and a promising biomarker for evaluating pediatric asthma.

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.