May 8th 2024
Scientists from the University of Messina recently developed a new omega-3 fatty acid-based supplement and tested its effectiveness on metabolism and lipid profiles.
2020 HTC Innovation Award – Ryan Kelly
April 1st 2020LCGC Europe sponsored the 2020 HTC Innovation Award to highlight innovation in separation science. The winner, Ryan Kelly, from Brigham Young University, in Utah, USA, has introduced an impressive array of innovative approaches to advance proteomics research using nano-liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (nano‑LC–MS), LC–MS, and two‑dimensional (2D)-LC–MS, including the development and application of nanodroplet processing in one pot for trace samples (nanoPOTS). This platform, when combined with nano-LC–MS/MS, can identify more than 3000 protein groups in 10 cells, a greater level of proteome coverage than was previously possible for samples containing 5000 cells.
Selectivity in Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography – 20 Years of the Hydrophobic Subtraction Model
April 1st 2020How can I use the hydrophobic subtraction model of reversed-phase selectivity to help me in method development? A recent Pittcon symposium discussed the history and practical use of the model, as well as insights into recent research that may enable expanded use of the model in the future.
Preparing for GC Analysis—A Definitive Checklist
April 1st 2020In-depth knowledge of GC setup is a significant advantage for the user. Here, a checklist is provided for preparation of a GC or GC–MS system prior to analysis work- referencing the actions, checks, tools, and consumable items that might be required.
New HPLC Systems and Related Products Introduced in 2019–2020 – A Brief Review
April 1st 2020This instalment describes newly introduced high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS), chromatography data systems (CDS), and related products at Pittcon 2020 and the year prior, and summarizes significant features and user benefits.
Recent Application and Instrumental Trends in Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography
April 1st 2020This critical review describes recent applications and instrumental trends in comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC), with particular (though not exclusive) attention to the period 2018–2019 and that the concept of GC×GC is inherently simple. The maturity of GC×GC and future developments are also discussed.
Moving Gas Chromatography Forward
December 1st 2018Is gas chromatography a mature technology? LCGC Europe spoke to Ronda Gras about a range of GC projects she has been working on to extend the scope of the technique, including a multi-hyphenated approach combining three modes of detection, a miniaturized micromachined GC system, and a novel in situ method to detect carbon dioxide in various matrices by incorporating 3D-printing technology in a FID.
Optimizing Splitless GC Injections
August 13th 2018Splitless injections are sometimes necessary for trace analyses, where the analyst hopes to recover 100% of the analytes that are injected. Unfortunately, splitless injections can be challenging and using an imperfect method can lead to loss of analytes and poor peak shapes. The choice of inlet liner can have an impact on the data and one must consider the effects of geometry, packing, deactivation, and volume on introduction of analytes into the system. Other important inlet parameters to consider include inlet temperature, splitless hold time, and initial oven temperature.
Pressure Tuning: Increasing the Flexibility of Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography
August 1st 2018Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) offers significant improvement for volatile chemical separation. Selecting suitable first (1D) and second dimension (2D) columns normally requires consideration of the chemical composition of a sample. Replacing one of these dimensions with a two-column ensemble (for example, 1D1 + 1D2 for the 1D column), provided with a pressure tuning makeup gas between them, varies the relative retentions of compounds before the modulation step according to the junction pressure. This makes it possible to alter the apparent polarity of the 1D ensemble, and this alters peak positions in the 2D GC×GC space. This article presents an account of studies that suggest this offers potential for improved operation for a GC×GC laboratory.
Injecting Water onto a GC Column: Solving the Mystery of Poor Chromatography
June 1st 2018Ethylene glycol is a particularly difficult compound to analyze because it is not easily extracted from water. Many environmental samples originate from water runoff at airports, where ethylene glycol is used as a de‑icing agent for airplanes during winter months. Hydraulic fracturing is a technique where pressurized fluid and sand or other solids (proppant) are used in gas drilling to allow gas extraction. Glycols are a common ingredient in most hydraulic fracturing fluid and play a key role in preventing emulsifications and stabilizing the solutions. The direct aqueous injection of ethylene glycol is challenging because it can be difficult to attain reproducibility and good peak shape. The large expansion volume of water can cause backflash, carryover can cause inconsistent results, and excess water can extinguish the flame ionization detection (FID) flame. This article describes a robust approach to analyze glycols in aqueous samples, which reduces downtime and maintains sensitivity.