LCGC Interviews

Jonathan Maurer from the University of Geneva, Switzerland describes some of the challenges and misconceptions surrounding hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) and oligonucleotide analysis.

Wallman argues proteomics is moving from niche tool to high-throughput platform core, with the greatest untapped potential in covalent drug programs and targeted protein degradation.

Wallman explains that PeptDeepKontext is designed to generalize without lab-specific calibration, though highly unusual setups may still benefit from additional fine-tuning in the future.

Wallman unpacks how graph-level fragmentation in fragDETR captures internal fragments and neutral losses, with peak and intensity improvements concentrated in challenging non-standard peptides.

Nikoline Juul Nielsen from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark explores deprotomer formation for accurate CCS prediction and metabolite identification and the potential of implementing these workflows for routine use.

LCGC International spoke with Nikoline Juul Nielsen from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark on the benefits of RPLC×HILIC–cIMS for data-independent profiling of phenolic constituents in plant extracts. In this episode she explores practical aspects of cIMS and the potential for routine analysis.

Wallman explains how spectral library accuracy, retention time prediction, and instrument-specific variation make deep learning essential yet difficult in data-independent acquisition proteomics.

Wallman details PeptDeepKontext, a model built to predict peptide properties across diverse instruments and PTMs by embracing rather than eliminating inter-laboratory variability.

Exact mass, isotopic distribution, and MS/MS library matching are used together to differentiate PFAS hits from sulfur-rich food compounds that share a similar mass defect range.

Antonio Ferracane addresses regulator concerns about cleanup-free PAH methods, noting cleanup isn't mandatory if matrix validation proves reliable.

The approach remains non-targeted by prioritizing PFAS-like ions in the first DDA pass; the tunable mass tolerance window can be adjusted to capture structurally unusual PFAS subclasses.

Christine Fisher describes her method using mass defect filtering at the data acquisition stage to improve non-targeted PFAS detection in complex food matrices.

Antonio Ferracane explains how each sample prep step adds error and can strip target PAHs, so skipping cleanup can improve recovery, accuracy, and precision.

Antonio Ferracane discusses moving to minimal sample preparation for PAH analysis, and why matrix-matched calibration can replace cleanup steps.

Antonio Ferracane outlines a combined technique using cryogenic peak compression and pseudo-MRM to sharply boost sensitivity for trace PAHs.

Giorgia Purcaro from the University of Liege (Belgium) discusses a laboratory technique for more accurately detecting harmful oil contaminants in edible oils than the current official method.

During her PhD at BOKU University Vienna, Lidija Kenjerić developed a multi-class UHPLC–MS/MS quantitative method covering 931 mycotoxins and secondary metabolites within an 11-min runtime, providing a scalable solution for routine testing, regulatory, and emergency response.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) identify volatile and nonvolatile flavor drivers shaping lager liking among high-flavor-preference consumers.

Stefan Van Leuwen and Jana Pulkrabova—co-chairs of RAFA 2026—elaborate on why separation scientists involved in food analysis should attend RAFA 2026, which takes place at the Clarion Congress Hotel Prague, Prague, Czech Republic, from November 3–6, 2026.

MOH contaminants in food pose safety risks, making reliable chromatographic detection essential.

LCGC International spoke to Maria Halabalaki, an associate professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, about how dried spot microsampling could transform food testing.

Ana Rodríguez-Bernaldo de Quirós of the University of Santiago de Compostela discusses how non-targeted gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) can reveal complex chemical mixtures in bioplastic food packaging, raising important safety questions and concerns for consumers.

Hans-Gerd Janssen explores the reality of real-time analytical measurement.

Hans-Gerd Janssen explores the industry's shift from fully integrated online systems to at-line approaches.

30% of GC–MS peak annotations and integrations have been observed to be inaccurate. Hans-Gerd Janssen highlights some of the most promising strategies to improve data reliability and reduce errors.