Best of the Week: Affinity Chromatography, Potato Chips, ACS Updates

This past week, LCGC International published a variety of articles on hot topics in separation science. David S. Hage, the James Hewett University Professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and 2025 Eastern Analytical Symposium Award recipient, discusses his work in advancing affinity chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and hybrid separation platforms, Emanuela Gionfriddo highlights the work the American Chemical Society’s Subdivision on Chromatography and Separations Chemistry(ACS SCSC) is doing, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) is being used to detect acrylamide (AA) residues in potato chips.

This is the Best of the Week.

David S. Hage on Emerging Trends in Separation Science and Bioanalysis

David S. Hage, the James Hewett University Professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and 2025 Eastern Analytical Symposium Award recipient, is recognized for advancing affinity chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and hybrid separation platforms. His research develops chromatographic immunoassays, studies biomolecular interactions, and designs microfluidic systems for rapid bioanalysis (1). Author of over 350 publications and the Handbook of Affinity Chromatography, Hage also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Chromatography B (1). Honored for both research and teaching, he has received multiple awards for scientific innovation, mentorship, and education, reflecting his enduring impact on separation science and analytical chemistry.

LCGC Blog: Updates from the ACS SCSC for the Separation Science Community

The ACS’s SCSC continues to advance the field of separation science through education, collaboration, and recognition. Since its founding in 1985, SCSC has fostered professional growth across academia, industry, and government by organizing symposia, supporting students, and funding regional conferences (2). Recent initiatives include expanding networking programs, launching the Joseph J. Kirkland Award in Chromatography, and celebrating innovative researchers such as 2025 Young Investigator Awardee Justin Godinho (2). Led by Chair Emanuela Gionfriddo, the SCSC remains dedicated to connecting global separation scientists and promoting excellence in chromatographic research and professional development.

Quantitative LC–MS/MS Method Refines rAAV9 Capsid Protein Stoichiometry

Researchers at the United Kingdom’s National Measurement Laboratory (NML) have developed a metrologically traceable mass spectrometry (MS)-based workflow for precise characterization and quantification of recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (rAAV9) capsid proteins (3). Combining liquid chromatography (LC)–MS and LC–MS/MS, the method confirms amino acid sequences, identifies post-translational modifications, quantifies VP1, VP2, and VP3 proteins, and detects host cell proteins (3). Results revealed that rAAV9 capsid stoichiometry deviates from the assumed 1:1:10 ratio, emphasizing the need for robust analytical approaches. This International System of Units (SI)-traceable workflow offers a standardized framework for gene therapy quality control and cross-laboratory reproducibility, advancing reliable production of viral vector therapeutics (3).

Advanced LC–MS/MS Detection of Acrylamide in Potato Chips Explores Potential Cancer Risks

A multinational research team developed and validated a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method to detect acrylamide (AA) residues in potato chips and assess related health risks among the Iranian population. Published in Food Science & Nutrition, the study evaluated data from 2016 to 2017 and 2020 to 2021 across demographic groups (4). Although the overall exposure posed minimal chronic risk (THQ < 1), the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) indicated elevated cancer risks in children aged 3–14 (4). The study’s findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring of AA in foods and underscore LC–MS/MS’s critical role in advancing food safety and dietary risk assessment.

LC-MS/MS Identification of a Myeloperoxidase-Targeting Antioxidant Peptide from Black Soybean

Researchers identified a novel antioxidant peptide, VPNHFNAP, from black soybean (Glycine max) aqueous extracts that targets myeloperoxidase (MPO), a key enzyme linked to oxidative damage. Reported in Frontiers in Nutrition, the study combined molecular docking, dynamics simulations, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to confirm strong MPO binding (5). Using LC–MS/MS, the team profiled peptide components, while antioxidant and cytoprotective activities were verified through DPPH, ABTS, and HaCaT cell assays (5). VPNHFNAP demonstrated potent radical scavenging, reduced ROS levels, and doubled cell viability, suggesting its promise as an MPO-targeted antioxidant for potential use in functional foods or cosmeceuticals.

References

1. Hroncich, C. David S. Hage on Emerging Trends in Separation Science and Bioanalysis. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/david-hage-separation-science-trends (accessed 2025-11-13).
2. Gionfriddo, E. LCGC Blog: Updates from the ACS SCSC for the Separation Science Community. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/acs-scsc-updates (accessed 2025-11-13).
3. Chasse, J. Quantitative LC–MS/MS Method Refines rAAV9 Capsid Protein Stoichiometry. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/quantitative-lc-ms-ms-method-refines-raav9-capsid-protein-stoichiometry (accessed 2025-11-13).
4. Chasse, J. Advanced LC–MS/MS Detection of Acrylamide in Potato Chips Explores Potential Cancer Risks. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/advanced-lc-ms-ms-detection-of-acrylamide-in-potato-chips-explores-potential-cancer-risks (accessed 2025-11-13).
5. Chasse, J. LC-MS/MS Identification of a Myeloperoxidase-Targeting Antioxidant Peptide from Black Soybean. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/lc-ms-ms-identification-of-a-myeloperoxidase-targeting-antioxidant-peptide-from-black-soybean (accessed 2025-11-13).