Best of the Week: Antibody–Drug Conjugates, Corneal Proteomics

This past week, LCGC International published a variety of articles on hot topics in separation science. We first interviewed Bingchaun Wei about new hydrophobic interaction chromatography–mass spectrometry (HIC–MS) methods for antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) characterization. Also, Thermo Fisher and NVIDIA announce a partnership to expand artificial intelligence (AI)-driven laboratory automation. What does this mean for the industry? We answer that question here.

This is the Best of the Week.

Rapid Native HIC–MS Using Ammonium Tartrate for Robust Drug-to-Antibody Ratio Characterization of Antibody–Drug Conjugates

LCGC International spoke with Bingchaun Wei, a senior principal scientist at Genentech Inc., about new rapid native HIC–MS methods developed at Genentech for robust ADC characterization. By using ammonium tartrate, a thermally decomposable, MS-compatible salt, Wei’s research team overcame long-standing challenges of coupling HIC to MS. The approach enables reliable drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) and drug load distribution (DLD) analysis without complex multidimensional workflows (1). A 22-minute HIC–MS method supports high-quality intact ADC characterization, whereas a faster 10-minute multiattribute HIC method functions as process analytical technology (PAT), allowing real-time monitoring and optimization of ADC bioconjugation reactions (1).

Layer-Resolved Corneal Proteomics Enabled by Laser Ablation Sampling and LC–MS/MS

Researchers in Germany recently developed a spatially resolved proteomics workflow that combines nanosecond mid-infrared (MIR) laser layer-by-layer ablation of human corneal tissue with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis. Using optical coherence tomography (OCT) guidance, the approach enabled three-dimensional, layer-specific profiling of intact corneas, identifying 4,454 proteins across distinct tissue regions (2). The results revealed clear proteomic differences between corneal layers, including elevated metabolic proteins in the epithelium, immune-related proteins in the stroma, and a unique subepithelial profile linked to wound healing (2). This study demonstrates how LC–MS/MS-based chromatography can advance understanding of corneal biology, disease mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets.

Thermo Fisher and NVIDIA Partner to Expand AI Driven Laboratory Automation

Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced a strategic collaboration with NVIDIA to integrate advanced AI technologies into scientific instruments and laboratory workflows. The partnership aims to modernize laboratories by connecting instruments, software, and data through NVIDIA’s AI platforms, including DGX Spark, NeMo, and BioNeMo (3). By reducing manual tasks such as experiment setup, instrument operation, and data analysis, the collaboration seeks to improve efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility for researchers (3). Both companies describe this effort as a step toward autonomous, data-driven laboratories, enabling faster experimentation, streamlined workflows, and accelerated scientific discoveries with broad impact across life sciences and research fields (3).

LC–MS/MS and ICP-MS Characterization of Toxic Elements and Organic Contaminants in Tattoo Inks

Researchers in Australia applied a comprehensive analytical strategy combining inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and untargeted LC–MS/MS to assess the chemical composition of commercially available tattoo inks. Analyzing 15 black and colored inks, the study detected multiple regulated metals exceeding European Union (EU) limits, including arsenic, cadmium, and lead, as well as high levels of unregulated pigment metals (4). Untargeted LC–MS/MS also revealed restricted aromatic amines and other suspected toxicants (4). The findings show that none of the tested inks would comply with current EU regulations, highlighting significant safety concerns and regulatory gaps in Australia and underscoring the need for harmonized regulations and routine chromatographic surveillance (4).

QuEChERS–GC–MS/MS Chromatographic Method for Organochlorine Pesticide Residue Analysis in Sesame Seeds

Researchers at Jinka University and the University of Gondar developed and validated a robust chromatographic method for monitoring organochlorine pesticide residues in sesame seeds using “quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS)” sample preparation coupled with gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode (5). The method enabled rapid, sensitive detection of 20 pesticides with excellent linearity, high recoveries, low relative standard deviations, and low detection limits (5). Designed to improve food safety assurance and market acceptance, the approach reduces solvent use and preparation time while supporting high-throughput analysis (5). The study demonstrates the effectiveness of QuEChERS–GC–MS/MS as a reliable solution for routine regulatory monitoring of pesticide residues in sesame seeds.

References

1. Chasse, J. Rapid Native HIC–MS Using Ammonium Tartrate for Robust Drug-to-Antibody Ratio Characterization of Antibody–Drug Conjugates. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/rapid-native-hic-ms-using-ammonium-tartrate-for-robust-drug-to-antibody-ratio-characterization-of-antibody-drug-conjugates (accessed 2026-01-29).
2. Chasse, J. Layer-Resolved Corneal Proteomics Enabled by Laser Ablation Sampling and LC–MS/MS. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/layer-resolved-corneal-proteomics-enabled-by-laser-ablation-sampling-and-lc-ms-ms (accessed 2026-01-29).
3. Jones, K. Thermo Fisher and NVIDIA Partner to Expand AI Driven Laboratory Automation. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/thermo-fisher-and-nvidia-partner-to-expand-ai-driven-laboratory-automation (accessed 2026-01-29).
4. Chasse, J. LC–MS/MS and ICP-MS Characterization of Toxic Elements and Organic Contaminants in Tattoo Inks. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/lc-ms-ms-and-icp-ms-characterization-of-toxic-elements-and-organic-contaminants-in-tattoo-inks (accessed 2026-01-29).
5. Chasse, J. QuEChERS–GC–MS/MS Chromatographic Method for Organochlorine Pesticide Residue Analysis in Sesame Seeds. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/quechers-gc-ms-ms-chromatographic-method-for-organochlorine-pesticide-residue-analysis-in-sesame-seeds (accessed 2026-01-29).