Best of the Week: Chromatography Trends, The Peptide Revolution

This past week, LCGC International published a variety of articles on hot topics in separation science. We summarized our chromatography industry survey, outlining the key challenges and what sectors are growing more than others. An article about peptide science is also presented and explore how gas analyzers are being modernized.

This is the Best of the Week.

Chromatography Industry Trends 2025: AI, Automation, and Workforce Challenges

In this report from LCGC International, we summarize the findings from our 2025 chromatography industry survey, revealing an industry caught between technological ambition and practical constraints (1). Although interest in artificial intelligence (AI) is high, adoption remains minimal, with laboratories prioritizing foundational needs like workflow automation, peak deconvolution, and data quality. According to the survey, some of the main challenges include personnel challenges and budget cuts (1). This has created a cycle that limits innovation and purchasing decisions despite strong demand for improved analytical performance. The survey also indicated that career growth is strongest in biopharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, reflecting the shift toward complex biologics (1). Overall, the survey highlights a field balancing future-facing aspirations with immediate economic and operational realities.

From Gila Monster to Global Phenomenon: The Peptide Revolution

This article traces the parallel evolution of peptide science and modern technology, highlighting key milestones from insulin and solid-phase peptide synthesis to today’s GLP-1–based therapeutics. Author Jonathan Edelman emphasizes how advances in peptide synthesis, regulatory approval, and manufacturing capacity transformed peptides into a dominant biopharmaceutical platform (2). Currently, rapid global expansion in peptide API production, which has been driven largely by GLP-1 drugs, is signaling long-term confidence in this class of medicines (2). Major pharmaceutical companies and contract manufacturers are investing in peptide science, which has led to innovations enabling oral, stable, and cost-effective peptides and point to a future where peptide-based therapies play an increasingly central role in medicine.

From Chromatography to Climate: Profiling Tropical Seaweeds as Methane-Reducing Ruminant Feed Additives

This article recaps a Veterinary World study investigating two tropical seaweeds, Sargassum binderi and Kappaphycus striatum, as potential feed additives to reduce enteric methane emissions in ruminant livestock (3). Using chromatographic and mass spectrometric (MS) techniques, researchers characterized their nutritional composition, bioactive metabolites, and in vitro rumen fermentation effects (3). Green seaweed showed higher protein content, digestibility, and favorable fermentation characteristics, while both species contained beneficial fatty acids and bioactive compounds linked to methane suppression and animal health (3). The findings address a critical research gap and support tropical seaweeds as regionally sustainable strategies for lowering livestock emissions.

Chromatographic and Mass Spectrometric Assessment of PFAS in Water-Resistant Winter Gloves

A recent study evaluated PFAS content and exposure risks from water-resistant winter gloves worn by young children. Using total fluorine analysis, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS), and leachate testing across eight glove brands, researchers assessed PFAS presence, migration potential, and health risk (4). Only limited fluorotelomer compounds were detected in a small number of components, and no PFAS migrated under simulated use conditions (4). Conservative risk assessments for oral and dermal exposure were well below health concern thresholds, supporting risk-based regulatory approaches for PFAS in textiles.

How Gas Analysis is Evolving to Meet Modern Industrial Needs

The article examines how legacy gas analyzers are being strategically modernized to meet today’s demands for real-time data, digital integration, and operational insight. Rather than full replacement, industries are enhancing trusted systems with advanced diagnostics, improved interfaces, connectivity, and interoperability with modern control architectures (5). From petrochemicals and power generation to life sciences and clean energy, gas analysis is shifting from basic compliance to active process control (5). Incremental upgrades, remote access, and Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities extend asset lifecycles while enabling predictive maintenance, improved efficiency, and data-driven decision-making in increasingly complex industrial environments.

References

1. Jones, K. Chromatography Industry Trends 2025: AI, Automation, and Workforce Challenges. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/chromatography-industry-trends-2025-ai-automation-and-workforce-challenges (accessed 2026-01-07).
2. Edelman, J. From Gila Monster to Global Phenomenon: The Peptide Revolution. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/from-gila-monster-to-global-phenomenon-the-peptide-revolution (accessed 2026-01-07).
3. Chasse, J. From Chromatography to Climate: Profiling Tropical Seaweeds as Methane-Reducing Ruminant Feed Additives. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/from-chromatography-to-climate-profiling-tropical-seaweeds-as-methane-reducing-ruminant-feed-additives (accessed 2026-01-07).
4. Chasse, J. Chromatographic and Mass Spectrometric Assessment of PFAS in Water-Resistant Winter Gloves. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/chromatographic-and-mass-spectrometric-assessment-of-pfas-in-water-resistant-winter-gloves (accessed 2026-01-07).
5. Merriman, D. How Gas Analysis Is Evolving to Meet Modern Industrial Needs. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/how-gas-analysis-is-evolving-to-meet-modern-industrial-needs (accessed 2026-01-07).