Best of the Week: Green Analytical Chemistry, ISPPP Abstracts

This week, LCGC International published a variety of articles on the hottest topics in chromatography and beyond. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular articles, according to our readers. Happy reading!

The LCGC Blog, Call for Abstracts! The 43rd Annual International Symposium and Exhibit on the Separation, Purification, and Characterization of Biologically Important Molecules!

Jonathan Edelman

In 2024, the 43rd International Symposium on the Separation and Characterization of Proteins, Peptides, and Polynucleotides (ISPPP) will be held. This event will bring together many of the world’s leading authorities to discuss the latest advances and applications for scientists. Issues of separation, purification, and characterization, with other topics including the analysis of proteins, peptides, polynucleotides, and related biomolecules with modern techniques. In this month’s edition of The LCGC Blog, Jonathan Edelman discusses the event in detail and provides a timeline for the upcoming conference.

Green Analytical Chemistry Methods for Microextraction

Aaron Acevedo

Green chemistry has become a popular topic within the analytical science community, with various scientists pushing to make chemistry more sustainable to help preserve human and environmental health. Green analytical chemistry (GAC) has revolutionized sample preparation methodologies by integrating sustainability, efficiency, and safety into procedures while also meeting analytical and economic requirements. In a recent study led by Noorfatimah Yahaya of the Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang, Malaysia, different microextraction methods were evaluated using GAC metrics.

Fighting Fentanyl: How GC–IR Can Help Detect Fentanyl and Save Lives

Will Wetzel

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid normally used to treat pain in patients following surgery, accounted for more than 71,000 of the 107,000 overdose deaths in 2021. While using fentanyl in very small doses can have medical benefits in select instances, the drug is currently being produced illegally and being trafficked into the United States through Mexico. Additionally, it can become more potent when mixed with other illegal drugs like heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, which can significantly raise the risk of fatal interactions. This has led to an increased need for bettering systems that detect synthetic opioids. As part of this, a recent study, published in the Journal of Forensic Science and led by Jose Almirall from Florida International University (FIU), describes how using a gas chromatography–infrared (GC–IR) library can identify fentanyl-related substances (FRS).

North Carolina Collaboratory Expands PFAS Research Capabilities

Will Wetzel

On March 27, 2024, the North Carolina Collaboratory, an organization focused on advancing scientific research for policymaking in the state of North Carolina, announced a partnership with instrument manufacturer Thermo Fisher Scientific. This pairing involves the purchase of five mass spectrometry (MS) instruments to advance North Carolina’s efforts in analyzing environmental per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS), with the goal being to implement workable solution to address PFAS contamination. These tools will help North Carolina-based researchers address community concerns regarding PFAS toxicity.

ASMS Comes to Anaheim for 2024 Edition

Patrick Lavery

Registration is now open for the 72nd edition of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry (ASMS)’s Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics, or ASMS 2024. Scheduled for June 2–6, 2024, the conference draws in over 6,500 attendees on a yearly basis, with over 3,000 papers being presented in either lecture or poster format. Here, we discuss important deadlines regarding attending the conference and potential opportunities for networking and recreational activities.