Best of the Week: Maintaining Capillary GC Systems, Previewing Pittcon and Analytica

This past week, LCGC International published a variety of articles on hot topics in separation science. A new “GC Connections” column provides some valuable insight into routine maintenance for capillary gas chromatography (GC) systems. Also, Pittcon and Analytica are coming up in March, and we published a few pieces this week that highlight a couple sessions you won’t want to miss.

This is the Best of the Week.

Ongoing Care and Feeding of Your Gas Chromatograph: Preventing Problems Before They Start

In his “GC Connections” column, Nicholas H. Snow of Seton Hall University outlines essential maintenance practices for modern capillary gas chromatography systems. Although contemporary instruments include automated diagnostics, Snow emphasizes that effective troubleshooting still relies on routine preventive maintenance and careful instrument handling.¹ Key practices include maintaining clean carrier and detector gases, replacing gas scrubbers regularly, and routinely changing inlet septa and liners to prevent contamination.¹ Proper column care, such as maintaining constant carrier gas flow, and keeping detectors heated are also critical for reliable performance. Snow stresses monitoring detector baselines and keeping detailed maintenance records, noting that consistent upkeep can help gas chromatographs operate effectively for decades.¹

Rapid PFAS Analysis in Estuaries Using SPE and LC–MS/MS

In a recent interview, Oliver Jones and Navneet Singh of RMIT University discussed their research on how tidal cycles influence per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations in estuarine environments. Using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), the researchers analyzed water samples while addressing analytical challenges such as high salinity, total dissolved solids, and background contamination.² Their findings showed that PFAS levels can vary four- to seven-fold over a 24-hour tidal cycle, with lower concentrations at high tide because of seawater dilution.² The study highlights the importance of careful sample preparation and time-resolved monitoring to accurately assess PFAS exposure and environmental risk in dynamic aquatic systems.

The Future of Chromatography Is Here – Are You Ready?

At analytica 2026 in Munich, the session “The Future of Chromatography Is Here – Are You Ready?” will highlight emerging trends in separation science on March 24 at the International Congress Center Munich. Organized by the German Chemical Society Separation Science Division, the program features three parts covering sustainable chromatography, next-generation GC and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technologies, and advanced multidimensional techniques.³ Presentations from international researchers will address topics such as additive manufacturing, supercritical fluid chromatography, ion mobility–HRMS, and machine-learning-assisted method development.³ The session is part of the broader analytica conference, which includes approximately 180 lectures across multiple sessions.

Pittcon Preview: Next-Generation Drug Development Enabled by Automation, Digitalization, and AI/ML

At Pittcon 2026 in San Antonio, a session titled “Next-Generation Drug Development Enabled by Automation, Digitalization, and AI/ML” will examine how emerging technologies are accelerating pharmaceutical research.⁴ Scheduled for March 9 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, the session features speakers from Genentech, Pfizer, Merck, and GSK. Presentations will explore high-throughput automation, robotics, and AI-driven workflows designed to streamline drug and biomarker analysis, support development of new therapeutic modalities, and enable autonomous laboratory systems. The session highlights how integrated digital platforms and automated technologies can reduce manual bottlenecks and accelerate modern drug development timelines.⁴

Pittcon Preview: Methods for Detecting and Characterizing PFAS in the Environment

At Pittcon 2026 in San Antonio, a session titled “Methods for Detecting and Characterizing PFAS in the Environment” will examine emerging analytical approaches for identifying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).⁵ Held March 8 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, the program features seven presentations from academic and industry researchers. Topics include automated solvent extraction, evaporative concentration coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry, advanced LC–MS techniques, and supercritical fluid chromatography–mass spectrometry (SFC–MS). Additional talks will address automated solid-phase extraction, microwave-based extraction for solid matrices, and SPE sorbent optimization, highlighting strategies to improve sensitivity, efficiency, and regulatory compliance in PFAS environmental analysis.⁵

References

1. Snow, N. H. Ongoing Care and Feeding of Your Gas Chromatograph: Preventing Problems Before They Start. LCGC Int. 2026, 3 (2), 18–21. DOI: 10.56530/lcgc.int.lj1782k9
2. Matheson, A. Rapid PFAS Analysis in Estuaries Using SPE and LC–MS/MS. LCGC Int. 2026, 3 (2), 25–26. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/rapid-pfas-analysis-in-estuaries-using-spe-and-lc-ms-ms (accessed 2026-03-05).
3. Schmitz, O. J. The Future of Chromatography Is Here – Are You Ready? LCGC Int. 2026, 3 (2), 32. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/the-future-of-chromatography-is-here-are-you-ready- (accessed 2026-03-05).
4. Chasse, J. Pittcon Preview: Next-Generation Drug Development Enabled by Automation, Digitalization, and AI/ML. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/pittcon-preview-next-generation-drug-development-enabled-by-automation-digitalization-and-ai-ml (accessed 2026-03-05).
5. Chasse, J. Pittcon Preview: Methods for Detecting and Characterizing PFAS in the Environment. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/pittcon-preview-methods-for-detecting-and-characterizing-pfas-in-the-environment (accessed 2026-03-05).