Best of the Week: PFAS Research, ISC 2026 Highlights, and Health Applications

This week's Chromatography Online coverage spans several areas of chromatography and mass spectrometry research and industry news. On the environmental science side, Oregon State University researchers Mireia Roig-Paul and Jennifer Field explained how liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF) and 19F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques track PFAS partitioning between light nonaqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) and groundwater. The site also recapped highlights from the International Symposium on Chromatography (ISC 2026) in Prague, covering advances relevant to pharmaceutical, environmental, food, and health industries, including sessions on food and natural product analysis, technological innovations, biopharmaceuticals, and nucleic acids/oligonucleotides. A continuing interview series featured Erin Chambers of Waters Corporation discussing AI's impact on the chromatography field and the value of diverse leadership perspectives. Finally, two application-focused stories covered health-related research: an LC/multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) assay used to quantify endocannabinoid changes linked to the "runner's high," and a LC-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) study profiling proteomic effects of a long-acting age-related macular degeneration (AMD) eye therapy.

This is the Best of the Week.

LC-QTOF Tracks PFAS Partitioning in LNAPL, Water

Mireia Roig-Paul and Jennifer Field of Oregon State University discuss with LCGC International how liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF) and 19F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) reveal how PFAS partition between light nonaqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) and groundwater.¹

Highlights of ISC 2026

LCGC International’s Alasdair Matheson attended this week’s International Symposium on Chromatography (held in Prague) and brought back cutting-edge insights of how impact of chromatography and separation science are meeting the needs of the pharmaceutical, environmental, food and health industries.^2-5

Analysis of Food and Natural Products

Technological Innovations in Chromatography

(Bio)pharmaceuticals

Nucleic Acids and Oligonucleotides

Conversations with Erin Chambers, Waters Corporation

We continued presenting portions of LCGC International’s Kate Jones discussion with Erin Chambers, Global Vice President & General Manager, Consumables & Lab Automation at Waters Corporation, about pertinent industry issues.^6,7

AI's Impact on the Chromatography Community

The Leadership Power of Different Perspectives

LC-MRM Tracks "Runner's High" Chemistry

Liquid chromatography/multiple reaction monitoring (LC/MRM) assays quantify endocannabinoid shifts behind the marathon runner's high.⁸

LC-MS/MS Profiles a Lasting AMD Eye Therapy

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) reveals proteomic effects of a sustained-release age-related macular degeneration (AMD) eye treatment.⁹

References

1. Roig-Paul, M.; Field, J.; Chasse, J. LC-QTOF Tracks PFAS Partitioning in LNAPL, Water. Chromatography Online website.https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/lc-qtof-tracks-pfas-partitioning-lnapl-water(accessed 2026-09-10)
2. Matheson, A. ISC 2026 Update: Analysis of Food and Natural Products.Chromatography Online website.https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/isc-2026-update-analysis-of-food-and-natural-products(accessed 2026-09-10)
3. Matheson, A. ISC 2026 Update: Technological Innovations in Chromatography. Chromatography Online website. https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/isc-2026-update-technological-innovations-in-chromatography (accessed 2026-09-10)
4. Matheson, A. ISC 2026 Update: (Bio)pharmaceuticals. Chromatography Online website.https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/isc-2026-update-bio-pharmaceuticals (accessed 2026-09-10)
5. Matheson, A. ISC 2026 Update: Nucleic Acids and Oligonucleotides. Chromatography Online website.Matheson, A. ISC 2026 Update: Nucleic Acids and Oligonucleotides. Chromatography Online website.https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/isc-2026-update-nucleic-acids-and-oligonucleotides (accessed 2026-09-10)
6. Chambers, E. E.; Jones, K. AI's Impact on the Chromatography Community. Chromatography Online website. https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/ai-s-impact-on-the-chromatography-community (accessed 2026-09-10)
7. Chambers, E. E.; Jones, K. The Leadership Power of Different Perspectives. Chromatography Online website. https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/the-leadership-power-of-different-perspectives (accessed 2026-09-10)
8. Chasse, J. LC-MRM Tracks "Runner's High" Chemistry. Chromatography Online website. https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/lc-mrm-tracks-runner-s-high-chemistry (accessed 2026-09-10)
9. Chasse, J. LC-MS/MS Profiles a Lasting AMD Eye Therapy. Chromatography Online website. https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/lc-ms-ms-profiles-a-lasting-amd-eye-therapy (accessed 2026-09-10)