Celebrating Women Advancing Science and Society in Chromatography

On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, LCGC International highlights the work of women who are shaping the future of analytical science—not only through technical innovation, but also by expanding career pathways, improving lab culture, and driving sustainability. From cutting-edge separations and biomonitoring strategies to reflections on leadership, diversity, and industry careers, these pieces showcase how women scientists are advancing both science and the scientific community.

Investigating Total Breakthrough Behavior to Improve HILIC×IP‑RPLC Analysis of Oligonucleotides

This interview explores how understanding total breakthrough behavior can transform the analysis of complex oligonucleotide therapeutics. Megane Aebischer (Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland) explains how exploiting this phenomenon in two‑dimensional hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography ion-pair reversed-phase liquid chromatography (HILIC×IP‑RPLC) enables larger injection volumes, improved peak shapes, and higher resolving power compared with conventional one‑dimensional methods. By combining mechanistic insight with a Design of Experiments approach, the work delivers a more robust and practical strategy for impurity profiling in next‑generation nucleic acid drugs.

Breaking Into Industry: Career Opportunities for PhD Graduates in Analytical Sciences

Isabelle Kohler (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; NextMinds) offers practical guidance for PhD graduates considering a move into industry. Kohler outlines the range of roles available to analytical scientists, explains how to interpret job titles and descriptions, and emphasizes the importance of networking and transferable skills. The piece demystifies the transition from academia, empowering early‑career scientists to take ownership of their next professional steps.

Driving Change in Science: How Lab Culture Can Support Women and Diversity

This roundtable discussion brought together Susanne Boye (Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research Dresden), Daniela Held (GPC/SEC Consultant), and Claudia Zielke (Vaxcyte) to examine how lab culture shapes careers. The discussion highlights the importance of mentorship, inclusive leadership, and supportive workplace practices in retaining diverse talent. By focusing on practical actions rather than abstract ideals, the panel shows how cultural change in laboratories can directly improve scientific outcomes and career sustainability for women.

Technology Spotlight: Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) — A Sustainable Sample Preparation Tool for Food Analysis

This Technology Spotlight focuses on natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) as greener alternatives to traditional organic solvents in food analysis. Laura Carbonell‑Rozas (University of Granada) explains how NADES, formed from biodegradable, naturally derived components, can improve extraction efficiency while reducing environmental impact. The interview balances sustainability with practicality, addressing both the analytical benefits and the challenges that must be overcome for wider laboratory adoption.

GC×GC–TOF‑MS Volatome Profiling Reveals pH‑Dependent VOC Signatures of Malassezia pachydermatis

Lina Mikaliunaite (University of Washington; now Markes International) describes how comprehensive two‑dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) coupled with time‑of‑flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) was used to unravel the volatile organic compounds produced by Malassezia pachydermatis under different pH conditions. The study shows how changes in pH influence microbial metabolism and potentially pathogenic behavior, while also demonstrating the power of advanced chemometric tools to interpret highly complex datasets. The work opens new avenues for understanding microbe–host interactions through chemical signatures.

Analyzing Small RNA‑Based Therapeutics and Their Process Impurities Using Fast and Sensitive LC–HRMS

Silvia Millán‑Martín (NIBRT) discusses the development of a fast, sensitive liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS) workflow for characterizing small RNA‑based therapeutics and their impurities. By carefully selecting ion‑pairing reagents and optimizing MS conditions, the method minimizes adduct formation and in‑source artifacts—key challenges in oligonucleotide analysis. The approach supports regulatory expectations for detailed impurity profiling and underlines the critical role of advanced analytics in bringing RNA‑based medicines to patients.

Modern Supercritical Fluid Chromatography: An HPLC 2025 Video Interview with Caroline West

In this interview, held at the recent HPLC conference, Caroline West (University of Orléans) challenges lingering misconceptions about supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). She explains how modern SFC has moved beyond narrow definitions to become a flexible, powerful technique used across multiple industries. The conversation highlights recent advances in fundamental understanding, creative applications in multidimensional separations, and the instrumental innovations needed to bring SFC into more routine analytical workflows.

Expanding Human Hair Biomonitoring for PFAS: Broadening Analyte Coverage to Emerging Compounds

Miriam Haußecker (Eberhard-Karls Universität Tübingen) discusses how human hair is a promising, non‑invasive matrix for biomonitoring exposure to per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Haußecker discusses how advanced LC–MS methods enabled the detection of a much broader range of PFAS, including emerging compounds rarely monitored in traditional studies. The work demonstrates how improved chromatographic separation and careful control of matrix effects can reveal more realistic exposure patterns, helping to inform environmental and public‑health research.