Integrating Microfluidics and Miniaturization in Modern Separation Science

David S. Hage, James Hewett University Professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and recipient of the 2025 Eastern Analytical Symposium (EAS) Award for Outstanding Achievement in Separation Science, recently spoke with LCGC International about how his group is integrating miniaturization and microfluidic technologies into analytical separations. From accelerating analyses to reducing sample volumes, these tools are reshaping the field of affinity-based separations. In this interview, Hage discusses how his team maintains analytical robustness and reproducibility while harnessing the benefits of smaller, faster, and more efficient platforms.

Hage’s research focuses on advancing affinity chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and hybrid analytical platforms to better characterize complex biological and environmental systems. His laboratory at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln explores the interface of analytical chemistry and biomedicine through four closely connected areas of study:

• Chromatographic immunoassays that merge high specificity with traditional separation methods,
• Investigations of biological interactions using affinity separations to measure binding strength and stoichiometry,
• Novel support materials and immobilization strategies designed to enhance stability, selectivity, and performance, and
• Miniaturized and microfluidic separation systems developed for rapid analysis in personalized medicine and environmental monitoring.

Over his career, Hage has produced more than 350 peer-reviewed papers, reviews, and book chapters, including the foundational Handbook of Affinity Chromatography. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Chromatography B, is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and holds membership in the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry.

His scientific achievements have earned numerous honors, including the ACS Chromatography Award, the ISMR/Pierce Award in Affinity Technology, the Eastern Analytical Symposium Award for Separation Science, and the AACC Young Investigator Award, along with the University of Nebraska’s Outstanding Research and Creative Activity Award.

Dedicated to education as much as to research, Hage is lead author of the textbook Analytical Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis and a contributor to multiple reference works in the field. His teaching and mentoring excellence have been recognized through the College Distinguished Teaching Award, the Excellence in Graduate Education Award, and the Lily Sands Legacy Award. He has also received international recognition through the IFCC Award for Distinguished Contributions to Education and the AACC Award for Outstanding Contributions to Education.