LCGC Europe Weekly Update:
Having trouble viewing this e-mail? Click here.

LCGC Europe - News Bulletin
 
8 January 2015


Photo Credit: fatmayilmaz/Getty Images		 Instrumental Innovations 2014
The Column presented selected highlights of innovative chromatography products — ranging from instruments to consumables — for the fifth annual "Instrumental Innovations" compilation.
Top 14 Articles of 2014
To kick-start 2015 the LCGC editorial team have compiled the 14 biggest stories of the last year. From the launch of LCGC TV to a review of superficially porous particles, from injecting in the mobile phase to the future of miniature mass spectrometers — these popular pieces stand for their technical know-how, unique insight, and perspective.
1. LCGC TV Library
The top highlight of 2014 as chosen by the LCGC Editorial team was the launch of the new LCGC TV platform. Featuring interviews with industry leaders, the library was (and continues to be) updated on a weekly basis with a different subject focus each month.
Looking to Eliminate Problems associated with Sample Preparation?
Although automating analytical techniques has become status quo, sample preparation is still considered to be the bottleneck of the laboratories processes.  Learn how automation can reduce labor and time, increase recoveries and produce consistent, reproducible results. If this and cutting sample preparation costs is important to your laboratory review the new From Sample to Vial Automated Sample Prep Solutions notebook.
2. Perspectives in Modern HPLC: Seven Common Faux Pas in Modern HPLC
Michael Dong addressed seven faux pas that are common practices in HPLC that may no longer make sense because of improved technologies or other changes in modern HPLC.
3. LC Troubleshooting: How Much Can I Inject? Part I: Injecting in Mobile Phase
LC Troubleshooting Editor John W. Dolan discussed how both the volume of the sample injection and the solvent in which the sample is dissolved can affect the appearance of the chromatogram.


Photo Credit: nadia		4. Strategies for the Detection and Elimination of Matrix Effects in Quantitative LC–MS Analysis
Currently available methods for the detection of matrix effects in LC–MS are tedious and complex. This article assessed a simple method based on recovery for the detection of matrix effects, in addition to two alternative methods for the rectification of matrix effects in LC–MS.


5. Column Watch: Avoiding Reversed-Phase Chromatography Problems Through Informed Method Development Practices: Choosing the Stationary-Phase Chemistry
Many problems encountered executing HPLC methods are the result of decisions made during early method development. This instalment of “Column Watch” discussed a critical variable in method development: the choice of stationary-phase chemistry.


Photo Credit: Ethan Myerson/Getty Images		6. Current Practices and Considerations for a Stability-Indicating Method in Pharmaceutical Analysis
The demonstration of drug substance (DS) or drug product (DP) stability over the shelf life is a regulatory requirement in the pharmaceutical industry.  To fulfill this requirement, a stability-indicating method (SIM) must be developed and validated to separate and quantify both the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and its related compounds. This article discussed the characteristics and relevant considerations for the development and validation of a SIM.
Automated Pyrolyzer
GERSTEL PYRO mounts in minutes on the Thermal Desorption Unit (TDU) for pyrolysis at temperatures up to 1000 °C. Volatiles are first purged to ensure a clean pyrogram. Pyrolysis fragments are transferred to the GC/MS without analyte discrimination for best possible results. Up to 98 samples are pyrolyzed automatically using the MultiPurpose Sampler under MAESTRO or GC/MS software control. Learn more


7. LCGC eBook: Advances in GC–MS Analysis of Pesticides
In this e-book, authors from the US Department of Agriculture, academia, and a European Union Reference Laboratory discuss advances in the analysis of pesticide residues using GC–MS methods.


8. Superficially Porous Particles: Perspectives, Practices, and Trends
This review provided an updated overview of the theory behind the success of SPP technology, trends, benefits, and limitations. It also summarized the latest developments of sub-2-µm SPPs and instrumental constraints associated with their use.


9. The LCGC Blog: Avoiding the Problems Associated with HPLC Column Overload
There are many instances in which column overload may not be instantly recognized. LCGC Blogger Tony Taylor offered an explanation for how to spot and deal with different types of overload situations.


10. MS — The Practical Art: The Future of Miniature Mass Spectrometers and a Path Forward: A Few Thoughts from an Academic Researcher
This column instalment defined the future role of miniature MS systems in specialized analysis, justified the need for simplification in operation, proposed a development approach involving ambient ionization, and delineated challenges in development and commercialization.


11. The LCGC Blog: Basics, Applications, and Innovations in Solid-Phase Extraction
Solid-phase extraction (SPE) is a versatile and reliable technique that is often used for sample cleanup and concentration. LCGC blogger Kevin Schug offered some insight about SPE basics and achieving successful extractions.


Photo Credit: David Malan/Getty Images		12. A Generic Method for Target (Group) Analysis in Edible Oils and Fats: Combined Normal-Phase Liquid Chromatography and Capillary Gas Chromatography
Edible oils and fats are complex mixtures of compounds. This article originally featured in the special issue  described the role of normal-phase liquid chromatography as a generic sample pretreatment tool prior to detailed gas chromatography (GC) analysis.


Photo credit: Jorg Greuel/Getty Images		13. Impact of New Columns on Drug Development
This article examined the development of new types of columns based on different particle types, sizes, and other physical characteristics and how they can improve the speed and efficiency of HPLC used to support more expansive and complicated analyses.


14. Current Trends in Mass Spectrometry: A Convenient Alternative to MALDI and ESI
Ionization of small, large, volatile, and nonvolatile compounds with charge states nearly identical to electrospray ionization are produced from a solid matrix or solution with high sensitivity utilizing the vacuum inherent with any mass spectrometer. With the proper matrix, analytes can be analyzed from ambient conditions or by direct introduction into vacuum.
Featured Products
Miniature 12W X-ray Source Research-Grade Modular Spectrograph Smart Sample Loading WDXRF
Moxtek's new 12W Miniature Source has a higher voltage and emission current then present miniature x-ray sources, critical for faster and more precise XRF analysis of heavy and light elements at low concentrations. Read more Andor’s new Shamrock 193 mm focal length ‘imaging’ spectrograph is designed for UV-NIR low-light fluorescence or Raman spectroscopy applications. Wide-apertures slit, C-mount and ‘cage system’ accessories allow modular building of micro-spectroscopy setups.
Andor Technology, Belfast, UK;
 Read more 		Rigaku's Smart Sample Loading System adds a new dimension of flexibility to the ZSX Primus WDXRF. For sample types that are amenable, a vacuum chuck can be used to load samples into pre-loaded sample holders. Read more
Upcoming Webcasts
Characterization of Functionalized Nanoparticles Using Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Wednesday, January 28, 2015 — 8:00 am PST/ 11:00 am EST/ 4 pm GMT/ 5 pm CET
Sign Up Now >>

Editors' Series: Applications of Native MS and High Resolution Mass Spectrometry for the Characterization of Biotherapeutic Molecules
Thursday, January 29, 2015 — 8:00 am PST/ 10:00 am CST/ 11:00 am EST
Sign Up Now >>