Separation Science

Articles LC-MS for chromatographers: the full analytical workflow from mass analyzers and ion chemistry to sample preparation and bioanalytical method validation. Written byErika Russell InterviewingMatthew Klee A practical guide to LC-MS for chromatographers: instrumentation, ion chemistry, method development, sample prep, and validation. The full workflow explained. GEMINI (2026) Register for free to listen to this article LC-MS for chromatographers is not simply HPLC with a different detector.

Repeated global helium supply crises, escalating cylinder costs, and corporate sustainability mandates have accelerated the analytical community's interest in alternative carrier gases. For gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in food and beverage testing—such as multi-residue pesticide monitoring, fatty acid profiling, and aroma analysis—hydrogen represents the premier chromatographic alternative to helium.

Economically motivated adulteration (EMA) of high-value spirits—including single malt Scotch, Bourbon, Tequila 100% agave, Cognac, and artisanal gins—represents a multi-billion-dollar global challenge. Counterfeiting strategies have evolved beyond crude chemical dilution; modern illicit operations utilize sophisticated blending with neutral grain spirits, synthetic aroma spiking, and counterfeit age-statement labeling.

High-throughput testing laboratories in the food and beverage industry face unprecedented data generation rates alongside skilled-analyst labor shortages. High-resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS and GC-MS/MS) systems run 24-hour queues for multi-residue pesticide screening, flavor profiling, process contaminant verification, and authenticity testing.

The packaging industry's accelerated shift toward circular economy models—driven by post-consumer recycled resins (PCR), bio-based polymers (polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates), and coated molded fiber—introduces unprecedented chemical complexity to food contact materials (FCM).

Articles Discover how volatile organic compounds profiling enhances food analysis with advanced GCxGC-TOF-MS technology. Written byShiama Thiageswaran Google Gemini Register for free to listen to this article Traditional single-dimension gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (1D-GC-MS) often falls short when profiling complex, novel food matrices such as plant-based proteins, precision fermentation broths, and upcycled lipid systems.

An antibody conjugate enters a pharmacokinetic study as one therapeutic construct, but following its components requires several analytical measurements. An assay that tracks the antibody answers a different question from one that measures its associated payload. Sample preparation determines which of those questions the LC-MS result can address.

An average oligonucleotide-to-antibody ratio can describe the loading of an antibody–oligonucleotide conjugate (AOC), but it leaves several questions open. Which conjugate populations contribute to that average? Where does conjugation occur? Does the oligonucleotide payload retain its intended structure? A recent Phenomenex symposium explored those questions using a trastuzumab biosimilar conjugated to an RNA duplex.

An RNA strand one nucleotide shorter than the intended product presents a demanding separation problem. In single-guide RNA (sgRNA) purity analysis, resolving that n−1 impurity can determine how well the analytical method distinguishes the main product from closely related impurities.

Articles A practical guide to GC-MS for operators and method developers, covering instrumentation, tuning, spectral analysis, and quantitative methods. Written byErika Russell InterviewingMatthew Klee Learn how GC-MS works for operators and method developers, from vacuum systems and ionization to mass analyzers, detectors, tuning, and quantitative analysis.