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A quality attribute of Suzuki-Miyura coupling reactions is to measure residual levels of phosphine ligands in the reaction product. Residual phosphine ligands can be present in non-oxidized and oxidized forms. The non-oxidized and oxidized forms have different UV chromophores and can have differing solubility. These differences can preclude accurate and precise quantification. The extent of oxidation is difficult to prevent and control for calibration standards and test materials. This paper describes a method for derivatizing residual phosphines to the oxidized form. The oxidized form is stable and provides a basis for accurate quantification of residual phosphines. This overcomes the challenges for quantifying the non-oxidized and oxidized forms.

Headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME) GC–MS was used by researchers to analyze concrete samples from a Michigan City basement after a 2022 confession to a 2017 murder in which the body was never recovered. The analysis detected multiple volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with human decomposition, indicating a body had decomposed in the room for an extended period. This study marked the first successful legal use of VOC evidence from concrete in Indiana and helped support the suspect’s conviction.

Combining silicon micro-nanofabrication technology to create perfectly ordered separation beds on a silicon chip, such as micro-pillar array columns (µPACs), is a powerful innovation in liquid chromatography. This article discusses the numerous possibilities of micro-nanofabrication in the future of analytical chemistry in life science, covering sample preparation, separation science, and detection technologies.

A recent review article highlights evolving MS-based methodologies that are reshaping ligand discovery and mechanistic characterization for membrane protein drug targets. LCGC International spoke to Andrew Reiter and Dina Schuster, two of the authors of the article, about these methodologies.

Top articles published this week highlight several important analytical techniques, including LC–MS/MS and QuEChERS–GC–MS/MS.

A chromatographic approach based on isotope dilution high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) was used to objectively quantify serum cotinine as a biomarker of environmental tobacco smoke exposure in non-smoking women. The findings highlight the value of HPLC–MS/MS chromatography for sensitive biomarker quantification in epidemiological studies and support the role of second-hand smoke as a modifiable risk factor for pelvic inflammatory disease.

A spatially resolved proteomics workflow was established by combining nanosecond mid-infrared laser layer-by-layer ablation of human corneal tissue with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The approach provided insights into metabolic activity, immune function, and wound-healing processes within individual corneal layers, demonstrating the power of LC–MS/MS-based chromatography for elucidating corneal biology, disease mechanisms, and potential pharmacological targets.

Thermo Fisher Scientific has entered a strategic collaboration with NVIDIA to integrate advanced AI technologies into scientific instruments and laboratory workflows.

A validated chromatographic method was developed for monitoring organochlorine pesticide residues in sesame seeds using QuEChERS sample preparation coupled with gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). The results demonstrate that QuEChERS combined with GC–MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode provides a robust, efficient, and reliable chromatographic solution for routine food safety monitoring and regulatory compliance in sesame seed analysis.

A comprehensive analytical strategy combining inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with untargeted liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was applied to evaluate the chemical composition of commercially available tattoo inks in Australia. The results demonstrate the critical role of LC–MS/MS-based chromatography in uncovering previously uncharacterized toxicants in tattoo inks and underscore the need for harmonized regulatory frameworks and routine chromatographic surveillance to ensure consumer safety.

Rapid native hydrophobic interaction chromatography–mass spectrometry methods have been developed using ammonium tartrate, enabling robust drug-to-antibody ratio and drug load distribution characterization, as well as real-time process analytical technology monitoring of antibody–drug conjugates bioconjugation without complex multidimensional workflows. LCGC International spoke to Bingchaun Wei of the research team about these methods.

Top articles published this week include an interview about a label-free quantitative native proteomics workflow and a preview of the upcoming 44th International Symposium on Capillary Chromatography (ISCC) and the 21st GC×GC Symposium.

Researchers used Design of Experiments approach to optimize gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC–FID) for essential oil analysis. The harmonized GC method enables robust, reproducible separation of 87 terpenes using a single column and sample preparation protocol, improving efficiency, standardization, and sustainability for essential oil quality control.