The Column-08-13-2018

Incognito looks to a paradigm shift.

Splitless injections are sometimes necessary for trace analyses, where the analyst hopes to recover 100% of the analytes that are injected. Unfortunately, splitless injections can be challenging and using an imperfect method can lead to loss of analytes and poor peak shapes. The choice of inlet liner can have an impact on the data and one must consider the effects of geometry, packing, deactivation, and volume on introduction of analytes into the system. Other important inlet parameters to consider include inlet temperature, splitless hold time, and initial oven temperature.

The cannabis industry has been taking a hard look at the science behind their products and the various contaminants that can inadvertently be added to consumer goods. As testing laboratories begin to implement new state-mandated regulations and other consensus methods for best practices, there is a need to review the analytical instruments and methods that can deliver the most accurate results in a timely fashion. Anthony Macherone, senior scientist at Agilent Technologies and visiting scientist at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, recently spoke to us about his research in this area and the chromatographic techniques he has found to be most effective for profiling cannabinoids and terpenes, detecting pesticides, and residual solvents testing.

The most commonly applied detector in gel permeation chromatography/size-exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC) is the differential refractive index detector, RI. How UV–vis detection, if applicable, adds true value to GPC/SEC applications is discussed in this instalment of Tips & Tricks.

The medicinal qualities of cannabinoids contained in hemp have been described in detail. Pain mitigation and reduced severity of nausea and seizures are just a few of the therapeutic benefits reported by medical cannabis patients. There is evidence that a combination of CBD, a host of other minor cannabinoids, and a complex array of terpenoids as contained in hemp oil may be the most beneficial, which is why CBD-rich oil for oral intake has become increasingly popular. The FDA has issued warning letters to firms that market unapproved new drugs allegedly containing CBD. As part of these actions, the cannabinoid content of some hemp products was determined and many were found to contain levels of CBD largely deviating from the label claim. Like cannabis, hemp oil can be analyzed easily and effectively for its cannabinoid content. This article highlights the use of a fast and simple HPLC–UV assay for separation and quantification of 11 important cannabinoids, including CBD in hemp oil.

Researchers from ESPCI Paris and the Institut de Recherche Criminelle de la Gendarmerie Nationale have developed and optimized a comprehensive two-dimensional GC–MS method for the forensic profiling of human hand odour.

Agilent Technologies and the University of Duisburg-Essen will collaborate to combine the company’s analytical technologies with the university’s researchers.

Sciex has donated $17,500 to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) to help fund urgently‑needed research investigating the relationships between food, nutrition, and physical activity with cancer prognosis and outcome in cancer survivors.

Researchers from the College of the Holy Cross have developed an ultrafast gas chromatography (UFGC) and chemometric method for the analysis of biodiesel blends.

Click the title above to open The Column August 2018 North American issue, Volume 14, Number 8, in an interactive PDF format.

Click the title above to open The Column August 2018 Europe & Asia issue, Volume 14, Number 8, in an interactive PDF format.

Incognito looks to a paradigm shift.

The most commonly applied detector in gel permeation chromatography/size-exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC) is the differential refractive index detector, RI. How UV–vis detection, if applicable, adds true value to GPC/SEC applications is discussed in this instalment of Tips & Tricks.

Splitless injections are sometimes necessary for trace analyses, where the analyst hopes to recover 100% of the analytes that are injected. Unfortunately, splitless injections can be challenging and using an imperfect method can lead to loss of analytes and poor peak shapes. The choice of inlet liner can have an impact on the data and one must consider the effects of geometry, packing, deactivation, and volume on introduction of analytes into the system. Other important inlet parameters to consider include inlet temperature, splitless hold time, and initial oven temperature.

This article highlights the use of a fast and simple high performance liquid chromatography–ultraviolet (HPLC–UV) assay for separation and quantification of 11 important cannabinoids, including CBD in hemp oil.