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Research Group: Professor Gert Desmet, Transport Modelling & Analytical Separation Science, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels.

The four eyes approach is a cornerstone of any quality system (GMP, GLP or ISO 17025): a first person performs a task and a second person checks it.

Beta-blockers are basic compounds that contain a secondary amino group in their structure. The amino substituents are typically an isopropyl group and a larger chain with a hydroxyl group in the beta position from the nitrogen atom (Table I). The simultaneous analysis of ?-blockers in biological samples is meaningful, and is made possible by the similarities in their structure. Gas chromatography (GC)–mass spectrometry (MS) has been the most used technique for their identification and quantification (4–6). However, most ?-blockers are nonvolatile and thus require derivatization via a cumbersome and time-consuming process before GC–MS analysis. In recent years, liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with mass spectrometric detection has evolved as the method of choice for drug analysis in the pharmaceutical, clinical, and forensic toxicology areas (4–8). In contrast to GC–MS, LC–MS-MS generally does not require derivatization and offers superior sensitivity. Moreover, due to the high specificity offered by LC–MS-MS, baseline chromatographic resolution often is not required, allowing for fast analysis in high-throughput environments.

The usefulness of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry–mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) methods for the unambiguous identification and quantification of pesticides in complex matrix samples is well known. Triple-quadrupole systems have proven to be useful for this task because of their high specificity in MS-MS mode and their low detection limits. However, working in MS-MS mode makes any MS system blind to other compounds of interest.

Although not currently used in U.S. or European aquaculture, malachite green (MG) is still an effective and inexpensive fungicide that is used in other countries, particularly in Asia. During metabolism, MG reduces to leucomalachite green (LMG) (Figure 1), which has been shown to accumulate in fatty fish tissues. Trace levels of MG and LMG residues continue to be found in fish products. In a 2005 report, MG was found in 18 out of 27 live eel or eel products imported from China to Hong Kong local market and food outlets, resulting in a government recall and destruction of all remaining products (1).

Because it is extremely rapid, biomarker discovery and identification using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), including both ion-trap and triple-quadrupole LC–MS, is well established. Fractionation of complex samples before LC–MS-MS analysis might be necessary to identify the proteins, greatly increasing the number of analyses required. In this case, there is ongoing debate regarding knowing whether the protein is identified correctly, knowing how much prior fractionation is needed to reduce complexity to the point where low-abundance proteins can be detected reliably, and balancing specificity with sensitivity.

The nanoLC LIT-TOF approach combines multiple capabilities that improve the ability to characterize complex protein mixtures significantly.

Researchers at Swansea University (Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom) are using GCMS-TD technology to analyze the concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath.

Agilent Technologies (Palo Alto, California) has been recognized as one of the "Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World" for the fourth consecutive year.

Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in Cambridge, Massachusetts, are designing a tiny sensor that can detect minute quantities of hazardous gases more efficiently and quickly than current devices on the market.

A mass spectrometer from Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. has been chosen by the Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montreal (ICRM) for use in their proteomics research approach that could impact the current understanding of the human proteome.

Polymer Laboratories, now a part of Varian, Inc.

This month, Chromatography Online's Technology Forum looks at the topic of Pittcon and the trends and issues surrounding it. Joining us for this discussion is Michael Swartz of Synomics Pharmaceutical Services, Tom Ricci of Ricci Communications, and Kevin McLaughlin of Shimadzu.

When is it acceptable to use a strong anion exchange HPLC column in place of a weak anion exchange column? Is it ever acceptable?

Polymer Standards Service

Thermo

The winning hand Desty Memorial award winner, Haifei Zhang from Liverpool University talks about his innovative research into the manufacture of hierarchical porous materials. Comprehensive GC with quadrupole mass spectrometric detection. Margit Geissler, Shimadzu Europa GmbH. Tips & Tricks: GPC/SEC Friedhelm Gores and Peter Kilz, PSS Polymer Standards Service GmbH News All the news for February 2008. Zosimus Thoughts on the state of the separation science industry over the last two years. HAs anything changed? Market trends & analysis Glenn Cudiamat provides a report on the GC market following a recent user survey.

From 1–4 April 2008, Munich will once again be the stage for Analytica 2008 - a leading trade fair offering marketable solutions in analytics, laboratory technology, biotechnology and the life sciences.

Light up your life with millions of colours!; Gadget alerts you to your thirsty plants; No need to reach for the volume control thanks to new regulator

"As research advances, about half of what we will teach you . . . will turn out to be wrong. The problem is, we presently don't know which half." Powerful Medicines, Jerry Avorn, 2004

Malvern Instruments Acquires Viscotek Corporation; Thermo Fisher Scientific Wins 2007 Frost and Sullivan Award; The Kinesis Group Acquires Abimed Analysen

The Kinesis group of companies (UK) announced its acquisition of Abimed Analysen, a German-based company focused on the chromatography and liquid handling markets.

The Pittsburgh Conference announces, "DNA Sequencing: From the Early Days of Sanger Sequencing to the Human Genome Project" as the focus of the nineteenth James L. Waters Annual Symposium which recognizes pioneers in the development of analytical instrumentation.

LCGC Emerging Leader in Chromatography Finalist - Marianna Kele

LCGC Emerging Leader in Chromatography Finalist - Yufeng Shen

LCGC Lifetime Achievement Finalist - Dr. Leslie Ettre

LCGC Lifetime Achievement Finalist - Dr. Dusan Berek

LCGC Lifetime Achievement Finalist - Dr. Walter Jennings