Best of the Week: Light Scattering Detectors for GPC/SEC, GC–MS Software, and More

This week, LCGC International published a variety of articles on trending topics in separation science. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular articles, according to our readers. Happy reading!

The LCGC Blog: Teaching Separations to the Next Generation of Instrumentalists

Katelynn Perrault Uptmor is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at William & Mary. In the latest version of the LCGC Blog, Perrault Uptmor spotlights the benefits of working with undergraduate students and helping them learn how to use chromatographic instrumentation (1). She also explains what she hopes other researchers would take away from her work with undergraduate students (1).

Static Light Scattering Detectors in GPC/SEC: How Many Angles Do I Need?

Gel permeation chromatography/size-exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC) separates macromolecules by hydrodynamic volume. Calibration with narrow standards relates molar mass to elution volume, but this depends on the standard's structure (2). Static light scattering can determine true molar mass and radius of gyration without calibration, ideal for cases lacking reference materials (2). Light scattering detectors vary by angles measured—single-angle (LALS, RALS) or multi-angle (MALS) (2). This “Tips & Tricks” article explores angle selection's impact on results and offers guidance on choosing the appropriate detector for specific applications (2).

Inside the Laboratory: Using GC–MS to Analyze Bio-Oil Compositions in the Goldfarb Group

“Inside the Laboratory” is an ongoing content series that spotlights the chromatographic and spectroscopic work lead investigators are conducting in their own laboratories. In this edition of “Inside the Laboratory,” LCGC International sat down with Jillian Goldfarb of Cornell University to talk about her team’s work developing tools and exploring better ways to automate and standardize the processing of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) data (3). Current GC–MS software is inefficient and is unable to compare data across different platforms from other research groups (3). Goldfarb explains how her group’s newly developed tool addresses these limitations, and how it is being applied to analyze bio-oil compositions (3).

Jim Grinias Reflects on EAS and Emerging Chromatography Trends for 2025

The Eastern Analytical Symposium (EAS) in Plainsboro, New Jersey, was held from November 18–20 this year. This annual conference brought together lead researchers, academics, industry professionals, and important suppliers to discuss advancements in analytical chemistry (4). As part of LCGC International’s conference coverage for EAS, we sat down with Jim Grinias, an associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Rowan University, to talk about the emerging trends in chromatography for 2025 and his research on the fundamental development of liquid chromatography (LC) columns in capillaries and microfluidic devices (4).

AOAC INTERNATIONAL’s ISO 17043 Accreditation Expanded to Cannabis and Hemp Oil Proficiency Testing

In a November 26, 2024 press release, AOAC INTERNATIONAL announced it has expanded its ISO/IEC 17043 accreditation to include six cannabis and hemp oil proficiency testing (PT) programs (5). In this article, Erin McEvoy of Cannabis Science & Technology talks about this new oil PT program, and how it has been accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), one of the largest accreditation bodies worldwide (5).

References

1. Perrault Uptmor, K. A. The LCGC Blog: Teaching Separations to the Next Generation of Instrumentalists. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/the-lcgc-blog-teaching-separations-to-the-next-generation-of-instrumentalists (accessed 2024-12-05).
2. Held, D.; Krämer, M.; Glaßner, M. Static Light Scattering Detectors in GPC/SEC: How Many Angles Do I Need? LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/static-light-scattering-detectors-in-gpc-sec-how-many-angles-do-i-need- (accessed 2024-12-05).
3. Wetzel, W. Inside the Laboratory: Using GC–MS to Analyze Bio-Oil Compositions in the Goldfarb Group. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/inside-the-laboratory-using-gc-ms-to-analyze-bio-oil-compositions-in-the-goldfarb-group (accessed 2024-12-05).
4. Acevedo, A. Jim Grinias Reflects on EAS and Emerging Chromatography Trends for 2025. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/jim-grinias-talks-eas-2024-and-his-expectations-for-2025-chromatography-trends (accessed 2024-12-05).
5. McEvoy, E. AOAC INTERNATIONAL’s ISO 17043 Accreditation Expanded to Cannabis and Hemp Oil Proficiency Testing. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/aoac-international-s-iso-17043-accreditation-expanded-to-cannabis-and-hemp-oil-proficiency-testing (accessed 2024-12-05).