Concentrating on Chromatography

David Oliva
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  • CHEMISTRY
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Episode 61: Why Biologics QC Is So Much Harder Than Small Molecule Pharma | Colette Quinn of Waters

    In this episode of  @ChromatographyTalk  David speaks with Colette Quinn, Senior Director within the Biologics Business at Waters Corporation, about the rapidly evolving world of pharmaceutical and biopharma QA/QC.As biologics become more complex, QA/QC labs are being pushed beyond traditional pass/fail testing toward deeper molecular characterization, advanced analytics, and data-driven decision making. Colette explains why “the product is the process” in biologics manufacturing, how chromatography and mass spectrometry are transforming QC workflows, and why orthogonal analytical techniques are becoming increasingly important for understanding critical quality attributes (CQAs).The conversation explores:* Why biologics QC differs fundamentally from small molecule pharma* The growing role of LC, HRMS, MALS, CE, and 2D-LC in QA/QC* Challenges surrounding aggregation, co-elution, heterogeneity, and higher-order structure* How automation, software, and machine learning may reshape future QC labs* The importance of data integrity and standardized workflows* Why advanced techniques like MALS and mass spectrometry are moving downstream into QC environments* How QC teams can think scientifically about adopting new analytical technologiesColette also shares insights on building high-performing analytical teams, the skills needed by the next generation of QC scientists, and where she believes the future of real-time release testing and biologics characterization is headed.Whether you work in chromatography, mass spectrometry, pharmaceutical analysis, biologics development, or analytical chemistry, this episode offers a detailed look at how modern QA/QC is evolving alongside increasingly sophisticated therapeutics.#Chromatography #MassSpec #Biologics #Pharma #Biopharma #QualityControl #QAQC #LCMS #MALS #AnalyticalChemistry #Waters #PharmaceuticalAnalysis #Biotechnology #2DLC #QC #MassSpectrometry

    39 min

  2. 11 MAY

    Episode 60: Why Capillary LC Is the Future of LC-MS Sensitivity #chromatography #massspectrometry

    What makes capillary LC so powerful—and why are more scientists paying attention to it?In this episode of  @ChromatographyTalk , David sits down with Samuel Foster of Axcend to discuss how capillary liquid chromatography is changing the conversation around LC-MS sensitivity, solvent consumption, instrument footprint, and chromatographic efficiency.Sam explains how lower flow rates can dramatically improve electrospray ionization performance, why capillary LC can reduce solvent usage by orders of magnitude, and where the technology is already making an impact in pharmaceutical, environmental, and radiopharmaceutical workflows.They also discuss common misconceptions about capillary LC, why older systems gave the technology a mixed reputation, and why modern advances may make now the right time for labs to take another look.Topics Covered:* What capillary LC is and how it differs from traditional HPLC* Why lower flow rates improve LC-MS sensitivity* Solvent savings and sustainability benefits* Extra-column effects and hidden performance killers* Applications in pharma, biologics, drugs of abuse, and radiopharmaceuticals* Is capillary LC ready for routine lab adoption?* The future of liquid chromatographyIf you work in LC, LC-MS, analytical chemistry, method development, or lab operations, this episode is packed with practical insight.👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with leaders in analytical science.#Chromatography #HPLC #LCMS #MassSpectrometry #AnalyticalChemistry #PharmaceuticalAnalysis #LabScience #CapillaryLC

    17 min

  3. 4 MAY

    Episode 59: The Future of Ion Chromatography | PFAS Testing, EPA 1621 & AOF Explained #analyticalchemistry

    How are PFAS regulations changing, and what role will ion chromatography play in the future of environmental testing?In this episode of  @ChromatographyTalk , David interviews Jay Gandhi, PhD, Vertical Markets Manager at Metrohm USA, for an in-depth discussion on PFAS analysis, the rise of AOF (Adsorbable Organic Fluorine) testing, and the development of EPA 1621 and ISO 18127 standards.With more than 30 years of experience in ion chromatography, Jay shares valuable perspective on how the field has evolved—from early applications and NASA water recovery projects to today’s challenges involving PFAS, TFA, and emerging contaminants.Topics covered in this episode include:• What PFAS are and why they matter• The difference between targeted PFAS methods and AOF analysis• How combustion ion chromatography works• Behind the scenes of EPA 1621 and ISO 18127 method development• Regulatory trends in water, textiles, and food packaging• TFA analysis using IC-MS and IC-MS/MS• The future of ion chromatography in environmental labsWhether you work in analytical chemistry, environmental testing, water analysis, or chromatography, this episode offers timely insights from one of the industry’s leading experts.Subscribe for more interviews with scientists, researchers, and industry leaders.#PFAS #Chromatography #IonChromatography #EnvironmentalTesting #Metrohm #AnalyticalChemistry #MassSpectrometry #EPA

    30 min

  4. 27 APR

    Episode 58: How Separation Science Is Taught vs. How It’s Actually Used #nmrspectroscopy #massspectrometry

    What do students really learn before they ever touch an analytical instrument? And is chemistry education keeping up with the pace of modern chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation?In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, David speaks with instructor Natasha Le about the realities of teaching chemistry and separation science to today’s students—many of whom are pursuing careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and healthcare rather than research.Natasha shares what students struggle with most, why many learners become focused on grades instead of understanding the science, and where the gap exists between textbook chemistry and real-world lab workflows.Topics include:🔹 When students first encounter separation science concepts🔹 Why chromatography is often taught without being labeled as such🔹 The challenge of teaching critical thinking vs. “button pushing”🔹 How mass spectrometry differs in the classroom vs. real labs🔹 Why sample prep skills matter more than students realize🔹 Can universities keep up with rapidly changing analytical technology?🔹 What separates a good chemistry student from a great oneIf you work in chromatography, mass spectrometry, lab education, or are preparing for a career in analytical chemistry, this conversation offers a valuable look at how the next generation is being trained.#Chromatography #MassSpectrometry #AnalyticalChemistry #STEMEducation #HPLC #GCMS #LCMS #ChemistryStudents #SamplePrep #Podcast

    24 min

  5. 20 APR

    Episode 57: Frugal Science Meets Sample Prep: A Field-Ready Lyophilizer for Biofluids

    What if you could dry biofluid samples in the field—without a vacuum system, freeze dryer, or full lab setup?In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, I sit down with Rajas Poorna and Charles Anderson to explore their work on a frugal, field-deployable alternative to traditional lyophilization through the Evapinator project.Originally inspired by the principles of frugal science, their approach rethinks how we stabilize and prepare biofluid samples like blood and plasma—especially in environments where traditional lab infrastructure simply isn’t available.--- 🔬 What This Episode Covers: 🧪 A Frugal Take on Lyophilization* Can you replicate the outcome of a lyophilizer without the complexity?* Why traditional freeze drying is often too expensive and impractical for field use* How simplifying evaporation could unlock entirely new workflows 🌍 Drying Biofluids in the Field* The real-world challenge of handling blood and other biofluids outside the lab* Why sample stability during transport is such a critical bottleneck* How a portable system could enable on-site sample prep in remote or resource-limited settings ⚗️ Rethinking Evaporation (No Vacuum Required)* The core idea behind the Evapinator—and how it challenges conventional assumptions* The role of airflow, heat, and design in drying sensitive samples* Where this approach fits relative to traditional evaporation and lyophilization techniques 🛠️ Early Results & Practical Insights* What’s working so far—and where limitations still exist* The types of applications where this approach shows the most promise* What still needs to be validated in upcoming peer-reviewed work--- ⚗️ Why This MattersFrom clinical research in remote regions to decentralized diagnostics, the ability to dry and preserve biofluid samples in the field could fundamentally change how and where analysis happens.This conversation challenges a core assumption in analytical science:Do you really need a full lyophilizer—or even a vacuum—to stabilize biofluid samples?--- 🚀 What’s NextThis is Part 1 of the conversation.In the follow-up episode, we’ll dive into the peer-reviewed data, performance validation, and how this approach compares directly to traditional lyophilization and evaporation systems.---## 🎧 About the Show @ChromatographyTalk  explores the people, technologies, and ideas shaping analytical science—from the lab bench to the field.

    46 min

  6. 13 APR

    Episode 56: Fighting Antibiotic Resistance with LC-MS: Targeting Bacterial Cell Walls #chromatography #massspec

    In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, host Dave Oliva sits down with Chris Reid to explore how chemical biology and LC-MS are being used to tackle one of the most urgent global challenges: antimicrobial resistance.As antibiotic resistance continues to rise—and new drug development struggles to keep pace—researchers are looking beyond traditional approaches. Instead of targeting how bacteria build their cell walls, Chris’s work focuses on how they break them down, opening the door to entirely new antimicrobial strategies.--- 🔬 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:* Why antimicrobial resistance is accelerating globally* What peptidoglycan is and why it’s essential to bacterial survival* How targeting cell wall degradation differs from traditional antibiotics* The strategy behind designing small molecule probes and inhibitors* How LC-MS is used to analyze peptidoglycan fragments and enzyme activity* Key analytical challenges: complex mixtures, low-abundance species, and structural similarity* The importance of sample preparation and reproducibility in LC-MS workflows* How this research could lead to new antibiotic targets--- ⚗️ LC-MS in FocusThis episode dives deep into how LC-MS enables:* Detection of peptidoglycan fragment profiles* Analysis of cross-linking patterns via retention time and mass* Identification of structural changes using tandem mass spectrometryChris also shares practical insights on:* Sample prep challenges with insoluble biomaterials* Common pitfalls in LC-MS workflows* How to ensure consistent, reproducible data--- 🚀 Why This MattersWith bacteria rapidly evolving resistance to existing drugs, the need for new antimicrobial strategies has never been greater. This research highlights how combining chemistry, biology, and analytical science can uncover entirely new ways to fight infection.--- 🎧 About the Show @ChromatographyTalk  explores the intersection of analytical chemistry, sample preparation, and real-world applications across research and industry.--- 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on:* LC-MS & chromatography* Sample preparation strategies* Real-world analytical workflows* Emerging applications in life sciences--- 🧠 Key Takeaway “We’re rapidly running out of tools in our arsenal to combat resistant organisms.”

    22 min

  7. 6 APR

    Episode 55: PFAS in Water: Why We’re Missing 96% of the Problem | Dr. Leigh Terry #analyticalchemistry

    What if most PFAS contamination isn’t even being measured?In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, we sit down with Dr. Leigh Terry from the University of Alabama to explore one of the biggest challenges in environmental analysis today: understanding—and accurately measuring—PFAS in water systems.While most regulatory methods focus on a small number of compounds like PFOA and PFOS, there may be thousands of PFAS compounds in the environment—and much of that burden goes undetected.--- 🔬 In this episode, we cover:* Why PFAS are called “forever chemicals” (and why that label is evolving)* The limitations of targeted LC-MS/MS methods* What the fluorine mass balance problem reveals about PFAS destruction* How combustion ion chromatography (CIC) helps measure total organofluorine* Why “99.99% removal” doesn’t always mean what you think* Where PFAS actually end up in wastewater treatment systems* The most effective technologies for PFAS removal today* Why drinking water may only account for ~20% of total PFAS exposure--- 💡 Key Insight:Even when analyzing dozens of PFAS compounds, researchers may only be capturing a small fraction of total organic fluorine—raising major questions about how we monitor and regulate these contaminants.--- 👤 About Our Guest:Dr. Leigh Terry leads research focused on water quality, emerging contaminants, and PFAS monitoring and treatment, combining advanced analytical chemistry with real-world environmental applications.--- 🎧 About the Podcast:Concentrating on Chromatography explores the intersection of analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, and real-world lab applications—featuring researchers solving today’s most important scientific challenges.---👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with leaders in chromatography and analytical science.--- 🔗 Connect & Learn More:* Follow Dr. Leigh Terry’s work* Explore PFAS research and water quality topics* Subscribe for future episodes  --- #Tags#PFAS #WaterQuality #Chromatography #MassSpectrometry #LCMS #EnvironmentalScience #AnalyticalChemistry #ForeverChemicals

    31 min

  8. 31 MAR

    Episode 54: AQbD Explained: How Design of Experiments is Transforming Chromatography (LC-MS, Pharma & Biopharma)

    In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, David Oliva sits down with Amanda Guiraldelli Mahr to break down one of the most important (and often misunderstood) concepts in analytical chemistry: Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD).If you’ve ever relied on trial-and-error for method development—or wondered how top labs are using Design of Experiments (DOE), modeling, and AI to work smarter—this episode is for you.Amanda shares insights from her work across small molecules, peptides, proteins, and biopharmaceuticals, including her experience with LC-MS, metabolomics, impurity analysis, and oligonucleotide therapeutics.--- What You’ll Learn in This Episode:* What AQbD actually means (in simple terms)* How DOE differs from traditional one-factor-at-a-time experiments* Why modern labs are shifting toward predictive, data-driven method development* The biggest benefits of DOE: more insight with fewer experiments** Real-world example: optimizing oligonucleotide impurity separations using AQbD * Key LC parameters that impact performance (pH, gradient, column, temperature)* Challenges of working with large molecules vs. small molecules* Tools and software for DOE and chromatographic modeling* How AI and modeling are shaping the future of chromatography --- Key Takeaway“Shift your mindset from testing to understanding.”--- 👩‍🔬 **Who This Episode Is For:* Undergraduate and graduate chemistry students* Analytical scientists and method developers* Pharma & biopharma professionals* Anyone working with LC, LC-MS, or chromatography method development--- 🔗 Connect with AmandaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-guiraldelli-mahr-05501684/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-guiraldelli-mahr-05501684/)--- 🎙️ **About the Podcast**Concentrating on Chromatography explores the people, tools, and ideas shaping the future of analytical science.---📌 KeywordsChromatography, LC-MS, Analytical Chemistry, AQbD, Design of Experiments, DOE, Method Development, Biopharma, Oligonucleotides, Mass Spectrometry, Pharmaceutical Analysis

    34 min
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About

Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!

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