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. 1 hr ago

    Episode 68: Peak Fitting, Deconvolution & AI in Chromatography

    Chromatography software hasn't fundamentally changed in decades — but the peaks it's trying to measure have gotten a lot harder to solve. In this episode of  @ChromatographyTalk  I sit down with Ron Brown, creator of PeakFit and PeakLab, and returning guest Dr. M. Farooq Wahab, analytical chemist and research engineering scientist at the University of Texas at Arlington, to dig into the real science (and art) of peak modeling.We cover why baseline subtraction and denoising matter before you ever touch a peak model, the difference between true mathematical deconvolution and the "deconvolution" most chromatographers mean when they say it, and why mass balance is the line between a valid peak model and bad science. Ron walks through the historical roots of peak modeling going back over a century, and explains how his HVL and generalized moment models build on pioneers whose work rarely gets the recognition it deserves.We also get into resolving completely co-eluting peaks using 3D PDA/DAD data, multivariate curve resolution, and derivative-based zero-crossing methods — techniques that go well beyond what a single chromatographic dimension can tell you. And we close with a candid conversation about generative AI's growing role in analytical chemistry: where it genuinely accelerates good science, where it's eroding foundational skills in newer chemists, and why Farooq argues AI is only as useful as the prepared mind using it.In this episode:- What peak modeling actually solves that chromatography alone can't- Why baseline correction and denoising come before any modeling step- The historical origins of peak fitting, from Carl Clarison to Van der Linden- True deconvolution vs. what the field commonly (and incorrectly) calls deconvolution- Why mass balance is non-negotiable in a valid peak model- Using the F-statistic and information criteria to choose the right model complexity- Resolving fully co-eluting peaks with 3D spectral data and MCR-ALS- Generative AI's expanding role in chromatographic data processing — and its risks for early-career scientistsAbout our guests:Ronald E. Brown is a chemical engineer trained at Purdue University with 36 years of experience developing chromatography and spectroscopy peak modeling software. He is the sole developer of PeakFit and PeakLab, used by spectroscopists, chromatographers, and defense researchers worldwide. His paper on detecting outliers in nonlinear regression using the false discovery rate has been cited more than 1,950 times.Dr. M. Farooq Wahab is an analytical chemist and research engineering scientist at the University of Texas at Arlington. He earned his PhD from the University of Alberta and focuses his research on data processing, non-linear denoising, deconvolution, and generative AI applications in analytical chemistry.🎧 Listen to more episodes of Concentrating on Chromatography: https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL?si=n9GLz9zjSCOrVfXPxFPhng🔗 Learn more about Organomation's nitrogen blowdown evaporators and sample prep instruments: https://www.organomation.com/#Chromatography #PeakFitting #AnalyticalChemistry #MassSpectrometry #Deconvolution #ChemometricsAI #HPLC #LabScience

    1 hr

  2. 29 Jun

    Episode 67: Is Your Lab Sitting on a Data Goldmine? AI, Deep Learning, & Mass Spectrometry with mzio

    Welcome back to another episode of Concentrating on Chromatography! In this episode of  @ChromatographyTalk  host David Oliva sits down with Dr. Ansgar Korf, CEO and Co-Founder of mzio GmbH, to explore how their vendor-agnostic platform is fundamentally changing how researchers and industrial users extract value from complex mass spectrometry data.Historically rooted in the open-source academic community as mzmine, Bremen-based mzio has evolved into a powerhouse for multimodal data analysis—spanning LC-MS, GC-MS, ion mobility MS, and MS-imaging. Ansgar pulls back the curtain on how laboratories can break free from proprietary vendor software stacks to streamline workflows across mixed-instrument fleets.We dive deep into their massive announcements from ASMS 2026, including FAIR-MS—an AI-powered initiative utilizing deep learning embeddings to automatically search and match new measurements against archived, historical data sets. We also break down the LIMMIC calibration project, their new small molecule and lipidomics dashboards, and how AI agents will shape the next 5 years of automated, real-time MS data acquisition.Whether you are an industry veteran or an early-career chemist, this episode is packed with insights on avoiding the "black box" of automated analysis while unleashing the true power of your lab's data.Mass Spectrometry, Chromatography, mzio, mzmine, FAIR-MS, LIMMIC, Lipidomics, Metabolomics, Open-Source Science, Analytical Chemistry, AI in Chemistry, Deep Learning, LC-MS, GC-MS, PFAS Analysis, Vendor-Agnostic Software, ASMS 2026

    36 min

  3. 22 Jun

    Episode 66: Why Sustainable Labs Save Money: James Connelly, CEO of My Green Lab

    Can sustainability actually make laboratories more efficient—and more profitable?In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography,  @Organomation  General Manager David Oliva sits down with James Connelly, CEO of My Green Lab, to discuss how a grassroots movement founded by scientists evolved into the leading global organization for laboratory sustainability.James explains why sustainability is no longer just a "nice-to-have" initiative, how major pharmaceutical companies and funding organizations are driving change, and why laboratory suppliers and instrument manufacturers are becoming increasingly important in helping scientists achieve their environmental goals.Topics include:🔬 How My Green Lab grew from an academic movement into a global standard💰 Why sustainable laboratories often deliver significant financial ROI🏭 The changing role of laboratory equipment manufacturers and suppliers📊 What Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions actually mean♻️ The ACT Eco Label and sustainable product design⚡ Renewable energy, recycled materials, and resilient supply chains🤖 AI-powered predictive maintenance and smart laboratory technologies🗑️ Emerging innovations in laboratory waste management🌎 Why sustainability is becoming a business imperative across life sciences🎓 The My Green Lab Ambassador and Accredited Professional programsWhether you're an analytical chemist, laboratory manager, instrument manufacturer, or simply interested in the future of scientific research, this episode provides practical insights into how sustainability is transforming laboratories around the world. Subscribe to  @ChromatographyTalk  for more conversations with leaders in chromatography, mass spectrometry, sample preparation, and analytical science.#Sustainability #GreenLab #MyGreenLab #LaboratoryScience #Chromatography #MassSpectrometry #AnalyticalChemistry #LifeSciences #ESG #SciencePodcast

    33 min

  4. 15 Jun

    Episode 65: Why Scientists Need to Tell Their Story | Funding, Visibility & Industry Impact

    Why should analytical chemists, chromatographers, and researchers care about science communication? Is publishing papers enough? How can scientists increase their visibility without spending hours on social media?In this episode of  @ChromatographyTalk  , David is joined by Lisa Jones and Johnnie Aycock, co-hosts of  @TheNoonShow100.1  and creators of the upcoming BrightPath program on Alabama Public Radio. Together, they explore why communicating science matters—not just for public understanding, but for research funding, industry partnerships, talent development, and the future of innovation itself.From translating complex ideas with simple analogies to building relationships beyond the laboratory, this conversation offers practical advice for scientists who want their work to have a greater impact.In this episode:🔬 Why scientists need to tell their story beyond journal publications🎙️ How researchers can communicate complex science to non-scientists💡 Why visibility matters for funding, collaboration, and career opportunities🏭 Bridging the gap between academia and industry🤝 The importance of partnerships and advocacy for research📢 Practical first steps for chemists who want to promote their work🧪 Why conferences alone aren't enough to reach broader audiences🎓 How science communication can inspire the next generation of scientists🌎 The role of research in economic development and global competitiveness🎧 The vision behind BrightPath and bringing science stories to the publicMemorable topics discussed:Explaining chromatography through the analogy of making coffeeWhy researchers should "lead with why it matters"Lessons learned from interviewing scientists across AlabamaThe connection between research, workforce development, and economic growthHow communication can influence public support for scienceWhy showing up and building relationships often matters more than perfectionFeatured GuestsLisa JonesFormer University of Alabama Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry staff member (27 years)Co-host of The Noon ShowScience communication advocate and STEM enthusiastJohnnie AycockFormer President & CEO of the West Alabama Chamber of CommerceEconomic development leaderCo-host of The Noon Show🎙️ Concentrating on Chromatography explores chromatography, mass spectrometry, sample preparation, and the people advancing analytical science.If you enjoy conversations about analytical chemistry, LC-MS, GC-MS, sample preparation, and scientific careers, subscribe for future episodes featuring researchers, industry leaders, and innovators from around the world.#Chromatography #AnalyticalChemistry #MassSpectrometry #ScienceCommunication #STEM #Research #LCMS #GCMS #Chemistry #SciencePodcast #Scientists #AcademicResearch #Innovation #Spectroscopy #CareersInScience #ConcentratingOnChromatography

    54 min

  5. 9 Jun

    Episode 64: The Chemistry of Human Decomposition: GC×GC, Body Farms, and Forensic Science

    In this episode of  @ChromatographyTalk  David sits down with Dr. Darshil Patel, Assistant Professor of Forensic Science at the University of North Dakota, to discuss his remarkable journey from dentistry in India to becoming a leading researcher in forensic chemistry across Australia, Canada, and the United States.Dr. Patel shares how his work at human taphonomic facilities—commonly known as "body farms"—has helped advance our understanding of human decomposition and the volatile compounds released during the postmortem process. Using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS), his research aims to improve human remains detection, cadaver dog training, and the development of future electronic sensing technologies.Topics discussed include:🔬 How a dentist became a forensic scientist🌏 Working in Australia, Canada, and the United States⚰️ What human taphonomic facilities ("body farms") really do🧪 The chemistry of human decomposition📈 Why GC×GC-TOFMS excels at analyzing complex VOC mixtures🐕 How chromatography can improve cadaver dog training🤖 The future of electronic noses and human remains detection🏔️ Challenges posed by geography and environmental conditions🏫 Building a new forensic chemistry laboratory at the University of North Dakota🔍 The future of forensic chromatographyWhether you're interested in forensic science, chromatography, mass spectrometry, or the chemistry behind real-world investigations, this episode offers a fascinating look into one of the most unique applications of analytical chemistry.#ForensicScience #GCxGC #MassSpectrometry #Chromatography #Forensics #GCMS #TOFMS #AnalyticalChemistry #HumanDecomposition #VOCs #UniversityOfNorthDakota #CadaverDogs #BodyFarm #SeparationScience

    35 min

  6. 1 Jun

    Episode 63: LC-MS Metabolomics and Next-Generation Ionization Technologies #chromatography #massspectrometry

    In this episode of  @ChromatographyTalk , David speaks with Joseph Corstvet from the Fernandez Lab at Georgia Tech about the future of mass spectrometry, LC-MS metabolomics, and the development of low-cost ionization technologies.Joe discusses his work using LC-MS lipidomics to monitor mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) senescence and explains how metabolomics could eventually become a real-world quality control tool for regenerative medicine and cell therapy manufacturing.The conversation also dives into triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and how these low-cost, modular ionization systems could help make mass spectrometry more portable, accessible, and affordable. Joe explains how TENG-powered electrospray ionization works, why it differs from traditional ESI, and how his group is exploring applications ranging from mass spectrometry imaging to mobile MS platforms.Topics include:• LC-MS metabolomics workflows• Lipidomics and MSC senescence• Biomarker discovery in regenerative medicine• Untargeted metabolomics challenges• TENG ionization technology• Portable and lower-cost mass spectrometry• Mass spectrometry imaging• Ion mobility and future MS trends• ASMS and the future of analytical chemistryIf you enjoy conversations about chromatography, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, and analytical chemistry innovation, be sure to subscribe to Concentrating on Chromatography.#MassSpectrometry #LCMS #Metabolomics #AnalyticalChemistry #Chromatography #Lipidomics #MassSpec #Ionization #ASMS #Biotech

    40 min

  7. 25 May

    Episode 62: When One Atom Changes Everything | JC Poutsma on Mass Spectrometry, Proteomics & Gas-Phase Chemistry

    What happens when you replace just one atom in an amino acid?In this episode of  @ChromatographyTalk  David sits down with JC Poutsma, Professor of Chemistry at William & Mary, to explore the fascinating world of gas-phase ion chemistry, peptide fragmentation, and the hidden molecular behavior revealed by mass spectrometry.Professor Poutsma explains how subtle structural changes in biomolecules can dramatically alter protein folding, fragmentation pathways, and biological activity. The conversation dives into unusual amino acids like canavanine, the “proline effect” in peptide fragmentation, ion mobility spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, and why understanding the fundamentals of chemistry still matters in modern analytical science.Whether you work in LC-MS, proteomics, physical chemistry, or analytical instrumentation—or you simply enjoy learning how molecules behave at the most fundamental level—this episode offers a fascinating look at the chemistry happening behind the spectra.Topics Discussed* What is gas-phase ion chemistry?* How mass spectrometers can function as reaction vessels* Why unusual amino acids matter* The chemistry of canavanine vs arginine* How one atom substitution changes protein behavior* Peptide fragmentation mechanisms in proteomics* The “proline effect” in tandem MS* Ion mobility spectrometry explained* IR spectroscopy for structural characterization* Why understanding analytical fundamentals still matters* Teaching chemistry in the age of AI and automation About the GuestJC Poutsma is a Professor of Chemistry at William & Mary whose research focuses on gas-phase ion chemistry, biomolecular structure, peptide fragmentation, spectroscopy, and the physical chemistry underlying mass spectrometry.#MassSpectrometry #Proteomics #AnalyticalChemistry #LCMS #MassSpec #Chemistry #IonMobility #Spectroscopy #PeptideFragmentation #PhysicalChemistry #ASMS #Chromatography

    48 min

  8. 18 May

    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
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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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