10 Must-See Analytical Chemistry Videos

18 Aug 2014
Lois Manton-O'Byrne, PhD
Executive Editor

Editorial article



1. Personalized Medicine: The Future of Healthcare

Prof. Nicholson describes how personalized medicine and bespoke treatments can be applied based on an individual's genetic, metabolic or proteomic profile. The National Phenome Centre’s strategy, together with the use of MS and NMR technology, could help to advance the future of healthcare.

2. Analyzing Activated Carbon using ATR FT-IR, for Removal of Contaminants in Drinking Water

Watch this video to learn how activated carbon is used extensively for the purification of drinking water. Dr Fowler, of Imperial College London, describes the benefits of using ATR technology over traditional KBr discs for use with FT-IR to simply and efficiently analyze activated carbon samples.

3. The Science of ‘Sportomics’: Prof. L.C. Cameron

Prof. Cameron, PI for the Lab of Protein Biochemistry at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, introduces the science of ‘Sportomics’: top-down research using ‘omics’, biochemical and hematological approaches, to understand cellular and systemic challenges in response to physical exercise.

4. Fish Speciation Analysis using Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Prof. Christopher Elliott, of Queen's University Belfast, describes how ToF-MS can be used to determine multiple types of fish fraud simultaneously, including fish speciation, the species' origin, and if the fish was caught sustainably.

5. Exclusive World Cup Anti-Doping Interview: Analyzing Footballers with Mass Spec

Join SelectScience behind the scenes at the WADA-accredited Laboratoire Suisse d’Analyse du Dopage (LAD) in Switzerland, as we follow samples arriving from the World Cup in Brazil, through to mass spectrometry analysis. In this exclusive footage, discover how these scientists are using LC-MS technology for accurate anti-doping testing of the world’s top footballers.

6. Quantification of Inorganic Arsenic in Rice

Rice grown anaerobically is highly efficient at absorbing arsenic from soils. This leads to high levels of inorganic arsenic (a class 1 human carcinogen) in the grain. Professor Andrew Meharg, from Queen's University Belfast, describes how ICP-MS is used to quantify the amount of arsenic in a grain of rice.

7. Step Inside the Brazilian Army's Mobile Testing Laboratory

In this exclusive tour of the Brazilian Army's mobile laboratory, learn how in-field and laboratory technologies provides a fast defense response to potential threats during events such as the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

8. Metabonomics: Understanding Human Metabolism

Dr Matthew Lewis describes how the MRC-NIHR Phenome Centre investigates what makes people metabolically different. By analyzing large groups of patients and performing epidemiological studies, an insight into the understanding of human metabolism can be achieved. NMR and UPLC mass spectrometry are used with a combination of different chromatography methods to gain accurate analysis of small molecules in human samples.

9. Environmental Forensics: Impacts on Human Population

Professor Frank Dorman, of Penn State University, describes environmental forensics and how environmental exposure can be linked to an increase in human disease state. Chemotherapeutic drugs enter waste water either via improper disposal by patients or hospitals. If untreated, these drugs can end up in drinking water and expose the human population to harmful low dose chemotherapeutic drugs.

10. Petroleomics: Characterization of High-Boiling-Point Petroleum

Dr Priscila Lalli of National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, describes how ion mobility mass spectrometry is used to determine the isomeric composition of petroleum heavy ends. PetroOrg is software that has been developed to perform elemental composition assignments from mass to charge ratio values for crude oil species and is integrated with ion mobility data.

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AutosamplersAutosamplers are automated sample loaders used with a number of separation and analytical techniques. HPLC autosamplers use automated partial or full-loop injection systems and place samples in vials or microplates for analysis. Autosamplers can also be used for elemental analysis. Features to consider include repeatability, syringe capacity, footprint and temperature controls.  Capillary ElectrophoresisCapillary electrophoresis (CE) is used to separate molecules based on charge, size and hydrophobicity. Pressure, voltage or a vacuum is used to introduce the sample to fused silica capillaries. Fluorescence, UV/Vis, UV or diode array detectors are used to visualize components. Types of CE systems include capillary electrochromatography (CEC), capillary zone electrophoresis and capillary gel electrophoresis. Find the best capillary electrophoresis equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ElectrophoresisElectrophoresis equipment is used to separate mixtures of protein, DNA or RNA, based on their electric charge, size and other physical characteristics, by passing them through a medium such as a polyacrylamide gel, an agarose gel or a capillary tube. Electrophoresis equipment includes horizontal and vertical gel electrophoresis chambers, isoelectric focusing systems, 2D electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis instruments. Precast gels with a gradient can be used or gels can be hand cast. Samples are run alongside ladders or markers to identify the approximate size of a molecule. Separated proteins and nucleic acids in the gel can be stained or probed with fluorescent markers and then imaged and detected using gel documentation instruments, transilluminators, densitometers and scanners. Find the best electrophoresis equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Flash ChromatographyFlash chromatography is a fast-preparative column chromatography technique used for separation and purification of liquid analytes. Flash chromatography systems use small silica gel particles for separation and a pressurized gas for driving the solvent through the column or pre-packed cartridge. Find the best flash chromatography equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Gas ChromatographyGas chromatography (GC) is an analytical technique used to separate and quantitate mixtures of small and volatile compounds. Gas chromatographs or GC systems include components such as GC columns, detectors, pumps and autosamplers. Choose from packed or capillary GC columns, flame ionization (FID), photoionization (PID) electron capture detectors and selective or non-selective detectors. Find the best gas chromatographs in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.UHPLC and HPLCHigh performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), also known as UPLC, are analytical techniques used to separate, identify and quantitate components of complex mixtures including biological samples such as proteins and lipids as well as chemical mixtures of pesticides, drugs and oils. Both techniques are liquid chromatographic methods but differ by operating pressures (HPLC < 6000 psi < UHPLC ). Components of HPLC and UHPLC systems include columns, detectors, pumps, autosamplers and column heaters. Explore a range of UHPLC and HPLC columns for your specific sample needs including reverse phase, normal phase, ion exchange, HILIC, ion exclusion and size exclusion columns. For more specialized HPLC, explore FPLC, countercurrent LC and simulated moving bed systems. Find the best UHPLC and HPLC equipment in our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Ion ChromatographyIon chromatography, also known as ion exchange chromatography, is a high-performance liquid chromatographic technique used for the separation and identification of ions or polar molecules in a sample, including proteins, nucleotides and amino acids. Equipment includes ion exchange columns, ion exclusion columns, ion chromatography systems, pumps, and detectors. Find the best ion chromatography equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Sample PreparationSample preparation can improve the quality and speed of separation techniques. Products to assist sample preparation include filtration equipment, evaporators, membranes and sieves.Size Exclusion ChromatographySize exclusion chromatography (SEC) is a liquid chromatographic technique used to separate and identify molecules based on their size, including polymers, proteins, nanoparticles & nucleic acid. SEC is further subdivided into gel filtration chromatography (GFC) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) when an aqueous or organic mobile phase is used respectively. HPLC-based SEC systems and columns are available for analytical separation alongside SEC spin columns or filters to prep samples for many protocols. Find the best size exclusion chromatography equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Atomic Absorption / Emission SpectroscopyAtomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) — also called optical emission spectroscopy (OES) — are used to detect the elemental constituents in samples. Both techniques involve the atomization of a sample. Atomic absorption spectrometers may use a flame or furnace to create an atomic vapor of the sample before irradiation with spectral light. Optical emission spectrometers may use a flame, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), microwave plasma (MP) or spark arcs to atomize and excite the sample. At higher excitation energies, electrons can be emitted instead of photons, which can be useful for samples that can’t be atomized and for surface analysis. Explore electron spectroscopy equipment such as Auger spectrometers and photoelectron spectrometers for surface elemental analysis of samples. Find the best atomic absorption, photoelectron and optical emission spectrometers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Fluorescence SpectroscopyFluorometers and spectrofluorometers (also called fluorescence spectrometers) are used to measure the intensity and wavelength of fluorescent light emitted from a sample after excitation by illumination. Spectrofluorometers utilize monochromators to select the desired wavelengths, whereas filter fluorometers employ a set of filters. Spectrofluorometers for measuring steady-state fluorescence and lifetime fluorescence (or time-resolved fluorescence) are available, as well as fluorescence microscopes and microplate readers. Find the best fluorescence spectroscopy products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Infrared / IR SpectroscopyInfrared (IR) spectroscopy measures the interaction of infrared light with a sample, including transmission, reflectance & absorbance, facilitating the identification of analytes. Equipment used for quantitative analysis includes Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, infrared cameras, FTIR gas analyzers, as well as attenuated total reflectance (ATR) accessories and pellet or film presses. Find the best IR spectroscopy products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.LC-MSLC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) systems and equipment are used for separation and quantitative analysis of complex mixtures, combining liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Quantify proteins, contaminants, pesticides or screen for drug metabolites with a high level of sensitivity. LC-MS systems and equipment include reverse phase, normal phase and specialized columns integrated with various MS detectors such as time-of-flight (TOF), quadrupole, orbitrap or ion trap mass analyzers. LC-MS/MS instruments equipped with a qTOF or triple quadrupole analyzer give greater sensitivity and resolving power to your analysis. Find the best LC-MS equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Mass SpectrometryMass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and quantify molecules based on the mass-to-charge ratio of gas-phase ions. It provides detailed information about the structure, composition, and properties of compounds and is widely used across fields such as environmental monitoring, materials science, drug discovery and development, food and beverage testing, and wider chemical research. Key MS techniques include tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LS-MS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). Choosing from these wide range of techniques and technologies can be a daunting task, so keep up to date with scientific applications, performance expectations, and customer reviews here all in one place. Visit our product directory to receive quotes direct from the manufacturer. NMR and EPR SpectroscopyNuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is used to resolve the local chemical environment of atomic nuclei with spin, revealing information on molecular structure, dynamic processes and chemical reactions of organic molecules, from proteins to synthetics. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) also known as electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy is used to detect and quantify paramagnetic species in a sample, including free radicals as transition metal ions. By immersing the sample in a strong magnetic field, both NMR and EPR spectrometers probe the sample with either radio waves or microwaves respectively. A range of benchtop, solid-state and time domain NMR spectrometers & EPR spectrometers are available, as well as NMR tubes, NMR solvents, software, coils, and magnets. Find the best NMR & EPR equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.