Category: Upcoming and New Events

Improving Lab Efficiency for Business Growth

Lab managers play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of laboratories, contributing to the success of research and development activities. It’s a tough job as their responsibilities are diverse and cover various aspects of lab management, from administrative tasks to technical oversight.

Over the years, Agilent has conducted independent global surveys of lab managers from different market segments. The objective of the surveys is to understand lab managers’ pain points and find out what they need to address their most pressing concerns, as well as reveal the differences and similarities of the challenges they face.

 

Why lab efficiency is important

Lab efficiency is a fundamental aspect of successful lab management, driving productivity, quality, safety, and financial performance. An efficient lab is able to control its time and resources to ensure project milestones and deadlines are met. It’s also important to maintain consistent procedures and protocols, leading to more reliable and accurate results. With an optimised workflow, labs can enjoy quicker completion of tasks and experiments, accelerating the pace of research and development. Finally, by streamlining processes, labs can increase the throughput of experiments and projects without a proportional increase in costs or resources.

Watch our webinar on how to Free Your Workflows From Common Time Traps >

 

In a nutshell, an efficient lab operates at a higher level of productivity, with greater accuracy, and with ideal use of resources. Sounds simple, right? Well, achieving optimal efficiency in a lab is not so straightforward and Agilent’s surveys have revealed the challenges and pain points lab managers face in getting efficiency right.

 

What lab managers want

In Agilent’s survey, “‘Understanding Key Challenges and Pain Points in the Global Laboratory Market’, 45% of respondents indicated that they face significant pressure to process more samples. These pressures stem from advancements in technology, rising demand across various sectors, and the need for faster and more accurate results.

The pain point for lab managers is that they have to be able to grow the lab’s business without raising costs. So, it’s quite demanding to tackle more samples but not increase expenses. Where Chemetrix can help is offering incredible analytical technology that is much more flexible, adaptable and able to process more samples with greater accuracy in analysis. As our product portfolio includes variations options, our expert team is able to listen to the needs of lab managers and advise potential solutions that can offer great return on investment. This can help the lab grow and thrive without drastically increasing operating costs.

Improved workflow is another challenge for lab managers, with 75% of global respondents saying that instrument maintenance and downtime are their biggest challenges. In pharma labs specifically, around 90% of respondents said that having reliable and accurate instruments would be the top two factors that would best improve workflow.

For business to grow, business has to flow, and that means the instruments should be humming along without downtime. In many instances, preventative maintenance can help labs avoid unplanned downtime. This is why Chemetrix recommends instruments that provide digital alerts for regular maintenance so that lab staff can take care of the equipment before any challenges arise. In addition to smart technology, Chemetrix also provides great instrument support. From online troubleshooting guides to our Fresh Desk support system, we’re able to help labs quickly so they can continue their valuable work.

Watch the webinar on how to Reduce Instrument Downtime With Usage-Based Maintenance >

Download the brochure on 5 Tips To Prevent Unplanned Lab Downtime >

When people think of business growth for labs, the automatic assumption is that space will grow as well. This may not be the case as smaller labs might not be able to or might not want to move into bigger premises for any number of reasons. 75% of lab managers surveyed in Agilent’s global research indicated they believe space-saving analytical instruments can help overcome the challenge of small lab premises.

Agilent 1260 Infinity II

It’s true that lab instruments are becoming smaller and much more space-efficient. Certain instruments can do more in a smaller footprint than some larger instruments and possibly fit right in to an existing instrument setup. Chemetrix is able to assess laboratory space requirements and recommend instruments that are robust and powerful but will occupy less bench space. This can improve business efficiency through improved instrument configuration and allowing some more space for other tasks or instruments.

Agilent 7850 ICP-MS

 

Support efficiency for labs to thrive

Efficient labs ensure consistent quality and reliability, fostering innovation and maintaining a competitive edge. It is crucial for business growth because it leads to increased productivity, cost savings, and faster turnaround times, which enhance customer satisfaction and speed to market. For lab managers, there are additional benefits because it improves employee satisfaction and retention, allowing for focused professional growth. Delving into the process of tackling these challenges and pain points also provides valuable data-driven insights for strategic decision-making, driving long-term business success and adaptability.

What Chemetrix can do is support the goals of lab managers and truly listen to their challenges and pain points to provide effective solutions. We are more than an analytical instrument supplier – we are a partner in the business journey. Our track record and decades-long relationships with laboratories that have grown into successful operations prove that we understand the need for business efficiency and we are more than able to help labs and lab managers achieve their goals.

 

HPLC-Beginner Webinar Series

Liquid Chromatography Fundamentals

We start the LC Beginner webinar series with an overview of basic terms relevant to liquid chromatography.

Speaker

Laura Montis
Product Specialist Liquid Phase Separations
Agilent

 

 

Stationary Phases in HPLC – Part I

Reversed phase or normal phase?
Fully porous, partially porous, end capping?
In this webinar, we will cover different stationary phases (RP and NP) and the selection of the particle.

Speaker

Cecilia Mazza
Product Specialist, EMEA IDO – Chemistries & Suppliers
Agilent

 

 

Stationary Phases in HPLC – Part II

In the second part of the stationary phases webinars, we look at other separation modes: IEX, SEC, ligand exchange and HILIC and what we think they are best suited for.

Speaker

Cecilia Mazza
Product Specialist, EMEA IDO – Chemistries & Suppliers
Agilent

 

 

LC Instrument Hardware

This webinar will give an overview of the different LC modules and how they work.

Speaker

Laura Montis
Product Specialist Liquid Phase Separations
Agilent

 

 

HPLC Detectors

In liquid chromatography, various detectors can be used. In this seminar, we will take a closer look at UV, fluorescence, refractive index and ELSD detection.

Speaker

Ansuman Mahato
Product Specialist Liquid Phase Separations
Agilent Technologies, Inc.

 

 

Single Quad Mass Detection for Chromatographers

This webinar is about single quad mass detectors. We will look at the development of single quads together and highlight the possibilities offered by today’s single quads and how they support the user. The aim of the webinar is to show users how they can easily add mass-selective confirmation to their HPLC-UV methods. In other words: achieve greater security without more complexity.

Speaker

Shaun Pritchard
Product Specialist Liquid Phase Separations
Agilent Technologies, Inc.

 

 

SingleQuad II

This webinar is about single quad mass detectors. We will look at the development of single quads together and highlight the possibilities offered by today’s single quads and how they support the user. The aim of the webinar is to show users how they can easily add mass-selective confirmation to their HPLC-UV methods. In other words: achieve greater security without more complexity.

Speaker

Shaun Pritchard
Product Specialist Liquid Phase Separations
Agilent Technologies, Inc.

 

 

GPC/SEC Detector Selection

This session will explore detectors commonly used in polymer analysis (RID, UV, MALS, Viscometer), emphasizing their specific applications based on polymer types (Branched, Linear, high Mw, low Mw). We will discuss their roles in Mw determination, Quantitation, Viscosity measurement, size and shape determination etc.

Speaker

Ansuman Mahato
Product Specialist Liquid Phase Separations
Agilent Technologies, Inc.

 

 

Sample Preparation

In this part of the course we will deal with sample preparation: why, how and which sample preparation is the most suitable for the target analyte?
SPE, LLSE, or syringe filter?

Speaker

Shaun Pritchard
Product Specialist Liquid Phase Separations
Agilent Technologies, Inc.

 

 

Method Development

When developing an LC method, there are various factors that can be tested to achieve the desired resolution and symmetry of the analytes. In this webinar, we will discuss the various factors and give tips on developing a robust method.

Speaker

Laura Montis
Product Specialist Liquid Phase Separations
Agilent

 

 

Troubleshooting and Everyday Routine for the Instrument

In this webinar, typical LC problems are discussed – how to identify and solve them.

Speaker

Ansuman Mahato
Product Specialist Liquid Phase Separations
Agilent Technologies, Inc.

 

 

Troubleshooting and Everyday Routine (Columns)

Tailing, fronting, and peak doubling are all topics that we will cover during troubleshooting. After the session, we will be able to identify causes and avoid errors.

Speaker

Giorgio Ferlat
MSc, EMEAI IDO Product Specialist, Chemistries and Supplies
Agilent Technologies, Inc.

 

 

Register now >

 

 

Unveiling the Hidden Threats: Researching Emerging Contaminants in Water

The water we have on Earth is finite. Although we have water in abundance, caring for this resource has been one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Sadly, we simply do not know the vast majority of chemicals that are discharged into the environment through human activities. For this reason, the detection and identification of these compounds are essential for accurate toxicological profiling of environmental samples.

Ensuring water quality and safety through analytical testing is crucial for public health and environmental protection. Comprehensive testing involves analysing regulated pollutants, including pesticides, semi-volatile organic compounds, metals, and disinfection byproducts. It also extends to emerging contaminants such as PFAS, microplastics, hormones, and various unknown chemicals.

As environmental challenges continue to evolve, detecting and identifying emerging contaminants in water has become a critical task for researchers. Advanced analytical technologies, such as high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), play a pivotal role in this effort. These sophisticated instruments not only enhance the detection capabilities but also contribute to a deeper understanding of the toxicological impacts of unknown chemicals.

The role of advanced analytical technologies

High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS)

HRMS provides unparalleled precision and accuracy in measuring the mass of chemical compounds. It allows for the detection of a wide range of contaminants, even those present at trace levels. This technology is particularly beneficial for non-targeted analysis, where the goal is to identify unknown compounds in water samples. By delivering high-resolution data, HRMS enables researchers to pinpoint the exact mass of contaminants, facilitating their identification and characterisation.

Watch our webinar on Using Liquid Chromatography with QTOF High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry to Identify Emerging Contaminants in Urban Waters >

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

GC-MS is a powerful tool for separating and analysing volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. It combines the separation capabilities of gas chromatography with the detection prowess of mass spectrometry. This technology is essential for identifying contaminants that may not be detectable through other means. GC-MS excels in providing detailed information about the chemical composition of water samples, making it indispensable for comprehensive water quality assessments.

Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

LC-MS/MS is renowned for its sensitivity and specificity in detecting and quantifying contaminants. This technology is particularly effective for analysing non-volatile and polar compounds that are challenging to detect with GC-MS. LC-MS/MS allows researchers to conduct multi-residue analysis, detecting multiple contaminants simultaneously. Its high throughput and precision make it a cornerstone in environmental monitoring and toxicological studies.

New threats emerging

Microplastics are tiny synthetic particles or polymeric matrices derived from plastic, ranging from 1 µm to 5 mm in size and insoluble in water. According to an article published by Agilent, current research believes that microplastics will also degrade into smaller particles on a nanoscale, called ‘nanoplastics’. Despite increasing analysis, their environmental risk remains unclear. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for more scientific research to better understand the potential toxicity of microplastics.

Download the infographic poster on Accurate Microplastics Analysis >

A recent study found that humans could be consuming between 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles a year.

A recently published study* stated, “The prevalence of micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) in various environmental and human compartments has highlighted the need for analytical methods to accurately detect and quantify these contaminants. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), one of the thermo-analytical methods, is evolving as an analytical technique to quantify MNPs in complex matrices.”

Agilent 990 Micro GC

This study evaluated the impact of using diverse polystyrene (PS) standards with different molecular weights, polydispersity indexes, tacticity, end-capping, and chain branching, on quantifying the mass concentration of PS in various products. The results for the PS-based products showed inconsistencies across different standards, indicating that the measurements for a single product varied substantially when different polystyrene (PS) standards were applied.

The team behind the study made use of Agilent technologies for their research and found there is a need for refined calibration strategies and standardised reference materials to improve the reliability of the MNP analysis method.

From this example, it’s clear that advanced analytical technologies are not only about detection but also about understanding the broader implications of contaminants, like microplastics. By accurately identifying and understanding newer chemicals and contaminants, researchers can assess their toxicological impacts on human health and the environment. This knowledge is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies and regulatory policies.

Watch our webinar on Microplastics Analysis Just Got Easier: Analysis Direct On-Filter >

Continuous improvement of water analysis

Chemetrix is at the forefront of providing state-of-the-art analytical instruments that empower researchers in their quest to safeguard water quality. By offering cutting-edge technologies such as HRMS, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS, Chemetrix supports comprehensive environmental research. The instruments are designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern laboratories, ensuring reliable and accurate results.

A prime example of the application of these technologies is non-targeted analysis in water. This approach involves screening water samples for a wide array of contaminants without prior knowledge of their presence. By employing HRMS, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS, researchers can detect and identify unknown compounds, providing a holistic view of water quality. This method is essential for uncovering emerging contaminants that may not be included in routine monitoring programs.

To preserve our planet’s resources for future generations, the scientific community has to be the trailblazers of today that’ll help find the solutions to protect our tomorrow. There is an incredible amount of passion and dedication among the researchers and scientists who are fighting the good fight against emerging water contaminants and providing valuable insights that everyone can use to make better choices. They can’t do this work without great analytical instruments.

Agilent 8700 LDIR Chemical Imaging System

These instruments enhance detection capabilities, provide valuable insights into toxicological impacts, and support informed decision-making. Chemetrix’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions underscores its vital role in environmental research. As we continue to face new environmental challenges, the adoption of these advanced technologies will be crucial in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water resources.

*Quantitation of polystyrene by pyrolysis-GC-MS: The impact of polymer standards on micro and nano plastic analysis by M. Brits, B. van Poelgeest, W. Nijenhuis, M.J.M. van Velzen, F.M. B´een, G.J.M. Gruter, S.H. Brandsma, M.H. Lamoree

Harnessing AI for Next-Level Quality Assurance

While it can seem like Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a fancy tool only applicable in certain industries, AI is closer to you than you might think. From social media to your streaming service, AI processes are assisting with data processing and management in all sorts of innovative ways.

As the modern lab continues to evolve, AI adoption is becoming more commonplace. The increasing demand for accuracy but also shorter turnaround times has laboratories seeking technological and often digital solutions to help them achieve their business and operational goals. Lab analysts needn’t fear, AI isn’t coming for their jobs, but what it can do is support the work of lab staff to boost efficiency and ensure that quality control is optimised.

Quality assurance in labs

The quality assurance processes in labs are all about ensuring that the laboratory’s procedures, data analysis and results are of the highest quality. Without good quality assurance, there is a far higher probability of errors which can affect the results delivered. This can have a direct effect on product research and development, the development of environmental management solutions, and the manufacturing of products.

In testing labs, the integrity of samples is paramount in the quality assurance process. A good quality assurances process will make sure the samples aren’t compromised, which can lead to costly setbacks. Of course, good quality assurance means that the results from the lab can be trusted and they are reproducible. As laboratories seek to build strong relationships between themselves and stakeholders, good quality assurance provides quantitative and qualitative evidence of why the lab can be trusted.

Finally, safety also forms part of lab quality assurance. The process should make sure all the equipment is functioning properly and that proper procedures are documented and followed for handling samples, hazardous materials, and chemicals. By doing this, labs can prevent minor accidents that could lead to bigger safety risks.

Levelling up with AI for QA

AI opens a world of possibilities for the modern laboratory. Because of the big volumes of data and frequent tests and analyses, labs can benefit quite a lot from AI and machine learning. Traditional lab operations often involve repetitive and time-consuming tasks such as data backups, data review, and preliminary analysis. By automating these tasks, AI allows scientists to focus on higher-value activities such as experimental design, interpretation of results, and innovation.

In terms of quality assurance, there are a few key benefits from utilising AI:

Greater speed without greater risk of errors – The speed at which data can be processed and reviewed using AI significantly reduces the overall time required to complete experiments and projects. This acceleration in the workflow is crucial for meeting tight deadlines and maintaining competitive edges in research and development. Furthermore, AI’s ability to quickly analyse vast amounts of data helps in identifying trends and anomalies that might be missed by human reviewers. This enhances the accuracy and consistency of repetitive tasks, ensuring that data is reliable and free from human error.

Discover AI Peak Integration for MassHunter Software >

Cost management – Automation of tasks is one of the big advantages of AI and this can assist with cost management by potentially reducing overtime or weekend work hours, which aids operational costs. The resources saved from routine tasks can be allocated to more strategic investments and research, and this includes the brain power of key laboratory staff. Laboratories can also expand their capabilities without a proportional increase in manual workload and this assists labs in scaling their operations up without greater cost pressure.

Optimise resources – AI systems can do real-time monitoring of experiments and equipment to provide immediate feedback should a problem arise. It also means staff don’t have to be in the lab watching over the analytical instruments all the time, particularly if it requires hours before there are results and they could monitor the process remotely. This improves safety and resource management. AI can also assist with efficient resource management to reduce waste and lower the overall environmental impact while simultaneously checking instruments for preventative maintenance.

Labs looking to the future finding success now

Chemetrix is proud to be a local supplier of Agilent innovation. Agilent is on the forefront of leveraging software to fuel lab productivity – testing and proving the value of AI in day-to-day operations. This world-leading brand is seeing results from labs that are testing the integration of AI into their operations.

Agilent 5977C GC-MSD

In pilot testing, data review, a task that used to take nearly an hour to complete, was reduced to a few minutes, using AI capabilities. This type of efficiency gain in any lab would boost productivity and allow scientists to focus on more complex and high-value tasks. This type of result underscores the potential of AI to revolutionise lab operations, making them more efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality.

“Quality control labs rely on analytics to ensure product safety. We’re using new, exciting software approaches to enable faster, more efficient, and more accurate results.” – Tom Lillig, VP, GM, Agilent Software Informatics Division

We want scientists and researchers to dedicate the majority of their valuable time to critical thinking and complex problem-solving. So, embrace the power of technology and boost the efficiency of labs by offloading repetitive and mundane tasks to AI. Whether its through software or through instrument monitoring, there are different ways labs and their quality assurance processes can be improved through artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance research, product development, and analysis now and in the future.

Innovative Tools for Tackling Quality Challenges in Biopharma Development

Biotherapeutics development requires accurate and robust analytical testing methodologies with dependable separations. Agilent is committed to the biopharmaceutical market and has the initiative to leverage the entire product portfolio, application-specific total workflow solutions, and global presence to deliver the support customers rely on to make trusted decisions. As a trusted supplier of Agilent solutions in Africa, Chemetrix is proud to see customers thrive and advance in their research and development.

With biopharma continuing to grow, there are challenges that naturally arise as part of the sector’s evolution. Here, we explain how Agilent’s products address customer pain points including poor reproducibility and difficulties with instrumentation and methods, with insights from Padraig McDonnell, executive vice president and general manager for the Chemistries and Supplies Division at Agilent Technologies.

The future of biopharmaceuticals looks promising with life-changing treatments, and the field keeps growing, powered by innovative groundbreaking therapies to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. Advancing these novel biotherapeutics safely in the clinic requires reliable manufacturing and quality control processes.

 

The complexity of biopharma development

The complex heterogeneous nature of biotherapeutics requires accurate and robust analytical testing methodologies with dependable chromatographic separations. Identifying critical quality attributes (i.e., impurities that could impact the product safety and efficacy) is the most difficult step in the implementation of a Quality by Design approach for biopharmaceutical development and production. Defining each product attribute is extremely challenging. Therefore, consistency of product quality becomes even more important.

Download the brochure on Solutions for Biopharmaceutical Critical Quality Attributes >

Some of the key challenges in biopharma development are accuracy, robustness, and reproducibility of the data. It all comes down to speed and efficiency of the workflow. It is important to recognise that several analytical techniques are used as part of a workflow solution. This includes sample preparation, separation detection, and data analysis. Each part of the workflow must work seamlessly with the other components to ensure trusted answers.

Watch the webinar on Laboratory Workflow Solutions: What to expect when you’re away from the lab? >

 

Innovative solutions for quality challenges

Reproducibility is a cornerstone of scientific research, ensuring that results can be consistently replicated to validate findings and advance knowledge. Several factors contribute to this issue, including variability in biological samples, inconsistencies in experimental procedures, and limitations in analytical techniques. Known for their precision and sensitivity, Agilent’s mass spectrometry systems deliver highly reproducible results, essential for accurate biomolecule analysis.

Agilent Intuvo 9000

Liquid chromatography is another critical technique in the biopharma and biotherapeutics industries, used extensively for the separation, identification, and quantification of complex biological samples. However, achieving consistent and reproducible results can be challenging due to the complexity and variability of these samples.

Agilent offers a wide range of high-performance LC columns tailored for different applications, ensuring optimal separation of complex biomolecules. These columns are designed to provide high resolution and reproducibility, crucial for accurate quantification.

Agilent 1260 Infinity II

The systems are equipped with highly sensitive detectors, such as UV, PDA, fluorescence, and mass spectrometry detectors. These detectors provide accurate quantification and detection of analytes at low concentrations, enhancing reproducibility.

Getting the workflow right

With great instruments comes great software. Agilent’s data analysis software integrates seamlessly with their instruments, offering powerful tools for data processing, visualisation, and interpretation. This integration helps ensure that data is accurately analysed and reproducible. These software solutions are designed to maintain data integrity and comply with regulatory standards, supporting reproducibility and reliability in research and development.

Download the brochure on Solutions for Biopharmaceutical Critical Quality Attributes >

Regular customer contact and integrating the voice of customer is really critical to us. It gives us exceptional insight into the scientific challenges our customers face. These insights enable Agilent to put an intentional focus on biopharma, as we continue to develop new products and services that help our customers. Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork have enabled us to deliver new products and workflow solutions that better address customer analytical needs.

The biopharma and biotherapeutics industries face significant challenges related to reproducibility and instrumentation. Chemetrix can assist labs in addressing these pain points with innovative products from Agilent Technologies and comprehensive support, enhancing reproducibility, simplifying instrument operation, and ensuring reliable results. By leveraging advanced analytical instruments solutions, biopharma and biotherapeutics professionals can overcome these challenges, accelerating their research and development efforts and ultimately contributing to the advancement of healthcare.

This article includes information and text originally published by Agilent Technologies

 

Why Labs Are Looking to More Environmentally Responsible Instruments

Laboratories, often associated with high energy consumption and waste production, are under pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. As the world increasingly focuses on sustainability, the scientific community has a significant role to play. It’s not only about the research to help guide the world on how to be more environmentally conscious, it’s also about labs themselves being more environmentally responsible and setting the example.

Agilent Technologies, a leader in life sciences and diagnostics, has been at the forefront of the movement in the scientific community. Recently, Agilent won two sustainability awards, underscoring their commitment to environmentally friendly lab instruments. This recognition raises an important question:

Why are sustainable lab instruments important, and how can we verify their environmental friendliness?

 

How sustainable is your lab

It’s no surprise that high energy consumption, extensive use of water and chemicals, and generation of hazardous waste gives labs a significant environmental impact. Labs can consume three to ten times more energy than office buildings due to the operation of energy-intensive equipment and the need for stringent climate control. This substantial environmental footprint underscores the importance of adopting sustainable practices and technologies to mitigate these impacts and promote a more eco-friendly approach to scientific research.

There are regulatory compliance, legislative and business operation reasons why labs are trying to change their environmental impact. A sustainable lab can reduce its operating costs and optimise its resources. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability can enhance a lab’s reputation and fulfil corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals. Finally, sustainable practices often involve the use of safer materials and chemicals, reducing potential health risks for lab personnel.

Look at your lab’s instruments

One area of lab operations that needs focus for sustainability is the analytical instruments. Environmentally conscious product design is a central feature of Agilent’s business. Their instruments are engineered to improve sustainability in a holistic way — from product design and manufacturing to usage and disposal.

At the 2023 Sustainability Scientists’ Choice awards, Agilent won Sustainable Supplier of the Year and Sustainable Product of the Year. The Agilent Cary 3500 Flexible UV-Vis Spectrophotometer also received the award for Sustainable Product of the Year in the reducing consumables and reagents category. The Cary 3500 Flexible UV-Vis is a double-beam spectrophotometer with superior photometric performance. This instrument is also ACT label accredited, demonstrating a commitment to environmentally responsible practices and adherence to sustainability standards.

Watch our webinar on Maximising the Up-Time in Your Lab >

Agilent Cary 3500 UV-Vis

 

The ACT label

The ACT (Accountability, Consistency, and Transparency) Label is a recognised standard for evaluating the environmental impact of laboratory products. Managed by My Green Lab, a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the sustainability of scientific research, the ACT Label provides transparent information on the environmental impact of lab products throughout their lifecycle. The ACT Label assesses factors such as energy consumption, water usage, end-of-life disposal, packaging, and manufacturing impact. By providing detailed information on a product’s environmental impact, the ACT Label helps labs choose products that align with their sustainability goals.

Quick note: Agilent’s My Green Lab initiative is another significant effort to promote sustainability in laboratories. This program focuses on integrating sustainable practices into everyday lab operations and product design.

Making an eco-choice

At Chemetrix, we are asked why labs should choose sustainable instruments and consumables. It’s because sustainable products offer:

  • Durability and reliability: Sustainable products are often designed for longevity, reducing the frequency of replacements and associated waste.
  • Future-proofing: As regulations become stricter, investing in sustainable products ensures compliance with future environmental standards, protecting labs from potential legal and financial penalties.
  • Enhanced performance: Sustainable products often incorporate the latest technologies and innovations, leading to improved performance and efficiency.

Download the eBook on how to Maintain Sustainability While Meeting your GC and GC/MS Efficiency and Productivity Goals >

Reducing the environmental impact of labs is going beyond turning down the air-conditioning and switching to recyclable consumables. It’s a paradigm shift for the lab as a whole, with the employees committing to do as much as possible to achieve the lab’s sustainability goals. As the scientific community continues to prioritise sustainability, the adoption of environmentally friendly lab instruments will be integral to advancing both scientific research and environmental stewardship.

 

The Benefits of Following the Carbon in your Process Water

It’s well known that around 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water. It’s our most precious natural resource and great efforts have been made globally to protect the finite supply of water for the planet’s inhabitants. Growing population, climate change, and industrial contamination are some of the issues that cause water stress and impact water quality. This is why analytical testing to ensure water quality and safety is essential for health and the ecosystem.

There’s no denying that sustainability is a big topic for water management and resource conservation. As industries continue to prioritise eco-friendly practices, carbon monitoring will play a crucial role in achieving these goals, demonstrating a commitment to both innovation and environmental responsibility. But what does it mean to follow the carbon, and how does it benefit your operations?

 

What it means to follow the carbon

Following the carbon throughout your processes allows you to monitor processes or quality and pinpoint issues as they come about. Starting from the source water to the water that is used in the plant as utility and process water, and ultimately wastewater that is purified and discharged back into the environment, carbon monitoring can track the changing levels as the water moves throughout the facility and monitor levels if something goes awry. By monitoring carbon levels at each stage, facilities can gain valuable insights into their processes and quality control, enabling them to pinpoint issues as they arise and take timely corrective actions.

Download the eBook on the Power of Organics Monitoring >

Some of the benefits of following the carbon include:

Process optimisation – Facilities can improve the efficiency of the treatment process, reduce chemical use, and lower energy consumption.

Quality control – Continuous carbon monitoring helps maintain consistent water quality, which is critical for processes that require precise conditions, such as pharmaceutical production and food processing.

Regulatory compliance – Accurate carbon tracking provides the necessary data for regulatory reporting, demonstrating a facility’s commitment to environmental stewardship and compliance.

Let’s talk about TOC

Total Organic Carbon is a common measurement to gauge the amount of carbon-based compounds in water. TOC analysis aims to help corporations and municipalities reduce and optimise water use, comply with permit and regulatory requirements, and demonstrate safety and quality standards while maintaining asset reliability.

It provides reliable data and is written in many regulatory guidelines around the world and across various industries.

TOC and conductivity analysis aids in detecting chemical impurities in pharmaceutical-grade water systems and process equipment. Using TOC to understand the comprehensive cleanliness of water and equipment allows manufacturers to consistently deliver safe, high-quality drug products. Many TOC technologies work by oxidising organic molecules using UV or chemical oxidation and measuring the resulting CO2.

Watch our webinar on TOC and Conductivity Analysis: Back to Basics >

Water soluble compounds can be analysed using TOC analysis with little to no method variation. Compounds that do not readily solubilise in water can still be detected using small adjustments such as: agitation, pH, or temperature. With Sievers TOC Analyzers, consumables, and expertise from Veolia, you can be confident your method development will go smoothly.

The Veolia TOC-R3 Online Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Total Nitrogen (TN) Analyzer is designed to solve critical industrial and environmental water challenges. From source water contamination and condensate leaks to wastewater optimisation and discharge, the TOC-R3 is a peace of mind analytical tool that provides responsiveness and repeatability.

Veolia TOC-R3 Online TOC Analyzer

Following the carbon in process water is an essential practice for modern industrial facilities. By systematically monitoring carbon levels, companies can protect their assets, optimise processes, maintain high-quality standards, and ensure regulatory compliance. This not only contributes to operational efficiency and cost savings but also supports environmental sustainability. As industries continue to prioritise eco-friendly practices, carbon monitoring will play a crucial role in achieving these goals, demonstrating a commitment to both innovation and environmental responsibility.

 

Technology to Improve Cannabis Testing

The cannabis industry is rapidly evolving, and with it comes a multitude of opportunities and challenges. The South African cannabis industry is also booming, driven by increasing demand for both medicinal and recreational cannabis products. Companies are developing various cannabis products, including oils, tinctures, and edibles. But this also means, as cannabis becomes more accepted and regulated, the need for accurate testing services grows.

A common misconception is that the sector is a straightforward cash cow for businesses, particularly in the realm of cannabis testing.

With regulatory requirements mandating thorough testing and the potential for high-profit margins, it might seem like a low-risk venture. However, newcomers should be cautious of pitfalls that can derail less experienced operators.

Quality in cannabis analysis

One of the most critical aspects of succeeding in cannabis testing is recognising the importance of quality. Setting up a laboratory with a strong emphasis on quality is not merely a regulatory necessity but a cornerstone for running a successful business. Quality in this context involves ensuring equipment reliability, accuracy and timeliness of results, staff training, reagent preparation, and method validation. By prioritising these elements, laboratories can minimise errors, enhance their industry standing, and build a solid reputation with customers.

Watch our webinar on Promoting Cannabis Lab Success >

 

Implementing a robust quality management system (QMS) is central to the operation of a high-functioning cannabis testing laboratory. A well-executed QMS produces high-quality, traceable data that stands up to audits and can be scrutinised if complaints arise. This system should be an ongoing effort to refine documentation practices, reduce errors, and improve testing processes.

Part of quality management is implementing the most effective methods for testing. eMethods are designed to accelerate your startup time by condensing the vast amounts of technical information and optimised analytical methods into a ready-to-run, downloadable, digital information package. What’s even better is that Agilent has done the hard work for everyone by creating eMethods that provides information on the instrument configuration, consumables, and Sample Preparation Protocols. eMethods also provide analytical methods for sample introduction, chromatographic separation, detection, and data analysis.
Compared to starting from scratch, an eMethod gives your lab a head start and gives you tips and tricks for best practices across all aspects of your workflow. If your lab is testing for pesticide residue, for example, an eMethod supplies the method for the separations and reliable detection of 72 pesticides and 5 mycotoxins in under 8 minutes.

Of course, you need great analytical instruments on which to run those methods. For new labs or labs moving into cannabis testing, it’s worthwhile to explore the latest technology in instruments. There’s great interest in ICP-MS which enables the analysis of trace metals in complex samples. As an example, The Agilent 7900 ICP-MS system helps you screen for target compounds in complex matrices – all within a single analysis. There are important questions to ask of an instrument supplier like Chemetrix when looking at the instruments for cannabis testing, like if sample types are measured, calculating the eventual cost per sample, if the software suits the instruments, and what technical support is offered. Chemetrix is able to provide confident answers to all these questions and more.

Download our checklist on How to Buy an ICP-MS for a Laboratory Analyzing Cannabis Products >

Getting your lab geared up correctly

The profitability of cannabis testing hinges on rapid sample turnaround and result delivery. However, the complexity of test requirements is increasing. To maintain quality and gain a competitive edge, labs must embrace digital transformation and adopt more efficient, accurate, automated, and scalable testing methods. Despite this, many cannabis testing labs still rely on manual processes, which are often error-prone, limited, tedious, risky, and slow.

Modernising with Agilent SLIMS addresses these issues, allowing labs to maximise the number of Certificates of Analysis (COAs) produced daily without compromising data quality. This capability enables labs to maximise revenue and scale operations with minimal risk. By reducing errors and enhancing efficiency, SLIMS helps labs meet regulatory requirements and customer expectations more effectively.

Along with great quality management software, Chemetrix is also able to offer testing solutions to laboratories within the cannabis industry. Chemetrix understands the demands of the production and manufacturing environments as well as the fact that cannabis is an emerging sector with smaller, more entrepreneurial labs coming to the fore. To help these labs grow, it’s important to find the right solutions that offer great return on investment and guarantee the highest levels of accuracy, efficiency, and data quality. Speak to our expert team to find out how Chemetrix can help your lab achieve its goals and learn more about our cannabis testing solution.

 

Imagining the Zero Waste Labs of Tomorrow

Scientific research laboratories play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of science and developing transformative healthcare solutions. However, the intensive nature of lab work has raised concerns about their environmental impact. These concerns primarily focus on energy consumption, waste production, chemical handling, and equipment disposal, all of which can leave a significant environmental footprint.

Life science research, in particular, is known for its high consumption of water and energy. Labs dedicated to addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges generate a disproportionate amount of waste. According to a study from the University of Exeter, nearly 5.5 million tons of plastic waste originate from labs, accounting for approximately 2% of all plastic waste globally.

In an era where global sustainability is of increasing importance, labs are facing the challenge of balancing scientific progress with ecological responsibility. Encouragingly, significant strides are being made in this area. A recent survey on lab sustainability by Frost & Sullivan revealed that 82% of the labs surveyed have adopted sustainability metrics. Impressively, 92% of these labs use these metrics to monitor resource use, and 87% have committed to goals aimed at reducing their global greenhouse gas (GHG) and carbon emissions. So, what are some of the key moves these labs are making to achieve these goals?

View the full survey on Reducing the Environmental Footprint of Research >

Reducing waste in labs

Waste management is a major environmental concern, with many labs recognising the need to reduce waste production. They are finding that even small, straightforward behavioural changes can lead to substantial results. Managing plastic waste, in particular, is a critical issue for labs.

Traditionally, plastic waste in labs is sterilised, incinerated, and transported over long distances, significantly contributing to carbon emissions. Furthermore, the incineration of plastic releases numerous toxic chemicals into the environment.

Watch our webinar on Boost Productivity and Eliminate Waste in Raw Material ID >

Fortunately, the market is seeing the development of innovative solutions for better plastic waste management in labs. One such solution is a sterilisation process that is over 90% more carbon-efficient, using a combination of mechanical and chemical processes. This innovative process eliminates the need for autoclave sterilisation, which disinfects plastic waste using heat—steam—along with pressure and time.

Download the The Carbon Impact of Biotech & Pharma Report >

Real-time monitoring of lab assets

Enhancing the management of lab systems and processes presents a promising opportunity for innovations that leverage the rapid advancement of digital tools. The cost-effectiveness of data monitoring and collection across various analytical instruments, along with the implementation of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), can optimise asset usage and improve overall lab efficiency.

Future lab instruments will likely be equipped with features for monitoring and providing real-time feedback on their operational status. They will have built-in intelligence to alert lab technicians if there is an operational issue that needs attention or if consumables are running low. This real-time data will enable operators to make better-informed decisions, thereby optimising their lab assets for efficient management, superior scientific output, and sustainability benefits.

It is also important to analyse a lab’s end-to-end supply chain to ensure suppliers are being engaged that share similar sustainability values and provide transparency on their sustainability performance. Such choices are made easier by My Green Lab’s ACT label which provides information regarding the environmental impact of manufacturing, using, and disposing of a product and its packaging. One of the instrument that proudly carries this label is the versatile Agilent 1260 Infinity II LC System.

Watch this video to learn more about My Green Lab >

Agilent 1260 Infinity II Manual Preparative LC System

Re-educating lab staff

At every step, it is critical that lab technicians and support staff are educated and share the responsibility for using new technology and implementing sustainability policies. Having goals is essential, but they cannot be achieved without the collective efforts of the staff. They need to understand how to properly dispose of plastic waste, implement practices to reduce water and energy consumption and be inspired to seek new ideas and solutions to help labs achieve their sustainability goals.

Companies like Chemetrix and its suppliers, such as Agilent, provide a wide range of resources to support this educational effort. By fostering a culture of sustainability and equipping staff with the knowledge and tools needed to make a difference, labs can significantly reduce their environmental impact while continuing to advance scientific research.

Download the The Carbon Impact of Biotech & Pharma Report >

As we look to the future, it is possible that potential clients or potential contracts could be secured if there’s evidence that the lab operations are sustainable and waste reduction efforts are paying off. It’s become an influencing factor in business relationships as clients with their own sustainability initiatives want to know if their service providers or in-house labs are doing the same. For some labs, achieving sustainability and waste reduction goals can directly influence their operational budget. It could also boost efficiency and lead to innovation because it requires a different way of thinking that can spark fresh ideas. There’s so much to gain and nothing to lose from choosing to make a lab more sustainable and the rewards can be seen almost immediately and in years to come.

Exploring sustainability solutions and options can be daunting. It’s unknown territory and one can feel unsure about which option would work best for a specific lab. Chemetrix can help by hearing your sustainability challenges, and your lab goals, and finding the right instruments and consumables that’ll be a more eco-friendly choice. As labs endeavour to reduce waste, it’s helpful to trust Chemetrix to provide solutions and product suggestions that align with sustainability goals. Contact us and let’s make tomorrow possible today.

 

How Real is Your Milk?

The African dairy market is on the rise. Southern Africa plays a crucial role in this growth, with milk consumption gradually increasing in the region. Milk is a staple food in this region and is consumed in various forms, including fresh, powdered, and condensed milk.

The growth of the African dairy market is driven by factors such as changing consumer preferences, increased demand, and local special circumstances. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) projects that the African dairy sector will continue to grow by 30% which is drawing attention from investors.

Milk: The essentials

Milk is a natural source of the fats, minerals, nutrients, micronutrients, and vitamins required for a balanced diet. It is also essential for the growth and development of babies and infants into early childhood. Either breast or infant formula milk is given to babies for at least the first six months of their lives, and between the ages of one and two years, whole milk and dairy products are recommended to ensure that babies receive essential vitamins they may not otherwise obtain from lower fat alternatives.

 

Preserving nutritional values, safety, and authenticity

Milk and its related products are tested for three main reasons within the food and beverage industry:

  1. Nutrition — ensuring the required nutritional value of milk is present in its products.
  2. Safety — confirming the absence of suspected harmful chemicals in milk.
  3. Authenticity — determining if milk products are adulterated and therefore compromised in any way.

By testing these three factors, consumers are more protected from mislabelled, fraudulent, and potentially contaminated milk products that may have reached the marketplace unregulated.

The importance of testing nutritional values of milk and infant formulas

Testing the nutritional values of milk is important so that consumers can make informed decisions about their purchases. Above all, manufacturers of specified products — such as infant formulas for example — must adhere to uncompromising nutritional values determined by regional, national, or international regulatory bodies.

To support consumers making these decisions about their milk and/or infant formula purchases, it is crucial for manufacturers to label their products accurately. In doing so, food testing labs may carry out experiments using HPLC, LC/MS/MS, and GC systems to accurately measure milk content for sugars, fats, vitamins, and amino acids.

Measuring the levels of vitamins as well as beneficial (and some essential) elements such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, selenium, phosphorus, manganese, and zinc, provides insightful nutritional information. It’s also important to monitor for potentially toxic elements such as arsenic, cadmium, tin, mercury, and lead in animal-derived milk as contamination could originate from animal feed, fertiliser, soil, or processing equipment.

In one study, the Agilent 5800 VDV ICP-OES system used with an SPS 4 autosampler determined calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, phosphorous, and zinc in milk powder and infant formula samples according to the ISO 15151 method. Results showed that the recoveries for all analytes with certified or reference values were within ±10% of the expected value, thus confirming its nutritional labelling.

Other experimental examples include the rapid analysis of major and trace elements in milk and milk products using an Agilent 7900 ICP-MS with optional Ultra High Matrix Introduction UHMI technology and Integrated Sample Introduction System (ISIS 3).

Agilent 5800 ICP-OES
Agilent 7900 ICP-MS

 

Examining the safety of milk

Foods of animal origins such as dairy milk go through additional scrutiny to detect levels of veterinary drugs. Without a sophisticated approach for testing dairy milk samples, analytical challenges are likely to arise due to the complexity of the matrix and the number of pharmaceutical analogues needed to monitor. Furthermore, the different legislative requirements of various countries require sample referencing that meets a wide variety of regulatory conditions.

Watch our webinar on Food Testing Using Atomic Spectroscopy>

Another factor to consider when examining the safety of milk is the responsible use of pesticides within established limits in animal feeds from which dairy milk is extracted, and in other plant-based ingredients which may be added to other milk products. To validate this, LC/MS, GC/MS, and Q-TOF workflows offer food testing labs the solutions needed to accurately measure pesticide levels in milk samples.

Furthermore, food safety studies are routinely conducted to detect, quantify, and validate trace-level analysis of undesirable byproducts such as chlorate and perchlorate in store-bought milk and infant formulas. In one particular study, the Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC and Ultivo triple quadrupole LC/MS (LC/TQ) were utilised. Data from this experiment highlights accurate quantitation at one-tenth the level of the maximum residue level (MRL), which is 10 μg/kg in milk and infant formula as defined by the European Commission.

Download our poster on Quantification of Mycotoxins in Milk Samples >

Agilent 1290 Infinity II Online SPE System
Agilent Ultivo LC/MSMS

Exposing fraudulent milk to preserve its authenticity

Globally, milk continues to be one of the most adulterated food and beverage products on the market. For example, in 2008 the analysis of dairy milk powder from Minhe Hui County, China, revealed the contamination of melamine—an organic compound used to manufacture fertilisers and concrete—to be 500 times the maximum limit of melamine found in test samples at that time.

More recently in Southern Asia, the Punjab Food Authority seized almost 80,000 litres of milk to combat the adulteration of dairy products in the local metropolis. The milk was flagged due to the addition of urea and water.

In addition to deceiving consumers and manufacturing producers, food fraudsters can seriously affect the health outcomes of individuals. Fortunately, innovations in analytical instrumentation and testing methods are exposing these unlawful acts to reinstall consumer confidence by validating the authenticity and safety of products such as milk and infant formulas.

For example, the Agilent 8890 GC and the Agilent 5977B GC/MS single quadrupole mass spectrometer have been used to detect and quantify β-sitosterol in ghee (milk fat) samples to check for vegetable oil adulteration. The presence of β-sitosterol is associated with low quality and is a potential indicator of adulterated milk. Results showed that 2.24 ppm β-sitosterol was found in the ghee sample on which the study was performed.

Agilent 8890 GC

Both targeted and non-targeted approaches can be used to identify known compounds in milk and other food authenticity testing. The latter is beneficial if adulterants in milk are new or have not been previously identified by food testing labs. Non-targeted methods using quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometers, for example, create a chemical fingerprint of authentic foods, making it more difficult for food fraudsters to cheat the global food supply chain.

 

Forming partnerships to eliminate milk fraud

As milk sale projections are estimated to increase over the next few years, and with wider varieties of product choices in stores and online, it is important that companies like Chemetrix continue to work in partnership with its food testing customers to eliminate the threat of milk fraud while preserving its nutritional values, safety, and authenticity. Above all, manufacturers of milk products must adhere to multiple food regulations relating to quality and safety which are constantly being updated. Chemetrix is here to support our customers so that consumers of their products have confidence in their purchase choice for the nourishment of themselves and their families.

Parts of this article have been adapted from the original published by Agilent.