As we begin 2020, the LCGC editorial team looks back at some of the most popular separation science articles of 2019.

1.Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography and Water, Part I: How Much is Too Much?

In reversed-phase separations, retention generally increases as the fraction of water in the eluent increases. When we encounter situations where retention is too low for an analyte of interest, we tend to use eluents with higher and higher levels of water. But how much water is too much?
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A Guide to Finding the Ideal HPLC Column
• HPLC 101 provides definitions and terminology
• Answers to common questions when starting your column selection process
• "How-To" page helps you choose a product that's right for your application
• Care and Storage section advises on maximizing the life of your product
• Technical References include resin specifications and useful chromatography calculations
Download our Hamilton HPLC Columns Reference Guide today!

Micro Pillar Array Column Technology Resource Center
An online resource with useful tools and practical information for separation scientists who want to find out more about how micro Pillar Array Columns can benefit the laboratory scientist in practice. The site provides useful technical notes, video interviews, and executive summaries of cutting-edge applications from leading practitioners in the field of proteomics and biopharmaceutical applications. Learn more

3. Progress in Peak Processing

The advantages and limitations of several recently introduced mathematical procedures for enhancing peak resolution in liquid chromatography (LC) are described. Despite advanced separation technologies and extensive knowledge in method development, peak overlap is still commonly observed. This article gives a brief overview of the advantages and limitations of recently introduced mathematical procedures for enhancing resolution. Read More

4. Suspect Screening of Chemicals in Food Packaging Plastic Film by Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography Coupled to Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

The occurrence of additives like plasticizers in plastic food packaging has been documented, but information on their potential migration into foods is limited. In this pilot study, 2D GC-MS was used to identify chemicals extracted from a common stretch plastic film with a series of organic solvents. In total, 91 compounds were tentatively identified, including five PCBs. Read More

5. The LCGC Blog: Would Your Process Benefit from Multivariate Optimization?

If you have a method or process that involves a number of different variables, multivariate optimization approaches can provide a faster route to optimum conditions and can lead to a more reliable outcome than using a one-factor-at-a-time approach. With a little study and practice, students and researchers can apply these optimization techniques, even if a complete understanding of the underlying statistical treatments is not immediately apparent. Read More

6. Ultraviolet Detectors: Perspectives, Principles, and Practices

We provide a technical overview of the design and operating principles of variable wavelength and photodiode array detectors and include historical perspectives and common practices in operation and maintenance. Read More