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With the increasing use of nanotechnology in food and consumer products, there is a need for reliable detection and characterization methods for nanoparticles (NPs) in complex matrices. NPs often interact with each other or with their surroundings leading to aggregation, adhesion to surfaces or dissolution in dispersion solvents. Accurate and precise characterization of metrics such as size, shape, particle mass and number concentration therefore remains a challenging analytical task. Asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (AF4) hyphenated with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a powerful technique for the detection and characterization of inorganic NPs in complex matrices. In order to acquire accurate data the AF4 separation method and settings must be optimized for each new sample matrix and analyte NP combination. Furthermore, additional information obtained by single particle (sp) ICP-MS analysis of collected fractions or an imaging method such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are necessary for trouble shooting and for independent verification of results. spICP-MS as stand-alone technique is a powerful screening method for many inorganic NPs. A number of examples where AF4-ICP-MS and single particle ICP-MS were applied for the detection and characterization of NPs in food and biological matrices will be presented including: • Silver NPs in chicken meat • Silicon dioxide NPs in tomato soup • Aluminum-containing NPs in noodles • Gold NPs in cells

CRISPR is revolutionizing the life sciences. Genome editing using RNA-programmable nucleases opens up a wealth of experimental options. At the same time, it makes creating new cell and animal models faster, easier and cheaper than in the past. Consequently, researchers in areas as diverse as cell/developmental biology, genetics or clinical research are turning to CRISPR as their method of choice.

The proteome is the most functional component encoded for in the genome. Advances in proteomic technologies allow comprehensive profiling of of signaling pathways, precise expression of therapeutic targets in tissues and cellular subcompartments, and of metabolomic features that determine likelihood of therapeutic response. Moreover the current paradigm shift in cancer therapy with dramatic and durable responses to antibody and checkpoint therapeutics that trascend tumor genomic profiles further emphasize opportunities to identify novel targets and tailor treatment based on their expression patterns. The potential for personalizing cancer treatment based on proteomic and metabolomic profiles will be presented for epithelial type tumors including lung and pancreatic cancer.

Loss-of-function genetic screens with pooled sgRNA and shRNA libraries aid in discovery / prioritization of drug targets, understanding of disease progression and gene-disease associations, analysis of signal transduction pathways, characterization of the mechanisms for compounds, uncovering of synergistic gene interactions, and identification of markers of drug resistance and sensitivity. This webinar presents a comparison of loss-of-function genetic screens performed with CRISPR versus RNAi technology.

In this webinar, Dr Robert Williams, Chief Development Scientist, Cancer Research UK, will discuss how partnership between academia and industry can accelerate drug development.

Guangwen Chen, Professor, Dalian Institute Of Chemical Physics, speaking at Flow Chemistry Congress.

Lauren Drowley, Associate Principal Scientist, AstraZeneca, speaking at Stem Cells in Drug Discovery.

Andras Guttman, Adjunct Professor, Northeastern University, speaking at Flow Chemistry Congress.

I will discuss hurdles for the development of therapies for muscle disorders. I will present our platforms based upon iPS cells, inducible myogenesis and human artificial chromosomes. Extension of these technologies for tissue engineering and drug development will also be discussed.

Thatcher Root, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin, speaking at Flow Chemistry Congress.