Screening of cannabinoids in industrial-grade hemp using two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled with acidic potassium permanganate chemiluminescence detection

Widely known for its recreational use, the cannabis plant also has the potential to act as an antibacterial agent in the medicinal field. The analysis of cannabis plants/products in both pharmacological and forensic studies often requires the separation of compounds of interest and/or accurate identification of the whole cannabinoid profile. In order to provide a complete separation and detection of cannabinoids, a new two-dimensional liquid chromatography method has been developed using acidic potassium permanganate chemiluminescence detection, which has been shown to be selective for cannabinoids. This was carried out using a Luna 100 Å CN column and a Poroshell 120 EC-C18 column in the first and second dimensions, respectively. The method has utilized a large amount of the available separation space with a spreading angle of 48.4° and a correlation of 0.66 allowing the determination of more than 120 constituents and mass spectral identification of ten cannabinoids in a single analytical run. The method has the potential to improve research involved in the characterization of sensitive, complex matrices.

Carbon Nexus at Deakin University: a globally unique carbon fiber and composite research facility in Australia

Carbon Nexus, the new cutting-edge open-access carbon fiber and composites research facility at Deakin University, recently commenced operations. The two carbon fiber processing lines are allowing researchers to investigate new methods for manufacturing carbon fiber which can lower energy inputs, maximise output, and increase fiber performance. The lines are also enabling industrial partners to validate new technologies at industrial scale. With a focused research program driven by a cross-functional research team, Carbon Nexus aims to reduce the cost of producing carbon fiber and increase the rate of manufacturing composite parts.