Episode 54: AQbD Explained: How Design of Experiments is Transforming Chromatography (LC-MS, Pharma & Biopharma)

In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, David Oliva sits down with Amanda Guiraldelli Mahr to break down one of the most important (and often misunderstood) concepts in analytical chemistry: Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD).If you’ve ever relied on trial-and-error for method development—or wondered how top labs are using Design of Experiments (DOE), modeling, and AI to work smarter—this episode is for you.Amanda shares insights from her work across small molecules, peptides, proteins, and biopharmaceuticals, including her experience with LC-MS, metabolomics, impurity analysis, and oligonucleotide therapeutics.--- What You’ll Learn in This Episode:* What AQbD actually means (in simple terms)* How DOE differs from traditional one-factor-at-a-time experiments* Why modern labs are shifting toward predictive, data-driven method development* The biggest benefits of DOE: more insight with fewer experiments** Real-world example: optimizing oligonucleotide impurity separations using AQbD * Key LC parameters that impact performance (pH, gradient, column, temperature)* Challenges of working with large molecules vs. small molecules* Tools and software for DOE and chromatographic modeling* How AI and modeling are shaping the future of chromatography --- Key Takeaway“Shift your mindset from testing to understanding.”--- 👩‍🔬 **Who This Episode Is For:* Undergraduate and graduate chemistry students* Analytical scientists and method developers* Pharma & biopharma professionals* Anyone working with LC, LC-MS, or chromatography method development--- 🔗 Connect with AmandaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-guiraldelli-mahr-05501684/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-guiraldelli-mahr-05501684/)--- 🎙️ **About the Podcast**Concentrating on Chromatography explores the people, tools, and ideas shaping the future of analytical science.---📌 KeywordsChromatography, LC-MS, Analytical Chemistry, AQbD, Design of Experiments, DOE, Method Development, Biopharma, Oligonucleotides, Mass Spectrometry, Pharmaceutical Analysis