SIFT-MS Symposium in Prague: How SIFT-MS technology is transforming medicine and other fields
The European SIFT-MS Symposium took place at the J. Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry from 7 to 9 October 2024, with 40 experts from different parts of the world participating. The aim of the event was to share the latest knowledge and advances in SIFT-MS technology (Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry), which enables highly accurate measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) concentrations. The symposium provided not only a platform for expert lectures but also the opportunity for practical engagement of participants and networking with other experts.
International speakers and key presentations
In his opening lecture, Patrik Španěl reminisced about Professor David Smith, with whom he co-developed the SIFT-MS method 26 years ago. The main plenary talks were delivered by Patrik Španěl and Piers Boshier. Patrik Španěl, from the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry CAS, presented "Automated Reaction Kinetics Analysis and Dynamic Data Processing Using Python," where he demonstrated how automated kinetics analysis can be applied for real-time data processing. Piers Boshier, from Imperial College London, presented "Using SIFT-MS in Investigating Sources of VOCs from Cancer Organoids," showcasing the use of SIFT-MS in medical research, particularly for identifying biomarkers in cancer diagnostics.
Applications of SIFT-MS technology in various fields
The symposium covered a wide range of SIFT-MS applications. This technology is widely used in areas such as environmental protection, indoor air quality, pharmaceuticals, biomedical research, and even space exploration. Participants from different institutions around the world shared their experiences with this sensitive method, which detects VOCs in gases down to a level of just a few molecules per billion air molecules. This makes it invaluable for monitoring toxic substances or air pollution.
The history and significance of SIFT-MS
SIFT-MS was developed 26 years ago by Professor Patrik Španěl in collaboration with his mentor, Professor David Smith. The foundational research into ion-molecule reactions began in the 1990s in Innsbruck, where Španěl and Smith studied processes occurring in interstellar space and Earth's atmosphere. Their research led to the innovative idea of using these findings to analyze VOCs, ultimately leading to the development of a device that is now employed in numerous fields, including food safety, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Laboratory tours and networking
As part of the symposium, attendees also toured the laboratories at the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, where they could observe SIFT-MS technology in action and engage in discussions with experts.
The 2024 European SIFT-MS Symposium was not only an opportunity for professional development but also a platform for building new connections between scientists and research institutions worldwide. This successful international dialogue contributes to the further development and application of SIFT-MS technology in new fields and industries.
