Pittcon Report: Spectroscopy and Sustainability: A Perfect Match

At the Pittcon Conference and Expo in Saan Antonio, Texas, on Monday, March 9, 2026 (8:30–11:00 AM, Room 304C), the session “Spectroscopy and Sustainability: A Perfect Match” explored how modern spectroscopic technologies are helping laboratories and industries operate more efficiently while reducing environmental impact. Chaired by John Wasylyk and sponsored by the Society for Applied Spectroscopy, the session brought together 6 presentations covering applications from pharmaceutical process monitoring and biomedical diagnostics to chemical manufacturing, defense, and remote sensing. Throughout the morning, a consistent theme emerged: spectroscopy’s speed, nondestructive nature, and rich chemical information make it inherently aligned with the goals of sustainability.

The session opened with remarks by Wasylyk, who spent 37 years as an analytical chemist at Bristol Myers Squibb and is a member of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy. He connected advances in spectroscopic instrumentation with broader industrial trends such as process analytical technology and quality by design (QbD). These developments, he noted, closely align with the principles of green chemistry by minimizing waste, reducing sample preparation, and enabling tighter control of manufacturing processes. Spectroscopy has now become a central tool for real-time monitoring and process optimization across many industries.

Spectroscopy as a Foundation for Sustainable Analysis

The first talk, delivered by Wasylyk, provided a broad overview of how spectroscopy contributes to sustainability across a wide spectrum of applications. He described how spectroscopic tools—from near-infrared (NIR) process analyzers to hyperspectral imaging systems—are increasingly integrated directly into industrial workflows. These technologies enable rapid and nondestructive measurements that help ensure raw material quality, reduce production losses, and support real-time release of finished products. Wasylyk also highlighted emerging applications ranging from biomedical diagnostics and pharmaceutical development to unmanned aerial vehicle hyperspectral imaging for crop monitoring and even identification of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) threats. His presentation established the central theme of the session: spectroscopy not only improves analytical performance but also inherently supports sustainable practices.

Second Talk: High-Information Spectroscopy for Greener Laboratories

The second talk, presented by Lyufei Chen of HORIBA, introduced absorbance–transmittance excitation–emission matrix (A-TEEM) spectroscopy as a powerful tool for sustainable analytical science. This technique combines absorbance measurements, fluorescence spectroscopy, and chemometric modeling into a single platform capable of generating detailed molecular fingerprints. Chen explained that A-TEEM can deliver rapid identification, quantification, and stability analysis using very small sample volumes and significantly shorter analysis times compared with many traditional analytical approaches. Examples from biopharmaceutical, environmental, and materials analysis illustrated how the technique reduces reagent use, minimizes sample handling, and accelerates analytical workflows—an attractive combination for laboratories seeking both efficiency and sustainability.

Photothermal MIR Spectroscopic Imaging for Medical Diagnostics

The third talk, delivered by Rohith Reddy from the University of Houston, focused on advances in biomedical diagnostics using photothermal mid-infrared spectroscopic imaging (MIRSI). This technique combines vibrational spectroscopy with microscopic imaging to provide detailed biochemical maps of tissue samples without the need for chemical staining or labeling. Reddy showed how MIRSI, particularly when combined with machine-learning algorithms, can identify subtle molecular changes associated with disease. Examples included the detection of early molecular markers for lupus nephritis in kidney tissue, improved segmentation of malignant regions in ovarian cancer samples, and the identification of bone disorders through characteristic spectroscopic signatures. Additional work demonstrated how polarization MIRSI can map collagen fiber orientation, providing insight into bone marrow fibrosis. These studies illustrated how spectroscopic imaging can deliver earlier and more accurate diagnoses while reducing the reliance on chemical reagents.

Photochemistry, Flow Reactors, and Spectroscopic Process Monitoring

The fourth talk was presented by Michael George of the University of Nottingham, who explored the role of photochemistry and electrochemistry in sustainable chemical manufacturing. Photochemical reactions deliver energy directly to molecules via light, offering higher selectivity and atom efficiency compared with conventional thermal processes. George described the development of scalable continuous-flow reactor systems, including Taylor vortex reactors, capable of producing kilogram-scale quantities of product with relatively small equipment footprints. Spectroscopic monitoring plays an essential role in these systems by enabling real-time observation of reaction progress. By integrating process analytical technologies with autonomous flow reactors and AI-driven optimization, researchers can achieve faster data acquisition, improved sensitivity, and self-optimizing reaction conditions—an important step toward greener chemical synthesis.

Portable Spectroscopy for CBRNE Detection

The fifth talk, given by Luisa Profeta of Rigaku Analytical Devices, examined portable spectroscopy in the context of CBRNE detection. Although these instruments were originally designed for rapid field identification of hazardous materials rather than environmental sustainability, many of their characteristics—small size, low power consumption, and minimal consumable requirements—naturally support sustainable practices. Profeta reviewed the evolution of handheld Raman and infrared spectrometers over the past 2 decades and explained how these devices allow first responders and security personnel to identify unknown substances quickly without transporting samples to a laboratory. This capability reduces logistical complexity, shortens response times, and minimizes exposure risks. She suggested that as portable spectroscopy continues to evolve, its inherent efficiency may become an intentional design feature supporting broader sustainability goals.

Automated Solvent Preparation and Spectroscopic Modeling

The sixth talk, presented by Carson Roberts of Headwall Photonics, described an automated approach for preparing and analyzing solvent mixtures used in laboratory studies. The system integrates automated liquid handling with Karl Fischer titration and near-infrared spectroscopy to determine solvent composition and moisture levels. In the demonstration presented, mixtures of 1-butanol and isopropyl acetate were prepared automatically and analyzed for moisture concentrations between 50 and 150 ppm. The resulting analytical data were linked to NIR spectral measurements to develop chemometric calibration models capable of predicting solvent composition and contamination levels. Once validated, these models allow rapid spectroscopic analysis of solvent mixtures without repeated chemical assays. The approach reduces manual labor, minimizes reagent use, and illustrates how spectroscopy and chemometrics can streamline routine laboratory workflows.

Conclusion

Taken together, the 6 presentations highlighted the growing role of spectroscopy as a practical tool for sustainable science and technology. Across fields as diverse as pharmaceutical manufacturing, biomedical diagnostics, chemical synthesis, defense, and environmental monitoring, spectroscopic techniques offer faster analyses, reduced chemical consumption, and improved process understanding. The session demonstrated that when combined with automation, machine learning, and portable instrumentation, spectroscopy provides not only better analytical results but also a clear path toward more efficient and sustainable scientific practice.